In Acts 26:5 the Pharisees are called 'the straitest hairesis (sect).' The name was applied contemptuously to Christianity ( Acts 24:14 28:22). Thus, in Acts, the word is used in the Greek, where the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) have 'sect,' 'sect of the Sadducees' ( Acts 5:17), 'sect of the Nazarenes' ( Acts 24:5). It was used not simply for a teaching or a course followed, but also for those devoting themselves to such pursuit, namely, a sect, or assembly of those advocating a particular doctrine or mode of life. Polybius refers to those devoting themselves to the study of Greek literature as given to the Hellenike hairesis. In classical Greek, it may be used either in a good or a bad sense, first, simply for 'choice,' then, 'a chosen course of procedure,' and afterward of various schools and tendencies. The word has acquired an ecclesiastical meaning that has passed into common usage, containing elements not found in the term in the New Testament, except as implied in one passage. Her'-e-si, her'-e-si (hairesis, from verb haireo, 'to choose'): indicates this entry was also found in Nave's Topical BibleĮaston, Matthew George. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, Heresies thus came to signify self-chosen doctrines not emanating from God ( 2 Peter 2:1 ). In Titus 3:10 a 'heretical person' is one who follows his own self-willed 'questions,' and who is to be avoided. This word also denotes divisions or schisms in the church ( 1 Corinthians 11:19 ). Paul ranks 'heresies' with crimes and seditions ( Galatians 5:20 ). Elsewhere, however, in the New Testament it has a different meaning attached to it.

In the Acts of the Apostles ( 5:17 15:5 Isaiah 24:5 Isaiah 24:14 26:5 ) it denotes a sect, without reference to its character. From a Greek word signifying (1) a choice, (2) the opinion chosen, and (3) the sect holding the opinion.

Heresy by AnaMaria Rivera