In biblical terminology, the concept of "feeders" is closely associated with the roles of shepherds, leaders, and those who provide spiritual nourishment to others. The imagery of feeding is prevalent throughout Scripture, symbolizing care, guidance, and the sustenance of both physical and spiritual life.

Old Testament Context

The role of a feeder is often linked to shepherds, who are responsible for tending to their flocks. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, shepherds were vital for the survival and prosperity of livestock, which were essential for food, clothing, and sacrifices. The prophet Ezekiel provides a poignant critique of the leaders of Israel, who failed in their duty as feeders: "You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock" (Ezekiel 34:3). Here, the leaders are condemned for neglecting their responsibility to care for the people, highlighting the importance of feeding as a metaphor for leadership and provision.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of feeding takes on a spiritual dimension. Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, is the ultimate feeder of His flock. In John 21:15-17, Jesus instructs Peter to "Feed My lambs" and "Tend My sheep," emphasizing the pastoral responsibility to nurture and guide believers. This charge underscores the role of church leaders as feeders who provide spiritual nourishment through teaching, preaching, and pastoral care.

The Apostle Paul also uses the metaphor of feeding to describe his ministry. In 1 Corinthians 3:2, he writes, "I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it." Here, Paul distinguishes between the basic teachings of the faith and deeper theological truths, illustrating the progressive nature of spiritual feeding and growth.

Theological Implications

The role of feeders in Scripture is deeply intertwined with the concept of stewardship. Those entrusted with the care of others, whether in a familial, ecclesiastical, or societal context, are called to be faithful stewards of God's provision. This includes not only physical sustenance but also the impartation of spiritual truths that lead to maturity in Christ.

The imagery of feeding also points to the sacrificial nature of true leadership. Just as a shepherd lays down his life for the sheep, so too are spiritual feeders called to selflessly serve those under their care. This is exemplified in the life and ministry of Jesus, who declared, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep" (John 10:11).

Practical Application

In contemporary Christian practice, the concept of feeders extends to various forms of ministry and service. Pastors, teachers, and lay leaders are all called to be feeders, providing sound doctrine and spiritual guidance to their congregations. Additionally, parents and guardians serve as feeders within the family unit, nurturing the faith of the next generation.

The call to be a feeder is a reminder of the responsibility to care for both the physical and spiritual needs of others, reflecting the love and provision of God. As believers grow in their faith, they too are encouraged to become feeders, sharing the truths of the Gospel and supporting the spiritual growth of those around them.

Brief Outline of Ancient Jewish Theological Literature
... iii.3). They were called "Sekenim," "elders" (Luke 7:3), "Memunim," "rulers" (Mark
5:22), "Parnasin," "feeders, overseers, shepherds of the flock" (Acts 20:28 ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 18 brief outline of.htm

The Good Shepherd' and his one Flock' - Last Discourse at the ...
... The Rabbinists also called their spiritual leaders feeders,' Parnasin ({hebrew}) -
a term by which the Targum renders some of the references to the Shepherds ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x the good shepherd.htm

Christ the Bread of Life.
... The great mistake is in trying to live the spiritual life without spiritual
food. The strong men in Christ are the good feeders. ...
/.../ii christ the bread of life.htm

The Dove of God
... The dove will outfly all Rome's eagles and all rapacious, unclean feeders,
with their strong wings, and curved talons, and sharp beaks. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the dove of god.htm

Acts xv. 35
... Again, if we possess brute creatures, we seek what is good for them: we call in
both horse-feeders and horse-doctors, and all besides: [813] we attend to their ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxiv acts xv 35.htm

The Life of Sir Thomas Browne.
... the description of the hanging gardens of Babylon, but seems willing to believe,
and to persuade his reader, that it was practised by the feeders on vegetables ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/christian morals/the life of sir thomas.htm

The Elizabethan Reaction
... Of the Universities, the natural feeders of the Ministry, Oxford, after the suppression
of the Roman influence, to which it yielded itself up in Queen Mary's ...
/.../studies in the book of common prayer/chapter iii the elizabethan reaction.htm

The First Native Converts and Christian Schools
... But meanwhile the vernacular schools, which soon numbered a hundred altogether,
were most popular, and then as now proved most valuable feeders of the infant ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter vi the first native.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
A History of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Volume IV. <. ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ...
A History of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Volume IV. <. ...
/.../chapter 10 from the close.htm

Feeders (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Feeders (2 Occurrences). Genesis 46:32 and the
men 'are' feeders of a flock, for they have been men of ...
/f/feeders.htm - 7k

Quail (5 Occurrences)
... spreading in clouds-even to Europe. They were birds of earth, heavy feeders
and of plump, full body. Migration was such an effort ...
/q/quail.htm - 13k

Ostrich (9 Occurrences)
... has a struggle to swallow whole prey it has taken, but the mere fact that it is
a night hunter forever shuts it from the class of greedy and promiscuous feeders...
/o/ostrich.htm - 18k

Feedest (2 Occurrences)

/f/feedest.htm - 7k

Eagle (27 Occurrences)
... of the griffon vulture. The eagles were, when hunger-driven, birds of prey;
the vultures, carrion feeders only. There was a golden ...
/e/eagle.htm - 28k

Feed (117 Occurrences)

/f/feed.htm - 39k

Flock (242 Occurrences)
... Genesis 47:3 and Pharaoh saith unto his brethren, 'What 'are' your works?' and they
say unto Pharaoh, 'Thy servants 'are' feeders of a flock, both we and our ...
/f/flock.htm - 39k

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