Dictionary of Bible Themes: 7745 ordination

7745 ordination

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 7000 God's people » 7700 Leadership and the people of God » 7745 ordination

The appointment to a public ministry or office, including investing with the authority required for this ministry. The most important biblical model of ordination is provided by the OT priesthood.

Ordination of the OT priesthood

The ceremony of ordination

Exodus 28:41 See also Exodus 29:29-46; Exodus 30:30; Leviticus 8:30,33; Numbers 3:3

The role of the ordained priest

To properly apply the blood of the ordination offering:

Exodus 29:20-21; Leviticus 7:37; Leviticus 8:18 Leviticus 16:32 to make atonement; Leviticus 21:10-12 to observe a strict code of behaviour

Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed one

Matthew 16:16 The Greek word “Christos”, like the Hebrew word “Messiah”, means “anointed (by God)”.

Ordination in the NT

Jesus Christ appointed disciples without reference to a ceremony of ordination

Mark 3:14-15 pp Luke 6:13

The apostles commissioned people for service by laying on of hands

Acts 6:6 See also Numbers 8:10-11; Numbers 27:18-23; Acts 13:3 Barnabas and Saul were commissioned for missionary work.

The appointment of elders

Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 1:18; Timothy 4:14; Timothy 5:22; 2 Timothy 1:6; Titus 1:5,6-9 Certain qualities are required in an appointed elder or minister.