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Scripture's Role in Analogies and Examples in Ministry

The concept of ministry in Christian thought is deeply rooted in biblical examples and analogies, illustrating both its sacred nature and practical responsibilities. The term "minister" itself, derived from the Hebrew meshereth and Greek leitourgos, generally signifies one who serves, particularly an attendant on a person of higher rank [1, 9]. This is distinct from a mere "servant" in that it often implies a voluntary and dedicated service [1].

In the Old Testament, the term "minister" is applied in several contexts. It describes attendants to high-ranking individuals, such as Joshua serving Moses (Exodus 24:13; Joshua 1:1) or Elisha's servant (2 Kings 4:43) [1, 9]. It also refers to those serving in royal courts (1 Kings 10:5; 2 Chronicles 22:8) [1]. Most significantly, it designates the priests and Levites who ministered in the tabernacle and temple (Ezra 8:17; Nehemiah 10:36; Isaiah 61:6; Ezekiel 44:11; Joel 1:9, 13) [1, 9]. For instance, Exodus describes the "finely worked garments for ministering in the holy place" for Aaron and his sons, highlighting the sacred and specific nature of their priestly office [2, 6]. This Old Testament usage establishes a foundational understanding of ministry as dedicated service, often in a religious or sacred capacity.

The New Testament expands upon this understanding, applying the concept of ministry to various roles within the nascent Christian community. The apostle Paul, for example, frequently uses analogies to describe the ministerial function. In Romans 12:7, he speaks of "ministerium in ministrando," which can refer to any kind of service, from dispensing the word of life to managing the temporal affairs of the Church [5, 16]. This suggests a broad scope for ministry, encompassing both spiritual and practical duties. John Gill, a Baptist/Reformed commentator, notes that the Levitical function was called "the warfare of the service," and he applies this analogy to the ministry of the word, describing it as a "warfare" waged in defense of the truth [13].

Ministers are called to be examples in various aspects of their lives and service. Sincerity is a crucial characteristic, with Christ himself serving as the ultimate example (1 Peter 2:22) [4]. Ministers should embody sincerity, which is opposed to "fleshly wisdom" (2 Corinthians 1:12) and should characterize the preaching of the gospel (2 Corinthians 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5) [4]. Watchfulness is another vital quality, with Christ again providing the example (Matthew 26:38, 40; Luke 6:12) [7]. Ministers are specifically exhorted to watchfulness (Acts 20:31; 2 Timothy 4:5), and faithful ministers are approved by it (Matthew 24:45, 46) [7]. This watchfulness should be accompanied by prayer, thanksgiving, steadfastness in faith, heedfulness, and sobriety, exercised at all times and in all things [7].

The purpose of ministry is primarily edification, or the building up of the church [3]. This is the object of the ministerial office itself (Ephesians 4:11, 12) and of ministerial gifts (1 Corinthians 14:3-5, 12) [3]. Ministerial authority is also given for edification (2 Corinthians 10:8; 13:10) [3]. The gospel is identified as the instrument of edification (Acts 20:32), and love is said to lead to it (1 Corinthians 8:1) [3]. All actions within the church should be done for edification (2 Corinthians 12:19; Ephesians 4:29), and mutual edification is commanded (Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11) [3]. Foolish questions, by contrast, are seen as opposed to edification (1 Timothy 1:4) [3].

The role of ministers also involves intercessory prayer. Christ set an example of this (Luke 22:32; 23:34; John 17:9-24), and it is commanded for all believers (1 Timothy 2:1; James 5:14, 16) [8]. Ministers are among those for whom intercessory prayer should be offered (2 Corinthians 1:11; Philippians 1:19) [8]. This highlights the interconnectedness of the Christian community and the minister's reliance on the prayers of others.

The apostle Paul's own experience provides a powerful analogy for ministry. He gives thanks to Jesus Christ for putting him into the ministry, emphasizing that it is Christ's work to appoint individuals to this role (Acts 26:16, 17) [12]. Those whom Christ calls, he also qualifies [12]. This underscores the divine origin and empowerment of ministry.

Ministers are also likened to servants who are to be laborious. John Gill, commenting on Luke 17:9, applies the parable of the servant to disciples of Christ, whether ministers or private believers, stating that they "should be as laborious as the ploughman, and the shepherd" [14]. The employment of ministers involves reading, prayer, meditation, study, preaching the word, administering ordinances, and performing other duties of their office [14]. This analogy emphasizes the diligent and demanding nature of ministerial work.

