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The bible and voting is an interesting subject of study. It may not be easy to find
anything connected to voting in the Bible, but a closer study reveals certain things
regarding what the saints did and practised within their own fellowships. And then,
there are also, at least by extension, some clues and indications as to whether
or not believers should take part in worldly politics and elections.
So, should believers vote? About things within their fellowships, or in political elections in the society around them? Does the Bible say anything about voting? Is it biblical to vote? This essay takes a closer look at voting and elections from the scriptural viewpoint. While many English bible-translations do not show this, the Greek text of the New Testament shows that the saints actually did vote, regarding certain things connected to their fellowships. The matter of worldly politics is not "spelled out" in the Bible, but if one puts all things together, one will find certain guidelines regarding even that matter.
Later in this essay, it will be shown that the Greek text of the New Testament makes it clear that the saints did vote regarding certain things in their fellowships.
Many preachers have brushed that fact aside, and claimed that the saints' fellowships supposedly were "hierarchical" and ruled by some authoritarian figure. But, a closer look at the Greek text of the New Testament makes it clear that it was not so.
Let us see what Jesus said to his disciples, regarding their internal "rank order". He taught them that they were all brothers – that is, equal. We read:
Matthew 23:8 "But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 "And do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 "And do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. (NASB-77)
The apostle Paul wrote to the saints in Corinth:
1 Corinthians 3:11 For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (NASB-77)
2 Corinthians 1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith you stand. (AKJV)
2 Corinthians 4:5 For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus' sake. (NASB-77)
The apostle Peter wrote to certain elders:
1 Peter 5:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. (AKJV)
(Ensamples = examples.)
James wrote:
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. 11 Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother, or judges his brother, speaks against the law, and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge of it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor? (NASB-77)
A note: It is true that Paul, Peter and James wrote their letters to people of their own day. But, there are lessons to be learned in them, even for people of our day.
Another note: Jesus has no "vicars" or "representatives" here on Earth. (The Latin noun vicarius means "substitute", "deputy", "proxy", "vicegerent".)
Point: The saints did not elect any "leaders" through a vote. However, they did vote for the purpose of electing people to certain duties. There is more on this, later in this essay.
Also: It is clear that it is not correct to vote in order to decide what "truth" is – applying that to our day: It is not right to vote about what the Bible really teaches, or about things of that nature. Humans are not to form "true teachings" regarding those things; the true teachings have already been formed, by the Father and by Jesus. The Bible records some of those things. (A note: Copies and translations of the compilation which we know as the Bible, are made by men and have many errors and other faults.)
Many people have been caused to think "doctrines" to be something important. But, "doctrines" is the same as teachings of men. (The old Latin word doctrina meant "teaching", doctor meant "teacher".) The essay es08c.htm has more on the words and concepts "doctrine", "dogma" and "creed". The essay es06d.htm takes a closer look at the matter of "spiritual authority"; the essays es05c.htm and ea09b.htm consider certain related matters.
Some preachers have quoted certain misleading translations of 1 Corinthians 1:10, and claimed that "all should speak the same thing", and that the preacher supposedly is decide everything, including what that "thing" is. But, that is not what Paul said. The essay ea06c.htm has more on that passage, and shows that Paul in fact told the saints that they were to follow Jesus and Jesus' teachings, instead of following men and men's teachings. The essay em03c.htm takes a look at some other passages which certain preachers have likewise turned upside down when they have claimed that people supposedly should follow preachers. The essay es07c.htm has more on the concepts "professional theologians", "amateur bible students", "clergy", "laity" and "scholar". The essay eb08c.htm sorts out matters and concepts "keys of the Kingdom" and "binding and loosing".
In other words: It would be totally wrong to vote regarding what supposedly is "truth" and what not. Instead, all must study the Bible for themselves, personally, each in their own search for the truth which God already has revealed. No "truth" can be produced by voting.
But again, it will be shown later in this essay that the saints did vote about other things, within their own fellowships. Voting was a practical way for finding out what the saints felt and knew about persons and things that were connected to their fellowship.
Then there is also the question, should believers take part in politics and political elections? Is it biblical to vote regarding such things? There is more on this, later in this essay.
A note: Despite what some preachers have claimed, the facts are that there was no "hierarchy" and no "ranks", within the saints' fellowships, nor were their elders "ordained". Many bible-translations may make it seem that there would have been such things, but the Greek text of the New Testament tells a very different story. The essays ee01c.htm and ee02b.htm have more on elders and on the dogma regarding "ordaining". For more on "church hierarchies", look under the heading "Hierarchy" on the index-page keyw-h3.htm.
Regarding the origin and actual meaning of the word "church", see the essay eg06b.htm. The essay ea01d.htm sorts out Matthew 16:18 and the "true church" dogma. Look also under the heading "Assembly" on the index-page keyw-a4.htm. The essay ea08b.htm considers the matter of titles of men, in the religious context.
