Titles and Names of Ministers: Ministers of the New Testament
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Topical Encyclopedia
In the New Testament, various titles and names are used to describe those who serve in ministerial roles within the early Christian church. These titles reflect the diverse functions and responsibilities of church leaders and provide insight into the structure and organization of the early Christian communities.

1. Apostles: The term "apostle" (Greek: ἀπόστολος, apostolos) refers to those who are "sent out" as messengers or envoys. The original twelve apostles were chosen by Jesus Christ to be His closest followers and witnesses to His resurrection. In Acts 1:25-26, Matthias is chosen to replace Judas Iscariot, maintaining the number of the Twelve. Paul, though not one of the original twelve, is also recognized as an apostle due to his encounter with the risen Christ and his significant role in spreading the Gospel (Galatians 1:1).

2. Prophets: Prophets in the New Testament are those who speak forth the word of God, often providing guidance, encouragement, and correction to the church. Ephesians 4:11 lists prophets as one of the gifts Christ gave to the church for its edification. Agabus is an example of a New Testament prophet, as seen in Acts 11:28 and Acts 21:10-11.

3. Evangelists: Evangelists are those who proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, often traveling to spread the Gospel to new areas. Philip is identified as an evangelist in Acts 21:8, and Timothy is encouraged to "do the work of an evangelist" in 2 Timothy 4:5.

4. Pastors: The term "pastor" (Greek: ποιμήν, poimēn) means shepherd, indicating one who tends to and cares for the flock of God. Ephesians 4:11 includes pastors among the gifts given to the church. The role of a pastor involves teaching, guiding, and protecting the congregation, as seen in 1 Peter 5:2-3, where elders are exhorted to shepherd the flock willingly and eagerly.

5. Teachers: Teachers are those who instruct others in the doctrines and teachings of the faith. They are mentioned alongside apostles, prophets, and evangelists in Ephesians 4:11. The role of a teacher is crucial for the spiritual growth and maturity of believers, as emphasized in James 3:1, which warns of the greater accountability teachers face.

6. Elders: Elders (Greek: πρεσβύτεροι, presbyteroi) are leaders within the local church, often responsible for governance and spiritual oversight. The appointment of elders is seen in Acts 14:23, and their qualifications are detailed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Elders are also referred to as overseers or bishops (Greek: ἐπίσκοποι, episkopoi), highlighting their role in overseeing the church's affairs (Acts 20:28).

7. Deacons: Deacons (Greek: διάκονοι, diakonoi) serve the church by attending to practical needs, allowing elders to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word. The selection of the first deacons is described in Acts 6:1-6, where seven men are chosen to assist with the distribution of food. The qualifications for deacons are outlined in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.

8. Servants of Christ: Ministers are often referred to as servants (Greek: δοῦλοι, douloi) of Christ, emphasizing their role in serving God and His people. Paul frequently identifies himself as a servant of Christ Jesus (Romans 1:1), highlighting the humility and dedication required of those in ministry.

These titles and roles illustrate the multifaceted nature of ministry in the New Testament church, each contributing to the growth and edification of the body of Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Corinthians 3:6
Who also has made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Evidences of Christianity Briefly Stated, and the New ...
... you may depend upon it, that faithful ministers of every ... certain pieces, which bore
the same titles with the ... or Livy, wrote those which go under their names. ...
/.../the evidences of christianity/the evidences of christianity briefly.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

A Look into the Hebrew Bible.
... the Bible are now known by intelligent ministers of which ... that is to say we find
the names in our ... of which we have no other knowledge; their titles quoted upon ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter i a look into.htm

The Blood of the Covenant
... Other names may have small significance, but in the titles of Jesus ... covenant, the
covenant sealed with blood." How I wish Christ's ministers would spread ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/the blood of the covenant.htm

The Great Shepherd
... and sufferings unto death, of the names He bears ... that he should be distinguished
by such titles, honours, and ... such persons, under the name of ministers, will be ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xiii the great shepherd.htm

Of the Power of the Church in Articles of Faith. The Unbridled ...
... Different names given to this dispensation, to show that ... they are commended by many
distinguished titles, as the ... not now belong to faithful ministers to coin ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 of the power.htm

The Pastoral Epistles
... Epistles do not correspond with the titles used in ... title "episkopos" only to the
highest ministers of the ... the Epistle without tamely copying names which occur ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xvii the pastoral epistles.htm

More Particularly, in what Respect Christ is Called the Truth.
... is the Truth in this regard, that he fully answers all the titles and names which
he ... 2. By his ministers, who witness the truth of the gospel by publishing ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xi more particularly in.htm

