Heresy, Heretic

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The word αἴρεσις is from “to choose.” The same Greek word is translated “sect” and is applied to the sects among the Jews, as the Sadducees and the Pharisees (Acts 5:1717Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, (Acts 5:17); Acts 15:55But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. (Acts 15:5); Acts 26:55Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. (Acts 26:5)). It was employed by the Jews respecting Christianity (Acts 24:5,145For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: (Acts 24:5)
14But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: (Acts 24:14); Acts 28:2222But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against. (Acts 28:22)). Heresies and sects were developed early in the church, they were the result of the working of the will of man in some form. The root of the Greek word being “to choose” shows that a heresy is something peculiar. The doctrine held and enforced may be true in itself but may be exaggerated or put out of its connection. The common result is, a party or sect is formed (1 Cor. 11:1919For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. (1 Corinthians 11:19); Gal. 5:2020Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, (Galatians 5:20); 2 Pet. 2:11But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2 Peter 2:1)). One who adheres to a heresy is a heretic, and after the first and second admonition is to be rejected (Titus 3:1010A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; (Titus 3:10)). God having given in His word all things needed for the church, there is no room for man’s choice or man’s will: he must be a humble receiver (compare 1 Cor. 4:77For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? (1 Corinthians 4:7)).