[Greek] κλῆρος (klēros), [Latin] clerus: lot, inheritance, portion, share, lot of land, which is drawn; Mt.27:35, Mk.15:24, Lk.23:24, Jn.19:24, Acts 1:17,25-26, Acts 8:21, Acts 26:21, Col.1:12, 1Pet.5:3
For My Vestments They Did Cast Lots: painting by Charles Martin Hardie (1858-1916)
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, used only in a spatial sense, means lot, the act of drawing lots, position, destiny (fate), portion of land, and inheritance. Patrimony plays a role with inheritance in parceling out lands. Herodotus’ The Histories 3.83 states “Fellow partisans, it is plain that one of us must be made king (whether by lot or entrusted, with the office by the choice of the Persians, or in some other way.” Plutarch’s Consolatio ad Apollonium 4 states “He puts on these resolutions as if he were in a popular government where magistracy is decided by lot; if it luckily falls to his share, he obeys his fortune, but if it passeth him, he does not express discontent at it.” Herodotus’ The Histories 2.109 states “This king also (they said) divided the country among all the Egyptians by giving an equal parcel of land, and made this his source of revenue, assessing the payment of a yearly tax.” Plato’s Laws 923c states “Whosever writes a will disposing of his property, if he be the father of children, he shall first write down the name of whichever of his sons deems worthy to be his heir. And if he has any son besides that is not adopted for any lot, he will be sent out by law to a colony.”
Old Testament: This term means lot, lot of land, portion, eschatological portion (fate), and inheritance. Casting of lots is usually done by the victors in the dividing the spoils. Casting of lots, also involved with God’s determining path for others, is related to patrimony and inheritance. The allotment of lands (in Canaan) comes about more so through God’s will so that Israel, tribes, families, and individuals can receive their God given inheritance. Inheritance of these lands gives legitimacy of their possession. Later Judaism develops the notion that each person will receive his eschatological inheritance (fate) or portion. They said to one another, ‘Come, let us cast lots to find out on whose accounts we have met with this misfortune (Jon.1:7). The territory allotted to them lay between the descendants of Judah and those of Joseph (Jos.18:11). I will then cast lots for you before the Lord, our God (Jos.18:6). Such is the land which you shall apportion as inheritances among the tribes of Israel, and these are their portions, says the Lord God (Eze.48:29). For this purpose He arranged two lots: one for the people of God, the second for all the other nations (Esth.10:3). Go, take your rest, you shall rise for your reward at the end of days (Dan.12:13).
New Testament: This term can have various meanings closely related to each other. Such meanings include lot, eschatological portion (lot), part, ministry, inheritance, and responsibility. The Roman soldiers casting lots of Jesus’ garments presents an image of a seemingly powerless and humiliated Jesus. Divine inheritance relates to the eschatological portion each person receives in Christ. Lots are cast to select Matthias to assume the apostolic position (ministry) which Judas walked away from. Peter instructs that one must set an example in taking responsibility in leading one’s flock.
Scripture:
“So they said to one another, ‘Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it will be,’ in order that the passage of scripture might be fulfilled [that says]: ‘They divided my garments among them, and for my vesture they cast lots.’” Jn.19:24
The Roman soldiers exercise their power (authority) over Jesus in casting lots for Jesus’ garments. This scripture also fulfills Psa.22:19.
“Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles.” Acts 1:26
Lots were given to fill the position left by Judas. The lot fell upon Matthias to assume this role (ministry) as Apostle.
“To open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may obtain forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been consecrated by faith in Me.” Acts 26:18
Paul’s commission is to remove other people’s spiritual blindness. This inheritance is an eschatological portion each one will receive.
Early Church: The early Church Fathers expand on the notion of the eschatological portion assigned to each person. This denotes a heavenly gift which God has allotted to each believer in fellowship with the saints. Polycarp’s Letter to the Phillipians 12.2 states “ May God the Father and Jesus Christ build you in faith and truth, and in all meekness, gentleness, patience, long suffering, forbearance, and purity, and may He bestow on you a lot and portion among the saints.” Ignatius’ Letter to the Trallians 12.3 states “And also pray for me, who have need of your love, along with the mercy of God, that I may be worthy of the lot for which I am destined.”
Conclusion:
Cleric, clerical
In the Greek Hellenistic era, it was interesting to discover that this term is used only in a spatial sense. Even in this time, lots were often cast to select candidates for positions. One’s lot in life refers to one’s general situation or fate. Rather than an eschatological sense, this term pertains to authority, influence and power.
In the Old Testament culture, casting lots over someone usually meant dividing the spoils. It is significant to note that God plays an important role in allotting lands and inheritance to His people. Judaism later develops the notion of eschatological portion (inheritance) one can receive. This term helps to further define God’s relationship with His people.
In the New Testament culture, this term is presented in various and related ways (ministry, responsibility, lot, part, portion, and share). These terms can used interchangeably. This term pertains to the increasing need for ministerial positions and ministries for the challenges facing the growing Church. Not surprisingly, the Roman soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ cloak. The early Church Fathers further expand on eschatological share (inheritance). Not surprisingly, this term provides the basis for a clerical role.
In recent times, the Church is also facing new challenges pertaining to the increasing need for religious vocations. Although this is a serious situation, there are in fact places (dioceses) where vocations are increasing and where seminaries are thriving. Many of these young new priests are coming into their vocations with a renewed sense of what can they do to serve the Church. Some of these places are: Cleveland OH, Columbus OH, Denver CO, Harrisburg PA, Houma-Thibodaux LA, Lafayette LA, Lincoln NE, Monterrey CA, Nashville TN, New Orleans LA, Patterson NJ, Tulsa OK, Washington DC, and Wichita KS.
It seems that there are ‘lots’ of examples to be thankful for!