Articuli xxxix. Ecclesi?? Anglican??. AD 1562.
... sixt: and The Second Book of Homilies, the several titles whereof we ... them to be read
in Churches by the Ministers, diligently and ... Of the names of the Homilies. ...
/.../articuli xxxix ecclesiae anglicanae a d.htm

The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... Peaceable as was the demeanour of his ministers, and benevolent as ... in the Christian
Church, and that the names of office are not empty titles of honour. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm

Resources
What is the name of God? | GotQuestions.org

Is it biblical to call the wife of a pastor, elder, or bishop the First Lady of the church? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of “Everlasting Father” in Isaiah 9:6? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Titles

Titles and Names of Christ: Adam, Second

Titles and Names of Christ: Advocate

Titles and Names of Christ: Almighty

Titles and Names of Christ: Alpha and Omega

Titles and Names of Christ: Amen

Titles and Names of Christ: Angel

Titles and Names of Christ: Angel of God's Presence

Titles and Names of Christ: Angel of the Lord

Titles and Names of Christ: Apostle

Titles and Names of Christ: Arm of the Lord

Titles and Names of Christ: Author and Finisher or Our Faith

Titles and Names of Christ: Beginning of the Creation of God

Titles and Names of Christ: Blessed and Only Potentate

Titles and Names of Christ: Branch

Titles and Names of Christ: Bread of Life

Titles and Names of Christ: Captain of Salvation

Titles and Names of Christ: Captain of the Lord's Hosts

Titles and Names of Christ: Chief Corner-Stone

Titles and Names of Christ: Chief Shepherd

Titles and Names of Christ: Christ of God

Titles and Names of Christ: Commander

Titles and Names of Christ: Consolation of Israel

Titles and Names of Christ: Counsellor

Titles and Names of Christ: David

Titles and Names of Christ: Day-Spring

Titles and Names of Christ: Deliverer

Titles and Names of Christ: Desire of all Nations

Titles and Names of Christ: Door

Titles and Names of Christ: Elect of God

Titles and Names of Christ: Emmanuel

Titles and Names of Christ: Eternal Life

Titles and Names of Christ: Everlasting Father

Titles and Names of Christ: Faithful Witness

Titles and Names of Christ: First and Last

Titles and Names of Christ: First-Begotten of the Dead

Titles and Names of Christ: First-Born of Every Creature

Titles and Names of Christ: Forerunner

Titles and Names of Christ: Glory of the Lord

Titles and Names of Christ: God

Titles and Names of Christ: God Blessed for Ever

Titles and Names of Christ: God's Fellow

Titles and Names of Christ: Good Shepherd

Titles and Names of Christ: Governor

Titles and Names of Christ: Great High Priest

Titles and Names of Christ: Head of the Church

Titles and Names of Christ: Heir of all Things

Titles and Names of Christ: Holy One

Titles and Names of Christ: Holy One of God

Titles and Names of Christ: Holy One of Israel

Titles and Names of Christ: Horn of Salvation

Titles and Names of Christ: I Am

Titles and Names of Christ: Jehovah

Titles and Names of Christ: Jesus

Titles and Names of Christ: Judge of Israel

Titles and Names of Christ: Just One

Titles and Names of Christ: King

Titles and Names of Christ: King of Israel

Titles and Names of Christ: King of Kings

Titles and Names of Christ: King of Saints

Titles and Names of Christ: King of the Jews

Titles and Names of Christ: Lamb

Titles and Names of Christ: Lamb of God

Titles and Names of Christ: Law Giver

Titles and Names of Christ: Leader

Titles and Names of Christ: Life

Titles and Names of Christ: Light of the World

Titles and Names of Christ: Lion of the Tribe of Judah

Titles and Names of Christ: Lord God Almighty

Titles and Names of Christ: Lord God of the Holy Prophets

Titles and Names of Christ: Lord of All

Titles and Names of Christ: Lord of Glory

Titles and Names of Christ: Lord Our Righteousness

Titles and Names of Christ: Mediator

Titles and Names of Christ: Messenger of the Covenant

Titles and Names of Christ: Messiah

Titles and Names of Christ: Mighty God

Titles and Names of Christ: Mighty One of Jacob

Titles and Names of Christ: Morning-Star

Titles and Names of Christ: Nazarene

Titles and Names of Christ: Offspring of David

Titles and Names of Christ: Only-Begotten

Titles and Names of Christ: Our Passover

Titles and Names of Christ: Plant of Renown

