Connect the roles in 1 Chronicles 18:17 to New Testament church leadership structures. “Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites, and the sons of David were the chief officials at the king’s side.” The Old Testament Roles in View • Benaiah: commander of the king’s personal guard—elite warriors charged with protection and swift action. • David’s sons: “chief officials” (literally, senior ministers or administrators) who worked in closest proximity to the king and shared in governing authority. New Testament Parallels under King Jesus • Protective service – Deacons – Acts 6:1-6 presents deacons as Spirit-filled servants who handle practical needs so the church stays healthy and secure. – 1 Timothy 3:8-13 lists qualifications that echo Benaiah’s proven valor and integrity. – Like the Cherethites and Pelethites, deacons free spiritual leaders to focus on prayer and the Word while guarding the body from neglect or division. • Governing proximity – Elders/Overseers – Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Peter 5:1-4 show elders exercising oversight “among” the flock, comparable to David’s sons serving “at the king’s side.” – These leaders share in Christ’s rule by teaching sound doctrine, shepherding, and setting an example (1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:17). – Their familial closeness to the King finds fulfillment in believers who are now “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). Why the Comparison Matters • God’s orderly government did not begin in Acts—it reflects His consistent character, from David’s court to Christ’s church. • Understanding the link adds weight to New Testament offices: they are not human inventions but Spirit-guided continuations of a divine pattern. • The church flourishes when deacons guard and serve, and when elders stay close to the King, leading with humility, courage, and faithfulness. |
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