Acts 6 shows how the saints in Jerusalem (all of them, possibly excluding the apostles) selected seven men to serve at the social welfare tables.
Acts 6:1 Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. 2 And the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3 "But select from among you, brethren, seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4 "But we will devote ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." 5 And the statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. (NASB-77)
Here, some things are clear, while some are only indicated. What is totally clear is that it was all the saints together who elected those seven men from among themselves. Peter noted that he and the other apostles did not have time to serve at the social welfare tables. Because of that, he said "but select from among you, brothers, seven men". (Most probably the apostles did not take part in that election; they left those things for the other saints to take care of.)
Now, how did the saints in Jerusalem then select (or elect) those seven men? The Bible does not tell us the details – but, how are such things normally done? First people propose candidates, and then all together decide which of them are the most fitting and should be chosen. Normally, such election is done through a show of hands. That is called voting. Below, it will be shown that on certain occasions, the saints indeed did vote, through a show of hands.
A note: The election of those seven men who were put to serve at the welfare tables, had no whatsoever "spiritual" implications.
By the way, the modern-day (originally Catholic) concept "deacon" has no biblical basis; those seven men were not called diakonos. In fact, in the New Testament the word diakonos is mostly used as a reference to elders (as well as servants of other kinds). The essays ee01c.htm, ee02b.htm, ee03c.htm and ee04c.htm have more on elders and their role in the saints' fellowships.
These passages make it clear that the election of elders was done through a show of hands:
Acts 14:23 Moreover, appointing unto them by vote [cheirotoneô], in each assembly, elders, praying with fastings, they commended them unto the Lord on whom they had believed. (EB, comment added)
2 Corinthians 8:19 Not only so, however, but he hath also been appointed [cheirotoneô] by the assemblies, as a fellow-traveler with us in this favour, which is being ministered by us with a view to the Lord's glory and our earnest desire (EB, comment added)
The Greek verb cheirotoneô (χειροτονεω) which Paul used, simply meant "to stretch out the hand, for the purpose of voting", "to vote for", "to elect by a show of hands". Cheir (χειρ) meant "a hand"; the noun tonos (τονος) and the related verb teinô (τεινω) had to do with "stretching". Here is the entry on cheirotoneô in the "Intermediate Greek-English Lexicon" by Liddell and Scott:
cheirotoneô [cheirotonos]
I. to stretch out the hand, for the purpose of voting, Plut., Luc.
II. c. acc. pers. to vote for, elect, properly by show of hands, Ar., Dem.:—Pass. to be elected, Ar., etc.; cheirotonêthênai, election, was opp. to lachein, appointment by lot, Plat., etc.
2. c. acc. rei, to vote for a thing, Dem.; so c. inf. to vote that.., Aeschin.:—Pass., kecheirotonêtai hubris einai it is voted, ruled to be violence, Dem.
Those who want to study this in more depth, can look up the related words acheirotonêtos, anticheirotoneô, apocheirotoneô, diacheirotoneô, epicheirotoneô, katacheirotoneô, procheirotoneô, sugcheirotoneô and so on, in the non-abridged "Greek-English Lexicon" by Liddell and Scott. All of those words were related to voting – deciding about things or persons by a show of hands.
The saints in each local fellowship elected fitting men as elders by voting – through a show of hands. Paul gave the saints certain criteria as to what kind of men could be proposed as elders. The candidates had to have certain moral qualifications, and also, the candidates had to be local men, and they were not to be youngsters.
A note: The New Testament shows that each local fellowship could have several elders.
Another note: The concepts "ordination" and "ministerial calling" have no basis in the Greek text of the New Testament. Those things are something that has been added to the translations which the churches of this world have produced. The essays ee01c.htm and ee02b.htm have more on this, and show that there were no "ranks" among the saints.
A note: The Latin noun vicarius means "substitute", "deputy", "proxy", "vicegerent".
Many preachers have claimed that they supposedly "personally represent the government of God", here on Earth. But, neither the Father who is in Heaven nor his son Jesus have "vicars" here on Earth. The essay ee04c.htm has more on this.
Also: Certain hierarchical preachers twist the Bible and talk about what they call "servant leadership". The essay ee03c.htm takes a closer look at the "servant leadership" dogma which a certain American preacher and writer introduced around 1970.
A synopsis:
Presbyterianism is a system where power has been put in the hands of presbyters (elders, preachers, priests). Others are excluded. In Presbyterianism, preachers or "presbyters" decide on all matters, including what supposedly is "truth" and what is not. So, in Presbyterianism it is not Jesus who rules but preachers. People are then expected to follow and obey men and men's teachings. That is a form of hierarchy, that is, priest-rule. (For more on "church hierarchies", look under the heading "Hierarchy" on the index-page keyw-h3.htm.)
