Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5200 Human civilisation » 5489 rank A person's seniority and/or status, especially in military, government or priestly positions. Christians should not be concerned about rank or status. Differences in rank amongst those in charge of both military and civil affairs Emperor King Judge Judges 2:16-19 The book of Judges calls individual judges “deliverers” e.g., 3:9, 15. Prince Leader Numbers 2:3-7,10-12; Judges 4:4; 1 Samuel 10:1 Military ranks Commander Captain Genesis 39:1; Judges 5:14; 2 Kings 1:9-13; Isaiah 3:3 Officer 1 Kings 4:5; Kings 9:22; 1 Chronicles 27:1; Acts 25:23 Centurion Civil ranks Noble Official 1 Chronicles 28:1; Jeremiah 52:10 Governor 1 Kings 4:7-19; Haggai 1:1; Acts 23:24 Tetrarch Heads of clans/tribes Heads of families Division of labour involving different degrees of responsibility Rank was conferred as a reward Rank within the priesthood The high priest Leviticus 21:10; Numbers 35:25,28,32; Haggai 1:1; Zechariah 3:1; Luke 3:2 Priests Exodus 28:1-2; Leviticus 8:5-12; Numbers 4:16; Joshua 22:31; 2 Kings 11:9 Levites Exodus 32:26; Numbers 1:50; Deuteronomy 12:18-19; 2 Chronicles 11:13-14 Officers in the NT church In contrast to the priesthood, offices within the NT Church are according to gifts; individuals with different gifts are listed but do not form a hierarchy: Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:28-30; Ephesians 4:11 Even where there is a hint of rank, the qualities of both classes are very similar: Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-13 Some elders are worthy of double honour 1 Timothy 5:17 Comparison between verses 17 and 28 of Acts 20 shows that the same individuals could be called “elders”, “overseers” or “shepherds” (pastors). All believers are called priests 1 Peter 2:5,9; Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:10; Revelation 20:6 Jesus Christ taught his disciples not to seek rank or status Matthew 18:1-4 pp Mark 9:33-37 pp Luke 9:46-48 See also
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