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The concept of Foe in Christianity

In Christianity and related traditions, the term "foe" refers to an enemy or adversary that poses challenges or dangers. It encompasses various interpretations, from enemies that threaten cities to spiritual adversaries that hinder the soul's journey. The foe represents those who must be guarded against, with an emphasis on divine protection and deliverance from such adversaries. In a broader context, the concept also extends to discussions in Gnosticism, where foes include hostile entities affecting the soul's purity.

Synonyms: Enemy, Adversary, Opponent, Antagonist

In Dutch: Vijand; In Finnish: Vihollinen; In Spanish: Enemigo; In German: Feind; In Malay: Musuh; In Swedish: Fiende; In French: Ennemi

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

Christian concept of 'Foe'

Christianity Books

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) The first encounter with a foe that the missionaries had.[1] (2) The foe may do as they list to all surface streams, but its water shall be sure, and no raging thirst shall ever drive it to surrender.[2] (3) This refers to the enemy who must be guarded against, and the hoary fortresses of the foe will not be won till certain things are done.[3]

From: Hymns for Christian Devotion

(1) These are the adversaries from which individuals are freed upon reaching a specific location, indicating a release from harm and a transition to a different state.[4] (2) An adversary or enemy that poses a challenge.[5]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) The anticipated deliverance of his people from the foe, through Jehovah's interposition in sublime majesty, indicates a focus on protection from an enemy.[6] (2) This refers to the foe who poured in, causing the destruction of the city, according to the second elegy.[7]

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) This refers to an enemy or opponent, highlighting the opposing side in a conflict or struggle.[8]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) The phrase is used to describe the potential adversarial role of matter, prompting a discussion about whether it could act in opposition to a creator, and the reasoning behind this possibility.[9]

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 Church of the East (or the East Syriac Church):
Church of the East Books

From: The Kebra Nagast

(1) This group of people were to be overthrown before the young man.[10]

The Church of the East emerged in the 5th century and separated from the Roman Empire's state church by adopting Nestorianism. It emphasizes the distinct human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. It is also called the Assyrian Church, Nestorian Church or the East Syriac Church.

Gnostic concept of 'Foe'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: Pistis Sophia

(1) The enemies from whose hand the delivered are saved, according to the Psalm, and who are also the rulers of Pistis Sophia.[11] (2) This is a reference to those entities that are hostile to the soul, and the text identifies the counterfeiting spirit and destiny as such; these enemies cause the soul to commit sins.[12]

Plural form: Foes.