[Greek] ἀπειθέω (apeitheō), [Latin] incredulus, [Latin] non credere, [latin] infidelibus: to disobey, to be apathetic, to be disobedient, to not believe, to refuse to believe, to refuse to be persuaded, to disregard, to not comply with, to decide against; Rom. 11:30-31, Rom.10:21, Heb.3:18, Heb.11:31, 1Pet.2:8, 1Pet.4:17, Jn.3:36, Act.14:2, Jn.19:9, Rom.2:8, Rom.15:31, 1Pet.3:1
Background Information:
Old Testament: This becomes a significant theological term, identifying the sinful attitude of the people. This essentially means breaking man’s relationship with God. Disobedience applies to Israel, the Jews, the wilderness generation, the generation of the flood, and sinners in general. Isa.65:2 and Prov.1:25: foreshadow this disobedience. Isa.65:2 makes reference to Isaiah’s prophecy of unbelief in the gospel that Jesus is Lord and has been raised from the dead. The Jews have disobedience to God in refusing to believe that salvation includes the Gentiles. In Prov.1:25 God allows man the choice to disregard or disobey Him. When we do not heed God’s advice or will, we often find ourselves in trouble. We expect God to bail us out. Instead, it is often these times that God teaches us a greater lesson.
New Testament: The New Testament continues the Old Testament idea of the sinful attitude of the people. In the book of Romans and Acts, Paul makes references to the disobedience of Jews to Jesus. Paul also points out that Christians can be disobedient in refusing to believe the Christian gospel (kerygma). Faith is obedience to this new order of salvation. Disobedience can be asserted by Jews or Gentiles, regardless of nationality.
Scripture:
“Although the disbelieving Jews stirred up and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against the brothers.” Act. 14:2
In Iconium Paul spoke to the Jews and Gentiles in the synagogue. The Jews were creating a disturbance against the Gentiles.
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remain upon him.” Jn. 3:36
Disobedience can also apply to the Christian or Gentile. There will be consequences for such unbelief.
“Likewise, you wives should be subordinate to your husbands so that, even if some disobey the word, they may be won over without a word by their wives conduct when they observe your reverent and chaste behavior.” 1Pet.3:1-2
It must be acknowledged that there existed a patriarchal society in the family setting. The Christian wives are called upon to set a good example for their husbands. The husband has a sub-mission (his vocation) to be faithful and supportive of his wife. Likewise, the wife has a sub-mission (her vocation) to allow her husband to be faithful and supportive of her.
Conclusion:
Apathy, apathetic, incredible, infidelity
I was struck by the notion that Jews and Christians (Gentiles) can both be disobedient but in their own unique ways. At first glance, the idea of disobedience seems pretty straightforward. However, there are many nuances concerning disobedience. It can mean refusing to believe, refusing to be persuaded, stubborn, and indifferent. Apathy is another word for indifference, meaning one just doesn’t really care. However, there may be consequences when this concerns faith. To be honest, this applies to all of us. We certainly cannot be apathetic about this.