In biblical times, the term "ruffians" would refer to individuals characterized by violent, lawless, or disorderly behavior. While the specific term "ruffians" is not directly used in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept is present through various descriptions of wicked and unruly individuals who disrupt peace and act contrary to God's commandments.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament frequently addresses the behavior of those who could be considered ruffians. In Proverbs, the wisdom literature warns against associating with violent individuals. Proverbs 1:10-16 advises, "My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield to them. If they say, 'Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause...' do not walk in the way with them; keep your foot from their path, for their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood." This passage highlights the destructive nature of such individuals and the importance of avoiding their influence.

The historical books also provide examples of ruffian-like behavior. In 2 Samuel 23:6-7 , David speaks of the "worthless men" who are like "thorns that are thrown away," indicating their harmful and undesirable nature. These individuals are often associated with rebellion and opposition to God's anointed leaders.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of ruffians is seen in the actions of those who oppose the early Christian community. Acts 17:5 describes how "the Jews became jealous, and they brought together some wicked men from the marketplace, formed a mob, and started a riot in the city." These "wicked men" can be likened to ruffians, as they engage in disorderly conduct to thwart the spread of the Gospel.

The Apostle Paul also warns against such behavior in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 15:33 , he cautions, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" This admonition reflects the understanding that associating with ruffians can lead to moral and spiritual corruption.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

From a biblical perspective, ruffians are often seen as those who reject divine authority and moral order. Their actions are typically self-serving, violent, and disruptive to the community. The Bible consistently advises believers to distance themselves from such individuals to maintain personal integrity and communal harmony.

The presence of ruffians in biblical narratives serves as a reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the ongoing struggle between good and evil. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom, pursue peace, and uphold righteousness in the face of such challenges, relying on God's guidance and strength to resist the influence of those who embody ruffian-like behavior.5760. avil -- unjust one
... 5759, 5760. avil. 5761 . unjust one. Transliteration: avil Phonetic
Spelling: (av-eel') Short Definition: ruffians. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/5760.htm - 6k

The Scourging of Jesus.
... It is quite impossible to describe the cruelty shown by these ruffians towards Jesus:
they tore off the mantle with which he had been clothed in derision at ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xxii the scourging of.htm

Pope Gregory the Seventh
... at a service about midnight on Christmas Eve, and carried him off to a tower, where
the pope was exposed all night to the insults of a gang of ruffians, and of ...
/.../chapter viii pope gregory the.htm

The Civil War --Antecedents and Consequences.
... and how money came out of pocket when it was proposed to equip the colonists with
arms for self-defense against the ferocity of "border ruffians." There were ...
/.../a history of american christianity/chapter xix the civil warantecedents.htm

Certain it Is, Albeit all this Disputation Go from Side to Side...
... And so thieves, and robbers, and ruffians, and torturers, and slayers, are more
hated of them than lascivious, drunken, luxurious men, if these molest no man. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 38 certain it is.htm

And to Holy David Indeed it Might More Justly be Said...
... Just as if he should offer his slaves to be beaten by ruffians, that his guests
might not suffer the wrong of beating." Of which matter I shall not dispute ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/against lying/section 22 and to holy.htm

The Penitent Thief
... Some of these robbers would, of course, be shameless and hardened ruffians; as that
robber seems to have been who insulted our Lord upon the very cross. ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxxi the penitent thief.htm

Of the Pugilists and Gladiators.
... He who is chief among you collects a legion of blood-stained murderers, engaging
to maintain them; and these ruffians are sent forth by him, and you assemble ...
/.../tatian/tatians address to the greeks/chapter xxiii of the pugilists and.htm

Philip and St. Jerome
... and bishops combining the attitude of professional sanctity with the abjectness
of intriguing hatred, and posing as saints while they acted like ruffians. ...
/.../chapter lxiii philip and st.htm

The Crowning with Thorns.
... The cowardly ruffians, who were eagerly waiting to gratify their cruelty by torturing
and insulting our Lord, were about fifty in number, and the greatest part ...
/.../chapter xxvi the crowning with.htm

The Recoil of Judgments
... to honor, considerateness, high-mindedness, and he is often deceived and finds his
confidence misplaced, and sometimes discovers ruffians where he thought ...
/.../peabody/mornings in the college chapel/xii the recoil of judgments.htm

Ruffians (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ruffians (1 Occurrence). Job 16:11 God delivers me to
the ungodly, and casts me into the hands of the wicked. (See NAS). ...
/r/ruffians.htm - 6k

Rue (1 Occurrence)

/r/rue.htm - 8k

Rufus (2 Occurrences)

/r/rufus.htm - 8k

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