Topical Encyclopedia
In the New Testament, the role of ministers of the Gospel is both significant and multifaceted, reflecting the diverse responsibilities and spiritual authority entrusted to them. These titles and names highlight the various aspects of their ministry and service within the early Christian community.
1.
Apostles: The term "apostle" (Greek: ἀπόστολος, apostolos) refers to those who are "sent out" with a specific mission. The original apostles were the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ, including Paul, who was later called to be an apostle to the Gentiles. In
Acts 1:2 , it is stated, "until the day He was taken up, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen."
2.
Prophets: Prophets in the New Testament context are those who speak forth the word of God, often providing guidance, encouragement, and correction to the church.
Ephesians 4:11 mentions, "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers."
3.
Evangelists: Evangelists are those who proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, often traveling to spread the Gospel message. Philip is an example of an evangelist in the New Testament, as seen in
Acts 21:8 : "Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven."
4.
Pastors: The term "pastor" (Greek: ποιμήν, poimēn) means shepherd, indicating one who tends to the spiritual needs of the congregation, providing care, guidance, and oversight. This role is closely associated with teaching and leadership within the church, as noted in
Ephesians 4:11 .
5.
Teachers: Teachers are those who instruct others in the doctrines and teachings of the Christian faith. They play a crucial role in the edification and education of the church body.
James 3:1 warns, "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."
6.
Elders: Elders (Greek: πρεσβύτερος, presbyteros) are leaders within the church who are responsible for governance, spiritual oversight, and pastoral care. The qualifications and duties of elders are outlined in passages such as
1 Timothy 3:1-7 and
Titus 1:5-9.
7.
Overseers/Bishops: The terms "overseer" (Greek: ἐπίσκοπος, episkopos) and "bishop" are often used interchangeably in the New Testament to describe those who have a supervisory role within the church.
Acts 20:28 instructs, "Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood."
8.
Deacons: Deacons (Greek: διάκονος, diakonos) are servants who assist in the practical and administrative needs of the church, allowing elders and pastors to focus on spiritual matters. The qualifications for deacons are detailed in
1 Timothy 3:8-13.
9.
Servants of Christ: Ministers of the Gospel are often referred to as servants of Christ, emphasizing their role in serving the Lord and His church. In
1 Corinthians 4:1 , Paul writes, "So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God."
These titles and names reflect the diverse and complementary roles that ministers of the Gospel play in the life of the church, each contributing to the growth and edification of the body of Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Ephesians 3:7Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effectual working of his power.
Torrey's Topical TextbookColossians 1:23
If you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Gospel Missions
... or two still remaining, precious and treasured names; we love ... himself as one of his
peculiar titles, for he ... Alleghanies; and so with other ministers, what they ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/gospel missions.htm
More Particularly, in what Respect Christ is Called the Truth.
... the Truth in this regard, that he fully answers all the titles and names which he ...
Hence his gospel is the gospel of peace, and his ministers ambassadors of ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xi more particularly in.htm
The Struggler;
... any such Christians and doctrines; their names and doctrines ... The epistle is writ
by two ministers, Mr. Wilson ... not charge the following running-titles upon our ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the struggler.htm
The Gospel of Luke
... Pauline Epistles in a list of Gentile names, see 2 ... a Saviour, which is Christ the
Lord""titles which reach ... First, it ministers a much needed rebuke upon the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/the gospel of luke.htm
Brief Memoir of Thomas Watson
... Register and Chronicle,' is a list of eighty-seven names of Puritan ministers,
including many well ... subjects, and of a useful nature, for the titles of which ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/brief memoir of thomas watson.htm
Motives to the Oversight of the Flock
... I seldom see ministers strive so furiously, who shall go ... the appendage of the work
Is it names and honor ... and his Church, and never think of titles and reputation ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 3 motives to.htm
Articles of Religion.
... Of Homilies."The second Book of Homilies, the several titles whereof we have ... them
to be read in Churches by the Ministers, diligently and ... Of the Names of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/articles of religion.htm
English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... the books of the Kings, the names and books ... they be set out with goodly titles, as
though ... Rightly, therefore, and effectually do ministers absolve, when they ...
/.../english version of the second.htm
Early English Interpreters of Spiritual Religion: John Everard ...
... of God in the soul over everything else that ministers to man's ... creatures did come
to Adam, and he gave them names according to ... [1] The Italian titles of these ...
/.../chapter xiii early english interpreters.htm
The Great Shepherd
... and sufferings unto death, of the names He bears ... Whether there be any ministers in
our assembly, or not ... he should be distinguished by such titles, honours, and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xiii the great shepherd.htm
Resources
What are the names of Satan? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a spiritual father? | GotQuestions.orgIs God male or female? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus