Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the concept of representatives is deeply rooted in the narrative of God's interaction with humanity. Representatives serve as intermediaries, leaders, or figures of authority who act on behalf of others, whether in spiritual, political, or familial capacities. This role is evident throughout the Scriptures, where individuals are chosen to represent God, His people, or specific groups.
Old Testament Examples1.
Moses: One of the most prominent representatives in the Old Testament is Moses. He was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and to act as a mediator between God and His people. In
Exodus 3:10, God commands Moses, "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt." Moses' role as a representative is further emphasized in his intercessory prayers and his reception of the Law on Mount Sinai.
2.
Aaron: As the brother of Moses and the first high priest, Aaron served as a representative of the people before God. In
Exodus 28:1, God instructs Moses, "Bring near to you your brother Aaron and his sons with him from among the Israelites to serve Me as priests." Aaron's priestly duties included offering sacrifices and making atonement for the people, symbolizing his role as a mediator.
3.
The Judges: During the period of the Judges, individuals like Deborah, Gideon, and Samson were raised up by God to deliver Israel from oppression. These judges acted as representatives of God's justice and deliverance, guiding the people back to faithfulness.
New Testament Examples1.
Jesus Christ: The ultimate representative in the New Testament is Jesus Christ, who is both fully God and fully man. He represents humanity before God, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. In
1 Timothy 2:5, it is written, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." Jesus' role as a representative is central to the Christian faith, as He bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity.
2.
The Apostles: The apostles, particularly Peter and Paul, served as representatives of Christ to the early church and the Gentile world. They were entrusted with spreading the Gospel and establishing the church. In
2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul writes, "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us."
3.
Elders and Deacons: In the early church, elders and deacons were appointed to represent the congregation in matters of spiritual oversight and service. Their roles are outlined in passages such as
1 Timothy 3 and
Titus 1, where qualifications for these representatives are detailed.
Theological SignificanceThe role of representatives in the Bible underscores the importance of leadership, mediation, and accountability. Representatives are often chosen by God to fulfill specific purposes, reflecting His sovereignty and divine plan. They are called to act with integrity, faithfulness, and obedience, serving as examples to those they lead.
In the broader theological context, representatives highlight the need for mediation between God and humanity, a theme that culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ fulfills the ultimate role of representative, reconciling humanity to God and establishing a new covenant.
Strong's Hebrew
6938. Qedar -- perhaps "swarthy," a son of Ishmael, also his desc.... Kedar. From qadar; dusky (of the skin or the tent); Kedar, a son of Ishmael; also
(collectively) Bedouin (as his descendants or
representatives) -- Kedar.
...Library
TypicalRepresentatives of Synod.
... TYPICALREPRESENTATIVES OF SYNOD. 64. CFL Endress Denounces Form of
Concord."Among the better class of Lutherans prominent in...
Epistle xxxiv. To Eulogius, Bishop.
... Now therepresentatives (responsales) of our brother and fellow-bishop Cyriacus
came to me, bringing me his synodical epistle. And...
The Basis for Community Service
... the other hand, it is the rare occurrence for those professionally interested in
social service to be present at a convention ofrepresentatives of religious...
Chambers of Imagery
... Probably they were therepresentatives of Egyptian worship, for the description
of their temple might have been taken out of any book of travels in Egypt in...
Epistle xxxiii. To Mauricius Augustus.
... be engendered in the unity of Holy Church by the dissension of priests, has once
and again deigned to admonish me to receive kindly therepresentatives of my...
Interdenominational Readjustment
... have accomplished much in preparing the way for a nation-wide recognition of what
the broad function of the church is; they have broughtrepresentatives of all...
Spiritual Condition of the Congregations. --The Seven Churches in...
... The angels are, at all events, therepresentatives of the people committed to their
charge, and what was said to them applies at the same time to the churches....
"To My Father, and Your Father"
... There are cherubim and seraphim. The commanders of the angel hosts, the sons of
God, therepresentatives of the unfallen worlds, are assembled....
The Training of the Twelve
... As in the Old Testament the twelve patriarchs stood asrepresentatives of Israel,
so the twelve apostles stand asrepresentatives of the gospel church....
Deliverance from Assyria
... The officers were conferring outside the gates of the city, but within the hearing
of the sentries on the wall; and as therepresentatives of the Assyrian king...
Thesaurus
Representatives (26 Occurrences)...Representatives (26 Occurrences). Luke 14:32 Or while the other is still a great
distance away, he sends
representatives requesting conditions of peace. (BBE).
...Envoys (16 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Isaiah 18:2 Which sends itsrepresentatives by the sea,
even in ships of papyrus on the waters. Go back quickly, O...
Oppressive (6 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 18:2 Which sends itsrepresentatives by the sea, even in ships of
papyrus on the waters. Go back quickly, Orepresentatives...
Conquering (3 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV). Isaiah 18:2 Which sends itsrepresentatives
by the sea, even in ships of papyrus on the waters....
Aggressive (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Aggressive (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 18:2 Which sends its
representatives by the sea, even in ships of papyrus on the waters....
Smooth-skinned (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Smooth-skinned (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 18:2 Which sends
itsrepresentatives by the sea, even in ships of papyrus on the waters....
Senator
... Originally, like the gerousia of the Jews, therepresentatives of families and clans
(gentes), the senators were subsequently the ex-magistrates, supplemented...
Senate (1 Occurrence)
... Originally, like the gerousia of the Jews, therepresentatives of families and clans
(gentes), the senators were subsequently the ex-magistrates, supplemented...
Rome (12 Occurrences)
... adorned with the spoils of the world, and contained a population estimated at 1,200,000,
of which the half were slaves, and includingrepresentatives of nearly...
Presbyter
... "The four and twenty elders occupying thrones (not seats) around the throne are
to be regarded asrepresentatives of the glorified church; and the number...
Resources
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