Topical Bible: Servants: Persons Devoted to the Service of Another So Called

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the term "servant" encompasses a range of meanings, from those who serve in a household or community to those who are devoted to the service of God. The concept of servanthood is deeply embedded in the Scriptures, reflecting both social structures and spiritual principles.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for servant, "ebed," is frequently used to describe individuals in various roles of service. Servants could be hired workers, bondservants, or those who voluntarily entered into servitude due to economic necessity. The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations regarding the treatment of servants, emphasizing humane and just treatment. For instance, Exodus 21:2 states, "If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years, but in the seventh year he shall go free, without paying anything."

The role of a servant was not limited to menial tasks; it also included significant responsibilities. Joseph, for example, served in Potiphar's house and rose to a position of great authority (Genesis 39:4). Servants could also be entrusted with managing households and estates, as seen in the case of Eliezer, Abraham's servant, who was tasked with finding a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:2-4).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "doulos" is often translated as "servant" or "slave." The teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles redefined the concept of servanthood, elevating it to a model of Christian discipleship. Jesus Himself exemplified the ultimate servant, as described in Philippians 2:7 : "but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness."

Jesus taught that greatness in the Kingdom of God is measured by one's willingness to serve others. In Mark 10:43-45 , He instructs His disciples, "But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. 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."

The apostle Paul frequently referred to himself as a servant of Christ, emphasizing the call to serve God and others with humility and dedication. In Romans 1:1 , Paul introduces himself as "a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God."

Spiritual Implications

The biblical portrayal of servanthood extends beyond social and economic roles to encompass a spiritual dimension. Servants of God are called to live lives of obedience, faithfulness, and devotion. This is exemplified in the lives of the prophets, who served as God's messengers, often at great personal cost.

The concept of servanthood is also central to the Christian understanding of stewardship. Believers are called to serve God by using their gifts and resources for the benefit of others and the advancement of God's Kingdom. In 1 Peter 4:10 , it is written, "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another."

Conclusion

The biblical concept of servanthood is multifaceted, encompassing both social roles and spiritual commitments. It challenges believers to emulate the humility and selflessness of Christ, serving others as an expression of their faith and devotion to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 119:49
Remember the word to your servant, on which you have caused me to hope.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 56:6
Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keeps the sabbath from polluting it, and takes hold of my covenant;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

They Feared the Lord, and Served their Own Gods. 2 Kings 17:33.
... Take the case of two servants, one devoted to his ... When persons are more jealous for
their own fame than ... is the business which God sets his servants about, and ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/they feared the lord and.htm

On Attending the Church Service
... a century, have not been holy men, not devoted to God ... men?" a question with which
many serious persons have been ... was ever conveyed to men by the servants of the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 104 on attending the.htm

Book Nine the End of the Autobiography. ...
... I did not know to my sorrow countless persons who, through ... since of thy favor thou
allowest thy servants to speak ... before her death in thee she devoted such care ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book nine the end of.htm

Native Christians (Continued).
... the effect on the mind of a devoted missionary by ... In some missions, when persons
have shown an aptness for ... a house the Hindu and Muhammadan servants are sure ...
/.../chapter xxvii native christians continued.htm

Covenant Duties.
... also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him ... and consequently
as acting in the capacity of servants, voluntarily devoted to His ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

An Address to the Regenerate, Founded on the Preceding Discourses.
... are, not in form, but in reality, devoted to God ... the labors of all God's faithful
servants throughout our ... assemble them all in their complete persons, and will ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/discourse x an address to.htm

In the Last, the Great Day of the Feast'
... the riot, that ensued, six thousand persons were killed ... on all His handmaidens and
servants of His ... Archdeacon Farrar has, indeed, devoted to the illustration ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in the last.htm

The Entrusted Talents.
... learning, of wealth, scarcely any two persons possess a ... abilities and acquirements
of the servants that he ... to serve his lord, but devoted himself exclusively ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xiv the entrusted talents.htm

Election and Ordination of Bishops: Form of Service on Sundays.
... do Thou now also look down upon Thy servants, who are ... our powerful God, who dost
not accept persons, be Thou ... the purity of those souls that are devoted to God. ...
/.../constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii election and ordination of.htm

Leadership for Service
... the brethren, and said (and there was a multitude of persons gathered together ... graft
is taken out of politics, officials become devoted public servants. ...
/.../the social principles of jesus/chapter vii leadership for service.htm