[Greek] ἀνθίστημι (anthistēmi), [Latin] contendere, [Latin] resistere: to cause to stand, to stand against, to oppose, to withstand, to set one’s self against, to hinder; Mt.5:39, Lk.21:15, Acts 6:10, Acts 13:8, Rom.9:19, Rom.13:2, Gal.2:11, Eph.6:13, 2Tim.3:8, 2Tim.4:15, Jas.4:7, 1Pet.5:9
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to set against, to turn against, and to turn out unfavorably. Thucydides’s History of the Peloponnesian War 1.54 states “The Corinthians did set up a trophy (monument) because in the battle having gotten more of the wreck and dead bodies than the enemy.” Plutarch’s Theseus 1 states “With such a warrior who will dare to fight? When shall I set against him?” Sophocles’ Tracking Satyrs 256 states “I won’t put up with your loud quarrelsome words.” Homer’s Iliad 16.305 states “They still sought to withstand him.” Plato’s Laws 834a states “We must establish a general tourney for infantry who shall compete with bows, targes, javelins, and stones.”
New Testament: This term means to resist (oppose), to offer no resistance, and to be unable to resist. Jesus instructs others to turn the other cheek when someone strikes you. Jesus offers the wisdom which no adversaries can resist. The persecutors could not withstand the wisdom of the inspired Stephen. Those opponents (Elymas, Alexander, and unbelievers) are powerless to resist God’s inspired words. Paul rightly rebukes Peter for failing to uphold proper Christian table fellowship. Those who resist God’s authority bring judgment upon themselves. One must put on the armor of God to resist evil. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Turning the other cheek:
What is a common misperception of turning the other cheek? This does not mean becoming a complete doormat in allowing one to be attacked by an aggressor. “Ok. You slapped me on my right cheek. Why don’t you also slap me on my left cheek.”
How did the Roman soldiers view the Jews? The Jews were considered as second-class citizens. Soldiers tended to be right-handed. When Romans struck an “inferior” person, they would give a back-handed slap on that person’s right cheek.
How did the Roman soldiers strike someone considered their equal? The soldier would punch that person’s left cheek with his fist.
What does turning the other cheek accomplish? The Jewish person forces his Roman attacker to treat him as an equal. Jesus wants the Jews to stand up and demand respect. This action is intended to activate the soldier’s conscience.
Scripture:
“But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.” Mt. 5:9
Jesus offers advice as how to confound your enemy. Romans traditionally looked upon Jews as inferiors. Therefore, Romans would strike the right cheek of the victim with the back of their hand. This illustrates the attitude of a superior person attacking an inferior person. On the other hand, striking the left check with one’s fist indicates a more equal relationship. Jesus’s turning the other cheek forces the attacker to view his enemy as an equal.
“Therefore, whoever resists authority opposes what God has appointed, and those who oppose it will bring judgment upon themselves” Rom.13:2
Paul speaks about God’s authority and Roman authority. Caesar is not entitled to obedience when it is involved with God’s domain.
“Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground.” Eph.6:13
The Christian must be ready for combat against human being and the spiritual powers.
Antihistamine: An antihistamine is a drug (substance) that counteracts or blocks the effects of a histamine which causes the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies.
Conclusion:
Antihistamine, resist, resistance, contend, contention
It was interesting to discover that this term can take on a range of meanings, from putting up with, fighting, competing, and setting up monuments. In military battles, the victors would build a trophaeum (monument) memorializing the turning point of a victory in war. The Greek verb tropaion means turning. From this we get the word trophy.
In the New Testament, this term essentially means resisting, opposing, and being hostile. Jesus tells others to turn their other cheek to minimize violence and to psychologically challenge the attitude of the offender. Christians putting on armor in the battle against evil is a recurring theme in the New Testament. God’s wisdom and words will be resistant to evil. Paul rightly rebukes Peter for being a hypocrite in observing proper Christian table fellowship.
Election aftermath: There will be continued resistance to accepting the results of the election if potential fraud and irregularities are not investigated. I hear that a Kraken will soon be released in this battle.
Until then, keep awake and don’t take any antihistamines (which may cause drowsiness during political battles).