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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Riots</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/r/riots.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/acts/24-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/r/riots.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Riots</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/r/riotously.htm" title="Riotously">◄</a> Riots <a href="/topical/r/rip.htm" title="Rip">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Definition and Context:</b> <br>Riots are typically characterized by violent disturbances of the peace by a crowd. In the biblical context, riots can be seen as manifestations of chaos, lawlessness, and rebellion against established order. The Bible often contrasts such disorder with the peace and order that God desires for His people.<br><br><b>Biblical Instances of Riots:</b><br><br>1. <b>Ephesus Riot (<a href="/acts/19-23.htm">Acts 19:23-41</a>):</b> <br> One of the most notable riots in the New Testament occurred in Ephesus. The Apostle Paul's successful ministry led to a decline in the sale of silver shrines of Artemis, causing a significant economic impact on local craftsmen. In response, a silversmith named Demetrius incited a large crowd, leading to a chaotic assembly in the theater. The city clerk eventually calmed the crowd, warning of the legal repercussions of their disorderly conduct. This incident highlights how the spread of the Gospel can disrupt societal norms and provoke opposition.<br><br> <b>“Soon the whole city was in disarray. They rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's traveling companions from Macedonia.”</i> (<a href="/acts/19-29.htm">Acts 19:29</a>)<br><br>2. <b>Riot in Jerusalem (<a href="/acts/21-27.htm">Acts 21:27-36</a>):</b> <br> Paul faced another riot in Jerusalem when Jews from Asia accused him of defiling the temple by bringing Gentiles into it. This accusation stirred the crowd, leading to a violent attempt to kill Paul. The Roman commander intervened, rescuing Paul and restoring order. This event underscores the volatility of religious tensions and the potential for violence when misunderstandings arise.<br><br> <b>“The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut.”</i> (<a href="/acts/21-30.htm">Acts 21:30</a>)<br><br><b>Theological Implications:</b><br><br>· <b>Disorder vs. Divine Order:</b> <br> Riots in the Bible often symbolize the conflict between human disorder and divine order. God is a God of peace, not confusion (<a href="/1_corinthians/14-33.htm">1 Corinthians 14:33</a>). Riots, therefore, represent a departure from God's intended harmony and an embrace of chaos.<br><br>· <b>Human Sinfulness:</b> <br> Riots can be seen as an expression of human sinfulness and rebellion against God's authority. The Bible teaches that the heart of man is deceitful and desperately wicked (<a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a>), and riots can be a manifestation of this inherent sinfulness.<br><br>· <b>Response to Authority:</b> <br> Scripture calls for respect and submission to governing authorities, as they are instituted by God for the maintenance of order (<a href="/romans/13.htm">Romans 13:1-2</a>). Riots, which often involve defiance of authority, stand in opposition to this biblical principle.<br><br><b>Moral and Ethical Considerations:</b><br><br>· <b>Pursuit of Peace:</b> <br> Believers are called to be peacemakers (<a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a>) and to live peaceably with all, as much as it depends on them (<a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a>). In the face of potential riots or civil unrest, Christians are encouraged to seek peaceful resolutions and to be agents of reconciliation.<br><br>· <b>Justice and Righteousness:</b> <br> While the Bible condemns disorderly conduct, it also upholds justice and righteousness. Believers are to advocate for justice in a manner that aligns with biblical principles, avoiding violence and lawlessness.<br><br>· <b>Witness to the World:</b> <br> The conduct of Christians during times of unrest serves as a testimony to the world. By responding with grace, wisdom, and peace, believers can demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel and the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding (<a href="/philippians/4-7.htm">Philippians 4:7</a>).<br><br>In summary, while riots are depicted in the Bible as expressions of chaos and rebellion, they also provide opportunities for believers to exemplify Christ-like behavior and to uphold the values of peace, order, and justice.<a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/lang/john_knox_and_the_reformation/appendix_a_alleged_perfidy_of.htm"><span class="l">Appendix A: Alleged Perfidy of Mary of Guise</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Berwick. The letter, of May 19, is eight days later than the <b>riots</b> at Perth. <b>...</b><br> preachers). The <b>riots</b> followed his arrival in Perth. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/appendix a alleged perfidy of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kennedy/life_and_work_in_benares_and_kumaon_1839-1877/chapter_xvii_the_outbreak_at.htm"><span class="l">The Outbreak at Benares.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Again and again during the eighty years of our rule there had been <b>riots</b> in the<br> city, professedly to avenge religious wrongs"<b>riots</b> so formidable, that they <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xvii the outbreak at.htm</font><p><a href="/library/wesley/the_journal_of_john_wesley/wesley_interviews_mrs_pilkington.htm"><span class="l">Wesley Interviews Mrs. Pilkington</span></a> <br><b>...</b> I will have no more mobs or <b>riots</b>." Mr. Skelton replied, "Sir, neither Mr. Wesley<br> nor they that heard him made either mobs or <b>riots</b>." He replied plainly, "I <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesley interviews mrs pilkington.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kingsley/town_and_country_sermons/sermon_x_religious_dangers.htm"><span class="l">Religious Dangers</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Does this seem to you extravagant, impossible? Remember, my friends, that within<br> the last century Lord George Gordon's <b>riots</b> convulsed London. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon x religious dangers.htm</font><p><a href="/library/lang/john_knox_and_the_reformation/chapter_viii_knoxs_writings_from.htm"><span class="l">Knox's Writings from Abroad: Beginning of the Scottish Revolution <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> the horn). When these persons preached, their hearers were apt to raise<br> <b>riots</b>, wreck churches, and destroy works of sacred art. No <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter viii knoxs writings from.htm</font><p><a href="/library/bertrand/saint_augustin/ii_the_african_rome.htm"><span class="l">The African Rome</span></a> <br><b>...</b> He heard the shrill clamour of disputes, the tumult of fights and <b>riots</b>. When a<br> man was at the end of his arguments, he knocked down his opponent. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii the african rome.htm</font><p><a href="/library/pringle/the_record_of_a_quaker_conscience_cyrus_pringles_diary/prison_experiences_for_conscience_sakeour.htm"><span class="l">Prison Experiences for Conscience' Sake --Our Prison</span></a> <br><b>...</b> are abandoned, dissolute. There are many here among the substitutes who were<br> actors in the late New York <b>riots</b>. They show unmistakably <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../prison experiences for conscience sakeour.htm</font><p><a href="/library/lang/john_knox_and_the_reformation/chapter_ii_knox_wishart_and.htm"><span class="l">Knox, Wishart, and the Murder of Beaton: 1545-1546</span></a> <br><b>...