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The concept of Offender in Christianity

In Christianity, the term "Offender" denotes an individual who has committed a transgression, facing various repercussions within the community. This includes those who are cursed or excluded by elders, individuals who wronged others and seek reconciliation, as well as attackers subject to retaliation. In Protestantism, offenders can be ministers requiring rebuke and restoration. Early Christianity emphasized the need for correction and compassion toward offenders, holding them accountable while also encouraging repentance and mercy in their treatment.1
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Synonyms: Criminal, Perpetrator, Wrongdoer, Miscreant, Transgressor, Culprit, Delinquent, Malefactor

In Dutch: Overtreder; In Finnish: Rikollinen; In Spanish: Delincuente; In German: °Õä³Ù±ð°ù; In Swedish: Lagbrytare; In Malay: Pesalah; In French: ¶Ùé±ô¾±²Ô±ç³Ü²¹²Ô³Ù

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Offender'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) The individual who has committed a transgression and is subject to being dealt with in various ways, including private reproval, public rebuke, and ultimately, exclusion from the community if they refuse to repent.[1] (2) This term refers to the person who has committed a wrong or violated a rule, and who is subject to certain restrictions or procedures.[2] (3) The offender is a person who has done something wrong, and the bishop must not only himself give no offense, but must be no respecter of persons, instructing those that offend, and should be judged with mercy and compassion.[3] (4) The individual who committed the transgression, who was summoned by God to address the offense, to be brought into the presence of his Lord.[4] (5) This individual was conducted to the prefects after the matter was remitted to a higher tribunal for further consideration and judgment.[5]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) Offenders are those who are excluded by the elders of the synagogue, and the text mentions this in the context.[6] (2) This is the person who has committed a wrong against a member of a clan, and whose clan will be targeted for retaliation by the offended clan.[7]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) The offender represents the individual who has committed a transgression, with the intention of the excommunication being for their benefit and the preservation of the community.[8]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) This individual was cursed from the earth himself, and the earth was doomed to a double barrenness wherever he should set his foot.[9]

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) The group of people who had wronged Joseph, and the ones he wants to be forgiven and to reconcile with.[10]

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Second Helvetic Confession

(1) These are individuals among the ministers who should be rebuked by the elders and restored to the right way if they can be cured.[11]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Plural form: Offenders.