Office

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On the Left you see an officer of the Roman government and on the Right you see the officers of the Kingdom of God feeding the needy[1].

The word officer today can mean someone in power either over people or things for which they are responsible. It has been defined as "a holder of a public, civil, or ecclesiastical office."

We see a word in the Bible's New Testament translated officer some 11 times[2] but also translated servant[3] and minister.[4] The word is huperetes[5] which can refer to an assistant to a judge, or a soldier or police officer or anyone who serves someone else.

The word is often translated officer when referring to the government agents who opposed Christ but servant when used by Christ or his followers to reference ministers of the Church or the Kingdom of God at hand.

This practice of translating the same Greek word different ways might lead some people to think that Jesus did not appoint officers. He clearly did appoint men to take care of the business of the Kingdom of God at hand and He called those men the ekklesia or church. He also restricted them from exercising authority one over the other.

Christ was appointing a kingdom to His little flock.

The word huperetes was from the word eresso meaning to row. We all know we are to live by faith, hope and charity and the perfect law of liberty. Which means that we need to take care of one another by love not by force like many governments were doing before John the Baptist.

That caring for one another is what Religion use to mean before Modern Christians allowed the word to be redefined as what they think about God.

Pure Religion was taking care of the needy of society without the covetous aid of the Benefactors and their officers of the World nor the Fathers of the earth who exercised authority one over the other through their public officers.

Abraham, Moses and Jesus knew what it takes to maintain a free society especially when hard times come. Which is why there were instructions about choosing Seven Men in the Old Testament's Ecclesiastes 11:2[6] and we see the apostles doing the same in Acts 6.

There have been many groups of seven men. They are either going toward the kingdom or away from it. While the previous groups gathered for their own profit and gain, there have been groups that were seeking a direction more toward the kingdom and the purposes of the seven men chosen to serve tables[7] of Christ in Acts 6:5.

When Jesus came to the world Rome and Judea had already shifted from free societies and a Republican form of government to centralized socialist welfare states.

Jesus said that their Corban system of welfare made the word of God to none effect. Children were not taking care of their parents but expected the government to do that through the treasury of Corban. So He took the government from one group who were not bearing fruit and gave it to another hand chosen group called His Little flock... as he foretold in Matthew 21:43:

  • "Therefore say I unto you, The Kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof."

Of course at that time those Pharisees were ruling over the people with an exercising authority one over the other which is why they were not bearing fruit.

The Covetous Practices of Socialism or even the slothful practice of forsaking to come together and form that network of charity "corrodes not only the economy but the human spirit itself"[8]

We again see in Luke 12:32 Jesus tells His little flock that He would appoint them the kingdom.

"Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Luke 12:32

When we say the word government or office or officer we think of something or someone who exercises authority over other people.

These officers or servants of Christ's appointed government were not to be like other governments so we should not assume they are the same nor doing the same as other governments. The word government is defined as "the governing body of a nation, state, or community" but does not have to include the idea of ruling over the people which Jesus made abundantly clear.

  • Luke 22:25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye [shall] not [be] so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

The word chief in this verse is the Greek word hegeomai[9] which is more often translated count, think about, or esteem. It is not the Greek word archon[10] which means a ruler who can force compliance with authority.

The phrase "But ye [shall] not [be] so" does not mean there is "no formal government offices or officers." But merely that what they received was freely given. This made His government a true government of the people, for the people and by the people.

In Matthew 2[11] it is prophesied that Jesus is to be the Governor of the land of Juda. The verse does not use the word Archon[10] but hegeomai[9] which does not mean Governeor as we might think.

The phrase shall rule my people Israel is not the normal Greek for rule over which was archo[12] but poimaino[1] which means to feed, to tend a flock and appears almost a dozen times.[13]

Jesus did say "feed my sheep"?[14]

Jesus and John the Baptist came preaching the government of God at hand which functioned by charity and not by force. It was a government that was not like the governments of the other nations where the leaders call themselves Benefactors but exercise authority one over the other in Covetous Practices that curse your children with debt and bondage.

The Greek word hegeomai[9] appears some 27 times in the Bible.[15] and clearly does not mean a Ruler as we think of rulers[10] of the people in government today.

In the government of King Jesus[16] the ministers were to take "count" of the people, esteeming them, thinking about the people, "determine the total number... include someone in an activity or the plans" not so that they can oppress or rule over them but so that those leaders by provide for them and feed them in time of need.

The ministers of Christ were clearly appointed to do a job and take a count of the people to feed the people in a Daily ministration of the Corban of Christ which brings the word of God into effect.

The early Church was called a viable Republic in the heart of the Roman Empire by historians but at one time a “republic” was defined, “A state or nation in which the supreme power rests in all the citizens… A state or nation with a president as its titular head; distinguished from monarchy”. In this definition, we see again that the supreme power is in the hands of the citizen, who is entitled to vote.

In the Kingdom of God there is no need to vote for rulers who will exercise authority like other governments do but there is a need for charity. What is given is freely given as a votive offering in support of God's government. As we see in Hebrews 13Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag

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The early church had its own system of social welfare called Pure Religion which they practiced when they met:

“And the wealthy among us help the needy ... and willing, give what each thinks fit; and what is collected is deposited with the president, who succours the orphans and widows and those who, through sickness or any other cause, are in want, and those who are in bonds and the strangers sojourning among us, and in a word takes care of all who are in need.” (Ch. 65-67) AD 150, Justin Martyr on the early Church.

Clearly he appointed "formal government offices or officers" but he allowed the people to fund those offices by a freewill choice, leaving the power of government in their hands.

In fact what he says and what we see says there were those who where "chief among them" and you knew who they were by how they served a body who did not forsake the gathering together.

We see them appoint other men with the laying on of hands and when the people need services they look to the people who were the little flock. What did they do? They said:

  • Acts 6:3 "Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business."

Note they did not say we will appoint someone.

They said you pick them and we will appoint them.

That was because they were "formal government offices or officers." but did not exercise authority over the people.

These men were appointed to offices of service and we see them appointing others. They were not a scattered flock.

Jesus said to his little flock, not to the people in general That he would appoint the kingdom to them.

  • Luke 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;

It is absolutely clear that there were leaders and bishops and ministers by the text and the historical record says so too.

But he took no right or responsibility away from the people by creating that office. In fact the Church could not do its job without the blessings freely given by the people.

They did do a job of serving people in a vast network as the Roman system fell.

Some day all over the world there will likely be chaos with millions of people needing to move or need assistance because of man made and natural disasters. To not have the foresight and wisdom to seek a network of caring people who love one another in good times nor neglecting to serve one another in free assemblies would be foolish and slothful.

Apathy or failing to gather together and heed the wisdom of Abraham, Moses and Jesus is certainly not as wise as the serpent nor as harmless as a dove.

Real Christians obeyed the commands of Christ, gathered together in a vast network and attended to the Weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith which include caring for the needs of our neighbors and the widows and orphans of our society through Pure Religion in matters of health, education, and welfare. We are NOT to provide for the needy of society through the Covetous Practices and the men who call themselves benefactors but who exercise authority one over the other like the socialists do.

The Way of Christ was like neither the way of the world of Rome nor the governments of the gentiles who depend on those fathers of the earth through force, fear and fealty who deliver the people back in bondage again like they were in Egypt. Christ's ministers and true Christians do not depend upon systems of social welfare that force the contributions of the people like the corban of the Pharisees which made the word of God to none effect. Many people have been deceived to go the way of Balaam and the Nicolaitan and out of The Way of Christ and have become workers of iniquity.

The Christian conflict with Rome in the first century Church appointed by Christ was because they would not apply to the fathers of the earth for their free bread but instead relied upon a voluntary network providing a daily ministration to the needy of society through Faith, Hope, and Charity by way of freewill offerings of the people, for the people, and by the people through the perfect law of liberty in Free Assemblies according to the ancient pattern of Tuns or Tens as He commanded.

The modern Christians are in need of repentance.

"Follow me!" —Jesus the Christ.

