Language Studies

Greek Thoughts

HAIRESIS* - Part 2 - εχηγεομαι (Strong's #1834)
Heresy, faction; a religious sect

Please note that all Biblical quotes are presented from the Literal Translation.

Last week we began this two part series by establishing the range of meaning found in the word αἵρεσις (Strong's #139). Αἵρεσις, in its basic root form, means, "a position one takes based on personal choice or belief." When applied to spiritual things of the church in the New Testament, it refers to a position that a person takes out of his personal belief or choice based on human logic or reason, as well as to the group or sect that is in agreement with this personal belief. In the Early Church, αἵρεσις always refers to false teaching or doctrine. Αἵρεσις represents a belief that is not established by the Word of God or an approach to the history of the Bible that is not based on facts but rather upon what one chooses to believe.

Last week we studied Peter's warning (2 Peter 2:1) that false teachers would exist in the church, secretly bringing in destructive heresies. This week we continue our study beginning with Galatians 5:17-19 where Paul establishes that αἵρεσις is a work of the flesh:

19)

Now the works of the flesh are manifest which are adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lewdness,

20) idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, rivalries, jealousies, outbursts of anger, ambitions, divisions, heresies (the plural of αἵρεσις),
21) envyings, murders, drunkennesses, partying, and things like these which I tell you beforehand, according as also I said before, that the ones practicing such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Notice that Paul lists αἵρεσις among the most vile things that the flesh can produce. Paul is being very emphatic in order to establish that beliefs coming from personal choice causing divisions within the Body of Christ are not to be taken lightly. Αἵρεσις is just as seriously corrupt as murder and adultery.

In 1 Corinthians 11:17-19, Paul presents that αἵρεσις is necessary in the church.

17)

Now while commanding this, I do not praise you, because you do not come together for the better but for the worse.

18) For indeed first, while you are coming together in the church, I hear that there are^F1 divisions among you,^F2 and in some part I believe it;
19) For it is also necessary that heresies (the plural of αἵρεσις) should be^F3 among you,^F4 in order that the approved ones might become manifest among you.^F5

In this text, Paul is about to give commandment concerning the proper approach to Communion, but first mentions the divisions taking place among the Corinthians, calling them "necessary." He explains that heresies are necessary so that those among them who are approved by God might be made manifest to them. The word translated "approved" is δὸκιμος (Strong's #1384) which means "to approve of something after having put it to the test." John uses the verb form of this word in 1 John 4:1 where he says,

1)

Beloved, do not be believing every spirit, but be testing (δοκιμὰζω, Strong's #1381) the spirits, if they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Those who teach the Word of God and those who present an historical approach to the Scriptures must be put to the test in order to prove that their teaching or doctrine is correct according to the Scriptures and the facts of history. It is important to receive ministry and teaching that is inspired by the Holy Spirit, all other teaching will cause destruction in the life of the one embracing it.

This is why it is so important to study the Word of God. We must study the Word of God on a continual basis so that we are able to search the Scriptures and check teachings, especially those presented from the standpoint of a personal belief. We must also do our own research into the history behind the Scriptures and the Christian Faith in order to establish a correct premise for our approach to God's Word and the things of the Lord.

Heresy has been in the Church since its birth, described in Acts Chapter 2. It was a continual struggle for young pastors such as Timothy and Titus. It continues to plague the Church especially in this present age of technology when believers are exposed to myriads of teachings from various information sources. Technology is not inherently bad, but this information highway brings a tremendous influence to bear on young, un-established believers who lack the "tools" and the understanding of Scripture to be able to check what they are hearing and reading. Instead, many believers try to "sense" if something is right or not, believing that what seems logical or right must be true. However, this is not how God establishes His truth. His truth is established through His Son and this Truth has been faithfully recorded in Scripture.

Next week we will study the way heresy is to be handled in the church.

* HAIRESIS is the English font spelling of the Greek word αἵρεσις.

Technical Notes:
F1: The present infinitive ὑπὰρχειν, "to be," is translated ὑπὰρχουσι, "there are."
F2: The preposition ἐν with the dative ὑμῖν, "in you," is translated μεταξὺ͂σας, "among you."
F3: The present infinitive εῖναι, "to be," is translated νὰ͂ὑπὰρχωσι, "that...might be."
F4: The preposition ἐν with the dative ὑμῖν, "in you," is translated μεταξὺ͂σας, "among you."
F5: The preposition ἐν with the dative ὑμῖν, "in you," is translated μεταξὺ͂σας, "among you."

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