The officers in the Jewish Church and Christian Church were appointed as the unfolding of the divine plan made it necessary. The church, like any other organization, as the field of work becomes more extensive, must appoint new officers to meet the interest in new fields. It is also necessary that preparation be made by those who are to become divine leaders as the work becomes more thorough and spiritual. The purpose of this Chapter is to name the officers of the church and to give their respective duties.

1. THE PRIESTS.

1. Their Call.

When man was driven from the Garden because of transgression a mediator was necessary to offer sacrifice.

(a) It was divine,

(b) Patriarchal Age. During this period the father, as head of the family or tribe, was priest. Gen. 4:3—5; 12:8; 31:54; Ex. 24:18.

(c) Jewish Age. At Mt. Sinai the family of Aaron were made priests, and after this all priests that served in the Jewish Church belonged to this family. Ex. 28:1; Num. 3:10.

2. Their Mission.

(a) To perform all the services in the Tabernacle.

(b) To burn incense on the altar of incense.

(c) To offer all sacrifices.

(d) To teach the people the law.

(e) To be God's ministers of mercy and benevolence.

3. Their Clothing.

(1) Common Priests.

(a) Pair of drawers.

(b) A long coat or tunic.

(c) A girdle.

(d) A turban.

(2) High Priest.

(a) The Ephod.

(b) The blue robe.

(c) The girdle.

(d) The breastplate.

(e) The turban.

(f) A pair of drawers.

4. Their Support.

(1) From the thirteen Levitical cities. Josh. 21:4.

(2) From the sacrifices and other offerings of the sanctuary.

(a) Redemption money. Num. 18:14-19.

(b) Breast and right shoulder of Peace Offerings. Lev. 7:31-34.

(c) Skin of Burnt Offerings. Lev. 7:8.

(d) Flesh of Sin Offerings. Lev. 6:25, 26.

(e) Flesh of Trespass Offerings. Lev. 7:1-6.

(f) Peace Offerings at Pentecost. Lev. 23:19, 20.

(g) The shewbread. Lev. 24:9.

(h) First fruits. Num. 18:12.

(3) From the tithes received from Levites. Num. 18:25-32.

5. Their Ordination.

(1) They were washed. Lev. 8:5, 6.

(2) Clothed with priestly garments. Lev. 8:7-9.

(3) Anointed with oil. Lev. 8:10-12.

(4) Sacrificial offerings.

(a) Sin Offering.

(b) Burnt Offering.

(c) Peace Offering.

(5) Blood applied.

(a) To right ear of Aaron and his sons to sanctify the hearing.

(b) To thumb of right hand to sanctify their hands for service.

(c) To great toe of right foot to sanctify their feet for walking.

Thus they are to hear his Word, do his work and walk in his ways. This is typical of what every priest in the Christian Church should do.

2. THE PROPHETS.

1. Their Call.

(a) It was from the Lord.

(b) It was not confined to any family or tribe as was the priesthood. Any who were prepared might receive the call.

2. Their Mission.

(a) To speak the thoughts of God, whether they related to the past, present or future.

(b) To manifest God's power through miracles.

(c) To unfold the meaning of the Holy Scripture,

(d) To teach the King's righteousness.

(e) To write the religious history of their nation.

3. Prophetic Schools.

(a) They were organized in the time of Samuel.

(b) The superintendents and teachers were Samuel (1 Sam. 19:20), Elijah and Elisha.

(c) They were held at the following places:

(a) Ramah,

(b) Bethel,

(c) Gilgal,

(d) Jericho,

(e) Carmel,

(f) Samaria.

(d) In these schools the Scriptures were studied to prepare for higher service.

4. Their Productions.

(a) Five Major Prophetic books.

(b) Twelve Minor Prophetic books.

(c) The student must know the Pentateuch and the Historical books before he can understand the Prophetic books.

3. THE SCRIBES.

1. Their Origin. — Seraiah is the first scribe mentioned in the Old Testament. 2 Sam. 8:17.

2. Their Mission.

(a) To write copies of the Scripture.

(b) To study and interpret the Scriptures.

(c) To establish schools. After the Jews returned from captivity Ezra founded a new organization of scribes. Ezra 7:6.

3. The Names of the Scribes.

(a) Of the new organization by Ezra: Ezra, Zadok, Simeon.

(b) In the time of Christ: Nicodemus, Simon, Gamaliel,. Jochanan and Jonathan.

4. THE APOSTLES.

1. The Definition. The word means sent of God. apostle is one sent by Jesus Christ to save the world.

2. Number and Names.— The number was thirteen after Paul was called. The names are as follows: Peter and James, John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus and Simon Zelotes, Judas the brother of James, Matthias and Paul.

3. Their Call.— This took place just west of the Sea of Galilee on Mt. Kurin Hattin, at the opening of the later Galilean ministry, nineteen months after Christ's baptism.

4. Their History.

(a) The twelve were with the Savior during most of his ministry and were eyewitnesses of his work and resurrection. To these apostles Jesus gave special training.

(b) Paul was well qualified, having been thoroughly trained in the Scripture, but he lacked seeing the Light.

5. Their Mission.

(a) To perform acts of mercy through miracles.

(b) To teach the Scriptures and carry forward the Master's cause after his death.

Having carefully studied the officers in the sacred writings, we hope that the student is prepared to study with greater interest the qualifications and duties of the elder, minister and deacon. If we have been called to any of these offices may we ask the Lord for a better understanding of our responsible work as leaders and servants in the Christian Church.

QUESTIONS.

• When were officers of the church appointed?
• Name the four classes of sacred officers?
• When did the priesthood originate?
• Who was priest during the patriarchal age?
• What family was finally set apart as priests?
• What were the duties of the priests?
• What were the garments of the common priests? Of the high priest?
• How were the priests supported?
• How were they ordained?
• How were the prophets called?
• Who were called to the prophetic office?
• What was their mission?
• When were the prophetic schools organized?
• Who were the superintendents?
• Where were they held?
• What are the productions of the prophets?
• When did the order of scribes originate?
• What was their mission?
• Define "apostle." Name the apostles?
• When were they called?
• What of their history?
• What was their mission?