Page 456 - Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible Christianity. Based on the King James Bible

PASTOR

Egypt. (1) They were under God’s wrath for rebellion PASTOR. The pastorate is the chief office
and for following false gods. (2) Every family was of leadership in the local assembly (Ep. 4:11).
judged (Ex. 12:12, 29, 30). Compare Ro. 3:9-18; 5:12; The Pastor’s Title. The terms pastor, elder, and bishop
Ep. 2:1-3). (3) Even the animals were judged, signifying describe the same office in the assembly, referring to
that the whole creation is under God’s curse because of three different aspects of the church leader’s work.
sin. Compare Ge. 3:17-18; Ro. 8:19-22. (4) They were Pastor refers to the church leader as the shepherd of the
warned of judgment and given opportunity to repent flock, speaking of his work of teaching and nurturing
(Ex. 4:22-23), but were unbelieving and careless. and protecting the assembly (Ep. 4:11). “Pastor” is
The Lamb. (Jn. 1:29; 1 Co. 5:7). (1) It was without translated from the Greek word poimen, which 16 times
blemish (Ex. 12:5), symbolizing Christ’s perfection (2 in the N.T. is translated “shepherd” (Mt. 9:36; 25:32;
Co. 5:21; 1 Pe. 2:22; He. 7:26; 1 Jn. 3:5). (2) It was a 26:31; Mk. 6:34; 14:27; Lk. 2:8, 15, 18, 20; Jn. 10:2,
male of the first year (Ex. 12:5), symbolizing Christ’s 11, 12, 14, 16; He. 13:20). In the Greek language of the
youthfulness and strength and zeal toward God. (3) It N.T., “feed the flock” (Ac. 20:28; 1 Pe. 5:2) literally
could be selected of the sheep (Ex. 12:5), symbolizing means “shepherd the flock”; it is from the same root
Christ’s willingness to suffer and die (Is. 53:7; Ac. word translated “pastor” and “shepherd.” Elder refers to
8:32-35). (4) The passover sacrifice could also be a goat the church leader’s maturity and responsibility and the
(Ex. 12:5), symbolizing Christ taking our sin upon fact that he is to be an example to the church. Bishop
Himself (the goat represents sinners—Mt. 25:33) (Lk. refers to the church leader’s authority, to the fact that he
23:33; 2 Co. 5:21; Ga. 3:13; 1 Pe. 2:24). (5) It was is to rule the church. The Greek word translated
killed and the blood was shed (Ex. 12:6-7), symbolizing “bishop” is also translated “oversee” (Ac. 20:28; 1 Pe.
the price that was paid for redemption (Ro. 5:9, 10). (6) 5:2). That these terms refer to the same office in the
No bone was broken (Ex. 12:46; Jn. 19:36). (7) It was church is seen in their usage. In Tit. 1:5, 7, the terms
observed from the 10th to the 14th day (Ex. 12:6), “elders” and “bishops” are used interchangeably. In Acts
symbolizing Christ’s earthly life and ministry during 20 all three terms are applied to the same office. In Acts
which the Jews observed His life and miracles. (8) It 20:17 the church leaders are called “elders.” In Acts
was sufficient; nothing else was needed for protection 20:28 the Greek words for bishop (“overseers”) and
from God’s wrath (Ex. 12:23). The Passover lamb is pastor (“feed the flock”) are used. 1 Peter 5 also uses
never used in the plural; it is always “the lamb,” because these terms to refer to the same office in the church. 1
the one Lamb of God is absolutely sufficient (Jn. 19:30; Pe. 5:1 speaks of the “elders,” and 1 Pe. 5:2 speaks of
He. 9:12; 10:12-14). (9) There was one lamb for all these elders as overseers (bishops) and shepherds. The
people (Ex. 12:48-49), symbolizing the efficacy of the fact that these terms are used interchangeably is
gospel for the whole world (Jn. 3:16). significant. A pastor is an elder is a bishop. These are
The Eating of the Lamb. The eating symbolizes not separate offices.
fellowship with Christ after salvation. (1) The time of the The Pastor’s Calling. The following Bible tests can
eating: It was eaten after the sacrifice was made, help a man determine if God is calling him to be a
symbolizing the fact that the new birth must precede pastor and also allow the churches to examine men who
works (Ep. 2:8-10). (2) The place of the eating: It was might express interest in being pastors.
eaten inside the house, symbolizing the church, the (1) The test of desire (1 Ti. 3:1). This verse could also
house of God (1 Ti. 3:15). (3) The purpose of the be translated “if a man reach out to grasp the office of a
eating: It was eaten to provide strength (Ph. 4:13), bishop.” It speaks of a strong, compelling desire. Paul
enjoyment (Ps. 34:8), satisfaction (Jn. 6:35), and speaks of such compulsion in 1 Co. 9:16 when he says,
beauty (2 Co. 3:18). (4) The method of the eating: It was “...for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I
eaten that night (Ex. 12:8), signifying the fact that preach not the gospel!” Those in Israel who did the
fellowship and service are connected directly with work of building the Tabernacle were men “whose
salvation. It was eaten without any leaven, symbolizing hearts stirred them up, to come unto the work to do
God’s desire that His people separate from all evil (Ep. it” (Ex. 36:2). Likewise, the men who are to lead the
5:1-3,11). It was eaten with bitter herbs, signifying the churches must be men whose hearts have been divinely
trials of the Christian life. It was eaten in haste, with the stirred for this great task. This desire must be more than
loins girded, shoes on the feet, and staff in hand (Ex. a mere interest; it must be a passion, a powerful, divine
12:11), symbolizing the duties of the Gospel and the summons to the ministry. It has been said, and rightly
fact that the Christian is a pilgrim in this world (1 Th. so, that if a man can refrain easily from preaching and
1:8-10). [See Feasts, Gospel, Jesus Christ, Lord’s Supper, from church leadership, he should, because God’s call to
Offerings, Type.] such ministry is attended by a powerful, unmistakable
summons. We see this in God’s call to the prophets (Je.

456 Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity