Cheryl Schatz

gengwall,

I think it would be helpful for us to define our terms because some reading this blog may not understand what we mean by “ruling” people. We must look to scripture to see what the context is that will define the terms.

Analytical Literal Translation:

1 Thess 5:12 And we request of you*, brothers [and sisters], to know [fig., appreciate] the ones laboring among you* and leading [or, caring for] you* in the Lord and instructing you*,

International Standard Version:

1 Thess 5:12 Brothers, we ask you to show your appreciation for those who work among you, set an example for you in the Lord, and instruct you.

The Greek word for being “over” you literally means to stand before you. This is clearly shown in the interlinear of Scripture4all at http://scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/NTpdf/1th5.pdf

These ones who are standing in front are to be the examples and 1 Thess. 5:12 shows that what they do that is “over” you is admonish, exhort, give you instruction. This doesn’t give them “power” over us as if they have some kind of authority to lord it over the congregation, but by their gifts and by their maturity they are to protect the congregation, be an example of mature Christianity and watch out for the flock while instructing us in the right way from scriptures.

The world’s idea of ruling is not be responsible to be an example. It is the “boss”, the one who takes authority over the underlings.

In the verse about “rule” in 1 Timothy 5:17, the rule is defined as preaching and teaching.

1 Tim 5:17 The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

The International Standard Version thus translates this verse as:

1 Tim 5:17 Elders who handle their duties well should be considered worthy of double compensation, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

The duties of an elder is in protection, teaching, preaching and generally caring for the flock. I haven’t found any examples of “ruling” to be taking authority over the flock. In this way preaching, teaching, protecting the flock all come under the definition of service. Not lording over the flock but doing everything for the benefit of the flock in service.

As far as Phoebe, she was a prostatis and this is a very strong word. It is someone who is a protector, a guardian and one who protects with their resources. Such a one can be a protector by being a teacher exposing error. The person can also give aid in many ways to protect others. This is what is meant by “set over”. It is the opposite of a person who rules others so that others serve them. It is a powerful word but it means to undergird others – to come alongside and underneath them to lift them up when they are helpless.

Once again we have a servant heart. Some think that being a servant is a powerless position and degrading, yet I believe that in scripture a true biblical servant is a powerful place to be in because one is using power under control for the well-being of the receiver not control for the well-being of the person themselves. Everything points to service not taking a position of authority to cause someone to serve you. If we can keep that in mind, I think that we will understand that Christianity puts hierarchy on its head. Those who are the greatest are to be on the bottom and not on the top. The strongest Christians are to serve others by lifting them up.

If I am wrong on this, I welcome anyone to show me where I am wrong. It is a completely different concept than rulership from a worldly, hierarchical view. If we see “presiding” as protection and loving care, then we are well on our way to understanding the place of elders and helpers.