Accusation

/ak-yoo-ZAY-shun/

Summary

A formal charge or allegation against a person, with Scripture providing numerous examples of both just accusations and false witness, while establishing safeguards against wrongful condemnation.

☩Biblical Safeguards

The Mosaic law established important safeguards against false accusation. No one could be condemned on the testimony of a single witness; two or three were required. Those who brought false accusations were to receive the punishment they intended for their victim. The law explicitly commanded: 'Thou shalt not raise a false report' and prohibited joining with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.

Key verses:Exodus 23:1Exodus 23:7Deuteronomy 19:15-19Leviticus 19:16

☩Old Testament Examples

Scripture records numerous cases of false accusation: Potiphar's wife falsely accused Joseph of assault, leading to his imprisonment; Jezebel arranged false witnesses against Naboth to seize his vineyard; Korah accused Moses of taking too much authority; and the returning exiles faced accusations from their enemies designed to stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

Key verses:Genesis 39:7-201 Kings 21:10-13Numbers 16:3Ezra 4:6-16

☩New Testament Examples

Jesus was repeatedly accused falsely—of casting out demons by Beelzebub, of blasphemy, and of sedition against Rome. At His trial, false witnesses were sought, though their testimony did not agree. Stephen was accused of speaking against the temple and the law. Paul faced accusations of profaning the temple and teaching against Jewish customs. In each case, the accusations proved groundless but led to persecution and martyrdom.