# minister, ministry #

## Definition: ##

In the Bible, the terms "minister" and "ministry" refer to serving others by teaching them about God and caring for their spiritual needs. The term "minister" can also refer to a person who serves people in this way.

* In the Old Testament, the priests would "minister" to God in the temple by offering sacrifices to him.
* Their "ministry" also included taking care of the temple and offering prayers to God on behalf of the people.
* In the New Testament, a "minister" of the gospel was someone who taught other people the message of salvation through faith in Jesus. Sometimes a minister is called a "servant."
* The job of ministering to people can include serving them spiritually by teaching them about God.
* It can also refer to serving people in physical ways, such as caring for the sick and providing food for the poor.

## Translation Suggestions: ##

* In the context of ministering to people,  "to minister" could also be translated as "to serve" or "to care for" or "to meet the needs of."
* When referring to ministering in the temple, the term "minister" could be translated as "serve God in the temple" or "offer sacrifices to God for the people." 
* In the context of ministering to God, this could be translated as "to serve" or "to work for God."
* The phrase "ministered to" could also be translated as "took care of" or "provided for" or "helped."

(See also: [serve](../other/serve.md) **·** [sacrifice](../other/sacrifice.md))

## Bible References: ##

* [2 Corinthians 09:12-15](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/2co/09/12)
* [2 Samuel 20:23-26](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/2sa/20/23)
* [Acts 06:2-4](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/act/06/02)
* [Acts 21:17-19](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/act/21/17)