The diversity of ministerial roles is also recognized. There are "differences of administrations" or ministries, referring to various offices in the church such as apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and deacons [15]. These individuals are employed in tasks like planting churches, ordaining elders, preaching, administering ordinances, and caring for the poor [15]. Different gifts are bestowed upon them for these varied roles, yet they all serve the "same Lord," Jesus Christ, who is the ascended King of saints [15].

Matthew Henry, a Nonconformist/Puritan commentator, stresses that ministers must "keep close to the word of God" in their preaching, focusing on "the truths and duties of the gospel" rather than "Jewish fables and traditions" [10]. This highlights the centrality of Scripture as the content and guide for ministerial teaching. Furthermore, ministers are exhorted to "take heed unto thyself" and "to thy doctrine," ensuring their life and conversation are exemplary and their teaching aligns with Scripture [11]. This dual focus on personal conduct and doctrinal fidelity is a recurring theme in biblical instruction for ministry.

Sources

  1. Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Minister — This term is used in the Authorized Version to describe various officials of a religious and civil character. Its meaning, as distinguished from servant, is a voluntary attendant on another. In the Old Testament it is applied (1) to an attendance upon a person of high rank, (Exodus 24:13; Joshua 1:1; 2 Kings 4:43) (2) to the attaches of a royal court, (1 Kings 10:5; 2 Chronicles 22:8) comp. Psal 104:4 (3) To the priests and Levites. (Ezra 8:17; Nehemiah 10:36; Isaiah 61:6; Ezekiel 44:11; Joel 1:9,13) One term in the New Testament betokens a subordinate publ”
  2. Exodus “the finely worked garments for ministering in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest’s office. -- Exodus 39:41”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Edification — Described -- Eph 4:12-16. Is the object of The ministerial office. -- Eph 4:11,12. Ministerial gifts. -- 1Co 14:3-5,12. Ministerial authority. -- 2Co 10:8; 13:10. The Church's union in Christ. -- Eph 4:16. The gospel, the instrument of -- Ac 20:32. Love leads to -- 1Co 8:1. Exhortation to -- Jude 1:20,21. Mutual, commanded -- Ro 14:19; 1Th 5:11. All to be done to -- 2Co 12:19; Eph 4:29. Use self-denial to promote, in others -- 1Co 10:23,33. The peace of the Church favours -- Ac 9:31. Foolish questions opposed to -- 1Ti 1:4.”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sincerity — Christ was an example of -- 1Pe 2:22. Ministers should be examples of -- Tit 2:7. Opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Should characterise Our love to God. -- 2Co 8:8,24. Our love to Christ. -- Eph 6:24. Our service to God. -- Jos 24:14; Joh 4:23,24. Our faith. -- 1Ti 1:5. Our love to one another. -- Ro 12:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 3:18. Our whole conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. The preaching of the gospel. -- 2Co 2:17; 1Th 2:3-5. A characteristic of the doctrines of the gospel -- 1Pe 2:2. The gospel sometimes preached without -- Php 1:16. The wicked devoid of -- Ps 5:9; ”
  5. Romans “sive ministerium in ministrando, sive qui docet in doctrina, -- Romans 12:7”
  6. Exodus “the finely worked garments, for ministering in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest’s office.’” -- Exodus 35:19”
  7. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Watchfulness — Christ an example of -- Mt 26:38,40; Lu 6:12. Commanded -- Mr 13:37; Re 3:2. Exhortations to -- 1Th 5:6; 1Pe 4:7. God especially requires in ministers -- Eze 3:17; Isa 62:6; Mr 13:34. Ministers exhorted to -- Ac 20:31; 2Ti 4:5. Faithful ministers exercise -- Heb 13:17. Faithful ministers approved by -- Mt 24:45,46; Lu 12:41-44. Should be With prayer. -- Lu 21:36; Eph 6:18. With thanksgiving. -- Col 4:2. With steadfastness in the faith. -- 1Co 16:13. With heedfulness. -- Mr 13:33. With sobriety. -- 1Th 5:6; 1Pe 4:7. At all times. -- Pr 8:34. In all thin”
  8. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer, Intercessory — Christ set an example of -- Lu 22:32; 23:34; Joh 17:9-24. Commanded -- 1Ti 2:1; Jas 5:14,16. Should be offered up for Kings. -- 1Ti 2:2. All in authority. -- 1Ti 2:2. Ministers. -- 2Co 1:11; Php 1:19. The Church. -- Ps 122:6; Isa 62:6,7. All saints. -- Eph 6:18. All men. -- 1Ti 2:1. Masters. -- Ge 24:12-14. Servants. -- Lu 7:2,3. Children. -- Ge 17:18; Mt 15:22. Friends. -- Job 42:8. Fellow-countrymen. -- Ro 10:1. The sick. -- Jas 5:14. Persecutors. -- Mt 5:44. Enemies among whom we dwell. -- Jer 29:7. Those who envy us. -- Nu 12:13. Those who ”
