The term "bishoprick" is an archaic English word that refers to the office or jurisdiction of a bishop. In the context of the Bible, it is most notably found in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Acts. The term is synonymous with "episcopate" or "overseership," reflecting the role of a bishop as a spiritual overseer within the early Christian church.

Biblical Reference:

The primary scriptural reference to "bishoprick" is found in Acts 1:20, where the apostle Peter speaks concerning the replacement of Judas Iscariot after his betrayal of Jesus and subsequent death. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as follows:

"For it is written in the Book of Psalms: 'May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,' and, 'May another take his position of overseer.'"

Here, the term "position of overseer" is rendered as "bishoprick" in older translations, such as the King James Version. The passage highlights the necessity of filling the vacant apostolic office left by Judas, emphasizing the continuity and order within the early church's leadership structure.

Role and Function:

In the early Christian church, the role of a bishop was crucial for maintaining doctrinal purity, providing spiritual guidance, and overseeing the administration of church affairs. Bishops were seen as successors to the apostles, entrusted with the responsibility of shepherding the flock of God. This role included teaching, preaching, and safeguarding the faith against heretical teachings.

The qualifications for a bishop are outlined in the pastoral epistles, particularly in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. These passages emphasize the moral and spiritual character required for someone to hold the office of a bishop, including being above reproach, hospitable, able to teach, and managing their household well.

Historical Context:

Historically, the office of bishop evolved as the church grew and expanded. In the early centuries of Christianity, bishops played a pivotal role in the development of church doctrine and the establishment of ecclesiastical authority. They were often involved in ecumenical councils, where key theological issues were debated and resolved.

The term "bishoprick" itself, while not commonly used in modern translations, reflects the historical continuity of church leadership from the apostolic age to the present. The office of bishop remains a significant aspect of church governance in many Christian denominations, including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and some Protestant traditions.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the concept of "bishoprick" underscores the importance of ordained leadership within the church. It reflects the biblical principle of order and authority, as established by Christ and the apostles. The bishop's role as a guardian of the faith and a shepherd to the believers is seen as vital for the spiritual health and unity of the church body.

In summary, "bishoprick" represents the office and function of a bishop as an overseer within the Christian church, rooted in biblical tradition and historical practice. The term, though archaic, continues to hold significance in understanding the structure and leadership of the early church as depicted in the New Testament.BISHOPRICK

bish'-up-rik (episkope; Acts 1:20 the King James Version, quoted from Psalm 109:8): the Revised Version (British and American) "office," margin, "overseership."

See BISHOP.

1984. episkope -- a visiting, an overseeing
... inspection (for relief); by implication, superintendence; specially, the Christian
"episcopate" -- the office of a "bishop", bishoprick, visitation. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1984.htm - 7k

That a Bishop or Hegumenos Ought not to Alienate any Part of the ...
... If bishop or hegumenos is found alienating any part of the farm lands of the bishoprick
or monastery into the hands of secular princes, or surrendering them to ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xii that a bishop.htm

Doctrine of the Rest of the Apostles.
... Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein; [3467] and, His
bishoprick let another take;" [3468] "thus leading to the completion of the ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xii doctrine of the rest.htm

Of Bishops who Shall Lie with Regard to Donatists' Communions.
... who had been Donatists], and had said that they had communicated when he knew it
was an established fact that they had not done so, let him lose his bishoprick ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon cxxiv greek cxxv of.htm

Of Maximian, the Bishop.
... of Maximian of Vagai [467] it seemed good that letters be sent from the council
both to him and to his people; that he should vacate the bishoprick, and that ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon lxxxviii greek xci of.htm

Concerning Quodvultdeus, the Bishop.
... Under these circumstances to deprive him of his bishoprick, before the conclusion
of his cause was known, could commend itself to no Christian as a just act. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon lxxxvii greek xc concerning.htm

The Bishops are not to Go Beyond their Dioceses to Churches Lying ...
... there. And Gregory having abandoned the bishoprick of Sasima, which was
in the Pontic diocese, had removed to Constantinople. While ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon ii the bishops are.htm

The Third Exile, 356-362.
... His main supporter in the East was Acacius, who had succeeded to the bishoprick,
the library, and the doctrinal position of his preceptor Eusebius of C??sarea. ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/section 8 the third exile.htm

Tendencies of Religious Thought in England, 1688-1750.
Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World. <. ...
/.../tendencies of religious thought in.htm

Bishoprick (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BISHOPRICK. bish'-up-rik (episkope ... See BISHOP.
Multi-Version Concordance Bishoprick (1 Occurrence). Acts 1 ...
/b/bishoprick.htm - 7k

Bishopric (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate,
and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. ...
/b/bishopric.htm - 6k

Office (64 Occurrences)
... In Acts 1:20, the Revised Version (British and American) has "office" (margin
"overseership") for the King James Version "bishoprick." T. Lewis. ...
/o/office.htm - 30k

Bishops (2 Occurrences)

/b/bishops.htm - 7k

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