Strong’s 483 gathers every New Testament instance in which a person or group “speaks against, contradicts, or opposes” another. The verb always depicts verbal resistance, whether to prophetic truth, apostolic preaching, civil authority, or sound pastoral instruction. It exposes the heart’s posture toward divine revelation and provides a sobering backdrop for the courage and patience required of God’s people.

Representative Passages

• Luke 2:34 – Simeon foretells that Jesus will be “a sign that will be spoken against,” announcing from the outset that contradiction will accompany the incarnate Son.
• Luke 21:15 – Christ promises persecuted disciples an inspired wisdom “that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict,” demonstrating the Spirit’s capacity to silence opposition.
• Acts 13:45 – Jealous synagogue leaders “contradicted what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him,” a pattern repeated throughout Acts (4:14; 28:19, 22).
• Romans 10:21 – Israel is branded “disobedient and obstinate,” continually contradicting God’s outstretched hands.
• Titus 1:9 – Elders must “convict those who contradict” by wielding sound doctrine; the same word re-appears concerning insubordinate slaves (Titus 2:9).

Christ the Sign Spoken Against

Simeon’s prophecy (Luke 2:34) anchors the entire theme. From the cradle to the cross Jesus meets contradiction: Sadducees dispute resurrection (Luke 20:27), religious leaders dispute His claims (John 19:12), and mobs deride apostolic testimony about Him (Acts 13:45). Opposition therefore does not negate His messiahship; it confirms it. Moreover, every later occurrence echoes that prophecy, showing the Church’s experiences as an extension of her Lord’s.

Contradiction as a Motif in Acts

Acts portrays a two-fold impact of the gospel. Many believe, yet others “speak against” what they cannot refute:
• Acts 4:14 – The healed man stands beside Peter and John, leaving the Sanhedrin “nothing to say in reply.” Evidence nullifies contradiction.
• Acts 13:45 – Resistance intensifies when Gentiles are welcomed, revealing that envy, not honest doubt, often fuels contradiction.
• Acts 28:19, 22 – Jewish leaders in Rome admit, “this sect is spoken against everywhere,” illustrating how rumor campaigns can precede firsthand hearing. Luke underscores that contradiction never overturns the apostolic mission; instead it occasions clearer proclamation.

Israel’s Historic Resistance

Paul quotes Isaiah in Romans 10:21 to show that contradiction did not begin with the gospel era. Scripture’s unified testimony portrays a covenant nation repeatedly resisting her Redeemer’s gracious appeal. The same stubbornness can re-emerge in any people who presume upon privilege while neglecting obedience.

Pastoral Responsibility toward the Contradictory

Titus 1:9 entrusts elders with a dual task: teach positively and refute those who contradict. The shepherd guards the flock by answering gainsayers with biblically grounded, gracious firmness. Likewise, employees are counseled not to “talk back” (Titus 2:9), reminding believers that contradiction may also spring from within and must be mortified.

Ministry Encouragement

1. Expect Opposition – Gospel faithfulness will draw verbal resistance; forewarned servants will not be shaken.
2. Trust Promised Wisdom – Luke 21:15 guarantees Spirit-supplied words fit for every tribunal.
3. Stand on Evidential Integrity – As in Acts 4:14, transparent works of God strip contradiction of credibility.
4. Maintain Sound Doctrine – Robust teaching equips the church to silence error without resorting to carnal weapons.
5. Extend Patience – God “held out His hands” all day long (Romans 10:21); His ambassadors do likewise, praying that some who contradict may yet believe.

Eschatological Perspective

Until the consummation, the world will continue to “speak against” Christ and His people. The prophetic pattern assures believers that such contradiction is temporary; every tongue will ultimately confess Jesus Christ as Lord. In that hope the Church endures present opposition with confidence and grace.