Trial
Summary
In Scripture, trial refers both to legal proceedings before courts and to the divine testing of faith through difficult circumstances.
☩Legal Proceedings
The Mosaic law established procedures for legal trials, requiring multiple witnesses for conviction and fair hearings before judges. The principle that no one should be condemned without a hearing was recognized in both Jewish and Roman law. Nicodemus appealed to this principle when he questioned the Sanhedrin's treatment of Jesus, asking 'Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?'
☩Rights of the Accused
Paul exercised his rights as a Roman citizen when facing trial, demanding proper legal treatment after being beaten without condemnation in Philippi. He later appealed to Caesar rather than face trial before a potentially biased court in Jerusalem. These accounts demonstrate that early Christians recognized the legitimacy of civil legal systems while also appealing to higher principles of justice.
☩Trials of Faith
Beyond legal proceedings, Scripture speaks of trials as divine testing of character and faith. James exhorts believers to 'count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations,' knowing that the testing of faith produces patience. Peter describes trials as refining fire that proves faith 'much more precious than of gold that perisheth.' These trials, though painful, serve redemptive purposes in developing mature Christian character.
Related Verses9 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Trial," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Trial," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Trial," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Trial," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).