1. Classical Greek and Hellenism. The term hyperetes first occurs with reference to Hermes, the messenger of the gods. It denotes one who does the will of Zeus and has his authority behind him. Further instances the sense of one who serves a higher will. This higher will need not be that of the gods; we thus find the term in the military, medical, commercial, or legal sphere, e.g. , for medical assistants, or for those who carry out judicial sentences. In religions cultic assistants are described by the term, and in personal relation hyperetes denotes one who unselfishly helps to secure something for a friend. Service that accepts subordination is always at issue, but measure of power may also be involved in the discharge of the imposed mission or function. The hyperetes differs from a doulos, however, for the hyperetes is free and may claim a due reward for the service rendered. As distinct from diakonos or the rapon, hyperetes carries the emphasis of leraning what is to be done from the superior, and doing it with no prejudice to personal dignity or worth.