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What the Bible Says About Apostates

Overview

The Bible addresses apostates across 19 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Hebrews, Zephaniah and 1 Timothy. Closely related themes include Apostasy, Backsliders, Reprobacy and Commandments. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Moses and Jesus.

Key Bible verses about apostates

New Testament

Hebrews

Hebrews 6:4

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

Hebrews 6:5

And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,

Hebrews 6:6

If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Hebrews 10:25

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Hebrews 10:26

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Hebrews 10:27

But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

Hebrews 10:28

He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

Hebrews 10:29

Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Hebrews 10:30

For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

Hebrews 10:31

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

People in the Bible and apostates

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

Studying apostates for yourself

  • Begin with Zephaniah 1:4, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how Hebrews, Zephaniah and 1 Timothy each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Moses and Jesus and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Apostasy, Backsliders, Reprobacy and Commandments.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about apostates?

The Bible addresses apostates across 19 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Hebrews, Zephaniah and 1 Timothy. Closely related themes include Apostasy, Backsliders, Reprobacy and Commandments. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Moses and Jesus.

How many Bible verses are about apostates?

The Bible references apostates in 19 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention apostates?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Zephaniah 1:4: “I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests;”

Which people in the Bible are associated with apostates?

Moses and Jesus.

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