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THE WORK OF JESUS CHRIST A publication of Volle Evangelie Gemeente ‘Immanuël’ Breda Author: Cees Visser (pastor)

God given authority in the church (2)

Bible study 21

Introduction

Completely after the will and intention of God, Jesus gives every local church a counsel of elders. To lead her in unity of the Spirit and to guide her: to 'shepherd' her on the road that He as chief Shepherd shows. In godly love and heavenly peace. With the authority that Jesus gives, in the order that God intends (Bs.20/6-7). God deems this counsel of elders necessary for proper functioning of the local church, for the revelation as body of Christ in heaven and on earth.

By itself?

For the wellbeing and the growth of the church it is necessary that the counsel of elders functions in unity of the Spirit (Bs.20/12). How is this unity developed? How does the by God intended functioning of a counsel of elders come about? Do the men that are appointed by Jesus as elders in the church become a good team by itself, or does this development go according the same principles and laws that go for the church as a whole? Do they spontaneously function after the intention of God and Jesus - because they are 'elders' - or does the counsel of elders also need the God given guidance?

Body characteristics

A counsel of elders is fully part of the church: all spiritual bands and joints, which characterize the body, should become fully functional in this counsel. When elders do not assume characteristics of the body in their functioning, they cannot jointly shape the body of Christ. The same goes for the collective functioning as a counsel within the church. The godly assignment can then not be fulfilled; the goal is not reached. Within a good counsel of elders the same relations of love and authority exist as within a good church. With the same peace and a similar order. Such a counsel functions as 'miniature church': it should be a clear and inspiring example to the local church as a whole.

Man-specific

In great wisdom Jesus gives every elder an own place and task in this counsel, in agreement to his/her gifts and possibilities. Every elder is unique. Each may work with the grace that God gives. Each may - in fellowship with Jesus -

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shape his being elder in a personal way. In the freedom of Christ and the peace of the Kingdom of God. Being elder is man-specific. Here too we see complete similarity with the functioning as living member of the body of Christ (See Bs.12/6). Equality and diversity

Earlier we saw that God gives man a different place and function within marriage than the woman, without the equality in being is violated in any way (Bs.10/5). And that Jesus gives the elders a different place and function than the other members; again fully respecting equality in being (Bs.20/4). This is the same within the counsel of elders. Among the elders in the local church Jesus appoints one as 'head' within this counsel. With a special call and ministry. With a special form of (derived) authority for the benefit of the by Him intended functioning of the counsel. Not that this elder is herewith appointed 'above' the others: just like in marriage and church Jesus intends full equality in being within the counsel of elders. At the same time he brings about the by God intended diversity in functioning. Again, for the good of workability within the counsel and the healthy functioning as counsel of elders in his church. And that for the purpose of reaching his goal with the church (Bs.10/5, 20/4).

Godly principle

The Kingdom of God characterizes itself by clarity and simplicity. The laws of this Kingdom work in small and in the larger connections. They are 'universal'. You can derive the one from the other. Do therefore not think that the counsel of elders wouldn't need any specific guidance. That it is all done 'by itself'. That good cooperation and beneficial discussion comes about 'spontaneously'. If God already establishes relations of love and authority for the joining of two people in matrimony, wouldn't He do this also for the collective of several elders within one counsel of elders? God given authority within the counsel of elders is much needed. Especially in view of the functioning in the highly necessary unity of the Spirit.

Pastor?

How could we indicate this elder within the counsel of elders? How do we call such an overseer in the local church? Does the name 'elder' or 'overseer' suffice, or should we call him 'leading/guiding elder/overseer'? May we call him 'pastor'? What does the bible say about this? Let's look in the Scripture for this before we discuss this question further.

Roots

The term pastor is used more often throughout the bible than some translations seem to indicate. The American King James version uses this word 9 times.

