Dissension
/dih-SEN-shun/
Summary
Discord and disagreement that causes division, listed among works of the flesh and condemned as destructive to Christian unity.
☩Warning Against Division
Paul lists 'variance' (dissension) among the works of the flesh that prevent inheriting the kingdom of God. He urges believers to mark those who cause divisions contrary to sound doctrine and avoid them. The Corinthians were rebuked for their contentions and party spirit.
Key verses:Galatians 5:20Romans 16:171 Corinthians 1:10-111 Corinthians 3:3
☩Necessary Disagreement
Not all dissension is sinful. When the Jerusalem council debated, Paul and Barnabas had 'no small dissension' with Judaizers. Truth must sometimes be defended even at the cost of conflict. The apostles could not agree with those who would corrupt the gospel.
Key verses:Acts 15:2Acts 23:7Galatians 2:5Jude 1:3
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Dissension," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Dissension," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).