Titles and Names of Christ: Prince of Life

Titles and Names of Christ: Prince of Peace

Titles and Names of Christ: Prince of the Kings of the Earth

Titles and Names of Christ: Prophet

Titles and Names of Christ: Ransom

Titles and Names of Christ: Redeemer

Titles and Names of Christ: Resurrection and Life

Titles and Names of Christ: Rock

Titles and Names of Christ: Root of David

Titles and Names of Christ: Root of Jesse

Titles and Names of Christ: Ruler of Israel

Titles and Names of Christ: Saviour

Titles and Names of Christ: Servant

Titles and Names of Christ: Shepherd and Bishop of Souls

Titles and Names of Christ: Shiloh

Titles and Names of Christ: Son of David

Titles and Names of Christ: Son of God

Titles and Names of Christ: Son of Man

Titles and Names of Christ: Son of the Blessed

Titles and Names of Christ: Son of the Highest

Titles and Names of Christ: Star

Titles and Names of Christ: Sun of Righteousness

Titles and Names of Christ: Surety

Titles and Names of Christ: True God

Titles and Names of Christ: True Light

Titles and Names of Christ: True Vine

Titles and Names of Christ: Truth

Titles and Names of Christ: Way

Titles and Names of Christ: Wisdom

Titles and Names of Christ: Witness

Titles and Names of Christ: Wonderful

Titles and Names of Christ: Word

Titles and Names of Christ: Word of God

Titles and Names of Christ: Word of Life

Titles and Names of Ministers: Ambassadors for Christ

Titles and Names of Ministers: Angels of the Church

Titles and Names of Ministers: Apostles

Titles and Names of Ministers: Apostles of Jesus Christ

Titles and Names of Ministers: Bishops

Titles and Names of Ministers: Deacons

Titles and Names of Ministers: Elders

Titles and Names of Ministers: Evangelists

Titles and Names of Ministers: Fishers of Men

Titles and Names of Ministers: Labourers

Titles and Names of Ministers: Messengers of the Church

Titles and Names of Ministers: Messengers of the Lord of Hosts

Titles and Names of Ministers: Ministers of Christ

Titles and Names of Ministers: Ministers of God

Titles and Names of Ministers: Ministers of Righteousness

Titles and Names of Ministers: Ministers of the Church

Titles and Names of Ministers: Ministers of the Gospel

Titles and Names of Ministers: Ministers of the Lord

Titles and Names of Ministers: Ministers of the New Testament

Titles and Names of Ministers: Ministers of the Sanctuary

Titles and Names of Ministers: Ministers of the Word

Titles and Names of Ministers: Overseers

Titles and Names of Ministers: Pastors

Titles and Names of Ministers: Preachers

Titles and Names of Ministers: Servants of God

Titles and Names of Ministers: Servants of Jesus Christ

Titles and Names of Ministers: Servants of the Church

Titles and Names of Ministers: Servants of the Lord

Titles and Names of Ministers: Shepherds

Titles and Names of Ministers: Soldiers of Christ

Titles and Names of Ministers: Stars

Titles and Names of Ministers: Stewards of God

Titles and Names of Ministers: Stewards of the Grace of God

Titles and Names of Ministers: Stewards of the Mysteries of God

Titles and Names of Ministers: Teachers

Titles and Names of Ministers: Watchmen

Titles and Names of Ministers: Witnesses

Titles and Names of Ministers: Workers Together With God

Titles and Names of Saints: Believers

Titles and Names of Saints: Beloved Brethren

Titles and Names of Saints: Beloved of God

Titles and Names of Saints: Blessed of the Father

Titles and Names of Saints: Blessed of the Lord

Titles and Names of Saints: Brethren

Titles and Names of Saints: Brethren of Christ

Titles and Names of Saints: Called of Jesus Christ

Titles and Names of Saints: Children of Abraham

Titles and Names of Saints: Children of God

Titles and Names of Saints: Children of Jacob

Titles and Names of Saints: Children of Light

Titles and Names of Saints: Children of Promise

Titles and Names of Saints: Children of the Bride-Chamber

Titles and Names of Saints: Children of the Day

Titles and Names of Saints: Children of the Father

Titles and Names of Saints: Children of the Free-Woman

Titles and Names of Saints: Children of the Highest

Titles and Names of Saints: Children of the Kingdom

Titles and Names of Saints: Children of the Living God

Titles and Names of Saints: Children of the Lord

Titles and Names of Saints: Children of the Resurrection

Titles and Names of Saints: Children of Zion

Titles and Names of Saints: Chosen Generation

