Topical Encyclopedia Ministration, in the biblical context, refers to the act of serving or attending to the needs of others, particularly within the framework of Christian service and worship. This concept is deeply rooted in the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the importance of service as a reflection of faith and obedience to God.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, ministration is often associated with the duties of the Levites and priests who served in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. Their responsibilities included offering sacrifices, maintaining the sacred space, and teaching the Law to the people. The book of Numbers outlines these duties, highlighting the importance of their service in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Numbers 18:6 states, "Behold, I Myself have taken your fellow Levites from among the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD to perform the service for the Tent of Meeting." New Testament Context The New Testament expands the concept of ministration beyond the Levitical priesthood to include all believers, emphasizing the priesthood of all Christians. Jesus Christ exemplified the ultimate model of service, as seen in His life and teachings. In Mark 10:45 , Jesus declares, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." This statement underscores the sacrificial nature of true ministration. The early Church embraced this model of service, as seen in the appointment of deacons to assist with the distribution of food and resources to widows and the needy. Acts 6:1-4 describes this development: "In those days, as the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 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 and will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word.'" Spiritual Gifts and Ministration The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the concept of ministration through the discussion of spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 , Paul writes, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." Here, ministration is seen as a diverse expression of the Holy Spirit's work within the body of Christ, intended for the edification and unity of the Church. Ministration in Worship and Daily Life Ministration is not limited to formal roles within the Church but extends to everyday acts of kindness and service among believers. Romans 12:1 exhorts Christians, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." This passage highlights the call for believers to live lives characterized by service, reflecting their devotion to God in all aspects of life. Conclusion Ministration, as depicted in the Bible, is a fundamental aspect of Christian life, rooted in the example of Christ and the teachings of Scripture. It encompasses both formal roles within the Church and the daily acts of service that demonstrate love and obedience to God. Through ministration, believers participate in the work of the Kingdom, serving one another and glorifying God in their actions. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The act of ministering; service; ministry.Greek 1248. diakonia -- service, ministry ... Noun, Feminine Transliteration: diakonia Phonetic Spelling: (dee-ak-on-ee'-ah) Short Definition: waiting at table, service, ministration Definition: waiting at ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1248.htm - 7k 484. antilempsis -- a laying hold of, help 3009. leitourgia -- a service, a ministry 2999. latreia -- service 3010. leitourgikos -- of or for service Library The Ministration of the Spirit and Prayer The New Covenant: a Ministration of the Spirit The Passage in Corinthians. The Old Law Ministers Death; the New, Righteousness. The Judges Said: Speak to those Points, Archelaus, which He Has ... The Ministry of the New Covenant God's Law Immutable. God's Law Immutable Whether the New Law Justifies? Wish You to Know, Most Pious Father, that in These Days There Has ... Thesaurus Ministration (33 Occurrences)...Ministration (33 Occurrences). Luke 1:23 And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. ... /m/ministration.htm - 15k Experiment (3 Occurrences) Condemns (11 Occurrences) Rather (176 Occurrences) Ministrants (18 Occurrences) Ministry (44 Occurrences) Venturing (2 Occurrences) Nicanor (1 Occurrence) Nicolas (1 Occurrence) Nicolaus (1 Occurrence) Resources Ministration: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ministration (33 Occurrences)Luke 1:23 Acts 1:17 Acts 1:25 Acts 6:1 Acts 6:4 Acts 11:29 Acts 12:25 Acts 20:24 Acts 21:19 Romans 11:13 Romans 12:7 Romans 15:31 1 Corinthians 16:15 2 Corinthians 3:7 2 Corinthians 3:8 2 Corinthians 3:9 2 Corinthians 4:1 2 Corinthians 5:18 2 Corinthians 6:3 2 Corinthians 8:4 2 Corinthians 9:1 2 Corinthians 9:12 2 Corinthians 9:13 2 Corinthians 11:8 Ephesians 4:12 Philippians 2:17 Philippians 2:30 Colossians 4:17 1 Timothy 1:12 2 Timothy 4:5 2 Timothy 4:11 Hebrews 1:14 Revelation 2:19 Subtopics Related Terms |