Steven Best Supporter Former mil intel analyst, chiropractor & Bible Teacher

There is no mentioning of anointing pastors in the Bible. In the Old Testament, kings and priests were anointed, but the New Testament says that we, as born-again believers, "are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness and into his marvelous light." In Ephesians, Chapter five, it says He has given us various ministries, including that of pastor. In the first chapter of Romans, it says that those whom God has predestined, he has also equipped. I believe it is fair to say, that based upon Scripture, God equips the saints to do the jobs he has called them to fulfill. We are all priests, so we are all anointed by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the callings God has placed on each of our lives. As far as I can see, the anointing of modern-day pastors and priests with oil is a man-made tradition not taught in the New Testament.

December 26 2015 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Shelton Seward Supporter

Well, "pastor" is found one time in the bible, only in the New Testament

Ephesians 4:11-12
And he (Christ) gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, PASTORS and teachers; For (1)the perfecting of the saints, for (2)the work of the ministry, for (3)the edifying of the body of Christ

This greek for "Pastors" is: ποιμην "poimen" - it is found 18 times in the NT, translated as SHEPHERD 17 of those times. So that answers to what a general Shepherd is and does, one of those being: "he to whose care and control others have committed themselves, and whose precepts they follow". Basic Shepherd. Is that what most of these men dressed in robes are in these decorated buildings on every other corner? That's up to debate.... but BIBLICALLY that's where "the church" got "Pastors" from.

For anointed: χριω chrio (Greek) & masah (Hebrew). General/ literal meaning is to "rub or smear with oil". As for what it signified: "The Jew was accustomed not only to rubbing his head with oil or ointment at feasts in token of joy, but also both the head and the feet of those whom he wished TO DISTINGUISH by special honor." ~ Complete Word Study Dictionary

Priest were generally anointed in the Old Covenant for service in the Temple AND sanctified, or set apart for that service. (Exodus 40:13 & Numbers 3:3)

So Pastors, or better yet, the "poimen" Paul referred to of course were spiritually distinguished FOR special honor. What other honor do you have which God uses you for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for the EDIFYING of the BODY OF CHRIST? It's a high honor. They are to be "chosen" by Christ, the "Great Shepherd" as their example in SERVING, leading, and guiding. Not ruling.

Hebrews 13:20
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the eonian covenant,

Yet these "poimen" (Pastors) were anointed just as the BELIEVER is anointed of Christ. There is no difference. It's the same God who works all in all for His glory

1 John 2:27
And the anointing WHICH YOU received from Him abides IN YOU (no longer on the head or feet physically, in your Heart), and you have no need that anyone teach you. But as His anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and as He taught you, abide in Him.

1 Corinthians 12:6
There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

"I pray you grow in the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ

May 07 2014 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report