Biblical Definition of Seditions
Understanding Dissensions and Factions in Galatians 5:20
In his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul lists "seditions" among the works of the flesh—behaviors that flow from our sinful nature and stand in opposition to God's Spirit. This term, often translated as "dissensions" or "factions" in modern versions, addresses a critical issue that continues to plague churches today: division within the body of Christ.
"Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
— Galatians 5:20-21 (KJV)Understanding "Seditions" in Context
The Galatian Situation
Paul wrote to the Galatians to address a serious theological crisis. False teachers had infiltrated the churches, teaching that Gentile believers must be circumcised and follow Jewish law to be truly saved. This teaching created deep divisions between Jewish and Gentile Christians, threatening the unity of the church.
Key Context: The word "seditions" appears in Paul's contrast between the works of the flesh (5:19-21) and the fruit of the Spirit (5:22-23). This placement shows that division and faction-making are not merely organizational problems—they are spiritual issues rooted in sinful human nature.
Greek Word Study
Key Greek Terms in Galatians 5:20
Etymology and Meaning
The Greek word dichostasia (διχοστασία) appears only twice in the New Testament—here in Galatians 5:20 and in Romans 16:17. It combines:
- Dicho (δίχο): Apart, asunder, in two
- Stasis (στάσις): A standing, position, or faction
Together, these roots paint a picture of people who have "taken their stand apart" from others—creating factions, parties, or divisions within what should be a unified body.
Seditions as a Work of the Flesh
Why Division Is Fleshly
Paul categorizes seditions as a "work of the flesh" (Greek: erga sarkos). This is significant because it reveals that division is not merely a disagreement over methods or preferences—it flows from our fallen, sinful nature.
⚠️ Serious Warning
Paul concludes his list with a sobering warning: "they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." This doesn't teach salvation by works, but rather that persistent, unrepentant practice of fleshly behaviors indicates a heart not transformed by the Spirit.
Characteristics of Seditions
Biblical seditions/dissensions typically involve:
- Self-Exaltation: Elevating one's views above others
- Party Spirit: Creating "us vs. them" mentalities
- Refusal to Submit: Rejecting godly authority and unity
- Contentious Attitudes: Arguing for the sake of winning, not truth
- Division Over Non-Essentials: Making secondary issues primary
Flesh vs. Spirit: A Contrast
🥩 Works of the Flesh
- Seditions (dichostasia)
- Strife (eris)
- Heresies/Factions (hairesis)
- Wrath and contention
- Self-centered ambition
- Divisive attitudes
- Pride in one's position
🕊️ Fruit of the Spirit
- Love (agape)
- Peace (eirene)
- Longsuffering
- Gentleness
- Goodness and faith
- Meekness and self-control
- Unity in the bond of peace
Related Biblical Passages
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple."
— Romans 16:17-18 (KJV)"For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"
— 1 Corinthians 3:3 (KJV)"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
— Ephesians 4:1-3 (KJV)Examples of Seditions in Scripture
Biblical Examples of Division
- Korah's Rebellion (Numbers 16): Challenging Moses' authority and creating faction
- Jeroboam's Schism (1 Kings 12): Dividing the kingdom for political gain
- Corinthian Factions (1 Corinthians 1:11-12): "I am of Paul... I of Apollos... I of Cephas"
- Galatian Judaizers: Creating division over circumcision and law-keeping
- Diotrephes (3 John 1:9-10): Loving preeminence and refusing fellowship
Modern Manifestations of Seditions
How Seditions Appear Today
While the specific issues may change, the spirit of seditions remains constant. Modern manifestations include:
- Church Splitting: Leaving churches over non-doctrinal preferences
- Denominational Pride: Elevating one tradition above all others
- Social Media Divisions: Public arguments that damage Christian witness
- Leadership Challenges: Undermining pastors and elders without biblical cause
- Secondary Issue Elevation: Making worship style, calendar, or methods into salvation issues
- Gossip and Slander: Secret conversations that breed distrust
Preserving Church Unity
Biblical Solutions for Unity
- Humility: "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves" (Philippians 2:3)
- Love: "Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves" (1 Peter 4:8)
- Forgiveness: "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another" (Colossians 3:13)
- Sound Doctrine: Unity around essential gospel truth, not secondary matters
- Prayer: Seeking the Spirit's guidance rather than fleshly solutions
- Submission: Respecting godly authority and church discipline
When Division Is Necessary
While seditions are condemned, Scripture also teaches that separation from false teaching is sometimes necessary:
- When the gospel itself is compromised (Galatians 1:8-9)
- When unrepentant sin persists (1 Corinthians 5:11-13)
- When false teachers refuse correction (Titus 3:10-11)
Key Distinction: There's a difference between seditions (selfish division over preferences) and necessary separation (defending essential truth). The motive and matter both matter.
Key Takeaways
- "Seditions" (dichostasia) means divisions, dissensions, or factions—literally "standing apart"
- Paul lists seditions among the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:20
- Division in the church is a spiritual issue, not merely organizational
- The warning is serious: those who practice such things show they may not inherit God's kingdom
- Unity should be maintained on essential doctrines while allowing liberty on secondary matters
- The fruit of the Spirit—especially love, peace, and gentleness—counteracts seditions
Conclusion
Paul's inclusion of "seditions" among the works of the flesh serves as a sobering reminder that division within the church is not a minor issue—it is a serious sin that flows from our fallen nature and grieves the Holy Spirit. The church is called to unity, not uniformity; to harmony in essential truth while maintaining charity in non-essentials.
For believers today, this passage challenges us to examine our hearts: Are we peacemakers or troublemakers? Do we build bridges or walls? Are we known for what we're against or for the love we demonstrate? May we pursue "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3), recognizing that our love for one another is a primary witness to the world of Christ's truth (John 13:35).