Persons
An “incumbent” is defined as, “A person who is in present possession of an office; one who is legally authorized to discharge the duties of an office.”[1]
The words “person” and “individual” are not synonymous. “Person” being defined as, “a man considered according to the rank he holds in society, with all the right to which the place he holds entitles him, and the duties which it imposes.”[2] The word “individual” in the book “Language,” found in the Volume Library, is treated as a word “frequently misused” and clarifies its meaning with the statement, “The word (individual) should not be used in the mere sense of person. The word is correctly used in ‘Changes both in individuals and communities.’”
“Every person is a man, but not every man a person,”[3]
“Man is a term of nature; person, of the civil law”[4]
Biblically
Acts 10:34 God is not one to show partiality, prosōpolēmptēs
Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God. prosōpolēmpsia
Ephesians 6:9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
Colossians 3:25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
James 2:3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
James 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
1 Peter 1:17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: