029. Church, Organization of the
029. Church, Organization of the
29 ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH
INTRODUCTION Nothing said in the New Testament about "organizing" a church. its organization developed with its work .
I. THE APOSTLES 1. These were the first in the churd1 . (1 Corinthians 12:28.) 2. James, Peter, John called "pillars." (Galatians 2:9 .) 3. Paul mentions the twelve only once . (1 Corinthians 15:5.) 4. The twelve may be referred to in Galatians 1:17.
5. Their approval of conversion of Samaritans and Gentiles.
II. AUTHORITY OF APOSTLES 1. Peter not a "pope"; if anyone, James .
2. James a leader at Jerusalem . (Acts 12:17.) 3. All given authority to preach.
III. THE ELDERS 1. Their names-overseer (Episkopoi) ; bishops (Php 1:1.); Presbyters (Presbuteros);
Shepherds (Poimenes); pastors (Ephesians 4:11.); rulers.
2. A plurality in each church. (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5.) 3. First mentioned in Acts 11:29-30.
4. They appear side by side with apostles. (Acts 15:2; Acts 15:4; Acts 15:6; Acts 15:22-23;
Acts 16:4; Acts 21:18) 5. Appointed in every church. (Acts 14:23.) 6. How selected.
(a) May have been selected by the apostles. (b) May have been selected by the church . (c) Holy Spirit guided.
7. May be a distinction between "the younger men" and "elders" in Acts 5:6.
8. Apostles had wider mission than elders.
9. Elders remained in the congregation .
IV. THE DEACONS 1. From "
2. May have served in preachin g. (Acts 6:2; Acts 6:4.) 3. The seven soon found preachin g.
4. "Over this business."
(a) "Chireia" may mean "office." (b) May mean "matter in hand ," "business." (c) New Testament means "need ." (d) Do not kn ow what the "business" or "need" was. (e) Was this appointment permanent or temporary?
V. EVANGELISTS 1 . Ministry of the word the supreme work of church. (1 Timothy 3:15.) 2. The evangelist a teacher, worker, etc. (1 Corinthians 12:28.) 3. Evangelist one who brought first news.
(a) Word used only three times in New Testament. (Acts 21:8; Ephesians 4:11; 2 Timothy 4:5.) (b) Evangelist traveled.