Ephesians 4:7-16; Spiritual gifts – the leaders (conclusion); apostles.Title: Ephesians 4:7-16; Spiritual gifts – the leaders (conclusion); apostles.
Thursday October 21, 2021
We have begun to look at church leadership in reference to spiritual gifts. In the age of the church, apostles and prophets ceased to be gifts after the apostolic age. The permanent leadership gifts are evangelist, pastor-teacher, and deacon. We have noted and documented that the terms elder (presbuteros) and overseer (episkopos) are used synonymously and their roles are very much like a shepherd (pastor) and they are to be able to teach.
Therefore, I think it is safe to equate pastor-teacher, elder, and overseer, and that position would be the highest human authority in the church.
1Co 12:28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.
With apostles and prophets no longer in existence, then teachers would move to first. But this would have to refer to the office of teacher and leader, or pastor-teacher. That in no way makes the PT better than others, closer to God, or even the most knowledgeable, though I would think that he should be one of the most knowledgeable. The PT has authority, and he has to be a man of high spiritual character; teaching and leading eagerly, according to the will of God, and proving to be examples of the flock.
The flock needs to be protected from the enemies of life by teaching sound truth, to warn and exhort, work hard, helping the weak, serving and giving.
Elders were appointed by the apostle Paul and Barnabas. The primary qualification for an elder was spiritual maturity and ability to teach.
Paul expected that there be responsible leadership in the church.
Jesus used poimaino when He told Peter to feed His sheep in Joh 21:16. Peter uses it in instructing the elders of the church.
The resurrected Lord asks Peter three times if he loves Him, which makes Peter grieved, but perhaps Jesus was allowing Peter to openly reveal his love after denying the Lord three times. Jesus told Peter, that if he loved Him, that he was to “Shepherd My sheep.” A love for someone would extend to their kin. If we love the Lord we should want to care for His sheep. The leaders must do this.
We must not care for ourselves, but for the Lord’s sheep.
Phi 2:4 do not
Peter passed the exhortation from Jesus to him on to his flock.
1Pe 5:1-3 Therefore, I exhort the elders (presbuteros) among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd (poimaino) the flock of God among you, exercising oversight (episkopeo – verb) not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.
Peter has all three: “elders” (vs. 1; presbuteros); “shepherd” (vs. 2; poimaino/verb); “oversight” (vs. 2; episkopeo/verb).
It would be hard to make the case that pastor-teacher was different than elder and overseer based on the biblical data. Though the verbs are used, the simple conclusion is that shepherds shepherd and overseers exercise oversight.
1Ti 3:1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.
Jam 3:1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgment.
Minister/deacon (diakonos) implied leadership. Used of servants, government officials, of Christ, of all believers as servants of Christ, of Paul and his fellow workers (Phoebe).
This title is used for Tychicus and Epaphras.
When Jesus says, “whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant” (Mat 20:26), He uses diakonos.
It is used of Paul and Apollos as servants through whom the Corinthians came to saving faith. Paul states that he was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace (Eph 3:7; Col 1:23, 25). Paul calls Timothy a minister of Christ Jesus.
It is also used for the false ministers of Satan.
Paul lists diakonia in Rom 12 as one of the gifts given that differ according to the grace given to us.
Phi 1:1-2 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers (episkopos) and deacons (diakonos): 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Overseer and deacon character:
1Ti 3:1-7 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer (episkopos), it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, uncontentious, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 and not a new convert, lest he become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Then deacons or ministers:
1Ti 3:8-13 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity [honorable, nobly serious], not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
All of the authority positions in the church, as they are in the New Testament, are for individual local assemblies. There is no support for conglomerations of multiple churches under a head or hierarchy. That’s not to say that churches couldn’t support one another and even partner in some efforts, but the Bible only shows us independent churches. Plus, in Rev 2-3, where seven churches are listed and described as seven lampstands, they are distinguished as separate and if one fails, they are warned that their lampstand alone will be removed.
Apostolos – literally “one sent forth” (apo = from; stello = to send). Used for Christ (Heb 3:1)
Heb 3:1-4 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession. 2 He was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was in all His house. 3 For He has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house. 4 For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.
Verb apostello used by Christ to describe Himself in Joh 17:3.
Joh 17:3 “And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.”
Jesus chose the twelve and named them apostles.
Luk 6:13 And when day came, He called His disciples to Him; and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles: [Judas Iscariot is in this group].
