Bible Study: What Does “Variance” Mean in the Bible?

What does the word “variance” mean in the Bible?

In the Bible, the word “variance” is not commonly used in most translations. But the concept it represents is present throughout Scripture, often expressed through other terms or ideas. Variance in a biblical context generally refers to discord, disagreement, or conflict, particularly among people or between people and God’s will.

The King James Version (KJV) uses the word “variance” in Galatians 5:20, listing it among the “works of the flesh.” In this context, variance is grouped with other negative behaviors like hatred, strife, and seditions. More modern translations often render this word as “discord” or “dissension.”

Psychologically variance in the Bible can be understood as a state of inner conflict or cognitive dissonance. It represents the tension between our fallen nature and God’s perfect will, or between different factions within the early Christian communities.

Historically, the concept of variance has played a major role in shaping Christian theology and practice. Early church councils, for example, sought to address variances in doctrine and establish unity among believers. The Protestant Reformation itself can be seen as a response to perceived variances between biblical teachings and church practices.

As Christians, we are called to be aware of the potential for variance in our lives and communities. The Bible encourages us to seek unity and harmony, as exemplified in Philippians 2:2: “Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (NIV). This doesn’t mean uniformity in all things rather a shared commitment to Christ and His teachings, despite our individual differences.

Are there any specific Bible verses that mention variance?

Although the exact word “variance” is rare in most Bible translations, there are several verses that address the concept it represents. Let’s explore a few key passages:

1. Galatians 5:19-21 (KJV): “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like…” Here, variance is explicitly mentioned as one of the works of the flesh.
2. Romans 16:17 (NIV): “I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.” While not using the word “variance,” this verse addresses the concept of discord and division.
3. 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NIV): “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” This verse emphasizes the importance of unity and the avoidance of variance within the church.
4. James 3:16 (NIV): “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” This verse links selfish motivations to discord, which aligns with the concept of variance.

These verses reflect an understanding of human nature and the tendency for individuals and groups to fall into conflict. They highlight the importance of self-awareness and the conscious effort required to maintain unity.

Historically, these teachings have been crucial in shaping Christian communities and addressing conflicts within the church. They have provided guidance for leaders and believers alike in navigating disagreements and maintaining focus on shared faith and values.

As Christians, we are called to be mindful of these teachings and strive for unity in our relationships with fellow believers and in our communities. This doesn’t mean suppressing all disagreement rather approaching differences with love, humility, and a commitment to shared faith in Christ.

How is variance portrayed in biblical teachings?

In biblical teachings, variance is generally portrayed as a negative force that disrupts harmony and unity among believers. It is often presented as a consequence of human weakness and sin, contrasting with the unity and love that should characterize Christian communities.

The Apostle Paul, in particular, addresses variance in his letters to early Christian churches. In 1 Corinthians 3:3 (NIV), he writes, “You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?” Here, Paul portrays variance as a sign of spiritual immaturity and worldliness.

Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of unity and the dangers of division. In Mark 3:24-25 (NIV), He states, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” This teaching underscores the destructive potential of variance within communities.

But not all disagreement is portrayed negatively in the Bible. For instance, Acts 15 describes a major dispute in the early church regarding the application of Jewish law to Gentile converts. This variance was resolved through respectful dialogue and seeking God’s guidance, ultimately leading to greater clarity and unity.

Psychologically the biblical portrayal of variance aligns with our understanding of group dynamics and conflict resolution. It recognizes the human tendency towards discord while also providing a framework for addressing and overcoming it.

Historically, these teachings have been instrumental in shaping Christian approaches to conflict and community building. They have informed church governance, conflict resolution practices, and efforts to maintain doctrinal unity throughout the centuries.

As Christians today, we are called to be aware of the potential for variance in our communities and to actively work towards unity. This doesn’t mean suppressing all disagreement rather approaching differences with love, humility, and a commitment to seeking God’s will together. As Ephesians 4:3 (NIV) exhorts us, we should “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

While variance is portrayed as a challenge to be overcome, biblical teachings also provide us with the tools and motivation to address it constructively, always striving for the unity and love that should characterize the body of Christ.

What are some examples of variance in biblical stories?

The Bible contains many examples of variance – differences or deviations from what is expected or standard. These instances of variance often serve important purposes in conveying spiritual truths and demonstrating God’s sovereignty.

One prominent example is the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. Here we see great variance between the small shepherd boy David and the mighty warrior Goliath. This variance in size and strength highlights how God often works through the unexpected and seemingly weak to accomplish His purposes. As 1 Corinthians 1:27 reminds us, “God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”

Another example is found in the book of Esther. Esther, a Jewish woman, becomes queen of Persia – a major variance from the expected norm. This variance in her position allows her to intervene and save her people from destruction. We see how God can use those in unexpected places of influence.

The Gospels also show variance in Jesus’ interactions with people. He often associated with tax collectors, sinners, and social outcasts – a clear variance from religious expectations of His time. This demonstrates God’s heart for all people and challenges our own prejudices.