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The New testament uses three Greek roots. Two of these are verbs. Those are the most commonly used. Hegeomai - the meaning of this verb is: to lead, i.e. command (with official authority), (be) chief, have the rule over. Proistemi - this word means: to stand before (in rank), be over, rule. This is along the same lines as hegeomai. Kathegetes - this third root is a noun. It means: guide or teacher or master (Source: Strong's Greek Bible Dictionary). The verb that belongs to it is kathegeomai. The first mentioned hegeomai can be recognized in it. The prefix kata strengthens the function of leading, guiding and commanding. The word kathegetes indicates someone who shows the way by means of teaching: a teacher or master. Hegeomai

In Hebrews 13:7, 17 and 24 it says: Remember them who have the rule over you... salute all them that have the rule over you... The root uses the verb hegeomai. Some English bibles do not translate this root as verb, but express it in nouns: rulers (BBE, LO), leaders (LITV, ISV), them which have the rule (KJV, ASV), and others do translate it as a verb: to lead (YLT, ACV, ALT), to guide (Rotherham). The same goes for Luke 22:26. The American King James version has here: But you shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that does serve. Other translations have here: he who leads (ACV), he who governs (LO), the leader as one who serves (RSV). This can also be seen in Acts 15:22. There is spoken about Judas and Silas: chief men among the brethren (KJV, ASV). Leaders among the Christian brothers (BWE). Men of principal account among the brethren (LO).

Proistemi

The verb proistemi in 1 Timothy 5:12 is translated directly by some: And we ask you, brethren, to know those laboring among you, and leading you in the Lord, and admonishing you (YLT). Others again choose to use a noun: Brothers and sisters, we ask you to show your appreciation for those leaders who work among you and instruct you (GodsWord). And are your leaders in the Lord (Montgomery). Romans 12:8 speaks of he that rules let him do it with diligence (AKJV). The Living Oracles has here: him that presides, with assiduity. Other translations: a presider with dexterity (Murdock), He that taketh lead (Rotherham), he who is in authority should be energetic and alert (Weymouth). In Titus 3:8 Paul writes about people who are careful to maintain good works. In verse 14 about being in the lead therein. These are all expressions of the Greek verb proistemi.

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Kathegetes

The root kathegetes only exists in Matthew 23:8 and 10: But be not you called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ. Jesus makes this statement in his discourse to the Pharisees and Scribes: men who like to be called rabbi, father, leader or pastor (vs.7) and who wish to exalt themselves above the (ordinary) people: they sit in Moses' seat (vs2). Jesus does not forbid the use of these titles; He points to their misuse for the profit of their own honor, of an exalting yourself above another person: All whoever shall exalt himself shall be abased (vs.12). By this the equality in being is affected. And that opposes the laws of God. You are all brethren, Jesus says. Mind you, not all with the same place and task: He that is greatest among you shall be your servant (vs.8 and 11).

Verbs

The fact that the original text mostly uses verbs, shows us that this 'pastoring' is not especially about a separate and special office within the church, but much more a special functioning in a (known) office. It indicates, within the counsel of elders, a 'leading' and 'governing' in this counsel. Someone with special tasks and authorities, with a place that can be derived from these verbs: the functioning as leader, as most important one, as spokesman. The elders cannot do this all at the same time; only one person can do this.

Pastor

The term 'pastor' accurately indicates the special place and task of this leading and pastoring elder. He pastors and leads. In the counsel of elders as well as in the church. He is the leader amid the leaders. He governs the counsel. He is the head of it; he leads his fellow elders in the counsel and his fellow members in the church with all that Jesus gives him to accomplish this. He does not stand 'above' the elders, but amid them: he is one of them. In the same way as the counsel of elders does not stand 'above' the church, but functions amid them on the place, which God intends: in Christ all are each other's brethren.

Preaching and teaching

The pastor is the spokesperson of the counsel in the church. This becomes clear from Acts 14:12 (SV): And they called Paul Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker (hegeomai). The pastor is therefore the chief speaker in the church. Among the leaders he concentrates on preaching and teaching. 1Timothy 5:17 offers additional clarity. Paul beautifully joins 'ruling, presiding, taking the lead' and 'laboring in the word' together: the elders who take the lead –among the saints- well be esteemed worthy of double honor, especially those labouring in word and teaching (Darby). For other translations of this verse: see above under the title 'proistemi'.

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Special mention

In the King James Translation and the Revised Webster Bible, as in some other translations all letters of Paul have so-called 'endnotes' added. These are also in the original Stephens and Scrivener's Textus receptus (1550). In the later, revised editions of this original text – as Tischendorf's (1872), Wescott and Hort (1881) and Nestle (1963 and 1979) – they are no longer included. The second letter to Timothy closes with: The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen (4:22 AKJV). Immediately following the endnotes from the Revised Webster version: Te second epistle to Timothy, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Ephesians, was written from Rome, when Paul was brought before Nero the second time. We find the same at the end of the letter to Titus: All that are with me salute you. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen (3:15 AKJV). The postscript: It was written to Titus, ordained by the first bishop of the church of the Cretians, from Nicopolis of Mecedonia. In these endnotes Timothy and Titus are called first bishops: as most important episcopes, as leaders among the leading ones… Without valuing these special mentions too highly, they do confirm the image we have of a pastor.

Old Testament

The Old Testament also speaks of pastors. The Hebrew root is nagiyd. It means: leader, ruler, and captain. This noun comes from the verb nagad. That means: to announce, tell, speak. The AKVJ translates nagiyd with captain, YLT has 'leader'. The Old Testament typifies various kings of Israel and Judah as pastors. This says something about the by God intended functioning in this (royal) office. In this context we read that Saul is anointed by Samuel to be captain (1Sam.10:1). To David is said: You shall shepherd My people Israel, and you shall be for a leader over Israel (2Sam.5:2 LITV). Here shepherding is connected to leading: the shepherd functions as a leader. When Salomo climbs the throne, he is anointed to be the chief governor (1Chr.29:22). King Hezekiah is called captain of the people (2Ki.20:5).

The same image

Not only kings are described as 'nagiyd'. Also leaders among the peoplelike Phinehas of the Korahites are called 'rulers' (1Chr.9:20). YLT has 'leaders'; GodsWord: officials in charge. The same goes for the heads of the tribes like Eliezer over the Ruebenite: 'a leader' (1kr.27:16). And for rulers of the house of God like Seraiah: a 'leader' of the house of God (Neh.11:11). Jeremiah calls the priest Pashur in chapter 20:1 a 'nagiyd': he is chief governor in the house of the Lord (AKJV), overseer (YLT), chief officer (ASV). This is in agreement to the

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aforementioned endnotes from the NT: a pastor is a chief overseer, a first overseer. A little further Jeremijah prophecies of the spiritual leaders of the people: Howl you shepherds and cry; and wallow yourselves in the ashes, you principal of the flock (25:34). The Old Testament offers a clear image of a pastor. This is similar to what the New testament says. Throughout the bible it indicates a by God intended functioning in a certain place. Tradition?

These days there is a lot going on in the spiritual courtyard about leadership in the church and about pastors in particular. Many think it is traditional and out dated. They base themselves on some of the newer bible translations from which the word seems to have disappeared. We have encountered this before in our bible studies in the serial 'God's plan with man': with the unmasking of Belial in the discussion of the secret of lawlessness. Some translations have hardly any references to Belial left, while others mention this name many times… (see St.60/5). Could there be any connection in the spiritual world between these affairs?

Lawlessness

The enemy of the church profits when the place and work of pastors in the counsel of elders and the church is undermined and denied. Partly through this he can make a proper functioning and healthy development more difficult and keep the church from reaching its godly goal. In the previous bible study the necessity to discern Belial and to fight him was already discussed. Especially in the context of obtaining and keeping unity in the Spirit (Bs.20/12). It is not remarkable that pastorship in these times is under fire. That the entire 'being church' is under pressure and that spiritual bands and joints come about so laboriously. There is a huge desire for freedom, but people often do not realize that true freedom can only be experienced in deep dependence on Christ. They speak of love, but often do not see that godly love (agape) is connected to godly authority. The Spirit of lawlessness rises up against every form of authority and against pastors in particular. He resists the revelation of the church as body of Christ. In the deepest sense against Christ Himself: it is an antichristian spirit. We may see on the reality of Christ with enlightened eyes and with opened ears hear what the spirit says to the church. Especially with regard to the by God given authority in the church. Then we can understand the Scripture and live by it.

Biblical

The functioning of pastors in the local churches is not derived from church traditions, but from the word of God. The word 'pastor' is a biblical term. The Old as well as the New

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Testament use clear expressions about them as leading elders and pasturing shepherds, as chief overseers or governors. Pastors lead and guide. In the counsel of elders – where they take a 'first' place among their fellow elders, overseers and shepherds. As well as in the church – where they are spokesman and chief speaker. They are given by Jesus to the local church for the purpose of reaching the goal of God with the church. Still we never speak of a one headed leadership in the church. This place is reserved for Jesus Christ: he is the Head of his body, the church. A pastor is and remains an elder: he is one of the elders in the counsel of elders. Calling

This place and position of the pastor within the counsel of elders and the church cannot be taken by just any 'random' elder. Nor can this function be filled in 'by rotation' - like in worldly organizations: changing chairmanship. This leading and guiding requires a special calling from the Lord, recognizable within the counsel of elders and church. Also a concrete confirmation and blessing in the local church. It leads to a special ministry and gives a special, distinguishable responsibility.

Authority

Pastors receive a special form of (derived) authority from Jesus. They can and may do something within the church and counsel of elders. They receive the ability and the right to act (Bs.10/2,3). They are authorized to develop initiatives and make decisions. This all in beneficial discussion with the fellow elders. And with acknowledgement and support from the members of the church (Bs.10/6). Filling this properly in can be compared to walking a narrow road. All involved are jointly responsible, each has personal responsibility. We highlighted this earlier (see Bs.10/6-8).

Exemption

It is a good and biblical matter when a pastor does not have an employer on earth. He can give all his attention and energy to the work he is assigned to by the lord. Paul writes: Even so has the lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel (1Cor.9:14). The GodsWord translation has this verse in very understandable language. The Lord has commanded that those who spread the Good News should earn their living from the Good News. To put this differently: the Lord has said that the men who bring the good news, should be cared for by the people who receive that good news. This full timer in the church is not paid for his work, but exempted from other work.

Blessing

It is a great blessing for the local church when its counsel of elders is functioning in the by God intended way: in unity of

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the Spirit, with understanding of the work that Jesus accomplishes in his church and with full commitment to go this road together under his leadership. Then we have a clear sound, stable and unambiguous. In preaching and teaching, in direction and policy, in pastoral care and assistance. This benefits the church, in all its joints. The life of God can flourish. People come to recovery and development. Spiritual joints and bands come into being, spiritual gifts and ministries unfurl… the body of Christ takes shape. Such a miracle of God! Continuation

Now the functioning of the counsel of elders in the local church has been highlighted, we can also develop vision on the other offices, which the bible mentions. We will do this in the next bible study. We will then focus our attention to the tasks, authorities and responsibilities of apostles and deacons.

Thanking

We should thank Jesus for what he gives his church in the 'God given authority'. Let us pray for those who lead us in the Lord, and to esteem them very abundantly in love, because of their work (1Th.5:12 YLT). And, being true in love, we may together with them increase to Him in all things, who is the head, the Christ (after Eph.4:15 YLT). In joy, peace, aimed for the fulfillment of all righteousness of God. Jesus continues the good work that He started in us, until the end. His day breaks. Hallelujah!