Paul calls himself an apostle in:
1Co 9:1-2 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
Title: Ephesians 4:7-16; Spiritual gifts – the leaders (conclusion); apostles.
Thursday October 21, 2021
We have begun to look at church leadership in reference to spiritual gifts. In the age of the church, apostles and prophets ceased to be gifts after the apostolic age. The permanent leadership gifts are evangelist, pastor-teacher, and deacon. We have noted and documented that the terms elder (presbuteros) and overseer (episkopos) are used synonymously and their roles are very much like a shepherd (pastor) and they are to be able to teach.
Therefore, I think it is safe to equate pastor-teacher, elder, and overseer, and that position would be the highest human authority in the church.
1Co 12:28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.
With apostles and prophets no longer in existence, then teachers would move to first. But this would have to refer to the office of teacher and leader, or pastor-teacher. That in no way makes the PT better than others, closer to God, or even the most knowledgeable, though I would think that he should be one of the most knowledgeable. The PT has authority, and he has to be a man of high spiritual character; teaching and leading eagerly, according to the will of God, and proving to be examples of the flock.
The flock needs to be protected from the enemies of life by teaching sound truth, to warn and exhort, work hard, helping the weak, serving and giving.
Elders were appointed by the apostle Paul and Barnabas. The primary qualification for an elder was spiritual maturity and ability to teach.
Paul expected that there be responsible leadership in the church.
Jesus used poimaino when He told Peter to feed His sheep in Joh 21:16. Peter uses it in instructing the elders of the church.
The resurrected Lord asks Peter three times if he loves Him, which makes Peter grieved, but perhaps Jesus was allowing Peter to openly reveal his love after denying the Lord three times. Jesus told Peter, that if he loved Him, that he was to “Shepherd My sheep.” A love for someone would extend to their kin. If we love the Lord we should want to care for His sheep. The leaders must do this.
We must not care for ourselves, but for the Lord’s sheep.
Phi 2:4 do not
Peter passed the exhortation from Jesus to him on to his flock.
1Pe 5:1-3 Therefore, I exhort the elders (presbuteros) among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd (poimaino) the flock of God among you, exercising oversight (episkopeo – verb) not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.
Peter has all three: “elders” (vs. 1; presbuteros); “shepherd” (vs. 2; poimaino/verb); “oversight” (vs. 2; episkopeo/verb).
It would be hard to make the case that pastor-teacher was different than elder and overseer based on the biblical data. Though the verbs are used, the simple conclusion is that shepherds shepherd and overseers exercise oversight.
1Ti 3:1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.
Jam 3:1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgment.
Minister/deacon (diakonos) implied leadership. Used of servants, government officials, of Christ, of all believers as servants of Christ, of Paul and his fellow workers (Phoebe).
This title is used for Tychicus and Epaphras.
When Jesus says, “whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant” (Mat 20:26), He uses diakonos.
It is used of Paul and Apollos as servants through whom the Corinthians came to saving faith. Paul states that he was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace (Eph 3:7; Col 1:23, 25). Paul calls Timothy a minister of Christ Jesus.
It is also used for the false ministers of Satan.
Paul lists diakonia in Rom 12 as one of the gifts given that differ according to the grace given to us.
Phi 1:1-2 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers (episkopos) and deacons (diakonos): 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Overseer and deacon character:
1Ti 3:1-7 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer (episkopos), it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, uncontentious, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 and not a new convert, lest he become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Then deacons or ministers:
1Ti 3:8-13 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity [honorable, nobly serious], not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
All of the authority positions in the church, as they are in the New Testament, are for individual local assemblies. There is no support for conglomerations of multiple churches under a head or hierarchy. That’s not to say that churches couldn’t support one another and even partner in some efforts, but the Bible only shows us independent churches. Plus, in Rev 2-3, where seven churches are listed and described as seven lampstands, they are distinguished as separate and if one fails, they are warned that their lampstand alone will be removed.
Apostolos – literally “one sent forth” (apo = from; stello = to send). Used for Christ (Heb 3:1)
Heb 3:1-4 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession. 2 He was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was in all His house. 3 For He has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house. 4 For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.
Verb apostello used by Christ to describe Himself in Joh 17:3.
Joh 17:3 “And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.”
Jesus chose the twelve and named them apostles.
Luk 6:13 And when day came, He called His disciples to Him; and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles: [Judas Iscariot is in this group].