</b> and the faction attached to England, and joined forces with Cardinal Beaton, who,<br> in November 1543, visited Dundee, and imprisoned the ringleaders in the <b>riots</b> <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter ii knox wishart and.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chesterton/heretics/vi_christmas_and_the_aesthetes.htm"><span class="l">Christmas and the Aesthetes</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Army, though their voice has broken out in a mean environment and an ugly shape,<br> are really the old voice of glad and angry faith, hot as the <b>riots</b> of Dionysus <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/vi christmas and the aesthetes.htm</font><p><a href="/library/cable/the_fulfilment_of_a_dream_of_pastor_hsis/chapter_xxv_conclusion.htm"><span class="l">Conclusion</span></a> <br><b>...</b> succeeded each other. The period has been divided accurately at the fifteenth<br> year by the Boxer <b>riots</b> and massacres. The many who <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xxv conclusion.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/r/riots.htm"><span class="l"><b>Riots</b> (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b><b>Riots</b> (3 Occurrences). <b>...</b> (See NIV). 2 Corinthians 6:5 in beatings, in imprisonments,<br> in <b>riots</b>, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; (WEB WEY DBY NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/riots.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/rip.htm"><span class="l">Rip (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/rip.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/q/quarreling.htm"><span class="l">Quarreling (17 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> you as you don't desire; that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts<br> of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, <b>riots</b>; (See RSV <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/q/quarreling.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/n/nights.htm"><span class="l">Nights (27 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Olives; (YLT). 2 Corinthians 6:5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in <b>riots</b>, in<br> labors, in watchings, in fastings; (See NIV). 2 Corinthians <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/n/nights.htm - 14k</font><p><a href="/topical/o/outbursts.htm"><span class="l">Outbursts (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> you as you don't desire; that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts<br> of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, <b>riots</b>; (WEB BBE <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/o/outbursts.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/labors.htm"><span class="l">Labors (27 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (WEB NAS NIV). 2 Corinthians 6:5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in <b>riots</b>,<br> in labors, in watchings, in fastings; (WEB ASV WBS NAS RSV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/labors.htm - 14k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/gossip.htm"><span class="l">Gossip (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> you as you don't desire; that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts<br> of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, <b>riots</b>; (See NAS <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/gossip.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/w/watchings.htm"><span class="l">Watchings (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Watchings (3 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 6:5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in <b>riots</b>,<br> in labors, in watchings, in fastings; (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/w/watchings.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/w/whisperings.htm"><span class="l">Whisperings (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> you as you don't desire; that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts<br> of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, <b>riots</b>; (WEB KJV <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/w/whisperings.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/imprisonments.htm"><span class="l">Imprisonments (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2 Corinthians 6:5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in <b>riots</b>, in labors, in watchings,<br> in fastings; (WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/imprisonments.htm - 7k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-rioting.html">What does the Bible say about rioting? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/peace-on-earth.html">Did Jesus come to bring peace on earth? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-sedition.html">What does the Bible say about sedition? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Riots (3 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/acts/24-5.htm">Acts 24:5</a></span><br />For we have found this man to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-5.htm">2 Corinthians 6:5</a></span><br />in beatings, in imprisonments, in <span class="boldtext">riots</span>, in labors, in watchings, in fastings;<br /><span class="source">(WEB WEY DBY NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">2 Corinthians 12:20</a></span><br />For I am afraid that by any means, when I come, I might find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don't desire; that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, <span class="boldtext">riots</span>;<br /><span class="source">(WEB)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/r/riots.htm">Riots</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/ripe.htm">Ripe (29 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hazael.htm">Hazael (23 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fortresses.htm">Fortresses (45 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/riots.htm">Riots (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/strongholds.htm">Strongholds (44 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sew.htm">Sew (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sucklings.htm">Sucklings (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/weepeth.htm">Weepeth (29 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/break.htm">Break (257 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pregnant.htm">Pregnant (33 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fenced.htm">Fenced (61 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/dash.htm">Dash (30 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/haz'ael.htm">Haz'ael (21 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/holds.htm">Holds (67 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/weep.htm">Weep (97 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/ripping.htm">Ripping (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/ripped.htm">Ripped (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pieces.htm">Pieces (209 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fortified.htm">Fortified (79 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/harm.htm">Harm (111 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/r/riotously.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Riotously"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Riotously" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/r/rip.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Rip"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Rip" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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