In the biblical context, administrators are individuals appointed to manage, oversee, and execute tasks within various spheres, including religious, governmental, and domestic settings. The role of an administrator is often associated with wisdom, discernment, and the ability to lead others effectively. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings related to administration, highlighting its importance in maintaining order and fulfilling God's purposes.

Old Testament Examples

1. Joseph: One of the most prominent examples of an administrator in the Bible is Joseph, the son of Jacob. After being sold into slavery in Egypt, Joseph rose to prominence by interpreting Pharaoh's dreams and was appointed as the second-in-command over Egypt. His administrative skills were evident as he organized the collection and distribution of grain during the seven years of famine. Genesis 41:39-41 states, "Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.'"

2. Moses: As the leader of the Israelites, Moses served as an administrator by delegating responsibilities to others. In Exodus 18, Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, advised him to appoint capable men to serve as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, to help judge the people and manage their disputes. This delegation allowed Moses to focus on more significant matters and ensured efficient governance.

3. Nehemiah: Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, was appointed as the governor of Judah. He demonstrated exceptional administrative abilities by organizing the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, despite opposition. Nehemiah's leadership and strategic planning are detailed in the book of Nehemiah, where he also implemented reforms to restore religious and social order.

New Testament Insights

1. The Apostles: In the early church, the apostles recognized the need for effective administration to address the growing community's needs. In Acts 6:1-4 , the apostles appointed seven men, known as deacons, to oversee the daily distribution of food, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word. This decision highlights the importance of delegation and the establishment of roles within the church.

2. Spiritual Gifts: The New Testament also speaks of administration as a spiritual gift. In 1 Corinthians 12:28 , Paul lists "administration" among the various gifts given by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church: "And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues."

Qualities of Biblical Administrators

Biblical administrators are characterized by several key qualities:

· Wisdom and Discernment: As seen in the examples of Joseph and Solomon, administrators are often endowed with wisdom to make sound decisions and discern the best course of action.

· Integrity and Faithfulness: Administrators are expected to be trustworthy and faithful in their duties, as exemplified by Daniel, who served with integrity in the courts of Babylon.

· Servant Leadership: Biblical administration often involves serving others and putting their needs first, following the example of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45).

· Delegation and Empowerment: Effective administrators recognize the importance of delegating tasks and empowering others, as demonstrated by Moses and the apostles.

In summary, the role of administrators in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing leadership, management, and service. Their contributions are vital to the functioning and flourishing of communities, both in ancient times and within the church today.6486. pequddah -- oversight, mustering, visitation, store
... Word Origin from paqad Definition oversight, mustering, visitation, store NASB Word
Usage administrators (1), affairs (1), appointed (1), care (1), class (1 ...
/hebrew/6486.htm - 6k

Pagan Cemeteries.
... for the building of a columbarium, each subscribing for an equal number of shares,
and that they selected two of the stockholders to act as administrators. ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vi pagan cemeteries.htm

Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life
... pleas'd to condescend to his Request: And do therefore, by these Presents, grant
to him the said Richard Smith, his Executors, Administrators, and Assigns, Our ...
/.../beveridge/private thoughts upon a christian life/title page.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the Assyrian empire; provinces and feudatory states"Karduniash, Syria"Wholesale
deportation of conquered races"Provincial administrators, their military ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Beginnings of Church Reform
... For the clergy, as being the only educated class, were used by the Kings as civil
administrators, and on the great officials of the Church were bestowed ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter i the beginnings of.htm

The Joint Heirs and their Divine Portion
... what it is of which we are joint heirs; and when we have done so, let us proceed
at once to administer, for God hath made his children administrators as web as ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the joint heirs and their.htm

The Separation of the Provinces, 1857-1899.
... UEC; all Bishops of the Church; one member of the English and one of the American
PEC; the Secretarius Unitatis Fratrum in Anglia; the administrators of the ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vii the separation of.htm

On the Sufficiency and Perfection of the Holy Scriptures In
... IV. (1.) The perfect inspiration given to the prophets and apostles, who are the
administrators of the Scriptures, is denied; and the necessity and frequent ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 2 on the sufficiency.htm

Alexandra Reigns Nine Years, During which Time the Pharisees were ...
... But these Pharisees artfully insinuated themselves into her favor by little and
little, and became themselves the real administrators of the public affairs ...
/.../chapter 5 alexandra reigns nine.htm

On the Invocation of Saints
... obtained by their merits [the privilege] that God shall hear and grant their prayers;
and that they have been constituted by God the administrators of those ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 24 on the invocation.htm

On the Union of Believers with Christ
... The administrators are prophets, apostles and other dispensers of the mysteries
of God, who lay Christ as the foundation, and bring his spouse to him. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xlv on the union.htm

Administrators (7 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Administrators (7 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians
12:28 God has set some in the assembly: first apostles, second ...
/a/administrators.htm - 8k

Administrator (8 Occurrences)

/a/administrator.htm - 9k

Bond (32 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) A writing under seal, by which a person binds himself, his heirs, executors,
and administrators, to pay a certain sum on or before a future day ...
/b/bond.htm - 19k

Admirable (1 Occurrence)

/a/admirable.htm - 7k

Education (4 Occurrences)
... The genius of the Romans was practical, legalistic and institutional. As
organizers and administrators they were preeminent. But ...
/e/education.htm - 40k

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