History of the Sacrament of Holy Orders
Holy Orders belongs to the service category of the sacraments.
Scripture References
“And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and
teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” (Eph 4:11-12)
“and like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual
sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5)
“for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the
faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (1 Tim 3:13)
Brief History
Holy means "set apart" and order means "corporation of hierarchy." So, when you put it together it means a group with a hierarchical structure that is set apart for ministry of the Church. The Catholic Church traces back all the way to the Apostles, chosen by Jesus to follow him. As time went on, Church leadership roles became more specialized. Then, bishops and priests became more set apart from the rest of the Church because of their monastic life. By the end of the 12th century, priest became known as a separate class, also known as the clergy.
Scripture References
“And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and
teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” (Eph 4:11-12)
“and like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual
sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5)
“for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the
faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (1 Tim 3:13)
Brief History
Holy means "set apart" and order means "corporation of hierarchy." So, when you put it together it means a group with a hierarchical structure that is set apart for ministry of the Church. The Catholic Church traces back all the way to the Apostles, chosen by Jesus to follow him. As time went on, Church leadership roles became more specialized. Then, bishops and priests became more set apart from the rest of the Church because of their monastic life. By the end of the 12th century, priest became known as a separate class, also known as the clergy.