In Acts 10, we find variance in Peter’s vision of unclean animals, which God declares clean. This variance from Jewish dietary laws signifies the inclusion of Gentiles into God’s covenant people – a major shift in early Christianity.

The apostle Paul’s dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus in Acts 9 is another striking example of variance. From persecutor to apostle, this variance in Paul’s life trajectory had a powerful impact on the spread of the Gospel.

These examples remind us that God often works through the unexpected and unconventional. They challenge us to be open to how the Holy Spirit may be working in surprising ways in our own lives and communities today. Let us not limit God to our expectations be attentive to His variances that may bring about His Kingdom purposes.

Does the Bible warn against certain types of variance?

Although the Bible demonstrates how God can work through variance, it also provides warnings against certain types of variance that can lead us astray from God’s will and truth.

One major area of warning concerns variance from sound doctrine. In Galatians 1:6-9, Paul strongly cautions against those who would “pervert the gospel of Christ” with a different teaching. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining fidelity to the core truths of our faith. Similarly, in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, we are warned of a time when people will gather teachers to suit their own desires, turning away from truth to myths. This variance from sound teaching is presented as a serious spiritual danger.

The Bible also warns against variance in moral behavior that deviates from God’s standards. In Romans 1:18-32, Paul speaks of those who have “exchanged the truth about God for a lie” and engaged in various forms of immorality. This variance from God’s design for human relationships and sexuality is portrayed as a consequence of rejecting God’s truth.

In the Old Testament, we find numerous warnings against variance from exclusive worship of Yahweh. The first commandment in Exodus 20:3, “You shall have no other gods before me,” sets a clear standard against religious variance that includes other deities. The prophets frequently condemned Israel’s variance into idolatry and syncretism.

Proverbs 14:12 cautions, “There is a way that appears to be right in the end it leads to death.” This warns against variance from God’s wisdom, even when it seems justified by human reasoning. It reminds us to align our choices with God’s revealed will rather than our own understanding.

Jesus himself warns against variance in Matthew 7:15-20, cautioning his followers to be wary of false prophets who may appear righteous but inwardly are “ferocious wolves.” This teaches us to be discerning about spiritual leaders and teachings, ensuring they align with the fruit of the Spirit.

These warnings remind us of the importance of staying grounded in Scripture, sound doctrine, and moral integrity. While God can work through unexpected variances, we must be vigilant against deviations that lead us away from His truth and love. Let us seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of the Church to discern beneficial variances from those that may harm our faith and communities.

How does variance relate to unity in Christian communities?

The relationship between variance and unity in Christian communities is a powerful and sometimes challenging aspect of our shared faith journey. Although we are called to unity in Christ, we must also navigate the realities of human diversity and differing perspectives within the Body of Christ.

The apostle Paul addresses this tension beautifully in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, using the metaphor of the body. He acknowledges the variance of different parts – eyes, hands, feet – while emphasizing their essential unity in one body. This teaches us that unity in Christ does not mean uniformity. Rather, it calls us to value the diverse gifts and perspectives within our communities while maintaining our fundamental oneness in Christ.

In Ephesians 4:3-6, Paul exhorts believers to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” He then lists seven core unities of our faith – one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. This passage suggests that our unity should be centered on these essential truths, while allowing for variance in non-essential matters.

The early Church faced major challenges in navigating variance, particularly between Jewish and Gentile believers. The Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15 provides a model for addressing such variances. Through respectful dialogue, scriptural reflection, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they reached a decision that maintained unity while accommodating certain variances in practice.

Jesus’ prayer for his followers in John 17:20-23 emphasizes the importance of unity, asking “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” This unity is to be a witness to the world of God’s love. But this unity is rooted in the relationship between the Father and Son – a relationship that includes both oneness and distinction.

In our modern context, we must strive to balance unity and variance in our Christian communities. This requires humility, love, and a commitment to ongoing dialogue. We must discern which variances enrich our community and which threaten our essential unity in Christ. Let us always seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in this delicate balance, remembering that our ultimate unity is found in Christ himself.

What did Jesus teach about variance among believers?

Jesus addressed the issue of variance, or discord, among believers on several occasions, emphasizing unity and love as the antidote to division. In His high priestly prayer recorded in John 17, Jesus prayed fervently for the unity of His followers, saying “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21). This prayer reveals Christ’s deep desire for harmony among His disciples.

Jesus also taught about resolving conflicts between believers in Matthew 18:15-20, outlining a process for addressing grievances and restoring relationships. He emphasized the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, even instructing His followers to forgive “seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22). This teaching underscores the ongoing nature of maintaining unity in the face of human imperfections and disagreements.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus blessed peacemakers and called for reconciliation before worship (Matthew 5:9, 23-24). He warned against anger and insulting others, recognizing the destructive power of discord (Matthew 5:21-22). Jesus also taught that love for one another would be the distinguishing mark of His disciples (John 13:35), implying that unity and mutual affection should characterize Christian communities.

