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The concept of Ruler in Christianity

The term "Ruler" holds significant meaning across various religious perspectives. In Christianity, it refers to several figures such as Pilate, rulers of the synagogue, and high priests, all of whom engage with Jesus in differing contexts, often illustrating authority and accountability. In Gnosticism, "Ruler" is associated with powerful entities and forces shaping destinies, and also relates to spiritual governance. The Church of the East sees rulers as angels distributing divine treasures, while the Catholic perspective emphasizes the rulers' culpability in Jesus' crucifixion, showcasing their complex roles within their respective doctrines.1
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Synonyms: Guide, Sovereign, Leader, Monarch, King, Queen, Dictator, Governor, Potentate

In Dutch: Liniaal; In Finnish: Hallitsija; In Spanish: Gobernante; In German: Herrscher; In Malay: Pembaris; In Swedish: Linjal; In French: ¸éè²µ±ô±ð

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Ruler'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) This term signifies the supreme authority or governing force, the one whose form is borne by humanity, and whose blessings are meant to inspire love and devotion from the human race.[1] (2) These are the people who were gathered together against the Lord and against His anointed, as described in the text.[2] (3) The being of which one can become a pleasant possession, once the desires of the flesh have been subdued and controlled.[3] (4) This term is used to describe those in authority among the people, and the scripture states that one should not curse them.[4] (5) The rulers are mentioned, and the speaker does not conceal their view of God from them, which implies they hold some power.[5]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) The rulers are those who handed over Jesus to the Roman authorities and jeered at Jesus' claim to supernatural enlightenment and mocked him.[6] (2) This group of individuals, along with the elders and scribes, were gathered together the next day and questioned those who were teaching the people, representing authority.[7] (3) These are the ones who are represented by the husbandmen in the parable, and they were aware that the story was directed at them.[8] (4) The people with whom Pilate was angry, and partly why he was obstinate in the wrong place, as the text explains, emphasizing his motivations.[9] (5) The Jewish leaders who sought to have Jesus condemned, and whose actions are described in the context of the trial, according to the text.[10]

From: The Complete Sayings of Jesus

(1) The ruler of the synagogue, Jairus, approached Jesus for help, highlighting his faith and the miraculous potential of Jesus.[11]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) The rulers are the high priests, and the text describes Judas conducting them to Jesus after the supper.[12]

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) These are the individuals who were seduced and knew the Christ and were responsible for the crucifixion, and their sin was considered the most grievous because of their knowledge and malice.[13] (2) Regnative prudence is the ruling principle in the ruler of a city or kingdom, indicating the role of prudence in governance.[14]

From: The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi

(1) The recipients of a letter that is considered to be authentic, both in terms of its content and form, as provided in the context.[15]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Church of the East (or the East Syriac Church):
Church of the East Books

From: The Book of the Bee

(1) Angels governing spiritual treasures and distributing them according to the Creator's will within the middle order.[16]

The Church of the East emerged in the 5th century and separated from the Roman Empire's state church by adopting Nestorianism. It emphasizes the distinct human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. It is also called the Assyrian Church, Nestorian Church or the East Syriac Church.

Gnostic concept of 'Ruler'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: Pistis Sophia

(1) The rulers are beings or entities within a region that the disciples must pass through, who will be shamed before the disciples who have become light more purified than them all.[17] (2) These are powerful entities who are associated with the counterfeiting spirit, the destiny, and the fate of the soul, and the soul interacts with them during its journey, particularly when uttering the mystery of the undoing of the seals.[18] (3) The rulers are those who compel the man to sin, who provide the cup of forgetfulness, and are involved in the creation of new souls and the binding of the counterfeiting spirit to the soul.[19] (4) This is the group of entities whose souls the decans and their servitors believed they were, and they are associated with the sphere where the twelve powers were cast by the speaker.[20] (5) These figures are subject to being oppressed and constrained, with the purification taken from them by Yew and Melchisedec.[21]

From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten

(1) The rulers are mentioned in the context of the Fate-Sphere and the Ways of the Midst, with twelve Aeons and five great rulers, and they are associated with certain realms.[22] (2) The Rulers are the powers of this world, and the evil entities that the disciples must be saved from, and whose evil must be withdrawn through a specific mystery, so that they will not be subject to them.[23]

From: The Gnostics and Their Remains

(1) These are figures of the Outer Darkness, from which individuals must be saved by renouncing cruelty and ungodliness.[24]