Topical Bible: Scribes: Illustrated of Well Instructed Ministers of the Gospel

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Introduction

In biblical times, scribes were esteemed as learned individuals responsible for copying, teaching, and interpreting the Scriptures. Their role was pivotal in preserving the sacred texts and ensuring the accurate transmission of God's Word. In the New Testament, the function and dedication of scribes can be seen as illustrative of well-instructed ministers of the Gospel, who are called to faithfully teach and uphold the truth of Scripture.

Historical Context

Scribes in ancient Israel were more than mere copyists; they were scholars and teachers of the Law. They held a significant position in Jewish society, often associated with the Pharisees and the Sanhedrin. Their expertise in the Law made them authoritative figures in religious and legal matters. Ezra, a notable scribe, is described as "a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses" (Ezra 7:6), highlighting the depth of knowledge and dedication required for this role.

Role and Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of scribes was to transcribe the Scriptures with meticulous accuracy. This task required a profound understanding of the Law and a commitment to preserving its purity. In addition to copying texts, scribes were also teachers and interpreters, explaining the Scriptures to the people and ensuring that the Law was understood and applied correctly.

In the New Testament, Jesus acknowledges the role of scribes, saying, "Therefore every scribe who has been discipled in the kingdom of heaven is like a homeowner who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old" (Matthew 13:52). This metaphor illustrates the scribe's role in drawing from the rich heritage of the Old Testament while also embracing the new revelations of the Gospel.

Illustration of Well-Instructed Ministers

The dedication and expertise of scribes serve as an illustration for well-instructed ministers of the Gospel. Just as scribes were entrusted with the sacred texts, ministers are entrusted with the message of the Gospel. They are called to be diligent in their study and teaching, ensuring that they accurately convey the truth of God's Word.

Paul's exhortation to Timothy reflects this responsibility: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). This charge emphasizes the importance of careful study and faithful teaching, qualities that were also essential for scribes.

Challenges and Warnings

While scribes held a respected position, the New Testament also records instances where their practices were criticized. Jesus warned against the hypocrisy and legalism that some scribes exhibited, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces" (Matthew 23:13). This serves as a cautionary reminder for ministers to maintain integrity and humility in their service.

Conclusion

The role of scribes in biblical history provides a profound illustration of the responsibilities and challenges faced by well-instructed ministers of the Gospel. Their dedication to the Scriptures and their role as teachers and interpreters offer valuable insights into the calling of those who are entrusted with the message of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 13:52
Then said he to them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed to the kingdom of heaven is like to a man that is an householder, which brings forth out of his treasure things new and old.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Wise Minister Will be Successful.
... have need to pray that God would make ministers wise to ... educated, so that they shall
be scribes well instructed in the ... It may be illustrated by the case of a ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xi a wise minister.htm

The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen.
... and the peace of the Church, as well as the ... and pride, and secular interests, might
be illustrated as an ... The people, the elders, and the scribes, were alarmed ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture viii the institution of.htm

The Making of the King James Version; Its
... of other manuscripts; but many were made by scribes to whom ... to say it so that the
common man could well understand it ... It can be illustrated in one or two ways. ...
/.../mcafee/study of the king james bible/lecture ii the making of.htm

Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels.
... Clerics, evil, represented by Scribes and Pharisees sitting in ... for good, [1045]478;
this disposal illustrated by things ... what sense all are good, as well as evil ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... precious souls, turning their backs upon the glorious gospel, and little minding
a crucified Jesus, when, in the meanwhile, their bodies are well provided for ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

[Endnotes]
... The chief priests and scribes were, perhaps, summoned to ... more ancient than the Vulgate,
as well as by ... history of the apostle has been illustrated with singular ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm