The English word “ordain” is used is from another word found in Acts 14:23 and 2 Corinthians 8:19. The later use finds Luke being “chosen of the churches to travel with Paul and his companions.” His selection was no more an official position in an institution as is the shepherds or evangelists. Albert Barnes commenting…
It is the intention of this section to introduce that the emphasis of the text of scripture is on the oversight of souls (individuals) not the oversight of an organization as one would expect in a business corporation. Unfortunately, some translations use the word “ordained” which is used today in an ecclesiastical sense. In commenting…
Compare this authority to the authority of an apostle who spoke the oracles of God. He could give orders from God (1 Cor. 16:1-3). But, in matters of judgment, Paul had no commandment of the Lord and it became a matter for the people to decide. For example, Corinth was to decide who was…
I’d like to continue to reason with you concerning 1 Peter 5:2. That which is described as being “among him” were souls that were God’s heritage and his responsibility to shepherd. I use to make a big point of using 1 Peter 5:2 where Peter tells the overseers to “feed the flock of God which…
Given the description of the individual responsibility of Shepherds and the saints, there is no violation of local autonomy because there were no local churches in these towns (Remember the ekklesia is always in the singular in each town). But, even though brethren met in a variety of homes and not necessarily all together in…
The pastors, who were also given by God during these early years, were chosen and elected by apostles and/or evangelists for the purpose of teaching. The information for their selection was given to Timothy and Titus and the responsibility for their appointment was laid on them. There is no support in the Scriptures for some…
We have answered the unjustified use of the word “rule” and explained the meaning and use of the word “peitho.” Shepherds lead, give guidance and oversee souls. We are still searching for the scriptures that teach the elders are a ruling body of men who make decisions for a local church. Undoubtedly, decisions must be…
The term was applied to Yahweh in the Old Testament. He is depicted as leading his flock to pastures (Jer. 50:19), and securing places for them to rest by the waters (Psalms 23:2; Isa. 49:9-10). He carries the lambs in his bosom (Isa. 40:11) and protects his flock with his staff (Ps. 23:2). Jeremiah also…
A second view is taken by those from the Restoration Movement who, like Luther, also emerged with an emphasis on the individual’s relationship to God through the preaching of the Word. It is taught that Jesus purchased with his blood a priesthood of believers who have been called out of darkness into his marvelous light…