The term "divines" historically refers to theologians or scholars of divinity, particularly those who are deeply engaged in the study and interpretation of the Bible and Christian doctrine. In a biblical context, divines are often seen as individuals who possess a profound understanding of Scripture and are dedicated to teaching and preserving the truths of the Christian faith.

Biblical Foundation

The role of divines can be traced back to the early church, where individuals were set apart for the purpose of teaching and interpreting the Scriptures. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and the role of teachers in the church. In Ephesians 4:11-12 , Paul writes, "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ."

Qualifications and Responsibilities

The qualifications for those who would serve as divines or teachers are outlined in the pastoral epistles. In 1 Timothy 3:2 , Paul states, "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach." The ability to teach is a critical qualification, as divines are responsible for accurately conveying the truths of Scripture and defending the faith against false teachings.

In 2 Timothy 2:15 , Paul exhorts Timothy, "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth." This verse underscores the divine's duty to diligently study and rightly divide the Word of God, ensuring that their teachings align with biblical truth.

Historical Context

Throughout church history, divines have played a crucial role in shaping Christian theology and doctrine. The early church fathers, such as Augustine and Athanasius, were considered divines for their theological contributions and defense of orthodox Christianity. During the Reformation, figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin were pivotal in reforming church practices and emphasizing the authority of Scripture.

Role in the Church

In the contemporary church, divines continue to serve as pastors, theologians, and educators. They are tasked with preaching, teaching, and providing spiritual guidance to the congregation. Their work involves not only the exposition of Scripture but also the application of biblical principles to the lives of believers.

The Apostle Peter, in 1 Peter 5:2-3 , instructs church leaders, "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." This passage highlights the pastoral aspect of the divine's role, emphasizing servant leadership and the importance of setting a godly example.

Conclusion

While the term "divines" may not be explicitly used in Scripture, the concept is deeply rooted in the biblical mandate for teaching and preserving the faith. Divines, through their dedication to the study and teaching of God's Word, play an essential role in the spiritual growth and edification of the church.

The Favourable Testimonies of More Recent Divines
... SECOND PART V. THE FAVOURABLE TESTIMONIES OF MORE RECENT DIVINES. is good,
and I hate evil. To will, is present with me. With the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/v the favourable testimonies of.htm

An Abstract of a Speech Delivered by Lord Warriston, Before the ...
... An Abstract of a Speech delivered by Lord WARRISTON, before the Assembly of Divines
at Westminster, after the delivery of some Queries from the Parliament to ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/an abstract of a speech.htm

The Opposite Opinion is Approved by None of the Ancient Doctors of ...
... Thesis."The meaning which the greater part of our modern divines ascribe to the
apostle in this chapter, is not approved by any of the ancient doctors of the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/the opposite opinion is approved.htm

Answer to Mr. W's Third Objection.
... Jesus raised the dead, and wrought other miracles, say our divines often, not only
to manifest his own power and glory, but his love to mankind. ...
/.../section iii answer to mr.htm

The Westminster Confession.
... without Scripture texts, was printed, but not published, Dec.7, 1646, at London,
under the title, 'The Humble Advice of the Assembly of Divines, Now by ...
/.../ 94 the westminster confession.htm

The Lambeth Articles, AD 1595.
... [1271]. As Calvin became more fully known in England, he acquired an authority over
the leading divines and the Universities almost as great is that of St. ...
/.../ 84 the lambeth articles.htm

Public Use of the Version.
... and to some extent the internal history of Revision from the time, some fifty years
ago, when it began to occupy the thoughts of scholars and divines, down to ...
/.../addresses on the revised version of holy scripture/address v public use of.htm

Objections Considered.
... If this objection has any solidity, it lies with equal force against the scheme
of Leibnitz, Edwards, and other philosophers and divines, as well as against ...
/.../chapter vii objections considered.htm

A Dissertation on the True and Genuine Sense of the Seventh ...
... In those better days, liberty was granted to the divines of the church to maintain
an opinion on the one part of this question or on the other, provided they ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/a dissertation on the true.htm

The Brandenburg Confessions.
... The great Elector mentions them together in 1664. The Canons of Dort were
respectfully received but never adopted by the Brandenburg divines. ...
/.../ 70 the brandenburg confessions.htm

Divines (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Divines (1 Occurrence). Genesis 44:5 Isn't this that
from which my lord drinks, and by which he indeed divines? ...
/d/divines.htm - 6k

Uses (15 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT). Genesis 44:5 Isn't this that from which my lord drinks, and
by which he indeed divines? You have done evil in so doing.'" (See NAS NIV). ...
/u/uses.htm - 10k

Revised
... On July 7, 1870, it was moved in the Lower House of the Convocation of Canterbury
that in the work of revision the cooperation of American divines be invited. ...
/r/revised.htm - 12k

Divining (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Divine. 2. (a.) That divines;
for divining. Multi-Version Concordance Divining (3 Occurrences). ...
/d/divining.htm - 7k

Divineth (3 Occurrences)

/d/divineth.htm - 7k

Diviner's (1 Occurrence)

/d/diviner's.htm - 6k

Drinks (28 Occurrences)
... reformation. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT). Genesis 44:5 Isn't this that
from which my lord drinks, and by which he indeed divines? You ...
/d/drinks.htm - 14k

Offices (14 Occurrences)
... It was incorporated in the Heidelberg Catechism and has been adopted by most
theologians of the Reformed church and by English and American divines. ...
/o/offices.htm - 43k

American
... On July 7, 1870, it was moved in the Lower House of the Convocation of Canterbury
that in the work of revision the cooperation of American divines be invited. ...
/a/american.htm - 13k

Samaritan (8 Occurrences)
... which was Scripture. A fierce controversy resulted, in which various divines,
Protestant and Catholic, took part. Since then copies ...
/s/samaritan.htm - 42k

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