Paul calls himself an apostle in:
1Co 9:1-2 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
Title: Ephesians 4:7-16; Spiritual gifts – the leaders (conclusion); apostles.
Thursday October 21, 2021
We have begun to look at church leadership in reference to spiritual gifts. In the age of the church, apostles and prophets ceased to be gifts after the apostolic age. The permanent leadership gifts are evangelist, pastor-teacher, and deacon. We have noted and documented that the terms elder (presbuteros) and overseer (episkopos) are used synonymously and their roles are very much like a shepherd (pastor) and they are to be able to teach.
Therefore, I think it is safe to equate pastor-teacher, elder, and overseer, and that position would be the highest human authority in the church.
1Co 12:28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.
With apostles and prophets no longer in existence, then teachers would move to first. But this would have to refer to the office of teacher and leader, or pastor-teacher. That in no way makes the PT better than others, closer to God, or even the most knowledgeable, though I would think that he should be one of the most knowledgeable. The PT has authority, and he has to be a man of high spiritual character; teaching and leading eagerly, according to the will of God, and proving to be examples of the flock.
The flock needs to be protected from the enemies of life by teaching sound truth, to warn and exhort, work hard, helping the weak, serving and giving.
Elders were appointed by the apostle Paul and Barnabas. The primary qualification for an elder was spiritual maturity and ability to teach.
Paul expected that there be responsible leadership in the church.
Jesus used poimaino when He told Peter to feed His sheep in Joh 21:16. Peter uses it in instructing the elders of the church.
The resurrected Lord asks Peter three times if he loves Him, which makes Peter grieved, but perhaps Jesus was allowing Peter to openly reveal his love after denying the Lord three times. Jesus told Peter, that if he loved Him, that he was to “Shepherd My sheep.” A love for someone would extend to their kin. If we love the Lord we should want to care for His sheep. The leaders must do this.
We must not care for ourselves, but for the Lord’s sheep.
Phi 2:4 do not
Peter passed the exhortation from Jesus to him on to his flock.
1Pe 5:1-3 Therefore, I exhort the elders (presbuteros) among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd (poimaino) the flock of God among you, exercising oversight (episkopeo – verb) not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.
Peter has all three: “elders” (vs. 1; presbuteros); “shepherd” (vs. 2; poimaino/verb); “oversight” (vs. 2; episkopeo/verb).
It would be hard to make the case that pastor-teacher was different than elder and overseer based on the biblical data. Though the verbs are used, the simple conclusion is that shepherds shepherd and overseers exercise oversight.
1Ti 3:1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.
Jam 3:1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgment.
Minister/deacon (diakonos) implied leadership. Used of servants, government officials, of Christ, of all believers as servants of Christ, of Paul and his fellow workers (Phoebe).
This title is used for Tychicus and Epaphras.
When Jesus says, “whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant” (Mat 20:26), He uses diakonos.
It is used of Paul and Apollos as servants through whom the Corinthians came to saving faith. Paul states that he was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace (Eph 3:7; Col 1:23, 25). Paul calls Timothy a minister of Christ Jesus.
It is also used for the false ministers of Satan.
Paul lists diakonia in Rom 12 as one of the gifts given that differ according to the grace given to us.
Phi 1:1-2 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers (episkopos) and deacons (diakonos): 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Overseer and deacon character:
1Ti 3:1-7 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer (episkopos), it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, uncontentious, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 and not a new convert, lest he become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Then deacons or ministers:
1Ti 3:8-13 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity [honorable, nobly serious], not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
All of the authority positions in the church, as they are in the New Testament, are for individual local assemblies. There is no support for conglomerations of multiple churches under a head or hierarchy. That’s not to say that churches couldn’t support one another and even partner in some efforts, but the Bible only shows us independent churches. Plus, in Rev 2-3, where seven churches are listed and described as seven lampstands, they are distinguished as separate and if one fails, they are warned that their lampstand alone will be removed.
Apostolos – literally “one sent forth” (apo = from; stello = to send). Used for Christ (Heb 3:1)
Heb 3:1-4 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession. 2 He was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was in all His house. 3 For He has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house. 4 For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.
Verb apostello used by Christ to describe Himself in Joh 17:3.
Joh 17:3 “And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.”
Jesus chose the twelve and named them apostles.
Luk 6:13 And when day came, He called His disciples to Him; and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles: [Judas Iscariot is in this group].
Paul calls himself an apostle in:
1Co 9:1-2 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
Title: Ephesians 4:7-16; Spiritual gifts – the leaders (conclusion); apostles.
Thursday October 21, 2021
We have begun to look at church leadership in reference to spiritual gifts. In the age of the church, apostles and prophets ceased to be gifts after the apostolic age. The permanent leadership gifts are evangelist, pastor-teacher, and deacon. We have noted and documented that the terms elder (presbuteros) and overseer (episkopos) are used synonymously and their roles are very much like a shepherd (pastor) and they are to be able to teach.
Therefore, I think it is safe to equate pastor-teacher, elder, and overseer, and that position would be the highest human authority in the church.
1Co 12:28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.
With apostles and prophets no longer in existence, then teachers would move to first. But this would have to refer to the office of teacher and leader, or pastor-teacher. That in no way makes the PT better than others, closer to God, or even the most knowledgeable, though I would think that he should be one of the most knowledgeable. The PT has authority, and he has to be a man of high spiritual character; teaching and leading eagerly, according to the will of God, and proving to be examples of the flock.
The flock needs to be protected from the enemies of life by teaching sound truth, to warn and exhort, work hard, helping the weak, serving and giving.
Elders were appointed by the apostle Paul and Barnabas. The primary qualification for an elder was spiritual maturity and ability to teach.
Paul expected that there be responsible leadership in the church.
Jesus used poimaino when He told Peter to feed His sheep in Joh 21:16. Peter uses it in instructing the elders of the church.
The resurrected Lord asks Peter three times if he loves Him, which makes Peter grieved, but perhaps Jesus was allowing Peter to openly reveal his love after denying the Lord three times. Jesus told Peter, that if he loved Him, that he was to “Shepherd My sheep.” A love for someone would extend to their kin. If we love the Lord we should want to care for His sheep. The leaders must do this.
We must not care for ourselves, but for the Lord’s sheep.
Phi 2:4 do not
Peter passed the exhortation from Jesus to him on to his flock.
1Pe 5:1-3 Therefore, I exhort the elders (presbuteros) among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd (poimaino) the flock of God among you, exercising oversight (episkopeo – verb) not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.
Peter has all three: “elders” (vs. 1; presbuteros); “shepherd” (vs. 2; poimaino/verb); “oversight” (vs. 2; episkopeo/verb).
It would be hard to make the case that pastor-teacher was different than elder and overseer based on the biblical data. Though the verbs are used, the simple conclusion is that shepherds shepherd and overseers exercise oversight.
1Ti 3:1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.
Jam 3:1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgment.
Minister/deacon (diakonos) implied leadership. Used of servants, government officials, of Christ, of all believers as servants of Christ, of Paul and his fellow workers (Phoebe).
This title is used for Tychicus and Epaphras.
When Jesus says, “whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant” (Mat 20:26), He uses diakonos.
It is used of Paul and Apollos as servants through whom the Corinthians came to saving faith. Paul states that he was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace (Eph 3:7; Col 1:23, 25). Paul calls Timothy a minister of Christ Jesus.
It is also used for the false ministers of Satan.
Paul lists diakonia in Rom 12 as one of the gifts given that differ according to the grace given to us.
Phi 1:1-2 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers (episkopos) and deacons (diakonos): 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Overseer and deacon character:
1Ti 3:1-7 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer (episkopos), it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, uncontentious, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 and not a new convert, lest he become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Then deacons or ministers:
1Ti 3:8-13 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity [honorable, nobly serious], not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
All of the authority positions in the church, as they are in the New Testament, are for individual local assemblies. There is no support for conglomerations of multiple churches under a head or hierarchy. That’s not to say that churches couldn’t support one another and even partner in some efforts, but the Bible only shows us independent churches. Plus, in Rev 2-3, where seven churches are listed and described as seven lampstands, they are distinguished as separate and if one fails, they are warned that their lampstand alone will be removed.
Apostolos – literally “one sent forth” (apo = from; stello = to send). Used for Christ (Heb 3:1)
Heb 3:1-4 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession. 2 He was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was in all His house. 3 For He has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house. 4 For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.
Verb apostello used by Christ to describe Himself in Joh 17:3.
Joh 17:3 “And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.”
Jesus chose the twelve and named them apostles.
Luk 6:13 And when day came, He called His disciples to Him; and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles: [Judas Iscariot is in this group].
Paul calls himself an apostle in:
1Co 9:1-2 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
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