Tuesday, September 25, 2012

SYNONYMOUS (Equivalent in meaning; Expressing or implying the same idea)

Oh, what confusion and contention we do earn for ourselves when we make synonymous those Bible terms that may be related but are by no means equivalent in their meaning, nor do they sometimes even imply the same idea.

If Pastor and Elder are biblically synonymous terms, then all Elders must pastor (verb: shepherd and feed) a body of believers and all Pastors must be male Elders (overseers) of the flock.  The term “Pastor” identifies the shepherding and feeding (Pastor-Teacher) ministry gift that Jesus gave (and presently gives) to the Church.  Along with Apostles, Prophets and Evangelists, the Pastoral-Teaching gift is