In biblical times, the role of a comptroller, though not explicitly named as such, can be understood through various administrative and financial positions mentioned in the Scriptures. These roles were crucial for the management of resources, oversight of finances, and ensuring the proper functioning of both religious and royal institutions.

Old Testament Context

The concept of a comptroller can be seen in the duties of stewards and overseers who managed the affairs of households, temples, and kingdoms. One notable example is Joseph, who served as the overseer of Potiphar's house in Egypt. Genesis 39:4-6 describes Joseph's responsibilities: "Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned." Joseph's role involved managing resources and ensuring the prosperity of Potiphar's estate.

In the context of the monarchy, King David appointed officials to oversee various aspects of his kingdom. 1 Chronicles 27:25-31 lists the officials responsible for the king's treasuries, fields, vineyards, and livestock. These individuals acted as comptrollers, ensuring the efficient management of the kingdom's resources.

Temple Administration

The administration of the temple also required roles akin to comptrollers. The Levites were tasked with managing the temple's finances and resources. In 2 Kings 12:10-12 , we see an example of financial oversight: "Whenever they saw that there was a large amount of money in the chest, the royal scribe and the high priest would come up, count the money that had been brought into the house of the LORD, and tie it up in bags." This passage highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in handling sacred funds.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the role of financial oversight is evident in the early church. The apostles appointed deacons to manage the distribution of resources to the needy, ensuring that the church's material needs were met. Acts 6:1-3 describes this appointment: "So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, 'It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them.'"

Principles of Stewardship

The biblical concept of stewardship underpins the role of a comptroller. Believers are called to be faithful stewards of God's resources, managing them wisely and with integrity. Jesus' parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 illustrates the importance of using resources effectively for the Master's benefit. The faithful servants are commended for their diligence and accountability, principles that are essential for any comptroller.

Conclusion

While the specific title of "comptroller" is not found in the Bible, the functions associated with this role are evident throughout Scripture. From the management of royal treasuries to the oversight of temple funds and the distribution of resources in the early church, the principles of stewardship, accountability, and integrity are consistently emphasized. These biblical examples provide a framework for understanding the responsibilities and significance of comptrollers in both ancient and modern contexts.

A Sermon of the Reverend Father Master Hugh Latimer, Preached in ...
... some are ambassadors, some of the privy council, some to furnish the court, some
are lords of the parliament, some are presidents, and comptrollers of mints. ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/a sermon of the reverend.htm

The Life of Mr. William Row.
... own parish; but Mr. Row being advised not to compear unless the council would relax
him from the horning, and make him free of the Scoon-comptrollers, who had ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr william.htm

Touching the First Subject of all the Forementioned Power of the ...
... have severall offices and officers for every businesse and service about the house,
as Chamberlains, Stewards, Treasurers, Comptrollers, Vshers, Bayliffs ...
/.../chap vii touching the first.htm

Comptrollers (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Comptrollers (3 Occurrences). ... All these were
comptrollers of the substance which was king David's. (DBY). ...
/c/comptrollers.htm - 7k

Compulsion (8 Occurrences)

/c/compulsion.htm - 8k

Compresseth (1 Occurrence)

/c/compresseth.htm - 6k

Chamberlains (17 Occurrences)
... and the princes of the divisions that ministered to the king, and the captains over
thousands, and the captains over hundreds, and the comptrollers of all the ...
/c/chamberlains.htm - 12k

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