Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "official" refers to individuals who hold positions of authority or responsibility within a governmental, royal, or religious structure. These figures are often depicted as serving kings, governors, or other leaders, and their roles can vary from administrative duties to military leadership.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, officials are frequently mentioned in the context of the Israelite monarchy and foreign empires. For example, during the reign of King Solomon, officials played a crucial role in the administration of the kingdom. Solomon appointed various officials to oversee different aspects of governance, as seen in 1 Kings 4:1-6, which lists the names and duties of his officials. The passage highlights the organized structure of Solomon's administration, with officials responsible for specific regions and tasks. The book of Esther provides another example of officials in a foreign context. Haman, an official in the Persian Empire under King Xerxes, is a central figure in the narrative. His position allowed him to influence the king's decisions, leading to a plot against the Jewish people (Esther 3:1-6). This account illustrates the significant power and influence that officials could wield, as well as the potential for corruption and misuse of authority. New Testament References In the New Testament, officials are often associated with the Roman Empire, which governed Judea during the time of Jesus and the early church. Roman officials, such as centurions and governors, are mentioned in various accounts. For instance, in Matthew 8:5-13, a Roman centurion approaches Jesus, demonstrating faith in His authority to heal. This interaction highlights the presence of Roman officials in Jewish society and their interactions with Jesus. Another notable mention is Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who presided over the trial of Jesus. In John 19:1-16, Pilate's role as an official is crucial in the events leading to the crucifixion. Despite recognizing Jesus' innocence, Pilate ultimately succumbs to political pressure, illustrating the complex dynamics officials faced between personal conviction and public duty. Roles and Responsibilities Officials in the Bible were tasked with various responsibilities, including maintaining order, collecting taxes, and enforcing laws. They often acted as intermediaries between the ruling authority and the people. In some cases, officials were also involved in military leadership, as seen with figures like Joab, the commander of King David's army (2 Samuel 8:16). The Bible also addresses the moral and ethical responsibilities of officials. Proverbs 29:12 warns, "If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked." This verse underscores the importance of integrity and truthfulness in leadership, as the character of an official can significantly impact the broader administration. Spiritual Implications From a spiritual perspective, the Bible emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all earthly authorities, including officials. Romans 13:1-2 instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, recognizing that their power is ultimately derived from God. This teaching encourages Christians to respect and pray for officials, acknowledging their role in God's providential plan. Overall, the biblical portrayal of officials serves as a reminder of the responsibilities and challenges inherent in positions of authority. It calls for integrity, justice, and humility, reflecting the character of God in leadership. Greek 758. archon -- ruler, chief ... Spelling: (ar'-khone) Short Definition: a ruler, prince, leader Definition: a ruler, governor, leader, leading man; with the Jews, an official member (a member ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/758.htm - 7k Library A Portrait Gallery Quirinius the Governor of Syria Our Deliverance from the Boxers (1900) Thesaurus Official's (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Official's (1 Occurrence). Matthew 9:23 When Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the flute players ... /o/official's.htm - 6k Officiate (1 Occurrence) Officials (229 Occurrences) Resources How should a Christian view sportsmanship? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened between Paul's third and fourth missionary journeys? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Official's (1 Occurrence)Matthew 9:23 Subtopics Related Terms |
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