The concept of voting, as understood in contemporary democratic societies, is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, the principles of decision-making, leadership selection, and communal consensus can be found throughout the Scriptures. The Bible provides various examples of how decisions were made among God's people, often involving consultation, prayer, and seeking divine guidance.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, leadership and decision-making were often directed by God through prophets, judges, and kings. For instance, the selection of leaders was sometimes determined by divine appointment rather than a voting process. In 1 Samuel 16:1-13, God instructs Samuel to anoint David as king, indicating a divine choice rather than a human vote.

However, there are instances where communal decision-making is evident. In Exodus 18:13-26, Jethro advises Moses to appoint capable men as leaders over the people, suggesting a form of representative leadership. While this is not voting in the modern sense, it reflects a structured approach to governance and decision-making.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the early church provides examples of communal decision-making that resemble voting. In Acts 1:23-26, the apostles cast lots to choose Matthias as a replacement for Judas Iscariot. While casting lots is not identical to voting, it represents a method of seeking God's will in decision-making.

Acts 6:1-6 describes the selection of the seven deacons to serve the early church. The apostles instructed the disciples to choose seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom. This process involved the community's participation in selecting leaders, akin to a form of voting.

Principles of Decision-Making

The Bible emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in decision-making. Proverbs 3:5-6 states, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This principle underscores the need for prayer and reliance on divine wisdom rather than solely human judgment.

Additionally, the Bible encourages unity and harmony in communal decisions. Philippians 2:2 urges believers to be "like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose." This call for unity reflects the importance of consensus and collective agreement in decision-making processes.

Application in Church Governance

In contemporary church governance, voting is often used to make decisions, select leaders, and determine the direction of the congregation. This practice aligns with the biblical principles of communal participation and accountability. Churches may hold votes for pastoral appointments, budget approvals, and other significant decisions, reflecting a blend of biblical precedent and modern democratic practices.

While the Bible does not provide a direct mandate for voting, the principles of seeking God's will, valuing communal input, and striving for unity are foundational to the decision-making processes within the Christian community.(imp. & p. p.) of Vote.4785. sugkatapsephizomai -- to condemn with, spec. to vote (one) a ...
... a place among. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: sugkatapsephizomai Phonetic
Spelling: (soong-kat-aps-ay-fid'-zo) Short Definition: I am voted or classed ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4785.htm - 6k

5586. psephos -- a small smooth stone, a pebble
... vote. 5586 -- properly, a used in ancient elections to ; hence, a (Souter).
[People in ancient times often voted by casting . A ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5586.htm - 7k

Chapter fifteen
... majority. But the result was the same as if it had been overwhelming. Raymond
had voted to continue for another year the saloon. The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter fifteen.htm

The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA
... 1916. It was voted by both Houses of the General Convention held in the year
of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and sixteen: That ...
/.../various/the hymnal of the protestant episcopal church in the usa/title page.htm

The Basis of Union of the United Church of Canada.
... Congregationalists: Of 10,689 members, 2,933 voted for and 813 against. ... Presbyterians:
Of 287,944 members, 106,755 voted for and 48,278 against. ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/the basis of union of.htm

The Vatican Decrees. The Constitution on the Catholic Faith.
... The minority who in the General Congregation had voted Non Placet or only a conditional
Placet, were quieted by the official assurance that the addition ...
/.../ 32 the vatican decrees.htm

The Vatican Decrees, Continued. The Infallibility Decree.
... of the Constitution of the Church, July 13, 1870, in the 85th secret session of
the General Congregation (601 members being present), 451 voted Placet, 88 Non ...
/.../ 33 the vatican decrees.htm

The Vatican Council, 1870.
... [276] It is well known, how soon after the Council they voted almost in a body against
the temporal power of the Pope, and for their new master. ...
/.../ 31 the vatican council.htm

The Life of Mr. William Vetch.
... Having taken up their quarters, they consulted how they should do in answer to Mr.
Stuart's letter; and at last voted Mr. Vetch to go to Edinburgh, and ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr william 3.htm

Very Lately it Happened Thus: While the Bounty of Our Most ...
... boasting thyself in God. Then the case was considered and voted on; the matter was
remitted to a higher tribunal; the offender was conducted to the prefects. ...
/.../tertullian/the chaplet or de corona/chapter i very lately it.htm

Prefatory Notice.
... When the English houses of Parliament were recently rebuilt, among the imagery
commemorative of the nation's literary glories, a place was voted for the bust ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/prefatory notice.htm

Beyond Cincinnati
... Even during depressions, Christ Church never lowered its missionary giving of
[USD]24,000, and one year voted [USD]3000.00 from its parish budget to make up a ...
/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/beyond cincinnati.htm

Voted (1 Occurrence)
... (imp. & pp) of Vote. Multi-Version Concordance Voted (1 Occurrence). ... The lot fell
on Matthias, and a place among the eleven Apostles was voted to him. (WEY). ...
/v/voted.htm - 6k

Vote (3 Occurrences)
... 8. (vt) To enact, establish, grant, determine, etc., by a formal vote; as,
the legislature voted the resolution. 9. (vt) To declare ...
/v/vote.htm - 8k

Town (861 Occurrences)
... & prep.) The body of inhabitants resident in a town; as, the town voted to send
two representatives to the legislature; the town voted to lay a tax for ...
/t/town.htm - 39k

Votive (13 Occurrences)

/v/votive.htm - 10k

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