Episcopalism is a system with "ranks", where "bishops" rule and are the ones who decide about all things, including what supposedly is "truth" and what is not. It is a hierarchy dominated by those "on the top". In such a Freemason-inspired structure, Jesus and his Father are closed out; men rule instead. Often those men (preachers) claim that they are "acting for God", that is, that they supposedly are God's "special representatives". But they are not. God has no deputies here on Earth. So, also in Episcopalism it is men who rule, not God.
Congregationalism is where all things, including what supposedly is "truth" and what is not, are decided by the majority opinion in a congregation or church. Even in Congregationalism, men rule and all are then obliged to obey what a majority decides. God is closed out, even there.
A note: In practice, in all those systems it normally is a small clique that runs things.
Humans must not set themselves on high horses and claim that they can decide for others what is "truth" and what is not. Only God can do that. Adam and Eve decided they would take such "power" to themselves, but in reality they followed Satan.
The essays ee01c.htm, ee02b.htm, ee03c.htm and ee04c.htm have more on what role elders had, in the saints' fellowships. Regarding our day and time, it is important to ask the question, who has "authority", regarding biblical and spiritual things? In other words: Who can speak for God? The essay es06d.htm sorts out that matter.
A proper religious study-circle or fellowship is merely a group of people who do certain things together, in common. Again, these words which Jesus said to his disciples, are worth reading over and over again:
Matthew 23:8 "But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 "And do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 "And do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. (NASB-77)
It is true that Jesus said that to his disciples and not to people of our day. But certainly, there is something to learn in that, even for us.
Now, how does one make decisions regarding common things, matters that concern all together? Of course: Such decisions are made by all in common, together. The easiest and really the only way to find out what people feel about a given thing, is of course a show of hands (or, a similar process – even a secret ballot, if need be).
A word of warning: Even when things of common interest are decided through a common vote, it is easy for some person or clique to control things, through shrewd persuasion, pressures, procedures, tactics, and manipulations. There should not be any of that among believers, but unfortunately there are many "religious" people who long and strive for grabbing power and making themselves "spiritual leaders".
A note: A "statement of beliefs" tends to be the same as creed. Creeds are sets of dogmas created by men, and consist of teachings of men. Creeds are used for controlling people and telling them what to think. Creeds define what supposedly is "truth" and what is not. Again, believers must not vote regarding beliefs or regarding what supposedly is "truth". Nor must there be any "creeds" or "doctrinal statements"; that would be wrong. For many people this may be hard understand, because they have been caused to look up to "creeds" and "doctrines" (which always consist of teachings of men). The essay es08c.htm has more on the word and concept "doctrine".
Should believers vote in political elections, or take part in politics in general? The Bible really does not say anything at all regarding that subject, but still, the answer is quite clear: Believers must not do that. That is simply because of the fact that the governments and politics of this world are not of God, nor are they godly.
Did the saints take part in political elections? Obviously not. For the first, the saints lived under Roman rule, but at the same time, most of them were not Roman citizens. And anyway, only a few (rich) people had a right to vote, in the Roman empire. Secondly – would the saints have voted in Roman officials who then persecuted and killed them and even used them as "garden lights" in their parties? Obviously not.
Even though the Bible does not spell these things out, several things in the New Testament – in the teachings of Jesus as well as those of the apostles – show that the saints were in many ways to keep for themselves.
A note: In some countries, it is compulsory to vote. That makes the situation a bit different, of course, depending on what the fine or penalty for not voting is.
Again, the governments and rulers of this world are not of God. Many bible-translations make it seem that they would be that, but they are not. The essay ew02c.htm has more on this and shows that the present-day rulers, governments, and political systems of this world are not of the true God who is in Heaven, and that they are not "appointed by God" or "in his service", even though many bible-versions cause people to think so.
The essay ew01b.htm considers why God allows evil, pain and suffering.
The essay ew03b.htm considers the question what or where the "Babylon" of the book of Revelation really is.
Table of contents – What's new here? – Key-word index – Search function – Goal and purpose – Contact, comment, question
If this page did not contain what you were looking for, see the links below, and the key-word index and the table of contents, or use the search function.
