Topical Bible: Servant: Bond: Equal Status of, With Other Disciples of Jesus

◄ Servant: Bond: Equal Status of, With Other Disciples of Jesus ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the New Testament, the concept of servanthood is central to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the life of His disciples. The term "servant" (Greek: δοῦλος, doulos) often refers to a bond-servant or slave, indicating a person who is wholly devoted to the service of another. In the context of the early Christian community, this term takes on a profound spiritual significance, emphasizing humility, service, and equality among believers.

Equality Among Disciples

The teachings of Jesus Christ consistently highlight the equal status of all His followers, regardless of their social or economic positions. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus addresses the issue of greatness among His disciples, stating, "But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave" (Matthew 20:26-27). This passage underscores the principle that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is measured by one's willingness to serve others.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme in his epistles. In Galatians 3:28, he writes, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" . This declaration of unity and equality in Christ dismantles the societal barriers that typically separate individuals, including those between masters and servants.

Servanthood as a Model of Leadership

Jesus Himself exemplified the role of a servant-leader. In John 13:14-15, after washing the feet of His disciples, He instructs them, "So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you" . This act of humility and service is a powerful demonstration of the equal status and mutual responsibility among His followers.

The Early Church and Servanthood

The early Christian community embraced the model of servanthood as a foundational principle. In Acts 2:44-45, the believers are described as having "all things in common" and selling their possessions to distribute to anyone in need . This communal lifestyle reflects the spirit of equality and shared responsibility that characterized the early Church.

Paul's letter to Philemon provides a practical example of this principle. In this letter, Paul appeals to Philemon to receive his runaway slave, Onesimus, "no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother" (Philemon 1:16). This appeal highlights the transformative power of the Gospel to redefine relationships and establish equality among believers.

Conclusion

The New Testament presents a radical vision of servanthood that transcends social hierarchies and affirms the equal status of all disciples of Jesus. Through His teachings and example, Jesus redefines greatness as service, calling His followers to live in humility and mutual love. The early Church's practice of communal living and the apostolic teachings further reinforce the principle that in Christ, all are equal, united in their shared identity as servants of the Lord.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Corinthians 7:21,22
Are you called being a servant? care not for it: but if you may be made free, use it rather.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Corinthians 12:13
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Nave's Topical Index

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Nave's Topical Index

Ephesians 6:8
Knowing that whatever good thing any man does, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Abrogation of the Saybrook Platform
... of the General Assembly, a servant of politics ... and Congregational, "connected with
one indissoluble bond the principles of ... that every one has an equal right to ...
/.../chapter xi the abrogation of.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... married men, and let all have an equal standing as ... divinity, which your Majesty's
most humble servant has taken ... as that creed was abolished the bond that held ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

Confessio Augustana.
... sunt, per Electores, Principes et reliquos Status Imperii semper ... ut mulieres nubant,
qu?? non servant promissam castitatem ... sin, but also for all other sins; as ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/confessio augustana.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... him, we are no heretics: then, when our status is made ... keep the unity of the Spirit
in the bond of peace. ... since he does not choose to stand on equal terms with ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

The Evangelical Revival.
... 1738 he had faith in God as a servant; after that ... in solid learning he was, perhaps,
not equal to his ... Indeed, if for no other reason, Charles Wesley occupies a ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm