Who is Spiritual Father in the Bible?
In the Bible, there are several examples of people referred to as spiritual fathers. These include Jethro, Paul, and Elisha. However, the role of a spiritual father varies from person to person. Some people may be more comfortable calling a priest or spiritual leader their father. The role of a spiritual leader is to guide a congregation to spiritual maturity.
Jethro
Jethro is a spiritual father in the Bible. This biblical character was a shepherd and priest who had great organizational skills. He passed on his knowledge to Moses and set up a system of delegation of authority. Jethro also advised Moses to surround himself with good people and prioritize his timelines.
Jethro, also known as Reuel, owned sheep and was a priest in Midian. He became Moses’s father-in-law when the Israelites fled from Egypt. In Exodus 18:17-ff, Moses was greeted by Jethro and bowed down to him. He also kissed him and honored him as a legitimate priest of God. Though Moses had the responsibility of being the leader, he did not show himself to be proud of his position. He told Jethro his honest report of hardships and deliverance.
Paul
The Bible describes Paul as a spiritual father. He taught Timothy the doctrine and modeled Christian living. He also took Timothy on missions. After a period of time, Timothy became a leader and discipled other believers. This relationship between the father and son was one of the foundations of the Christian faith.
Timothy was Paul’s spiritual apprentice. While Paul was older than Timothy, he was much more spiritually mature. This is apparent from Phil 2:19-24, and Acts 16:1-3.
Elisha
Elisha is the best example of a spiritual father in the Bible. He is a Spirit-empowered man of God who inspires others to covenant faithfulness. His example is an early preview of the new covenant in Jesus Christ. This new covenant is the way God’s people will know him.
Elisha began his ministry by serving as Elijah’s personal attendant and student. This training was instrumental in equipping Elisha for the work he would later take on alone. Elijah often visited religious centers in Israel, and Elisha learned from them.
Elisha’s father
Elisha is a man of God who was filled with the Holy Spirit. He was also a prophet, the herald of the Word of God. His spirit enabled him to accomplish his mission. He was able to call his people back to covenant faithfulness through the power of the Holy Spirit.
When he was called upon to succeed Elijah, Elisha had a heavy burden to bear. He needed a spiritual power beyond his own, as well as the fearlessness that Elijah had. He asked the spirit of Elijah to give him two parts: one of courage and one of “absolute jealousy of God.” Elijah possessed these two parts, and Elisha needed them both.
Elisha’s mother
In the Old Testament, Elisha is a prophet who represents the power of the Holy Spirit. His ministry is a preview of the life to come under the new covenant. This covenant is based on Jesus, who fulfills this promise. However, his ministry ends after he dies. This is because of the sin of the people of Israel.
Although Elisha comes from a prominent family, he is also found working in the field with other field hands. This work showed his hard work ethic and his spiritual character. Hard work builds character and a strong testimony to others. In the Bible, other prophets who were spiritually strong followed the calling of God to preach the Word.
Elijah
We all know that the prophet Elijah had a hard job. He preached a message that was quite disturbing. That is the job of a prophet. Prophets awaken people to their moral responsibilities and the dangers of sin. Elijah’s mission was to awaken people to their responsibility as followers of God.
Elijah’s faith in God enabled him to stand his ground in dark situations. When the weather looked bleak, he sent a servant to check the horizon seven times and rain came just as God promised. This same faith holds true today. In addition to the Bible, Elijah is also referenced in the Talmud, Sirach, Mishnah, Quran, and Doctum of Covenants.