Office of the Priest

[HisKid1973]

In reading the New Testament we see after the viel was torn we have direct and unhindered access thru our high priest Jesus and all believers in Christ are part of a royal priesthood unto Him.. My Question is: We see the original leadership roles were apostles, elders/bishops,deacons.. When was the office of the priest added or how did it come about? And with elders and bishops are they interchangable. I never thought much about this. I am used to a pastor/teacherand a plural elders as leadership..Thanks..Kim

 

[ThankyouJesus]

The LORD Jesus Himself is called the "Shepherd and Bishop of our souls." "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls" (1 Peter 2:25). The two words used here are interesting. The word "Shepherd" is the Greek word "poimen" and it is also translated "pastor" (Ephesians 4:11). This poimen is one who tends herds or flocks and is used metaphorically of Christian pastors because pastors should guide as well as "feed" the flock the bread of life; the Word of God. The word translated "Bisphop" is the same word "episkopos" used by the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy and in Titus. The Apostle Paul also instructs Timothy on the things that exemplify the walk of a good minister. Beginning in 1 Timothy 4:11 through 6:2 Paul gives Timothy 12 things that he should "command and teach."

But yes ~ Jesus is the High Priest ​

 

[ThankyouJesus]

Oh an a church should also be noted to this question ~ this is where Priest/Ministers/Deacons etc.. preach the word of God


THE CHURCH DEFINED: The word church comes from the Greek word "Ecclesia" which is defined as "an assembly or congregation of free citizens summoned or 'called out' by a herald in connection with public affairs." As you can see, the root word is not that of a building, but of people. But the New Testament meaning is more than just a building. In fact, when the word "church" is used in the New Testament, it is used to refer to a group of people. Read Romans 16:3-5: "Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; also greet the church that is in their house..." As you can see from verse 5, Paul refers to the church in their house, not a church building, but a body of believers.

 

[dignitized]

In reading the New Testament we see after the viel was torn we have direct and unhindered access thru our high priest Jesus and all believers in Christ are part of a royal priesthood unto Him.. My Question is: We see the original leadership roles were apostles, elders/bishops,deacons.. When was the office of the priest added or how did it come about? And with elders and bishops are they interchangable. I never thought much about this. I am used to a pastor/teacherand a plural elders as leadership..Thanks..Kim

Many people fail to realize that there are several types of priests in the OT. There is the High priest who made atonement - the general priests (Kohen) who ministered and deal with sacrifices - the Levites who took care of the temple. He also did not do away with the priesthood of Melchizedek.

But lets stick with the Aaronic priesthood and examine it in light of the NT. Christ is the High priest so we do not need anyone else to make atonement for our sins, but He did not eliminate the need for the Kohen or for the Levites. Who are the Levites? The deacons assistants to see that the body and the Temple are taken care of. SO - we have the Levites and we have the High Priest, but what of the Kohen? Who is it who ministers and administers the rites and rituals of the body?

Finally - the 4th priesthood. One not connected to the other 3. The priesthood of Melchizedek - the priesthood of all believers.

ALSO - remember that Israel had Elders and that office had nothing to do with the office of priest any more than the office of prophet had anything to do with the office of priest even when these offices were held by the same person.

 

[HisKid1973]

Thanks all. The purpose ffor the priesthood was interaction between man and God..We ourselves now have full access so I don't really see where the need is for the priest's office. The office wasn't even recognized in the beginning by "the way". I was just curious where and why the office was reiniated..thanks kim

 

[Albion]

My Question is: We see the original leadership roles were apostles, elders/bishops,deacons.. When was the office of the priest added or how did it come about? And with elders and bishops are they interchangable. I never thought much about this. I am used to a pastor/teacherand a plural elders as leadership..Thanks..Kim

Priest, Presbyter, and Elder refer to the same New Testament position. Bishops, as you note, were the ones out of this number who were given special assignments as needed. There was indeed a plurality of these in each early assembly.

We have direct access to God through Jesus, it's true, and no man can prevent or limit that. But still, we know from the earliest churches and from the NT that there was believed to be a difference between the laity and the clergy of whatever name. They directed the services and oversaw the care of the sick, etc. They attended to the collective needs of the assembly, whereas the direct access to God concept refers to us individually.