“The Way Which They Call a Sect”

Introduction. (Acts 28:16-24). In this text the Jews unfamiliar with the new covenant of Jesus Christ speak of the faith as if it one of the divisions of Judaism. Many today think of Christianity as comprised of a vast variety of “sects.” This morning we are going to look at this word “sect” as it is used in the Bible and consider what the Bible teaches about it.

I. The Meaning of the Word “Sect.”

  1. Sect - hairesis - English word “heresy” “[classical meaning] 1. act of taking, capture: e.g. storming a city; [most common sense in non-literary papyri] 2. choosing, choice; [< a school of philosophical thought] 3. that which is chosen; 4. a body of men following their own tenets (sect or party); [Josephus - divisions among Jews like philosophical schools of thought] a. of the Sadducees, b. of the Pharisees, c. of the Christians, [The sense of Heresy] 5. dissensions arising from diversity of opinions and aims” (Thayer).
  2. Various Uses.
    1. Of the Sadducees. (Acts 5:14-18).
    2. Of the Pharisees. (Acts 15:5). “the sect of the Pharisees,” (Acts 26:1-6).
    3. Of Christians. Acts 28:22 sect “spoken against everywhere”; (Acts 24:1-14). Note: “they call”
      1. Of Division among Christians. (I Corinthians 11:18,19; Galatians 5:19-21).
      2. Of False doctrine. (II Peter 2:1,2). (probably Gnosticism).
II. The Bible Does Not Identify the Lord’s Church as a “Sect.”
  1. Not a variety of choices to choose from. (I Cor. 4:17).
  2. Not a collection of schools of thought. (I Cor. 1:10-13).
  3. One Faith. (Ephesians 4:1-6).
III. The Lord’s Church.
  1. Learners of Christ - Disciples. (Matthew 28:18,19).
  2. Workers for the Lord - Servants. (Romans 6:16-19).
  3. In Relation to God - Children. (I John 3:1,2).
  4. In Relation to One another - Brothers. (Matt. 12:46-50).
  5. In Relation to Our Hope - Heirs. (Romans 8:14-17).
  6. In Relation to the Earth - Pilgrims. (Hebrews 11:13-16).