Dictionary entry

Heresy

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Choice, chosen way of life or faith, sect, school, party. The Greek word properly designates any sect or party, without implying praise or censure. So in Ac 5:17 15:5 26:4,5. In the epistles it denotes a sect or party in a bad sense, implying a refractory spirit, as well as error in faith and practice, 1Co 11:19Ga 5:202Pe 2:1. After the primitive age, the word came to signify simply error in doctrine.