Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, a "successor" refers to an individual who follows another in a position of leadership or authority, often by divine appointment or through a recognized process of succession. The concept of succession is significant in the Bible, as it underscores the continuity of God's work and the fulfillment of His promises through successive generations.Old Testament Examples One of the most prominent examples of succession in the Old Testament is the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua. Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness, was not permitted to enter the Promised Land due to his disobedience at Meribah (Numbers 20:12). God appointed Joshua as Moses' successor, instructing Moses to lay hands on him and commission him in the sight of all Israel (Deuteronomy 34:9). Joshua's leadership was marked by the successful conquest of Canaan, fulfilling God's promise to the patriarchs. Another significant instance is the succession of kings in Israel and Judah. The transition from King Saul to King David is a notable example. Although Saul was the first king of Israel, his disobedience led God to choose David as his successor (1 Samuel 16:1-13). David's anointing by the prophet Samuel signified God's choice, and despite Saul's attempts to thwart this succession, David eventually became king, establishing a dynasty that would lead to the Messiah. New Testament Examples In the New Testament, the concept of succession is evident in the early Church's leadership. After Judas Iscariot's betrayal and death, the apostles sought a successor to maintain the number of the Twelve. They chose Matthias by casting lots, a decision made after prayer and seeking God's guidance (Acts 1:24-26). This event highlights the importance of maintaining divinely appointed leadership within the Church. The apostle Paul also addressed succession in his letters, particularly in his relationship with Timothy and Titus. Paul regarded Timothy as his "true son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2) and entrusted him with significant responsibilities in the early Church. He instructed Timothy to "guard the deposit entrusted to you" (1 Timothy 6:20) and to "entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others" (2 Timothy 2:2). This reflects the principle of passing on sound doctrine and leadership to future generations. Theological Significance Theologically, the concept of succession underscores God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His purposes through human agents. It demonstrates that while leaders may change, God's plan remains steadfast. The biblical model of succession often involves divine selection, human recognition, and the passing on of spiritual authority and responsibility. Succession also serves as a reminder of the importance of mentorship and discipleship within the faith community. Leaders are called to prepare and equip others to continue the work of ministry, ensuring the perpetuation of the Gospel message and the edification of the Church. In summary, the biblical concept of a successor is deeply rooted in the narrative of God's unfolding plan, highlighting the continuity of leadership and the transmission of divine authority across generations. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) One who succeeds or follows; one who takes the place which another has left, and sustains the like part or character; -- correlative to predecessor; as, the successor of a deceased king.Greek 1240. diadochos -- a successor ... a successor. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: diadochos Phonetic Spelling: (dee-ad'-okh-os) Short Definition: a successor Definition: a successor ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1240.htm - 6k 745. Archelaos -- "people-ruling," Archelaus, a son of Herod the ... 1239. diadidomi -- to hand over, distribute Strong's Hebrew 8010. Shelomoh -- David's son and successor to his throne... 8009, 8010. Shelomoh. 8011 . David's son and successor to his throne. Transliteration: Shelomoh Phonetic Spelling: (shel-o-mo') Short Definition: Solomon. ... /hebrew/8010.htm - 6k 783b. Artachshast -- a son and successor of Xerxes, king of Persia 192. Evil Merodak -- "man of Merodach," son and successor of ... 783a. Artachshasta -- a son and successor of Xerxes, king of ... 3091. Yehoshua -- "the LORD is salvation," Moses' successor, also ... 783. Artachshashta' -- a son and successor of Xerxes, king of ... Library At that Time Honorius, Successor to Boniface, was Bishop of the ... Dissension About a Successor to Auxentius, Bishop of Milan. ... Successor to be Appointed. How Ethelwald, Successor to Cuthbert, Leading a Hermit's Life ... Death of Paul Bishop of the Novatians, and Election of Marcian as ... What Augustin Wrote to Simplicianus, the Successor of Ambrose ... How Caedwalla, King of the West Saxons, Went to Rome to be ... How his Body was Found Altogether Uncorrupted after it had Been ... Ordination of Arsacius as John's Successor. Indisposition of ... Alexander, Bishop of Constantinople, when at the Point of Death ... Thesaurus Successor (10 Occurrences)... or follows; one who takes the place which another has left, and sustains the like part or character; -- correlative to predecessor; as, the successor of a ... /s/successor.htm - 9k Jehoiachin (20 Occurrences) Melchizedek (12 Occurrences) Melchisedec (10 Occurrences) Jehoram (27 Occurrences) Continuator (4 Occurrences) Ahasbai (1 Occurrence) Jehoahaz (22 Occurrences) Antiochus Rehoboam (42 Occurrences) Resources Shia and Sunni Islam - what are the differences? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Baha'i faith? | GotQuestions.org Why didn't Jesus marry? | GotQuestions.org Successor: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Successor (10 Occurrences)Acts 24:27 Hebrews 7:24 Genesis 21:23 1 Kings 1:48 1 Chronicles 27:7 Job 18:19 Ecclesiastes 2:12 Ecclesiastes 4:15 Ecclesiastes 4:16 Isaiah 14:22 Subtopics Related Terms |
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