In the context of the Bible, the concept of "credential" is not explicitly mentioned as it is understood in modern terms. However, the idea of credentials, or qualifications and authority, can be seen throughout Scripture in various forms, particularly in the roles and recognition of prophets, apostles, and leaders within the community of God's people.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, credentials often came in the form of divine calling and anointing. Prophets, for example, were recognized by their calling from God and the authenticity of their message. Moses is a prime example, as he was given signs to perform before the Israelites and Pharaoh to validate his divine commission (Exodus 4:1-9). Similarly, the anointing of kings, such as David by the prophet Samuel, served as a divine credential for leadership (1 Samuel 16:12-13).

The priesthood also required specific credentials, which were established by lineage and adherence to the Law. The sons of Aaron were set apart for the priestly office, and their credentials were confirmed through their consecration and the observance of the Levitical laws (Exodus 28-29).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of credentials is evident in the ministry of Jesus Christ and the apostles. Jesus' credentials were affirmed by His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, His authoritative teaching, and the miracles He performed. In John 5:36, Jesus states, "But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me that the Father has sent Me."

The apostles were given credentials through their direct commissioning by Christ and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The signs and wonders performed by the apostles served as further validation of their divine authority (Acts 2:43).

Paul, in defending his apostolic authority, often referred to his encounter with the risen Christ and the fruit of his ministry as his credentials (1 Corinthians 9:1-2; 2 Corinthians 12:12). He emphasized that his authority was not from human origin but from God (Galatians 1:1).

Spiritual Credentials

Beyond formal roles, the Bible speaks to the spiritual credentials of believers, which are characterized by faith, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the fruit of a transformed life. In 2 Corinthians 3:2-3, Paul writes, "You yourselves are our letter, inscribed on our hearts, known and read by everyone. It is clear that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."

The qualifications for church leaders, such as elders and deacons, are outlined in the pastoral epistles, emphasizing character and spiritual maturity as essential credentials (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9).

In summary, while the term "credential" is not directly used in Scripture, the concept is woven throughout the biblical narrative, highlighting the importance of divine calling, spiritual authority, and the evidence of God's work in and through individuals.1. (a.) Giving a title or claim to credit or confidence; accrediting.

2. (n.) That which gives a title to credit or confidence.

3. (n.) Testimonials showing that a person is entitled to credit, or has right to exercise official power, as the letters given by a government to an ambassador or envoy, or a certificate that one is a duly elected delegate.

On the Prophetical Office of Christ
... him, when a voice came from the Father in heaven, and the Spirit, "in a bodily shape,
like a dove, descended upon him." These were like credential letters, by ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xxxvi on the prophetical.htm

Ninth and Tenth Appearances of Jesus.
... The saying forms an important credential for the Book of Jonah; where else have
we the period of three days fixed as the time between our Lord's burial and ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxliii ninth and tenth appearances.htm

Preface
... Natural Law, on the other hand, could it be traced in the Spiritual World, would
have an important scientific value"it would offer Religion a new credential. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/natural law in the spiritual world/preface.htm

Evolution in General
... Yet even now the outline of a continuous story is beginning to appear"a story whose
chief credential lies in the fact that no imagination of man could have ...
/.../drummond/the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/i evolution in general.htm

Apostolic Inspiration.
... And inasmuch as no man has the liberty to exercise such extraordinary power except
he can show the credential's of his mission, so we deny Rome's ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxi apostolic inspiration.htm

Greeks Seek Jesus. He Foretells that He Shall Draw all Men unto ...
... insisted upon, yet they suggest that the first is a saving sacrifice, a priestly
work (John 3:14); the second is mentioned as the convincing credential that he ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxii greeks seek jesus he.htm

The Older Boys' Conference or Congress
... of the Conference will be granted only to those wearing the Souvenir Conference
Badge, which will be given to each delegate presenting a credential signed by ...
/.../alexander/the boy and the sunday school/xiii the older boys conference.htm

Introduction to the Treatise
... Sec. Sec. 16, 17. (1) Immoral features due to the poets.' But (a) they come to use
with the same credential as the names and existence of the gods; (b) The ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/introduction to the treatise.htm

The Contribution of Science to Christianity
... And the surest proof of the waning influence of the facts themselves, and the extent
of the loss incurred by the transfer of their credential to authority, is ...
/.../berkhof/new evangelism and other papers/the contribution of science to.htm

The Secondary Division or Teen Age Boys' Crusade
... 3. Write to each chosen representative before the first called meeting, enclosing
credential card to be signed by the superintendent of the school, the pastor ...
/.../alexander/the boy and the sunday school/xiv the secondary division or.htm

Credential (1 Occurrence)
...Credential (1 Occurrence). 2 Thessalonians 3:17 I Paul add the greeting with my
own hand, which is the credential in every letter of mine. (WEY). ...
/c/credential.htm - 7k

Credence (20 Occurrences)

/c/credence.htm - 13k

Credit (39 Occurrences)

/c/credit.htm - 20k

Accredit (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (vt) To send with letters credential, as an ambassador, envoy, or
diplomatic agent; to authorize, as a messenger or delegate. ...
/a/accredit.htm - 7k

Add (135 Occurrences)
... Grace be with you. (WEY). 2 Thessalonians 3:17 I Paul add the greeting with my own
hand, which is the credential in every letter of mine. (WEY). ...
/a/add.htm - 39k

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