Lexical Summary theomachos: God-fighter, one who fights against God Original Word: θεόμαχος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to fight against God. From theos and machomai; an opponent of deity -- to fight against God. see GREEK theos see GREEK machomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom theos and machomai Definition fighting against God NASB Translation fighting against God (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2314: θεομάχοςθεομάχος, θεομαχου, ὁ (Θεός and μάχομαι), fighting against God, resisting God: Acts 5:39. (Symm, Job 26:5; Proverbs 9:18; Proverbs 21:16; Heracl. Pont. alleg. Homer. 1; Lucian, Jup. tr. 45.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Concept The term translated “to fight against God” denotes deliberate resistance to the divine will, whether expressed in revelation, providence, or the advance of the gospel. It is an active, hostile posture that places the creature in direct opposition to the Creator. Biblical Occurrence and Context Acts 5 records the arrest of the apostles and the subsequent deliberation of the Sanhedrin. Gamaliel cautions his peers: “But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them; you may even be found fighting against God” (Acts 5:39). His warning encapsulates the futility of human efforts that oppose God’s redemptive work through Jesus Christ and His church. Theological Implications 1. Divine Sovereignty: The word underscores that God’s purposes are irresistible (Job 42:2; Isaiah 14:27). Any attempt to hinder them places one on the losing side of an unequal conflict. Historical Background Gamaliel’s counsel reflects a strand of rabbinic wisdom acknowledging that genuine movements of God prove themselves over time. The Sanhedrin, steeped in Israel’s history, had seen uprisings rise and fall. Yet in dismissing prior messianic pretenders, Gamaliel allowed for the possibility that the apostles’ message fulfilled God’s promises—a cautious approach that providentially spared the church an early, crushing persecution. Ministry Applications 1. Evangelism: Preachers may take courage that gospel proclamation, when true to Scripture, enjoys divine backing. Opposition, however fierce, ultimately collapses (Philippians 1:12-14). Warnings against Theomachy • Pharaoh hardened his heart and was overthrown (Exodus 5-14). Christological Fulfillment Opposition to God reached its zenith at the cross, where rulers “gathered together against the Lord and against His Anointed” (Psalms 2:2; Acts 4:26-28). Yet that very act accomplished redemption, proving that theomachy not only fails but serves God’s larger purpose (Acts 2:23-24). Eschatological Perspective End-time rebellion culminates in the assembled kings waging war against the Rider on the white horse, only to be decisively defeated (Revelation 19:19-21). The final judgment vindicates God’s unstoppable reign and forever silences all resistance. Summary The single New Testament occurrence of this term in Acts 5:39 stands as a timeless admonition: opposing God—whether through overt persecution, doctrinal compromise, or personal disobedience—is futile. Wisdom, faith, and ministry effectiveness begin with humble submission to His sovereign will. Forms and Transliterations θεομαχοι θεομάχοι theomachoi theomáchoiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |