Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "elite" is not explicitly used; however, the concept of an elite group or class can be inferred through various narratives and descriptions of certain individuals or groups who held positions of power, influence, or special favor in biblical history. These groups or individuals often played significant roles in the unfolding of God's plan as recorded in the Scriptures.Old Testament Context 1. Priestly Class: The tribe of Levi, and specifically the descendants of Aaron, were set apart as the priestly class in Israel. They were given the responsibility of performing sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle and later the temple. This priestly elite had unique access to God, symbolized by the High Priest entering the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16). The Levites were not given a territorial inheritance like the other tribes, as their inheritance was the Lord Himself (Numbers 18:20). 2. Royalty and Nobility: The monarchy in Israel, beginning with King Saul and continuing through David and Solomon, established a royal elite. King David, a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), and his son Solomon, known for his wisdom (1 Kings 4:29-34), exemplify the role of kings as leaders chosen by God to guide His people. The Davidic line was particularly significant, as it was through David's lineage that the Messiah was prophesied to come (2 Samuel 7:12-16). 3. Prophets: Although not an elite class in the traditional sense, prophets held a unique position as God's spokespeople. Figures like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Elijah were called to deliver God's messages to kings and the people, often challenging the status quo and calling for repentance and faithfulness to God's covenant. New Testament Context 1. Religious Leaders: In the New Testament, the Pharisees and Sadducees represented the religious elite of Jewish society. They were influential in religious and political matters, often clashing with Jesus over interpretations of the Law and issues of authority (Matthew 23:1-36). Jesus criticized them for their hypocrisy and for placing burdens on the people without offering true spiritual guidance. 2. Apostles: The twelve apostles, chosen by Jesus, formed an elite group of disciples entrusted with spreading the Gospel and establishing the early Church. They were given authority to perform miracles and teach in Jesus' name (Matthew 10:1-8). The apostle Paul, though not one of the original twelve, played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity and the writing of much of the New Testament. 3. Early Church Leaders: As the Church grew, certain individuals emerged as leaders and teachers, such as James, the brother of Jesus, and Barnabas. These leaders were instrumental in guiding the early Christian communities and addressing theological and practical issues, as seen in the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15). Spiritual Elite The concept of spiritual elitism is addressed in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches that greatness in the Kingdom of God is not about status or power but about servanthood and humility. Jesus said, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:26-28). In the epistles, Paul emphasizes that in Christ, there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female, for all are one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). This teaching underscores the idea that spiritual elitism has no place in the body of Christ, where all believers are equal before God and are called to serve one another in love. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A choice or select body; the flower; as, the elite of society.Greek 4749. stole -- equipment, apparel ... upper classes in the East. 4749 -- a long, flowing robe worn by the elite (people of high station, wealth). "4749 () is , worn by ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4749.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 2428. chayil -- strength, efficiency, wealth, army... from chul Definition strength, efficiency, wealth, army NASB Word Usage able (5), armies (3), army (82), army* (1), capability (1), capable (3), elite army (1 ... /hebrew/2428.htm - 6k 1017. Beth Haeli -- an inhabitant of Bethel Library Jesus' Conditions of Friendship. Introduction Christ's Strange Thanksgiving 'Before Governors and Kings' The Christian Conception of Life Has Already Arisen in Our Society ... The Scientific Aspects of Positivism. The Third Kingdom 'Give Me to Drink' The Good Man's Life and Death 'It is the Lord!' Thesaurus Elite (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A choice or select body; the flower; as, the elite of society. Multi-Version Concordance Elite (2 Occurrences). ... /e/elite.htm - 7k Beth-elite (1 Occurrence) Eliu Elisimus Bethelite (1 Occurrence) Beth-el-luz (1 Occurrence) Samson (37 Occurrences) First-born (110 Occurrences) Judaeus Resources What is the Illuminati conspiracy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a pariah? | GotQuestions.org Who were the mighty men of David? | GotQuestions.org Elite: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Elite (2 Occurrences)2 Chronicles 26:13 Ezekiel 23:7 Subtopics Related Terms |
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