The term "enrol" in the context of the Bible generally refers to the act of registering or recording individuals, often for purposes such as census-taking, military service, or religious duties. This concept is seen throughout the Scriptures, where the recording of names and numbers serves both practical and theological purposes.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, enrolment is prominently featured in the context of censuses. The Book of Numbers derives its name from the censuses of the Israelites, which were conducted to organize the people for military and religious purposes. Numbers 1:2-3 states, "Take a census of the whole congregation of the Israelites by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army."

The enrolment of the Israelites was not merely a bureaucratic exercise but was deeply connected to their identity as God's chosen people. It underscored the importance of each individual within the covenant community and their role in the unfolding of God's plan.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, enrolment is seen in the context of Roman governance. The most notable instance is the census ordered by Caesar Augustus, which led to Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem, as recorded in Luke 2:1-5 : "Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the City of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child."

This enrolment, while a civil requirement, played a crucial role in fulfilling the prophecy concerning the birthplace of the Messiah (Micah 5:2).

Theological Significance

Theologically, enrolment in the Bible often symbolizes inclusion in the community of God's people. It reflects God's sovereign knowledge and care for each individual. In the broader biblical narrative, the concept of being "enrolled" or "written" in the Book of Life carries profound eschatological significance. Revelation 20:15 states, "And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."

This imagery emphasizes the eternal importance of being counted among those who belong to God, highlighting the ultimate enrolment that transcends earthly records.

Practical Implications

For believers, the biblical concept of enrolment serves as a reminder of their identity and responsibility within the body of Christ. It calls for a recognition of one's role in the community of faith and the larger mission of the Church. The act of enrolment, whether in ancient Israel or the early Church, underscores the importance of accountability, stewardship, and participation in God's redemptive work.

In summary, the concept of enrolment in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing practical, communal, and spiritual dimensions. It serves as a testament to God's order, care, and ultimate plan for His people.583. apographo -- to copy, enroll
... tax, register, enroll. From apo and grapho; to write off (a copy or list),
ie Enrol -- tax, write. see GREEK apo. see GREEK grapho. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/583.htm - 6k

2639. katalego -- to lay down, choose out
... to enroll, place on a list. From kata and lego (in its original meaning); to lay
down, ie (figuratively) to enrol -- take into the number. see GREEK kata. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2639.htm - 6k

3100. matheteuo -- to be a disciple, to make a disciple
... disciple, instruct, teach. From mathetes; intransitively, to become a pupil;
transitively, to disciple, ie Enrol as scholar -- be disciple, instruct, teach. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3100.htm - 7k

The Birth of Jesus. Ch. 2:1-20
... that all the world should be enrolled.2 This was the first enrolment made when
Quirinius was governor of Syria.3 And all went to enrol themselves, every one to ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/e the birth of jesus.htm

The Birth of Jesus.
... This was the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And
all went to enrol themselves, every one to his own city. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the birth of jesus.htm

Lord, Teach us to Pray or the Only Teacher.
... Shall we not go to the Blessed Master and ask Him to enrol our names too anew in
that school which He always keeps open for those who long to continue their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/lord teach us to pray/lord teach us to pray.htm

First Lesson. Lord, Teach us to Pray;'
... Shall we not go to the Blessed Master and ask Him to enrol our names too anew in
that school which He always keeps open for those who long to continue their ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/first lesson lord teach us.htm

Your Cruelty is Our Glory. ...
... are inflamed with desire to examine into the matter in question; [457] and as soon
as they come to know the truth, they straightway enrol themselves its ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/to scapula/chapter v your cruelty is.htm

Introductory Tertullian Compares the Heresy to the Old Eleusinian ...
... they previously beset all access to their body with tormenting conditions; [6613]
and they require a long initiation before they enrol (their members), [6614 ...
/.../against the valentinians/chapter i introductory tertullian compares the.htm

Nicodemus.
... They saw that His miracles were not the clever tricks of an impostor, and they were
prepared to listen to His teaching and enrol themselves as members of the ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/vii nicodemus.htm

Infancy and Youth of Jesus --His First Impressions.
... been, we should still not imagine that his parents should have been forced, for
an operation purely registrative and financial, to come to enrol themselves in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter ii infancy and youth.htm

Christians Charged with an Obstinate Contempt of Death Instances ...
... 741] from love of life that you go to the trainers sword in hand and offer yourselves
as gladiators, [742] (nor) through fear of death do you enrol your names ...
/.../tertullian/ad nationes/chapter xviii name charged with.htm

And it came to Pass Some Little Time After...
... This enrolment was made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. [1640] It was necessary,
therefore, that Joseph should enrol with the blessed Mary in Bethlehem ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 13 and it came.htm

Enrol (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Enrol (3 Occurrences). Luke 2:3 All went to enroll
themselves, everyone to his own city. (Root in WEB ASV YLT RSV). ...
/e/enrol.htm - 7k

En-ro'gel (3 Occurrences)
En-ro'gel. En-rogel, En-ro'gel. Enrol . Multi-Version Concordance En-ro'gel
(3 Occurrences). ... En-rogel, En-ro'gel. Enrol . Reference Bible.
/e/en-ro'gel.htm - 7k

Enroll (4 Occurrences)

/e/enroll.htm - 7k

Chafe (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Timothy 5:11 But the younger widows you must not enrol; for as soon as they begin
to chafe against the yoke of Christ, they want to marry, (WEY). ...
/c/chafe.htm - 7k

Antiochians
... king would permit him to build a Greek gymnasium at Jerusalem, "to train up the
youth of his race in the fashions of the heathen," and to enrol the Hellenized ...
/a/antiochians.htm - 10k

Begin (56 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 5:11 But the younger widows you must not enrol; for as soon as they begin
to chafe against the yoke of Christ, they want to marry, (WEY). ...
/b/begin.htm - 26k

Yoke (79 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 1 Timothy 5:11 But the younger widows you must not enrol; for as soon as
they begin to chafe against the yoke of Christ, they want to marry, (WEY). ...
/y/yoke.htm - 40k

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