[Greek] λατρεύω (latreuō), [Latin] servire, [Latin] deservire: to worship, to serve, to worship idols (idolatry), to offer, to minister (to God), to do service, to render religious homage, to serve in religious duties, to pay homage, to render service; Lk. 1:74, Lk.2:37, Lk.4:8, Act.7:7, Act. 7:42, Act.24:14, Act.26:7, Act.27:23, Heb.8:5, Heb.9:9, Heb.9:14, Heb.10:2, Heb. 12:28, Heb.13:10, Rom.1:9, Rom.1:25, Php. 3:3, 2Tim.1:3, Rev.7:15, Rv.22:3
Helpers (acolytes) were employed to assist in worship at the temple at Delphi
Background information:
Secular/Greek Hellenism: In the secular culture, this term means to serve for a reward, to render services, and to serve (with no expectation of a reward). These situations occur where one works for free or works as a slave. Ordinary work is often rendered. This is seen as one who works in the service of the king. Any such disobedience may lead to punishment or death. This is seen as one in the service at the temple at Delphi. Such person is called a latreia (hired servant). In the classical Greco-Roman culture, it was a great honor to serve the state in some capacity. Serving the state may include being a civil servant, a soldier, or a govt. official (politician). Outsiders, farmers, and rustic villagers, not interested in serving the state, were subtly looked down upon by the city dwellers.
Old Testament: This term occurs around 90 times in the Old Testament. This term predominately occurs in the books of Exodus, Deuteronomy, and Joshua. This term is rarely associated with the prophets. This term means to serve in a religious sense, especially defined by sacrifice and cultic worship. In contrast to its original Greek Hellenistic meaning, this term does not apply to serving others in a religious or secular manner. In addition to its external cultic worship sense, this term also applies to one’s inner attitude, disposition of the heart, and moral conduct necessary for worship. This helps to shed some light on the uniqueness of the religion of Israel. You will worship God on this very mountain (Ex.3:12). You (Israel) will serve the enemies whom the Lord will send against you (Dt.28:48). You proceed to venerate and worship strange gods (2 Chr. 7:19). Your God, you shall worship (Ex.23:25). Cast out the gods your fathers served (Jos.24:14). Let my son go, that he may serve Me (Ex.4:23). If the Lord ever brings me back to Jerusalem, I will worship Him in Hebron (2 Sam.15:8). And there you will serve strange gods of wood and stone, such as you an your fathers have not known (Dt.26:64).
New Testament: Due to the influence of the Old Testament culture, this term never refers to human relations. Not surprisingly, this term takes on a strong cultic sense in the book of Hebrews. However, this cultic sense becomes secondary leading to an attitude of ministry and prayer. Essentially, this cultic sense becomes spiritualized. The New testament extends this term to every form of divine worship. The sense of prayer (adoration) is found quite frequently in scripture. Such examples include the temptation story and Anna’s prayer at the temple. These examples of adoration are seen when the recipient (God) is not readily visible (absent).
Scripture:
“Rescued from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship Him.” Lk.1:74
This pertains to having a rightful attitude toward God.
“The Lord, your God, you shall worship and Him alone you shall worship.” Mt.4:10
This speaks specifically to worshipping God.
“They worship in a copy and shadow of the heavenly sanctuary…See that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” Heb. 8:5
The temple and cultic represents the earthly pattern of the heavenly temple.
Letter of Cornelius, Bishop of Rome, to Fabius of Antioch (251 A.D)
“Yet he (Novatian) was not unaware – how could he be? – that in it there are 46 presbysters, 7 deacons, 7 subdeacons, 42 acolytes….”
Acolytes comes from the Greek akolouthos (meaning an attendant). We see them all the time in church, assisting and helping in the liturgical services.
Conclusion:
Idolatry, idolater, serve, deserve
I think most of us can visualize the acolyte serving the king. The acolyte bows down to the king saying, “Yes, your Magjesty. It will be done.” Or perhaps we can visualize the acolyte assisting in worship services at the Delphi Oracle. However, one may not readily associate an acolyte with a civil servant in the Greco-Roman culture.
When one thinks of the Old Testament, one can easily visualize cultic worship, either worshiping God or some idols. I did not realize that this term also applies to one’s disposition and moral character, needed to properly worship. Because of the Jesus’ role of Messiah, it is understandable that this cultic sense of worship would be overshadowed and minimized. There is no more need for such type of a cultic worship. It is interesting to note how that this term applies to prayer and adoration. Adoration becomes a spiritual form of worship.
The acolyte ministry began in Old Testament times. Scriptures tells of Samuel assisting the priest and of Elisha assisting Elijah. Even today, we see acolytes fulfilling many roles in the worship services. We see acolytes assisting in carrying books, chalices, and distributing Communion to Eucharistic ministers at Mass.