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Priesthood, book by H. H. Pope Shenouda III

42- Guides and Rulers

 

[1] Saint Paul Speaks About The Guides In Hebrews Chapter 13

(Heb 13:7) Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.

[2] They Are Not Just Any Guides, But Men of faith and Responsibility Who Should Be respected and Obeyed

St-Takla.org Image: Reverend Coptic priests of Saint Takla Haymanot Coptic Orthodox Church, Alexandria, Egypt. Right to left: Fr. Takla William, Fr. Kirillos Kolta, Fr. Angelos Fathy, Fr. Karas Ibrahim and Fr. Philemon Soubhy - First Holy Liturgy at Saint TaklaHaimanout Coptic Orthodox Church, Alexandria, Egypt, after the 2007 reconstruction, 30 March 2007 - Photograph by Michael Ghaly for St-Takla.org. صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: الآباء الكهنة بكنيسة الأنبا تكلا هيمانوت القبطية الأرثوذكسية، الإسكندرية، مصر. من اليمين إلى اليسار: أبونا القس تكلا وليم، أبونا القمص كيرلس قلته، أبونا القس أنجيلوس فتحي، أبونا القس كاراس إبراهيم، أبونا القس فليمون صبحي - صور القداس الأول بعد ترميم كنيسة الأنبا تكلاهيمانوت، الإبراهيمية، الإسكندرية، 30 مارس 2007 - تصوير مايكل غالي لـ: موقع الأنبا تكلا هيمانوت.

These guides who will give an account to God on the outcome of their conduct. It is obvious these words were not to directed to all the congregations, but only a few.

(1 Th 5:12-13) And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, {13} and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

Obviously this was a special group, which should be held up in a high stand, as spiritual fathers and obeyed.

[3] The Ruling Office Of The Priesthood

The following verse clarifies this point.

(1 Tim 5:17) Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.

Rulership is translated “Hegemony” which is still a current ecclesiastical term. Also Saint Paul specifically singles out the rulers:

(1 Th 5:12) And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,

It is abundantly clear that these rulers and guides were a chosen group, accountable to the Lord. They were not of the laity but priests.