Additional reading at the Bible Pages, on related as well as other issues:
A clarifying explanation of the short names for the bible-versions quoted or mentioned at this site, such as that NKJV stands for New King James Version, YLT for Young's Literal translation, HCSB for Holman Christian Standard Bible, NRSV for the New Revised Standard Version, and so on. → es09c.htm
What does the Bible say about authority? Who has biblical, spiritual or religious authority on the mundane, human level? Who can speak for God? Knowing the answers to those questions is a vital key to understanding the Bible in a better and deeper way. → es06d.htm
What does the English language word and concept "doctrine" literally mean? Likewise, the terms "dogma", "creed" and "tenet", what do they signify? Countless preachers and doctors of theology compile dogmas, creeds, tenets and doctrinal statements of beliefs, and claim them to be "the Truth". But, they do not agree with each other. Their opinions and teachings differ, depending on their denomination and its viewpoints, and there is much confusion. So, the pertinent question is, who has the "true doctrines" or "correct dogmas"? What should one think – do the Scriptures give any guidance regarding this matter? What does the Bible say about "doctrine"? → es08c.htm
1 Corinthians 1:10, "all speak the same thing" – what did the apostle Paul mean? → ea06c.htm
What does James 3:1 mean? Is the meaning, "be not many teachers", or is it instead, "become not great masters"? What was James talking about? → ea07b.htm
How to understand the Bible. Easy keys to interpreting and understanding Scripture in a better and deeper way, by avoiding certain fundamental but common mistakes and errors in bible study. These vital keys are really the basics for objective bible study. Knowing these keys will make many things easier to interpret and comprehend, and one will see several central matters in the Bible from a new and different perspective, especially in connection with the Gospels and the Epistles. → eg02c.htm
The meaning of the words Christ, Christian, Messiah and Messias. Also: Did the saints call themselves "Christians" – christianos or christianoi? → eg07b.htm
What the Bible says about titles of men in the religious context. A few comments regarding certain ecclesiastical titles, such as apostle, bishop, deacon, doctor of theology, evangelist, father, minister, pastor, priest, prophet, reverend, and so on. → ea08b.htm
Jesus warned his disciples about false prophets, teachers of falsehood, deceivers and deception. He said that many would be deceived. → eo09e.htm
Check your bible knowledge. A basic self-test with 15 biblical questions (with answers and commentary). → es04b.htm
Were the saints "ruled" by elders, as some have claimed? On Hebrews 13:7 and 17 and a number of other passages. → ee04c.htm
Power among Jesus' disciples. What powers were given to the apostles, and to the saints in general? Also: Did the apostle Peter receive some special powers? → ea09b.htm
What does the Bible say about elders? What was their role in the saints' fellowships? Also, was there a "hierarchy" with "ranks"? → ee01c.htm
Whom should one listen to in biblical matters, and whom not? → es05c.htm
On the example the apostle Paul set, for others to imitate. Paul did not tell people to "follow him as a leader"; what he did was that he told the saints to imitate him, to copy his example. It is important for believers to know what kind of example Paul referred to and meant, and in what connection. → em03c.htm
What does the Bible say about ordaining and ordination? In other words: How did the saints appoint or choose their elders? And, were those elders "ordained", and did they function as "priests" of some kind? → ee02b.htm
Is "servant leadership" a biblical concept? Did elders in the saints' fellowships act as "servant leaders"? What the Bible says about leadership among Jesus' disciples. → ee03c.htm
Essays regarding various matters in connection with religious fellowships. → keyw-a4.htm (Look under the heading "Assembly".)
"Amateur bible students" versus "professional theologians". Some preachers have spitefully called people who actively study the Bible on their own, "amateur theologians". Indeed, many a clergyman seems to feel that a layman should not put his or her nose into theological studies but should rather leave those things to "experts". But, is that correct? This treatise sorts out that matter, and clarifies and explains in layman's terms the linguistic and historical background of the concepts "clergymen" and "laymen", and gives the definition and actual meaning of such words as "clergy", "laity", "scholar" and "scholarly". → es07c.htm
Many people wonder, why does God allow evil, sickness, pain, war and suffering? What is the biblical answer – does the Bible explain that matter, or in some way make it understandable? → ew01b.htm
Matthew 16:18, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it". What was Jesus talking about? What is the immortal assembly or ekklêsia which he said he would form, and where is it located? Is it an earthly religious organisation in this world – a church – or is it a heavenly assembly that has as its members the saints who have become immortals? → ea01d.htm
The origin and meaning of the word "church". → eg06b.htm
Monetary things in connection with religious fellowships. → keyw-s5.htm (Look under the heading "Silver and gold".)
The so-called "divine right of kings" – is there such a thing? Are kings, rulers and governments appointed by God? → ew02c.htm
The Babylon of the book of Revelation, what or where is it? What about the Beast, or beasts, that are mentioned in the book of Daniel and in the book of Revelation? → ew03b.htm
On Jesus' teaching regarding "the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven" or "the keys of the Reign of Heaven". What did the word "keys" depict or symbolise? What is the interpretation of that passage – what was it that Jesus was saying to his disciples? Bible study notes on Matthew 16 verse 19, with context. Also, a general overview and comments on the subject of "binding and loosing". → eb08c.htm
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