Jump to: ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The term "senate" does not appear explicitly in the Bible; however, the concept of a governing or advisory body akin to a senate can be inferred from various passages and historical contexts within the biblical narrative. In ancient times, particularly in the context of Roman governance, a senate was a council of elders or leading figures who provided guidance and made decisions on behalf of the state. This concept can be seen reflected in the structures of leadership and governance among the Israelites and other ancient cultures mentioned in the Bible.Biblical Context and Governance In the Old Testament, the governance of Israel was initially theocratic, with God as the ultimate ruler and leaders such as Moses, Joshua, and the judges serving as His representatives. The elders of Israel played a significant role in decision-making and leadership. For example, in Exodus 18:13-26, Moses appoints capable men as leaders over the people, forming a hierarchical structure to assist in governance and judgment. This assembly of leaders can be seen as a precursor to a senatorial body, providing counsel and leadership. The concept of a council of elders is further illustrated in Numbers 11:16-17, where God instructs Moses to gather seventy elders to share the burden of leadership. This assembly of elders, known as the Sanhedrin in later Jewish history, functioned as a governing body, particularly during the Second Temple period. The Sanhedrin, although not identical to a Roman senate, served a similar purpose in providing judicial and legislative oversight. Roman Influence and the New Testament By the time of the New Testament, the Roman Empire had established its authority over Judea and the surrounding regions. The Roman Senate was a powerful political institution, although its influence had waned compared to earlier periods. The presence of Roman governance is evident in the New Testament, particularly in the interactions between Roman officials and Jewish leaders. In Acts 25:12, the Apostle Paul appeals to Caesar, highlighting the Roman legal system's influence and the role of Roman authorities in adjudicating legal matters. While the Roman Senate itself is not directly mentioned, the broader context of Roman governance, including the role of senatorial figures, is implicit in the narrative. Cultural and Historical Significance The concept of a senate or council of elders is significant in understanding the governance structures present in biblical times. It reflects the importance of wise counsel and collective decision-making in leadership. Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." This principle underscores the value of having a body of advisors or leaders to provide direction and stability. In summary, while the specific term "senate" is not found in the Bible, the concept of a governing or advisory body is evident throughout the biblical narrative. From the elders of Israel to the influence of Roman governance, these structures played a crucial role in the leadership and administration of justice in biblical times. ATS Bible Dictionary SenateEaston's Bible Dictionary (Acts 5:21), the "elders of Israel" who formed a component part of the Sanhedrin. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) An assembly or council having the highest deliberative and legislative functions.2. (n.) A body of elders appointed or elected from among the nobles of the nation, and having supreme legislative authority. 3. (n.) The upper and less numerous branch of a legislature in various countries, as in France, in the United States, in most of the separate States of the United States, and in some Swiss cantons. 4. (n.) In general, a legislative body; a state council; the legislative department of government. 5. (n.) The governing body of the Universities of Cambridge and London. 6. (n.) In some American colleges, a council of elected students, presided over by the president of the college, to which are referred cases of discipline and matters of general concern affecting the students. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SENATE; SENATORsen'-at, sen'-a-ter: In Psalm 105:22, "teach his senators (the Revised Version (British and American) "elders") wisdom." The Hebrew is zaqen, "elder" Septuagint presbuteroi). In Acts 5:21, "called the council together and all the senate of the children of Israel." The Greek gerousia, is here evidently used as a more precise equivalent of the foregoing "council" (sunedrion), to which it is added by kai, explicative. Reference is had to the Sanhedrin. See SANHEDRIN. This term gerousia occurs in Septuagint Exodus 3:16, etc., and in 1 Maccabees 12:6; 2 Maccabees 1:10; 4:44 of the supreme council of the Jews (see GOVERNMENT). In 1 Maccabees 8:15; 12:3, bouleuterion, is used of the Roman senate, which is said to consist of 320 members meeting daily, consulting always for the people, to the end that they may be well governed. These statements are not quite accurate, since the senate consisted normally of 300 members, and met not daily, but on call of the magistrates. Originally, like the gerousia of the Jews, the representatives of families and clans (gentes), the senators were subsequently the ex-magistrates, supplemented, to complete the tale of members, by representatives of patrician (in time also of plebeian) families selected by the censor. The tenure was ordinarily for life, though it might be terminated for cause by the censor. Although constitutionally the senate was only an advisory body, its advice (senatus consultum, auctoritas) in fact became in time a mandate which few dared to disregard. During the republican period the senate practically ruled Rome; under the empire it tended more and more to become the creature and subservient tool of the emperors. Greek 1087. gerousia -- a council of elders ... Word Origin from geron Definition a council of elders NASB Word Usage Senate (1). ... From geron; the eldership, ie (collectively) the Jewish Sanhedrin -- senate. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1087.htm - 6k Library Cliv. Report of the Same to the Senate of Constantinople. this ... Epistle of Marcus Aurelius to the Senate in which He Testifies ... Letter clxxxiii. To the Senate of Samosata. Letter Xcvii. To the Senate of Tyana. Concerning the Books of Numa Pompilius, which the Senate Ordered ... How Claudius was Seized Upon and Brought Out of his House and ... It was the Fifth Anniversary of that Resolution of the Senate ... And by this Stratagem it was that I Gradually Got all the Senate ... Have Read the Document Sent from the East by Our Friend and Good ... Of the Temple of Concord, which was Erected by a Decree of the ... Thesaurus Senate (1 Occurrence)...SENATE; SENATOR. ... These statements are not quite accurate, since the senate consisted normally of 300 members, and met not daily, but on call of the magistrates. ... /s/senate.htm - 9k Senator Rome (12 Occurrences) Augustus (4 Occurrences) Triumph (52 Occurrences) Tiberius (1 Occurrence) Deputy (7 Occurrences) Demetrius (3 Occurrences) Province (66 Occurrences) Pass (1172 Occurrences) Resources Who are the various Herods mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat influence did Julius Caesar have on biblical history? | GotQuestions.org Who was Antiochus Epiphanes? | GotQuestions.org Senate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Senate (1 Occurrence)Acts 5:21 Subtopics Related Terms |
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