While Jesus acknowledged that His message might cause division in families and society (Matthew 10:34-36), He consistently called His followers to unity based on their shared faith and love for God. He prayed that believers would be “brought to complete unity” as a testimony to the world (John 17:23). Through His teachings and example, Jesus demonstrated that variance among believers should be addressed through love, forgiveness, and a commitment to reconciliation, always with the goal of restoring unity in the body of Christ.

How did the early Church Fathers interpret the concept of variance?

Ignatius of Antioch, writing in the early 2nd century, emphasized the importance of unity with the bishop and warned against those who would cause division. In his letter to the Philadelphians, he wrote, “Do not err, my brethren. If any man follows him that makes a schism in the he shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Graves, 2014). This reflects the early Church’s understanding that variance could have eternal consequences.

Clement of Rome, in his letter to the Corinthians (c. 96 AD), addressed the issue of discord in the church at Corinth. He urged the community to restore harmony and submit to their appointed leaders, drawing parallels between church unity and the orderly functioning of the human body (Graves, 2014). This biological metaphor, echoing Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 12, became a common way for the Fathers to explain the importance of unity and the danger of variance.

Cyprian of Carthage, writing in the 3rd century, strongly emphasized the unity of the Church in the face of schism. In his treatise “On the Unity of the Church,” he famously declared, “He can no longer have God for his Father, who has not the Church for his mother” (Graves, 2014). For Cyprian, variance that led to separation from the Church was tantamount to separation from Christ Himself.

Augustine of Hippo, in the 4th-5th centuries, dealt extensively with the problem of schism in his writings against the Donatists. He argued for the catholicity of the Church and the importance of maintaining unity even in the face of human imperfections within the Church (Graves, 2014). Augustine saw variance as a spiritual danger also recognized the need for patience and love in addressing divisions.

Are there any positive aspects of variance mentioned in the Bible?

Although the Bible generally portrays variance (discord or division) in a negative light, there are instances where certain forms of variance or disagreement are presented in a more positive or constructive manner. these examples often involve principled disagreement rather than destructive discord.

One positive aspect of variance can be seen in the concept of “holy dissatisfaction” with sin or injustice. The prophets of the Old Testament often stood in variance with the prevailing culture and even religious authorities when calling people back to faithfulness to God. For example, Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18), and Jeremiah spoke out against false prophets who proclaimed peace when judgment was coming (Jeremiah 23:16-17) (Attard, 2023). This type of variance, rooted in a commitment to God’s truth, can be seen as positive and necessary.

In the New Testament, we see an example of constructive disagreement in Acts 15, where Paul and Barnabas engaged in a “sharp dispute” with those insisting on circumcision for Gentile believers (Acts 15:2). This variance led to the Jerusalem Council, which resulted in a clearer understanding of the gospel’s implications for Gentile believers (Attard, 2023). The process of working through this disagreement ultimately strengthened the Church’s unity and mission.

Paul’s confrontation of Peter in Galatians 2:11-##Is another instance where variance served a positive purpose. Paul opposed Peter “to his face” over the issue of table fellowship with Gentiles. This principled stand for the truth of the gospel helped clarify important theological and practical issues for the early Church (Attard, 2023).

The Bible also acknowledges that there can be legitimate differences of opinion on certain matters. In Romans 14, Paul addresses differences in practice regarding food and special days, encouraging believers to “be fully convinced in their own minds” (Romans 14:5) while maintaining unity and not judging one another (Attard, 2023). This suggests that some variance in non-essential matters can coexist with Christian unity.

The diversity of gifts and callings within the Body of Christ, as described in 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4, implies a kind of positive “variance” in function and perspective. This diversity, when properly understood and embraced, contributes to the overall health and effectiveness of the Church (Attard, 2023).

Although these examples show that certain forms of variance can have positive outcomes, it’s crucial to note that they are always in service of truth, love, and ultimate unity in Christ. The Bible consistently calls believers to maintain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3), even as they navigate differences and disagreements.

How can Christians apply biblical teachings on variance to their lives today?

Applying biblical teachings on variance to our lives today requires wisdom, humility, and a commitment to both truth and love. As Christians in the modern world, we can implement these principles in several practical ways:

1. Prioritize unity in essentials: Following Paul’s example in Ephesians 4:3-6, we should “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” This means focusing on the core doctrines of the faith that unite us, while allowing for diversity in non-essential matters (Opuni-Frimpong, 2023). We must discern between issues that are truly central to our faith and those where disagreement can be tolerated.
2. Practice loving confrontation: When addressing variance or conflict, we should follow Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 18:15-20. This involves approaching others privately seeking reconciliation, and involving the wider community only when necessary. The goal should always be restoration and unity, not winning arguments or proving oneself right (Opuni-Frimpong, 2023).
3. Cultivate humility and self-reflection: Before addressing variance in others, we must examine our own hearts and motives. Jesus’ teaching about the log and the speck (Matthew 7:3-5) reminds us to approach disagreements with humility and a willingness to recognize our own faults (Opuni-Frimpong, 2023).
4. Seek understanding: In our diverse and polarized world, it’s crucial to listen carefully to those with whom we disagree. James 1:19 instructs us to be “quick to slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”

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