In the biblical context, community structure refers to the organization and relationships within the people of God, as depicted in both the Old and New Testaments. This structure is foundational to understanding how God's people are to live, worship, and interact with one another and the world.

Old Testament Community Structure

The community structure in the Old Testament is primarily centered around the family, tribe, and nation of Israel. The family unit is the basic building block, with the father serving as the head, responsible for the spiritual and physical well-being of the household. This patriarchal system is evident in the genealogies and narratives throughout Genesis, where figures like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lead their families in covenantal faithfulness to God.

Tribal identity is also significant, as seen in the twelve tribes of Israel, each descending from one of Jacob's sons. These tribes form the larger community of Israel, united under the covenant given at Sinai. The tribal leaders, or elders, play a crucial role in governance and decision-making, as seen in passages like Exodus 18:21-26, where Moses appoints capable men to help judge the people.

The nation of Israel is structured under a theocratic system, with God as the ultimate ruler. The Law, given through Moses, provides the framework for religious, social, and legal aspects of community life. The priesthood, established through Aaron and his descendants, serves as mediators between God and the people, overseeing worship and sacrificial practices (Leviticus 8-9).

New Testament Community Structure

In the New Testament, the community structure shifts with the advent of the Church, the body of Christ. The early Church is characterized by a communal lifestyle, as seen in Acts 2:42-47, where believers devote themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This communal aspect reflects the unity and love that Jesus commanded in John 13:34-35.

Leadership within the Church is established through the appointment of apostles, elders, and deacons. The apostles, chosen by Christ, lay the foundation for the Church's teaching and mission. Elders, or overseers, are tasked with shepherding the flock, providing spiritual guidance and oversight (1 Peter 5:1-3). Deacons serve by attending to the practical needs of the community, as seen in Acts 6:1-6.

The New Testament emphasizes the spiritual gifts given to each believer for the edification of the body (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). This diversity of gifts underscores the interdependence of members within the Church, each contributing to the community's growth and health.

Principles of Community Structure

Throughout Scripture, several principles underpin the structure of God's community:

1. Covenant Relationship: The community is bound by a covenant relationship with God, marked by faithfulness and obedience. This covenantal aspect is central to both the Old and New Testament communities.

2. Holiness and Purity: The community is called to be holy, set apart for God's purposes. This is reflected in the laws and rituals of the Old Testament and the call to moral and spiritual purity in the New Testament (1 Peter 1:15-16).

3. Justice and Mercy: The community is to reflect God's character by practicing justice and mercy, caring for the vulnerable and upholding righteousness (Micah 6:8).

4. Unity and Love: Unity and love are paramount, as the community is to be a witness to the world of God's love and truth. This is especially emphasized in the New Testament, where the Church is called to be one body in Christ (Ephesians 4:1-6).

The biblical community structure, therefore, is a divinely ordained system that reflects God's order, purpose, and presence among His people.