Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical literature and Christian theology, the term "conference" is not explicitly mentioned in the Scriptures. However, the concept of gathering for discussion, deliberation, and decision-making is evident throughout the Bible. These gatherings often served as pivotal moments for the early church and the people of God, providing opportunities for communal discernment, teaching, and the strengthening of faith.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the idea of a conference can be seen in the gatherings of the elders and leaders of Israel. For instance, Moses frequently assembled the elders to communicate God's commands and to seek counsel (Exodus 3:16; Numbers 11:16). These meetings were crucial for maintaining the covenantal relationship between God and His people and for ensuring that the community adhered to divine instructions. The Book of Nehemiah provides another example, where Nehemiah calls together the nobles and officials to address the issue of social injustice among the Israelites (Nehemiah 5:7). This assembly was a form of conference aimed at resolving disputes and restoring justice according to God's law. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the early church frequently engaged in conferences to address theological and practical issues. One of the most significant examples is the Jerusalem Council, as recorded in Acts 15. This gathering of apostles and elders was convened to resolve the contentious issue of whether Gentile converts to Christianity were required to observe the Mosaic Law. The council's decision, guided by the Holy Spirit, affirmed that salvation is through grace and not by adherence to the law, thus shaping the future of the Christian mission. The Apostle Paul also participated in conferences with other church leaders. In Galatians 2:1-2, Paul describes going to Jerusalem to confer with the apostles about the gospel he preached among the Gentiles, ensuring that his ministry was in alignment with the broader apostolic teaching. Theological Significance Conferences in the biblical sense underscore the importance of communal discernment and unity in the body of Christ. They reflect the principle that the church is a community guided by the Holy Spirit, where decisions are made collectively and with prayerful consideration. This model of decision-making emphasizes accountability, mutual edification, and the pursuit of truth. The biblical precedent for conferences also highlights the role of leadership in guiding the church through complex issues. Leaders are called to seek wisdom from God and from one another, ensuring that the church remains faithful to its mission and doctrine. Practical Application In contemporary Christian practice, conferences continue to play a vital role in the life of the church. They provide forums for teaching, fellowship, and the exchange of ideas. Whether at the local, denominational, or ecumenical level, these gatherings serve to equip believers, address challenges, and foster unity within the body of Christ. The biblical model of conference encourages believers to approach such gatherings with humility, openness to the Spirit's leading, and a commitment to the truth of Scripture. As the church navigates the complexities of the modern world, the principles of biblical conferencing remain a valuable guide for maintaining faithfulness and unity. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of comparing two or more things together; comparison.2. (n.) The act of consulting together formally; serious conversation or discussion; interchange of views. 3. (n.) A meeting for consultation, discussion, or an interchange of opinions. 4. (n.) A meeting of the two branches of a legislature, by their committees, to adjust between them. 5. (n.) A stated meeting of preachers and others, invested with authority to take cognizance of ecclesiastical matters. 6. (n.) A voluntary association of Congregational churches of a district; the district in which such churches are. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CONFER; CONFERENCEkon'-fer, kon'-ferens: The equivalent of three Greek words of different shades of meaning. In Galatians 1:16, prosanatithemi, had been used in classical writers for resorting to oracles (Lightfoot on Galatians 2:6; Ellicott on Galatians 1:16); hence, "to take counsel with," "to consult." In Acts 4:15, sumballo, "to compare views," "discuss"; and in Acts 25:12, sullaleo, "to talk together." Compare the single passage in the Old Testament (1 Kings 1:7). Greek 4323. prosanatithemi -- to lay on besides, hence to undertake ... ... From pros and anatithemai; to lay up in addition, ie (middle voice and figuratively) to impart or (by implication) to consult -- in conference add, confer. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4323.htm - 6k Library An Important Conference The First Conference The Lambeth Conference and the Union of Churches in South India. ... Special Conference in virginia. Account of a Conference Proposed to Me, but which I Refused. My Reasons for Refusing a Conference. Introduction to the Conference. The Older Boys' Conference or Congress Conference of Abbot John. Conference of Abbot Pinufius. Thesaurus Conference (2 Occurrences)... CONFER; CONFERENCE. kon'-fer, kon'-ferens: The equivalent of three Greek words of different shades of meaning. ...Conference (2 Occurrences). ... /c/conference.htm - 8k Confer (6 Occurrences) Ono (5 Occurrences) Consultation (8 Occurrences) Communication (8 Occurrences) Conferred (22 Occurrences) Latter (91 Occurrences) Impart (12 Occurrences) Intrude (1 Occurrence) Treat (53 Occurrences) Resources What is the Baptist General Conference? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a Congregational Church / Congregationalism? | GotQuestions.org What is Jesus Camp? | GotQuestions.org Conference: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Conference (2 Occurrences)Matthew 28:12 Galatians 2:6 Subtopics Related Terms |
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