Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Reverend" is commonly used in modern Christian contexts as a title of respect for ordained ministers or clergy. While the specific title "Reverend" does not appear in the Bible, the concept of respect and honor for those who serve in spiritual leadership is deeply rooted in Scripture.
Biblical Basis for Clergy RespectThe Bible emphasizes the importance of respecting and honoring those who are called to lead and teach within the church. In
1 Timothy 5:17, the Apostle Paul writes, "Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching." This passage underscores the value placed on spiritual leaders who dedicate themselves to the ministry of the Word.
Similarly,
Hebrews 13:17 instructs believers to "obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account." This verse highlights the responsibility and accountability of church leaders, as well as the respect and cooperation expected from the congregation.
Role and ResponsibilitiesThe role of a minister or pastor, often addressed as "Reverend," involves shepherding the flock, preaching the Gospel, administering sacraments, and providing spiritual guidance.
Ephesians 4:11-12 states, "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, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ." This passage outlines the diverse roles within church leadership, all aimed at edifying the church and advancing the Kingdom of God.
Historical Context and UsageThe use of "Reverend" as a formal title for clergy emerged in the post-biblical era, reflecting the growing structure and organization of the church. It serves as a recognition of the sacred duty and calling of those who have been set apart for ministry. The title is often used in various denominations to denote respect and acknowledgment of the minister's role in the spiritual community.
Spiritual QualificationsThe Bible provides clear qualifications for those who aspire to church leadership. In
1 Timothy 3:1-7, Paul outlines the character and conduct expected of overseers, including being "above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach." These qualifications emphasize the moral and spiritual integrity required of those who hold positions of authority within the church.
ConclusionWhile the title "Reverend" itself is not found in Scripture, the principles of respect, honor, and responsibility associated with spiritual leadership are deeply embedded in the biblical narrative. Those who serve as ministers are called to a high standard of conduct and are entrusted with the care and guidance of the church body, reflecting the pastoral heart of Christ Himself.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Worthy of reverence; entitled to respect mingled with fear and affection; venerable.
Greek
4575. sebastos --reverend, august, hence Augustus, a Roman......reverend, august, hence Augustus, a Roman emperor. Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: sebastos Phonetic Spelling: (seb-as-tos') Short Definition: august
...4586. semnos --reverend, ie venerable, spec. serious
... 4585, 4586. semnos. 4587 .reverend, ie venerable, spec. serious.... Word Origin
from sebo Definitionreverend, ie venerable, spec. serious...
2412. hieroprepes -- reverent
... place, a temple," and 4241 , "fitting") --"befitting men, places, actions, or things
sacred to God, reverent" (K. Wuest); "to a sacred character,reverend" ()....
Library
The History and Life of theReverend Doctor John Tauler
The History and Life of theReverend Doctor John Tauler. <. The History
and Life of theReverend Doctor John Tauler Susannah Winkworth....
To theReverend
... TO THEREVEREND. WILLIAM SEWELL, DD, FELLOW OF EXETER COLLEGE: LATE PROFESSOR OF
MORAL PHILOSOPHY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD; AND LATE WARDEN OF ST....
The Honourable and RightReverend James York, DD , Lord Bishop of...
... THE HONOURABLE AND RIGHTREVEREND JAMES YORK, DD, LORD BISHOP OF ELY. My
LORD, When, five years ago, an important station in the...
It is Not, MyReverend Ambrosius, Because we Seek after Many Words...
... Chapter I. It is not, myreverend Ambrosius, because we seek after many
words " a thing? It is not, myreverend Ambrosius, because...
You have Here,Reverend Ambrosius, the Conclusion of what we have...
... Chapter LXXVI. You have here,reverend Ambrosius, the conclusion of what
we have been enabled to accomplish? You have here,reverend...
To theReverend the Clergy
... TO THEREVEREND THE CLERGY. OF THE ARCH-DEACONRY OF SUFFOLK. MY WORTHY BRETHREN,.
The ignorance of Church-wardens as to the duties...
The Sermon that theReverend Father in Christ
... THE SERMON THAT THEREVEREND FATHER IN CHRIST. THE SERMON THAT THEREVEREND
FATHER IN CHRIST, M. HUGH LATIMER, BISHOP OF WORCESTER...
A Sermon of theReverend Father Master Hugh Latimer, Preached in...
... A SERMON OF THEREVEREND FATHER MASTER HUGH LATIMER, PREACHED IN THE SHROUDS AT
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH IN LONDON, ON THE EIGHTEENTH DAY OF JANUARY, ANNO 1548....
As Regards OurReverend Friend Epiphanius, this is Strange...
... As regards ourreverend friend Epiphanius, this is strange shuffling of yours, when
you say that it was impossible for him to have written against you after...
The History and Life of theReverend Doctor John Tauler
The History and Life of theReverend Doctor John Tauler. <.... THE HISTORY AND
LIFE OF THE.REVEREND. DOCTOR JOHN TAULER. WITH. TWENTY-FIVE OF HIS SERMONS....
Thesaurus
Reverend (1 Occurrence)...Reverend (1 Occurrence). Psalms 111:9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath
commanded his covenant for ever: holy and
reverend is his name. (KJV ASV WBS).
...Reverence (42 Occurrences)
... veneration; an obeisance. 3. (n.) That which deserves or exacts manifestations
of reverence;reverend character; dignity; state. 4. (n.) A...
Reverent (8 Occurrences)
Reverencing (2 Occurrences)
Augustus (4 Occurrences)
... Ovid Fasti. 609; compare Dion Cass., 5316 The Greeks rendered the word
by Sebastos, literally, "reverend' " (Acts 25:21, 25). The...
Awful (20 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Psalms 111:9 He hath sent redemption unto his people; He hath commanded
his covenant for ever: Holy andreverend is his name. (See JPS)....
Honorable (42 Occurrences)
... I be glorious" (Isaiah 49:5), "I am honorable"; "honorable" for "honest" (Romans
12:17 2 Corinthians 13:7 Philippians 4:8, margin "reverend"); for "honestly...
Resources
Should the title of "reverend" be given to a church leader? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the 95 Theses of Martin Luther? | GotQuestions.orgChurch Leadership ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgReverend: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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