Hairesis (139 in Strong's Concordance) is a noun in Ancient Greek that means a self-chosen view, a religious or philosophical sect, or a heretical group. It is an abstract noun, which means that it refers to an idea, not a physical thing. Our English word 'heresy' can be traced back to this Greek term.
The term is used in a neutral sense to refer to the Sadducees and Pharisees, but a negative sense when referring to the sect of the Nazarene—also known as—those who follow the way of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
Some individuals, particularly those that attend cult churches, are taught that an accusation of being part of a cult is proof that they follow the way of Christ. They reach this conclusion based on the derogatory use of the word in Acts. Doing so is a literary mistake; our use of the word differs from the biblical use.
Contemporary use for the word cult refers to an organised group, either religious or non-religious, with a pyramid structure, that uses coercision, manpulation, deceit, and intimidation to control its members. It instills a sense of fear, anxiety, and paranoia within its members, and a dependence on the leader for basic needs.
By contrast, the references to the sect of the Nazarene, while also derogatory in nature, refers to differences in a theological view of the God of Israel. For example, the Sadducees and Pharisees were both sects of Judaism with differing views on resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6-10).
Related Terms
The following terms are often used in connection with hairesis:
haireó - to choose
hairesis - a self-imposed choice
hairetizó - to choose
hairetikos - to be factitious
Saddoukaios - a sect of Judaism
Pharisaios - a sect of Judaism
Nazóraios - a native from Nazarene
Usage
Hairesis is used 9 times across 9 verses. Below is a list of all references to hairesis in the New Testament:
But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy
Acts 5:17 ESV
But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”
Acts 15:5 ESV
For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
Acts 24:5 ESV
But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets...
Acts 24:14 ESV
They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee.
Acts 26:5 ESV
But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.
Acts 28:22 ESV
...for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.
1 Corinthians 11:19 ESV
...idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions...
Galatians 5:20 ESV
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
2 Peter 2:1 ESV
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