In biblical terms, a "councillor" refers to an individual who provides guidance, advice, or counsel, often in a formal or official capacity. The role of a councillor is significant throughout the Scriptures, as wise counsel is highly valued and often seen as a reflection of divine wisdom.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the concept of a councillor is closely associated with wisdom and leadership. For instance, King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, surrounded himself with wise counsellors. Proverbs, a book attributed to Solomon, frequently emphasizes the importance of seeking wise counsel. Proverbs 11:14 states, "For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counsellors there is deliverance." This highlights the belief that wise counsel is essential for the stability and success of a community or nation.

The role of a councillor is also evident in the account of Rehoboam, Solomon's son. In 1 Kings 12, Rehoboam seeks advice from the elders who had served his father. However, he ultimately rejects their counsel in favor of the advice from his peers, leading to disastrous consequences for his reign. This narrative underscores the importance of heeding wise and experienced counsel.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the role of a councillor is less formalized but remains significant. The Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, included members who were considered counsellors. Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin, is described as a "prominent council member" in Mark 15:43 , who courageously requested the body of Jesus from Pilate for burial. His actions demonstrate the influence and responsibility held by councillors within the Jewish community.

The New Testament also emphasizes the value of spiritual counsel within the early Church. The apostles and elders in Jerusalem acted as counsellors in resolving doctrinal disputes, as seen in Acts 15 during the Council of Jerusalem. This gathering sought to provide guidance and maintain unity within the early Christian community.

Spiritual Implications

From a spiritual perspective, the role of a councillor is deeply connected to the pursuit of wisdom and discernment. The Bible encourages believers to seek counsel from those who are spiritually mature and grounded in the Word of God. James 1:5 advises, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." This verse underscores the belief that true wisdom and counsel ultimately come from God.

The role of a councillor is also reflected in the ministry of the Holy Spirit, who is described as the "Counselor" or "Helper" in John 14:26 : "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." The Holy Spirit provides divine guidance and counsel to believers, leading them into all truth.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide a detailed job description for a councillor, the role is clearly esteemed and integral to both personal and communal well-being. Whether in the context of ancient Israelite society, the early Church, or the life of a believer today, the pursuit of wise counsel is a recurring theme that underscores the importance of seeking guidance that aligns with God's will and wisdom.COUNCIL; COUNCILLOR

koun'-sil, koun'-siler (sumboulion): An assembly of advisers (Acts 25:12); a body of those taking counsel (see Schurer's Jewish People in the Time of Christ, I (1), 60). Distinguished from sunedrion, the supreme court of the Jews, by being of a less formal character, i.e. less of an institution. For "council" in the latter sense, its most frequent use, see SANHEDRIN. A councilor (Greek bouleutes) was a member of the Sanhedrin. Applied to Joseph of Arimathea (Mark 15:43 Luke 23:50). In the King James Version "counsellor."

1010. bouleutes -- a councilor
... counselor. From bouleuo; an adviser, ie (specially) a councillor or member
of the Jewish Sanhedrin -- counsellor. see GREEK bouleuo. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1010.htm - 6k

Of the Question Whether the Evangelists are all at one on the ...
... And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day
before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, an honourable councillor, which also ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxii of the question whether.htm

J. The Death and Burial. Ch. 23:44-56
... 50 And behold, a man named Joseph, who was a councillor, a good and righteous man
51 (he had not consented to their counsel and deed), a man of Arimathaea, a ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/j the death and burial.htm

The Monk Nilus.
... When his visitors had saluted him and seated themselves, he gave the privy-councillor
the book to read where he had marked it, and he read the words in which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/light in the dark places/the monk nilus.htm

Jesus and his Secret Friends.
... and no doubt Joseph had been a comfort to Jesus in many ways before his death, although
the world did not know that this noble and honorable councillor was his ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter xii jesus and his.htm

The Honoured Guest
... Refuge, and their Hiding Place. Let him be your Councillor if you want
to partake of his redemption. Render allegiance to him as ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/the honoured guest.htm

Next Day among his Letters were Two of Value in the History of ...
... "Is there one here can tell me where and when he shall be born?" was the query of
Vergilius. "We believe the Messiah is already born," said a councillor. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 15 next day among.htm

The Family of a Saint
... all his life. It is not likely that this urban councillor of Thagaste was
a particularly assured pagan. Speculative and intellectual ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii the family of a.htm

The Burial
... Only, before such gifts can be acceptable to Him, those to whom they belong must
count them but loss and dung for His sake. Joseph was a councillor. ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter xxiii the burial.htm

And it was About the Sixth Hour, and There was Darkness Over the ...
... And a man named Joseph, a councillor from the city of Arimath??a, who also waited
for the kingdom of God, went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 11 and it was.htm

Report of Mr. George Borrow
... that of editing at the Russian capital the New Testament in the Mandchou language
which has been translated by Mr. Lipoftsoff, at present Councillor of State ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/report of mr george borrow.htm

Councillor (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia COUNCIL; COUNCILLOR. ... In the King James Version
"counsellor.". Multi-Version Concordance Councillor (2 Occurrences). ...
/c/councillor.htm - 7k

Council (51 Occurrences)
... ap-os-tol'-i-kal koun'-sil: The assembly of the apostles and elders held in Jerusalem
(49 AD), an account of which is given in Acts 15. COUNCIL; COUNCILLOR. ...
/c/council.htm - 24k

Emboldened (3 Occurrences)
... Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable councillor, who also himself was
awaiting the kingdom of God, coming, emboldened himself and went in to Pilate ...
/e/emboldened.htm - 7k

Estate (40 Occurrences)
... Mark 15:43 there came Joseph of Arimathaea, a councillor of honorable estate, who
also himself was looking for the kingdom of God; and he boldly went in unto ...
/e/estate.htm - 20k

Begged (71 Occurrences)
... Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable councillor, who also himself was
awaiting the kingdom of God, coming, emboldened himself and went in to Pilate ...
/b/begged.htm - 26k

Counsellor (16 Occurrences)
... Confounded in the King James Version with "councillor" (see above), the latter being
an official adviser, which the former does not necessarily mean. ...
/c/counsellor.htm - 12k

Counsel (192 Occurrences)
... Confounded in the King James Version with "councillor" (see above), the latter being
an official adviser, which the former does not necessarily mean. ...
/c/counsel.htm - 39k

Councillors (1 Occurrence)

/c/councillors.htm - 6k

Archite (7 Occurrences)
... He was "the king's friend", ie, he held office under David similar to that of our
modern privy councillor. Multi-Version Concordance Archite (7 Occurrences). ...
/a/archite.htm - 8k

Awaiting (13 Occurrences)
... Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable councillor, who also himself was
awaiting the kingdom of God, coming, emboldened himself and went in to Pilate ...
/a/awaiting.htm - 10k

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