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Footnotes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 4165 ~ποιμαίνω~ poimaino \@poy-mah’-ee-no\@ from poimen a shepherd; v AV-feed 6, rule 4, feed cattle 1; 11
    1) to feed, to tend a flock, keep sheep
    1a) to rule, govern
    1a1) of rulers
    1a2) to furnish pasture for food
    1a3) to nourish
    1a4) to cherish one’s body, to serve the body
    1a5) to supply the requisites for the soul’s need For Synonyms see entry 5824
  2. ↑ : Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer <5257>, and thou be cast into prison.
    John 7:32 The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers <5257> to take him.
    John 7:45 Then came the officers <5257> to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?
    John 7:46 The officers <5257> answered, Never man spake like this man.
    John 18:3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers <5257> from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
    John 18:12 Then the band and the captain and officers <5257> of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,
    John 18:18 And the servants and officers <5257> stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.
    John 18:22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers <5257> which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?
    John 19:6 When the chief priests therefore and officers <5257> saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.
    Acts 5:22 But when the officers <5257> came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,
    Acts 5:26 Then went the captain with the officers <5257>, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
  3. ↑ : Matthew 26:58 But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants <5257>, to see the end.
    Mark 14:54 And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants <5257>, and warmed himself at the fire.
    Mark 14:65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants <5257> did strike him with the palms of their hands.
    John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants <5257> fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
  4. ↑  : Luke 1:2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers <5257> of the word;
    Luke 4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister <5257>, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
    Acts 13:5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister <5257>.
    Acts 26:16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister <5257> and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
    1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers <5257> of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
  5. ↑ 5257 ~ὑπηρέτης~ huperetes \@hoop-ay-ret’-ace\@ from 5259 and a derivative of eresso (to row); n m AV-officer 11, minister 5, servant 4; 20
    1) servant
    1a) an underrower, subordinate rower
    1b) any one who serves with hands: a servant
    1b1) in the NT of the officers and attendants of magistrates as  —  of the officer who executes penalties
    1b2) of the attendants of a king, servants, retinue, the soldiers of a king, of the attendant of a synagogue
    1b3) of any one ministering or rendering service
    1c) any one who aids another in any work
    1c1) an assistant
    1c2) of the preacher of the gospel
    For Synonyms see entry 5834 & 5928
  6. ↑ “Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.”
  7. ↑ From Acts 6:2. The word trapeza (trapeza) is the word bank and is translated table and bank in the Bible.
  8. ↑ “I’m enjoying the irony of American Sanders supporters lecturing me, a former Soviet citizen, on the glories of Socialism and what it really means! Socialism sounds great in speech soundbites and on Facebook, but please keep it there. In practice, it corrodes not only the economy but the human spirit itself, and the ambition and achievement that made modern capitalism possible and brought billions of people out of poverty. Talking about Socialism is a huge luxury, a luxury that was paid for by the successes of capitalism.” Garry Kimovich Kasparov is a Russian chess Grandmaster, former World Chess Champion, writer, and political activist, considered by many to be the greatest chess player of all time.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 2233 ~ἡγέομαι~ hegeomai \@hayg-eh’-om-ahee\@ middle voice of a (presumed) strengthened form of 71; v AV-count 10, think 4, esteem 3, have rule over 3, be governor 2, misc 6; 28
    1) to lead
    1a) to go before
    1b) to be a leader
    1b1) to rule, command
    1b2) to have authority over
    1b3) a prince, of regal power, governor, viceroy, chief, leading as respects influence, controlling in counsel, overseers or leaders of the churches
    1b4) used of any kind of leader, chief, commander
    1b5) the leader in speech, chief, spokesman
    2) to consider, deem, account, think For Synonyms see entry 5837
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 758 ~ἄρχων~ archon \@ar’-khone\@ present participle of 757; n m AV-ruler 22, prince 11, chief 2, magistrate 1, chief ruler 1; 37 1) a ruler, commander, chief, leader
  11. ↑ Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, [in] the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  12. ↑ 757 ~ἄρχω~ archo \@ar’-kho\@ a primary word; v AV-rule over 1, reign over 1; 2 1) to be chief, to lead, to rule
  13. ↑ Luke 17:7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle <4165>, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?
    John 21:16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed <4165> my sheep.
    Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed <4165> the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
    1 Corinthians 9:7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth <4165> a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
    1 Peter 5:2 Feed <4165> the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
    Jude 1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding <4165> themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
    Revelation 2:27 And he shall rule <4165> them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
    Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed <4165> them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
    Revelation 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule <4165> all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
    Revelation 19:15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule <4165> them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
  14. ↑ John 21:16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
  15. ↑ Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor <2233>, that shall rule my people Israel.
    Luke 22:26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief <2233>, as he that doth serve.
    Acts 7:10 And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor <2233> over Egypt and all his house.
    Acts 14:12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief <2233> speaker.
    Acts 15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief <2233> men among the brethren:
    Acts 26:2 I think <2233> myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:
    2 Corinthians 9:5 Therefore I thought <2233> it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
    Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let <2233> each esteem <2233> other better than themselves.
    Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it <2233> not robbery to be equal with God:
    Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed <2233> it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
    Philippians 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted <2233> loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count <2233> all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count <2233> them but dung, that I may win Christ,
    1 Thessalonians 5:13 And to esteem <2233> them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
    2 Thessalonians 3:15 Yet count <2233> him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
    1 Timothy 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted <2233> me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
    1 Timothy 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count <2233> their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
    Hebrews 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted <2233> the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
    Hebrews 11:11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged <2233> him faithful who had promised.
    Hebrews 11:26 Esteeming <2233> the reproach of Christ greater riches than <2233> the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
    Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule <2233> over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
    Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule <2233> over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
    Hebrews 13:24 Salute all them that have the rule <2233> over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.
    James 1:2 My brethren, count it <2233> all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
    2 Peter 1:13 Yea, I think it <2233> meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;
    2 Peter 2:13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count <2233> it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
    2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count <2233> slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
    2 Peter 3:15 And account <2233> that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
  16. ↑ Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, [one] Jesus.
  17. ↑ Matthew 20:25-26 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
    Mark 10:42-43 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
    Luke 22:25-26 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
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