The concepts and views held by the majority of the population. Scripture urges personal, independent thinking, based on God's word, rather than adherence to popular beliefs.
God's people should not be concerned about public opinion
Exodus 23:2 See also Job 31:33–34; Ecclesiastes 7:21–22
You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing. When you testify in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd.
Examples of the impact of public opinion
1 Samuel 14:45 Public opinion saved Jonathan's life; 1 Samuel 15:24 Public opinion led to Saul losing his kingdom; Matthew 27:15–26 Public opinion led to Jesus Christ being crucified; Acts 12:3 Public opinion led to Peter being imprisoned.
Public opinion is often contrary to divine standards
Haggai 1:2–11 See also Numbers 13:21–14:10; Deuteronomy 1:19–40; 1 Samuel 8:4–9; 1 Kings 18:21; Jeremiah 2:31–35, Jeremiah 26:7–16
Public opinion is sometimes in accord with divine standards
Deuteronomy 5:28–29 See also Joshua 24:19–24
And the LORD heard the words you spoke to me, and He said to me, “I have heard the words that these people have spoken to you. They have done well in all that they have spoken. If only they had such a heart to fear Me and keep all My commandments always, so that it might be well with them and with their children forever.
Public opinion of Jesus Christ was divided
Concerning his identity
Matthew 16:13–17 parallels Mark 8:27–29, Luke 9:18–20 See also John 7:40–43
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He questioned His disciples: “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven.
Concerning his teaching and ministry
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.