Titles and Names of Saints: Chosen Ones

Titles and Names of Saints: Chosen Vessels

Titles and Names of Saints: Christians

Titles and Names of Saints: Dear Children

Titles and Names of Saints: Disciples of Christ

Titles and Names of Saints: Elect of God

Titles and Names of Saints: Epistles of Christ

Titles and Names of Saints: Excellent, The

Titles and Names of Saints: Faithful Brethren in Christ

Titles and Names of Saints: Faithful of the Land

Titles and Names of Saints: Faithful, The

Titles and Names of Saints: Fellow-Citizens With the Saints

Titles and Names of Saints: Fellow-Heirs

Titles and Names of Saints: Fellow-Servants

Titles and Names of Saints: Friends of Christ

Titles and Names of Saints: Friends of God

Titles and Names of Saints: Godly, The

Titles and Names of Saints: Heirs of God

Titles and Names of Saints: Heirs of Promise

Titles and Names of Saints: Heirs of Salvation

Titles and Names of Saints: Heirs of the Grace of Life

Titles and Names of Saints: Heirs of the Kingdom

Titles and Names of Saints: Holy Brethren

Titles and Names of Saints: Holy Nation

Titles and Names of Saints: Holy People

Titles and Names of Saints: Holy Priesthood

Titles and Names of Saints: Joint-Heirs With Christ

Titles and Names of Saints: Just, The

Titles and Names of Saints: Kingdom of Priests

Titles and Names of Saints: Kings and Priests to God

Titles and Names of Saints: Lambs

Titles and Names of Saints: Lights of the World

Titles and Names of Saints: Little Children

Titles and Names of Saints: Lively Stones

Titles and Names of Saints: Members of Christ

Titles and Names of Saints: Men of God

Titles and Names of Saints: Obedient Children

Titles and Names of Saints: Peculiar People

Titles and Names of Saints: Peculiar Treasure

Titles and Names of Saints: People Near to God

Titles and Names of Saints: People of God

Titles and Names of Saints: People Saved by the Lord

Titles and Names of Saints: Pillars in the Temple of God

Titles and Names of Saints: Ransomed of the Lord

Titles and Names of Saints: Redeemed of the Lord

Titles and Names of Saints: Royal Priesthood

Titles and Names of Saints: Salt of the Earth

Titles and Names of Saints: Servants of Christ

Titles and Names of Saints: Servants of Righteousness

Titles and Names of Saints: Sheep of Christ

Titles and Names of Saints: Sojourners With God

Titles and Names of Saints: Sons of God

Related Terms

Apostles (79 Occurrences)

Songs (100 Occurrences)

Baal (94 Occurrences)

Nazarene (19 Occurrences)

Rab-saris (3 Occurrences)

Rabsaris (3 Occurrences)

Prince (160 Occurrences)

Procurator

Rabbi (51 Occurrences)

Degrees (18 Occurrences)

Abimelech (63 Occurrences)

Ptolemy

Hind (4 Occurrences)

Psalms (44 Occurrences)

Neginah (1 Occurrence)

Logia

Leannoth (2 Occurrences)

Iconium (6 Occurrences)

Three (5005 Occurrences)

Tirshatha (5 Occurrences)

Ezrahite (5 Occurrences)

Duke (14 Occurrences)

Doctor (5 Occurrences)

Deputy (7 Occurrences)

Claim (30 Occurrences)

Attharates

Malachi (2 Occurrences)

Stranger (152 Occurrences)

Saint (5 Occurrences)

Sir (90 Occurrences)

Shebna (9 Occurrences)

Flame (61 Occurrences)

Bel (3 Occurrences)

Numbers (136 Occurrences)

Dragon (20 Occurrences)

Syriac (2 Occurrences)

Philippi (8 Occurrences)

Pharaoh (245 Occurrences)

Kings (350 Occurrences)

Son (25967 Occurrences)

Queen (59 Occurrences)

Virginity (12 Occurrences)

Ziph (9 Occurrences)

Zerubbabel (25 Occurrences)

Zobah (15 Occurrences)

Neginoth (6 Occurrences)

Nehiloth (2 Occurrences)

Name (10157 Occurrences)

Oracle (57 Occurrences)

Jashar (2 Occurrences)

Jupiter (3 Occurrences)

Jeshurun (4 Occurrences)

Lady (37 Occurrences)

Inherit (98 Occurrences)

Inscription (18 Occurrences)

Tetrarch (5 Occurrences)

Theophilus (2 Occurrences)

Transfer (6 Occurrences)

Tartan (2 Occurrences)

Rest (831 Occurrences)

Rabmag (2 Occurrences)

Eduth (3 Occurrences)

Evangelist (2 Occurrences)

Emperor (5 Occurrences)

Doeg (6 Occurrences)

Mahalath (6 Occurrences)

Muthlabben (2 Occurrences)

Muth-labben (1 Occurrence)

Morning (264 Occurrences)

Pretend (9 Occurrences)

Pergamos (1 Occurrence)

Property (212 Occurrences)

Pergamum (2 Occurrences)

Publius (2 Occurrences)

Baali (1 Occurrence)

Bring (1372 Occurrences)

Ban (12 Occurrences)

Bastard (2 Occurrences)

Color (18 Occurrences)

Titles and Names of Ministers: Ministers of the Lord
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