[Greek] βλασφημέω (blasphēmeō), [Latin] blasphemare, [Latin] exprobare: to blaspheme, to injure, to injure the reputation of, to slander, to revile, to speak impiously, to speak evil of; Mt.9:3, Mt. 26:65, Mt.27:39, Mk.3:28-29, Mk.15:29, Lk.12:10, Lk.22:65, Lk.23:39, Jn.10:36, Acts 13:45, Acts 18:6, Acts 19:37, Acts 26:11, Rom.2:24, Rom.3:8, Rom.14:16, 1Cor.4:13, 1Cor.10:30, 1Tim.1:20, 1Tim.6:1, Tit. 2:5, Tit.3:2, Jms.2:8, 1Pet.4:4,14, 2Pet.2:2,10,12, Jud.1:8,10, Rev.13:6, Rev.16:9,11,21
The Healing of the Paralytic: wall painting found in Dur Europos, Syria (235 AD)
Background information:
Healing of the Paralytic, Dura Europos, Syria (235 A.D): This wall painting, one of the earliest known representations of Jesus, was found on the left hand wall of the baptismal chamber of the house-church. On the right the paralytic is on the bed. Top center, Christ is saying, ‘That you may know the Son of Man has the power to forgive sins: rise up your bed and walk.’ On the left, the man takes his bed (cot-like couch) and walks away. It is because of this authority to forgive sins that Jesus is eventually accused of blasphemy.
Greek Hellenism: This term means to utter abusive speech, personal mockery, slander and blasphemy of gods. Slandering or mocking can apply both to the living and the dead. Blaspheming a god (deity) essentially questions or doubts the nature (abilities) of the god. Plato’s Republic 2.381e states “Nor again must mothers under the influence of such poets terrify their children with harmful tales, how that there are certain god whose apparitions haunt the night in the likeness of many strangers from all manners of lands.” Isocrates’ Antidosis 15.2 states, “Nevertheless I have never deigned to defend myself against the sophists’ attempts to belittle me.” Aeschines’ Against Timarchus 1.1 states “But when I saw that the city was being seriously injured by the defendant Timarchus, I myself was made a victim of his blackmailing—the nature of the attack I will show in the course of my speech.”
Old Testament: Blasphemy can be illustrated by questioning God’s saving power, desecrating His holy name, enslaving and deriding His people, offering idol sacrifices, and making sacrilegious speech. Ultimately, blasphemy is directed against Yahweh (God). Blaspheming the name of the Lord is the only form of blasphemy punishable by death. Deut. 17:6 states that only on the testimony of two or three witnesses shall a person be put to death. No one shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness. One should not blaspheme other gods in order that the name of God not be put in jeopardy. My people have been take away without redress, their rulers make a boast of it (Isa.52:5). I have heard all the contemptuous things you have uttered against the mountains of Israel (Ezek.35:12). This man quarreled publicly with another Israelite and cursed and blasphemed the Lord’s name (Lev.24:11). Since these have chosen their own ways and taken pleasure in their won abominations (Isa.66:3). But anyone who sins defiantly, whether he be a native or an alien, insults the Lord, and shall be cut off from His people (Num.15:30).
New Testament: Not surprisingly, what is considered blasphemous is often defined by those who become offended (scandalized). Actions (or words) against the name of God, Word of God, and God’s prophets are considered blasphemy against God. The Jews accuse Jesus of blasphemy when He claims to be the Messiah, forgives sins (a prerogative of God), and claims to be the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Father. Christians consider it as blasphemous when others doubt Jesus’ Messianic claim, deride Jesus’ unity with the Father, and challenge Jesus’ Sonship. Christians can be accused of blasphemy when they deny Christ, partake in idol worship (and meats), fail to follow the obligation of love (in words and actions), and give false teaching. Paul was a former persecutor and blasphemer of Christians. Paul later is blasphemed for his proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah.
Can any blasphemy be forgiven? Mk. 3:28 states that any blasphemy can be forgiven, even if it is against the Son of Man. However, Mk.3:29 states that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven. The Holy Spirit represents the saving power and grace of God towards man. The one, who consciously and willfully rejects such forgiveness, is excluded from it.
Scripture:
“Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people will utter will be forgiven then. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.” Mk. 3:28-29
The Holy Spirit refers to the saving power and grace of God. This unforgiveable blasphemy is a rejection of God’s mercy
“The mean you brought here are not temple robbers, nor have they insulted our goddess.” Acts 19:37
The town clerk implored the silversmiths not to riot against Alexander. There was yet no insult leveled against the goddess Artemis.
“When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.’ At that some of the scribes said to themselves, ‘This man is blaspheming.’” Mt. 9:2-3
The scribes were scandalizing that Jesus could claim to forgive sins. Only God had the authority to forgive sins.
Conclusion:
Blaspheme, blasphemy, blasphemous, probe
It is perhaps not surprising that human nature has essentially remained constant since Greco-Roman times (and earlier). People get upset when their gods are attacked or vilified. People respond in kind when their reputations are harmed. People in authority (government) sometimes are involved with scandal.
In the Old Testament, more attention is focused about blasphemy in the religious sphere. God becomes a common target of blasphemy. The Jews and Gentiles each have their own views of blasphemy.
“When two or three are gathered…becomes a Hebrew tradition of finding adequate witnesses to formerly lay down the charge of blasphemy against someone. Jesus will later use this expression to indicate the witness of believers and of the Church. The Jews accuse Jesus of blasphemy because He had the audacity to forgive sins (to act like God).When Jesus states, “Amen, I say to you,” this is an indication that Jesus will say something very important.
Now we are facing this terrible Church sex abuse scandal. Many of us are rightfully scandalized, offended, and saddened by the moral failings of those involved in this scandal. To many of us, their behavior is unforgivable.
Also we seem now to be living in a seemingly “bizarro” post Christian world. Christians are now being accused of being bigoted and hateful for their long held traditional views about marriage and abortion, etc. Christian viewpoints are now being blocked from social media platforms.
–Useless Word Alert–
Exprobation: The act of upbraiding or a reproachful utterance
Now even St. Mother Theresa’s quote “Abortion is profoundly anti-woman” is considered hateful! Yes, abortion is a constitutional right. Yet, so was slavery. To all those who feel scandalized that these Christian beliefs are bigoted and hateful: if you are sincerely honest about this, you must therefore must go to the ultimate source for these beliefs and conclude that God’s views are bigoted and hateful.
Now which is more plausible? Now which is the real scandal?