  9. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Minister — One who serves, as distinguished from the master. (1.) Heb. meshereth, applied to an attendant on one of superior rank, as to Joshua, the servant of Moses (Ex. 33:11), and to the servant of Elisha (2 Kings 4:43). This name is also given to attendants at court (2 Chr. 22:8), and to the priests and Levites (Jer. 33:21; Ezek. 44:11). (2.) Heb. pelah (Ezra 7:24), a "minister" of religion. Here used of that class of sanctuary servants called "Solomon's servants" in Ezra 2:55-58 and Neh. 7:57-60. (3.) Greek leitourgos, a subordinate public administrator, and in ”
  10. Titus (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Titus 2:15: The apostle closes the chapter (as he began it) with a summary direction to Titus upon the whole, in which we have the matter and manner of ministers' teaching, and a special instruction to Titus in reference to himself. I. The matter of ministers' teaching: These thing, namely, those before mentioned: not Jewish fables and traditions, but the truths and duties of the gospel, of avoiding sin, and living soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. Observe, Ministers in their preaching must keep close to the word of God. If any man speak, let him speak as”
  11. 1 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Timothy 4:15: Take heed unto thyself,.... Not as a man, or a Christian only, but as a minister; and as every minister should take heed to his life and conversation, that it be exemplary, as in Ti1 4:12 to his gifts, that they be not lost, or neglected, but used and improved; to the errors and heresies abroad, that he be not infected with them; and to his flock, which is the other part of himself, that he feed it with knowledge and understanding: and to thy doctrine: preached by him, that it be according to the Scriptures, be the doctrine of Christ, and his apostles, and accordin”
  12. 1 Timothy (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Timothy 1:12: Here the apostle, I. Returns thanks to Jesus Christ for putting him into the ministry. Observe, 1. It is Christ's work to put men into the ministry, Act 26:16, Act 26:17. God condemned the false prophets among the Jews in these words, I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied, Jer 23:21. Ministers, properly speaking, cannot make themselves ministers; for it is Christ's work, as king and head, prophet and teacher, of his church. 2. Those whom he puts into the ministry he fits for it; whom he calls he qualifies. ”
  13. 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 10:4: For the weapons of our warfare,.... By "warfare" is here meant, not that which is common to all believers, who are enlisted as volunteers under the captain of their salvation, and fight his battles, and are more than conquerors through him; but what is peculiar to the ministers of the Gospel; and designs the ministerial function, or office, and the discharge of it. So the Levitical function, or the ministerial service of the Levites, is called "the warfare of the service", Num 8:25. The ministry of the word is so styled, because that as war is waged in defence ”
  14. Luke (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Luke 17:9: So likewise ye,.... This is the accommodation and application of the parable to the disciples of Christ, who whether ministers or private believers, are as servants, and should be as laborious as the ploughman, and the shepherd; and as their condition is, so their conduct should be like theirs: the employment of the ministers of the word lies in reading, prayer, meditation, and study; in preaching the word, and administering the ordinances; and in performing other duties of their office: and every private believer has business to do, which lies in the exercise of grace,”
  15. 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 12:5: And there are differences of administrations,.... Or ministries; offices in the church, ministered in by different persons, as apostles, prophets, pastors, or teachers and deacons; who were employed in planting and forming of churches, ordaining elders, preaching the word, administering ordinances, and taking care of the poor; for which different gifts were bestowed on them, they not all having the same office. But the same Lord; meaning either Jesus Christ, whom the believer, by the Holy Ghost, says is Lord; who, as the ascended King of saints, and Lord and ”
  16. Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 12:7: Or ministry, let us wait on--"be occupied with." our ministering--The word here used imports any kind of service, from the dispensing of the word of life (Act 6:4) to the administering of the temporal affairs of the Church (Act 6:1-3). The latter seems intended here, being distinguished from "prophesying," "teaching," and "exhorting." or he that teacheth--Teachers are expressly distinguished from prophets, and put after them, as exercising a lower function (Act 13:1; Co1 12:28-29). Probably it consisted mainly in opening up the evangelical bearings”
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