Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
MIN'ISTER, as distinguished from servant, denotes one in voluntary attendance on another. Thus Joshua is called the minister of Moses, Ex 24:13; Ex 33:11, and Elisha the minister of Elijah. 1 Kgs 19:21; 2 Kgs 3:11. With various modifications of this, its general sense, it is applied in Scripture: To Christ, as the "minister of the sanctuary," Heb 8:2 - that is, as our High Priest; 2. To those persons who are appointed to preach the gospel and administer its ordinances, 1 Cor 4:1; 2 Cor 3:6; Eph 3:7; 1 Thess 3:2; 1 Tim 4:6; 3.
To magistrates, Rom 13:16, as God's ministers to punish the evil and protect the good; and 4. To the angels, who stand ready to do the will of God. Ps 103:21; Dan 7:10; Heb 1:14.
✦ Scripture References 14 references