Arranging in War (ἀντιτάσσω)
Often translated as “resist”, ἀντιτάσσω is used in military and judicial contexts to express resistance or opposition; hence, it is a campaign of resistance, not just opposition. It is derived from a preposition conveying “against” and a verb meaning “to arrange” or “set in order.”
The Jews in Corinth arranged themselves in war against Paul because he was testifying concerning the Messiah: Jesus is the Messiah, He died on behalf of our sins, and He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. This opposition is not simply a matter of resisting, but a determination to stand against what Paul was saying in every way they could, attributing false things to him so that others would not follow or believe his testimony.
“And as they came down from Macedonia, both Silas and Timothy, Paul was occupied by the word, thoroughly testifying to the Jews, Jesus is the Messiah. But when they arranged themselves in war against him and blasphemed, he shook his garments, saying to them, ‘Your blood is upon your head. I am clean. From now on unto the Gentiles I go.’” Acts 18:5–6)
As Christians, we are called to submit to the authorities of government for there is no authority except from God (Romans 13:2). Therefore, we are not to arrange ourselves in battle against authorities, for in doing so we are arranging ourselves against God’s ordinance (Romans 13:1). This is not blind servitude, but a submission for the benefit. The rules are set up to be a terror to those who do evil and reward those who do wrong (Romans 13:3).
The rich man who defrauded his workers while living in luxury will face judgment for his actions. He is the one who condemns and senselessly slaughters the just who do not arrange themselves in battle against him (James 5:6). Because they do not stand in opposition to him, he takes advantage of them for his own profit.
God arranges Himself in war against those who are prideful (James 4:6). Those who are proud have a high frame of mind concerning themselves; they seek to display an exalted appearance beyond who they really are. In these last days, men will become fond of themselves and money, boasting and being proud while speaking false things and acting in an unholy manner (2 Timothy 3:2).
Pride has no place among the brethren. The younger are to submit to the older and the older are to be clothed in humility (1 Peter 5:5). We are to think of others above ourselves, not setting our mind on high things but associating with the humble so that we are not among those who consider themselves wise in their own estimate of themselves (Romans 12:16).