[Greek] ἀντίδικος (antidikos), [Latin] adversarius: opponent, adversary, accuser, litigant, plaintiff; Mt.5:25, Lk.12:58, Lk.18:3, 1Pet.5:8
The devil is often lurking behind the scenes.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means law opponent (plantiff or defendant), accuser, and contender. Aeschines’ On the Embassy 2.165 states “And what shall this rascally accuser say? Is he not to conceal the occasion and condemn the act?” Plato’s Phaedrus 261c states “But tell me, who do the parties in a lawsuit do in court? Do they not contend in speech?” Antiphon’s Against the Stepmother for Poisoning 1 2 states “Circumstances for which the defence have only themselves to blame have made it necessary that my charges should be directed against them, and them alone.”
Old Testament: This term means contesting parties and enemies of Israel. Yahweh conducts Israel’s case against its opponents at law. God is both a litigant and judge. God is advocate in the judgment of the nations. This term is used metaphorically of any contesting parties. Satan becomes present in the difficulties of Job.
Then Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘I come from roaming the earth and patrolling it.’” (Job 1:6). The man who pleads his case first seems to be in the right; then his opponent comes and puts him to the test (Pro.18:17). The Lord’s foes shall be shattered (1Kgs. 2:10). Yes, all shall be put to shame and disgrace who vent their anger against you (Isa.41:11). He will defend their cause with success and give rest to the earth (Jer.50:34). Some He dignifies and sanctifies and others He list as ordinary days.
New Testament: This term means opponent, adversary, and accuser. There becomes an urgent need for reconciliation with an offended brother. Otherwise, the severity of the judge pertains to the fate of the unrepentant sinner before God. The stern judgment is also related to the punishment of the unforgiving servant. 1Peter warns about the need to resist the evil one (and evil teachers).
Scripture:
“Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise, your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will have you over to the guard, and you will be thrown in prison.” Mt.5:25
There is a great need to reconciliation with an offended brother. Otherwise, there may follow severe judgment (punishment).
“Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1Pet.5:8
The devil may be lurking behind the scences ready to devour or influence, or manipulate others.
Etymology: Interestingly, this term is also related to the Greek verb diaballo and the Greek noun diabolos. Diaballo means to cast out or to accuse. Diabolos is one who accuses. The related Latin verb advertere means to turn toward. The Latin adjective adversus means turned against.
Conclusion:
Adversary, diabolic
From Aeschines I was surprised in seeing the word ‘rascally”. Essentially, a rascal is one who scrapes. Opposing parties (plaintiffs and defendants) contend with one another in legal proceedings.
The Old Testament redefines this term in relationship with Israel’s (and man’s) relationship with God. God becomes an advocate, litigant, and judge in his relationship with His people and His enemies. Satan comes into the picture in Job.
Matthew focuses on one’s relationship with his neighbor. Luke focuses on one’s relationship with God. Satan often lurks and roams behind the scenes, ready to devour (manipulate) the vulnerable. It is important to realize that the devil may act in more subtle ways, such as distracting us or keeping us busy from what we should be doing. Satan essentially can be called the great accuser.
I hope you were not adverse to learning something new in this post.