Definition and Context:
The term "presiding" refers to the act of leading, overseeing, or governing a group or assembly. In a biblical context, presiding often involves spiritual leadership and guidance, typically within the church or community of believers. This role is associated with authority, responsibility, and service, reflecting the biblical principles of leadership.

Biblical Examples and Principles:

1. Jesus Christ as the Ultimate Presider:
Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of presiding in the New Testament. He is depicted as the head of the Church, guiding and nurturing His followers. In Colossians 1:18 , it is stated, "And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence." Christ's leadership is characterized by servanthood, sacrifice, and love.

2. Apostolic Leadership:
The apostles, particularly Peter and Paul, are seen as presiding figures in the early church. They provided guidance, teaching, and correction to the fledgling Christian communities. In Acts 15, during the Council of Jerusalem, the apostles and elders presided over the discussion and decision-making process regarding Gentile believers, demonstrating the role of presiding in maintaining doctrinal purity and unity.

3. Elders and Overseers:
The New Testament outlines the role of elders and overseers as presiding figures within the church. In 1 Timothy 3:1-7 , Paul provides qualifications for overseers, emphasizing qualities such as being "above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach." These leaders are tasked with shepherding the flock, as seen in 1 Peter 5:2-3 : "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."

4. Spiritual Gifts and Presiding:
The New Testament also speaks of spiritual gifts related to leadership and administration. In Romans 12:6-8 , Paul mentions, "We have different gifts according to the grace given us... if it is leadership, let him govern diligently." This indicates that presiding is not only a matter of position but also a spiritual gift that requires diligence and dedication.

5. Old Testament Examples:
In the Old Testament, figures such as Moses and the judges of Israel served as presiding leaders. Moses, in particular, is a prominent example, as he led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness. His leadership was marked by direct communication with God, as seen in Exodus 33:11 : "Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend."

Theological Implications:

Presiding in a biblical sense is deeply rooted in the concept of servant leadership. Those who preside are called to emulate Christ's example, leading with humility, integrity, and a heart for service. The authority of presiding figures is not for personal gain or power but for the edification and unity of the body of Christ. The role requires a balance of authority and compassion, ensuring that the needs of the community are met while maintaining adherence to biblical truth.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Preside.

2. (a. & n.) from Preside.

752. archisunagogos -- ruler of a synagogue
... 752 (from , "first" and 4684 , "synagogue") -- properly, the chief elder (overseer)
presiding over a local synagogue; a "an administrative officer, supervising ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/752.htm - 8k5324. natsab -- to take one's stand, stand
... deputies (4), deputy (1), erected (2), establish (2), established (1), fix (1),
fixed (1), officers (1), pillar (1), present yourself (1), presiding (1), set ...
/hebrew/5324.htm - 6k

Of the Question Why the Heathen Should Refuse to Worship the God ...
... I. Chapter XXIX."Of the Question Why the Heathen Should Refuse to Worship the God
of Israel; Even Although They Deem Him to Be Only the Presiding Divinity of ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxix of the question why.htm

Whether Likeness is a Cause of Pleasure?
... Because ruling and presiding seem to imply a certain unlikeness. But "it is natural
to take pleasure in ruling and presiding," as stated in Rhetor. i, 11. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether likeness is a cause 2.htm

Black and Wesley.
... was induced at the doctor's request to take charge of the missions in the West India
Islands, in succession to Mr. Harper, who was elected Presiding Elder of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclean/william black/v black and wesley.htm

Fourth Tractate. Our Tutelary Spirit.
... 5. But if the presiding Spirit and the conditions of life are chosen by the Soul
in the overworld, how can anything be left to our independent action here? ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/fourth tractate our tutelary spirit.htm

Whether the Grades of the Orders are Properly Assigned?
... to the "Powers" to impose order on those subject to them, this ordering is plainly
shown at once in the name of "Principalities," who, as presiding over the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the grades of the.htm

Beyond Cincinnati
... long illness, Mr. Nelson largely conducted the business of the Diocese, and for
a man with such positive convictions, he was extremely fair in presiding at the ...
/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/beyond cincinnati.htm

Written Contracts in the Name of Idols. Tacit Consent.
... Of course, the time of the prosecution, and the place of the judgment seat, and
the person of the presiding judge, decide that they knew themselves to have so ...
/.../tertullian/on idolatry/chapter xxiii written contracts in the.htm

The Catholic System.
... The Catholic system, being an integral portion of the policy which invested the
presiding elder with additional authority, rose contemporaneously with Prelacy. ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter viii the catholic system.htm

The Bishops that Flourished at that Time.
... At that time Xystus [2277] was still presiding over the church of Rome, and Demetrianus,
[2278] successor of Fabius, [2279] over the church of Antioch, and ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xiv the bishops that flourished.htm

That God is the Father of the Word, and the Creator of all Things ...
... of the Father's substance (as in the case of generation by seed); but by the
determining act of foreknowledge God manifested a Saviour presiding over [3376 ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter iii that god is the.htm

Presiding (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Preside. 2. (a. & n.) from
Preside. Multi-Version Concordance Presiding (1 Occurrence). ...
/p/presiding.htm - 7k

President (5 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Occupying the first rank or chief place; having the highest authority;
presiding. ... 6. (n.) A protector; a guardian; a presiding genius. Int. ...
/p/president.htm - 8k

Jotham (26 Occurrences)
... In doing this he not only judged the people of the land by presiding at the
administration of justice, but also was over the household of the king, showing ...
/j/jotham.htm - 25k

Left (3923 Occurrences)
... They have their seats at the left-hand side of the presiding officer. See
Center, and Right. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. LEFT. ...
/l/left.htm - 9k

Presides (1 Occurrence)

/p/presides.htm - 6k

Chair (6 Occurrences)
... that of a professor; hence, the office itself. 3. (n.) The presiding officer
of an assembly; a chairman; as, to address the chair. ...
/c/chair.htm - 9k

Center (30 Occurrences)
... They sit in the middle of the legislative chamber, opposite the presiding officer,
between the conservatives or monarchists, who sit on the right of the speaker ...
/c/center.htm - 17k

Apollyon (1 Occurrence)
... In the Old Testament the place of destruction is personified-in Revelation 9:11,
personal forces issue from the Abyss, of which the presiding genius is ...
/a/apollyon.htm - 12k

Sodomite (1 Occurrence)
... held this office which made a man the head of the nation, not only ritually, but
also politically, since the high priest was ex officio presiding officer of ...
/s/sodomite.htm - 101k

Hermogenes (1 Occurrence)
... the latter, then the meaning is that Paul wishes to inform Timothy, or perhaps only
to remind him, how in Ephesus, where Timothy was the presiding minister of ...
/h/hermogenes.htm - 10k

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