Page 460 - Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible Christianity. Based on the King James Bible

PASTORAL EPISTLES - PAUL

9-10). (3) It is a loving authority—the authority of a the church is small, it might have only one pastor, while
father (1 Th. 2:7-11). The pastor is to have a godly, larger churches obviously need more. When a church
loving, tender, sacrificial consideration for the welfare of has more than one pastor, it is normal for one to be the
the people. His rule is not to be overbearing and self- senior pastor and to have the final authority in
serving. decisions. That is what we see in the church at
Limitations to the pastor’s authority. A pastor only has Jerusalem. When they had a conference to discuss the
such authority as delegated to him by God. Christians issue of law and grace in Acts 15, it was James who
are never told to submit blindly to a church leader, but summarized the meeting and made the final decision
to submit to truly God-called men who are leading (vv. 13-22). [See Church, Deacon, Diotrephes,
according to the Word of God. As the Apostle Paul said, Evangelist, Korah, Power, Prophet.]
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 PASTORAL EPISTLES. A name used for the N.T.
Co. 11:1). Paul could demand that others follow him books of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. They are so named
because he was following Christ and was faithfully because they were written to church leaders in reference
preaching the message given to him by Christ. Apart to church order and Christian ministry. [See Timothy.]
from that, even Paul had no authority. He warned the PATARA (interpretation). Ac. 21:1.
churches of Galatia that if he were to preach any other PATE. Crown of the head (Ps. 7:16).
gospel, they were to reject him (Ga. 1:8). The Bible
warns pastors not to be lords over God’s flock (1 Pe. PATHROS (he cut). Is. 11:11.
5:2-3). Even Paul said he did not have dominion over PATHRUSIM (inhabitants of Pathros). Ge. 10:14.
the believers’ faith (2 Co. 1:24). Christians should reject PATIENCE. The suffering of afflictions, pain, toil,
the ministry of any man who does not possess the calamity, provocation or other evil, with a calm,
following qualities: (1) A pastor’s authority is based on unruffled temper; endurance without murmuring or
the message he preaches. He. 13:7 instructs Christians to fretfulness; the act or quality of waiting long for justice
submit to those who have spoken the Word of God. A or expected good without discontent; perseverance;
preacher’s authority is in God’s Word, not in his own constancy in labor or exertion; the quality of bearing
words and desires. If a pastor or teacher strays from the offenses and injuries without anger or revenge
Bible, his listeners should not follow him; he has strayed (Webster). The Christian is called upon to exercise
from his authority (Ac. 17:10, 11; 1 Th. 5:21). (2) A patience (Ro. 12:12; 1 Th. 5:14; 2 Th. 1:4; 1 Ti. 6:11;
pastor’s authority is based on the life he lives. He. 13:7 Tit. 2:2; He. 10:36; 12:1; Ja. 5:7-8; 2 Pe. 1:6; Re. 1:9).
says, “Obey them that have the rule over you ... Patience is the fruit of hope (Ro. 8:25; 1 Th. 1:3).
remembering the end of their conversation.” This speaks Patience comes from the Word of God (Ro. 15:4).
of their manner of life. If a man is a hypocrite, if he does Patience comes through the Lord’s strength (Col. 1:11).
not practice in his daily life the right kind of Christian Patience is produced by tribulation (Ro. 5:3; Ja. 1:3-4).
living, he has no authority to lead others. (3) A pastor’s Patience in well-doing is a key ingredient in fruit
authority is based on his call from God (Ac. 20:28). The bearing (Lk. 8:15). Patience is commended by God (2
elders of the church at Ephesus were appointed by the Th. 1:4; Re. 2:2-3). A patient spirit is better than a
Holy Spirit. This is a foundational basis for spiritual proud spirit (Ec. 7:8). Patience was exemplified by the
authority. Christians are only to submit to men who give Apostles (2 Co. 6:4; 12:12; 2 Ti. 3:10). Patience is
plain evidence that they are called of God. (4) A pastor’s required in pastors (1 Ti. 3:3). Patience is required in
authority is based on the work he does. 1 Th. 5:12-13 dealing with erring men (2 Ti. 2:24). [See Endure,
refers to those who are over us in the Lord and requires Forbear, Gentle, Longsuffering, Love, Overcome.]
that we “esteem them very highly in love for their PATMOS (belonging to turpentine, mortal). Re. 1:9.
work’s sake...” A man’s spiritual ministry must be PATRIARCH. The father and ruler of a family (Ac.
according to the Word of God, or he ceases to have 2:29; 7:8).
authority over others. PATRIMONY. A right or estate inherited from one’s
The Number of Pastors. How many pastors or elders ancestors (De. 18:8).
should a church have? The Bible usually speaks of PATROBAS (life of a father). Ro. 16:14.
elders and pastors in the plural, and the first churches
commonly had more than one (Acts 14:23; 15:2; 20:17; PATTERN. Example; copy (1 Ti. 1:16; He. 9:23).
Ph. 1:1; Titus 1:5; James 5:14). At the same time, the PAU (bawling). Ge. 36:39.
Bible does not specify any certain number of pastors. PAUL (to restrain). Writer of many N.T. books and
Like many of the practical things that pertain to church zealous leader in the early church. Paul was ordained by
work, the Bible leaves this matter for each congregation the Lord Jesus to be the Apostle to the Gentiles (Ac.
to determine under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If 8-28). Paul wrote Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians,

460 Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity