Page 311 - Bible Writers Theology Original

or their commissioning to evangelistic service generally included admoni tion, prayer, and laying of hands (Acts 6:5-6; 13:2-3; I Timothy 4:14; 5:22; n Timothy 1:5-6). Nevertheless, it should be observed, from the cases in Acts 13:2-3 and II Timothy 1:5-6, that, on the potential candidates, the hand of Godshouldprecedethehandsoftheministry. Jesussaid,'Trayyetherefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest" (Matthew9:38Revelation1:20;3:7-8).Moreover, theinabilityofministersto be fruitful in the area of evangelism brought recommendations from higher spiritualleadership. (SeeActs18:24-28;Romans16:1;11Corinthians8:22-24; Acts 13:1-4; Philippians 2:19-30; Colossians 4:7-10.) Loss ofcredential? and severance of fellowship was the lot of those unruly ministers leading a ques tionable Christian life (11 Timothy 1:15; 2:16-18).
The role and position of the key players in the early Churches' evangelis tic and overseeing endeavors have b^n presented in broad outlines. As God warned Moses, "See, that thou make all things according to the pattern shown to thee in the mount" (Hebrews 8:5). The Church must be built "upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the Chief cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:20; cf. 4:10-11).
C Principles of Authority
The office of spiritual authority is founded with love and all other fruit of ^be Holy Spirit. Worldly conceptions of leadership and authority cannot be carriedoverintoChrist'sspiritualkingdom. Onlythespirit-filledsoul-Iov- ing men can exercise spiritual leadership in the Church.
The apostle Peter, the veteran shepherd of the household of God, wrote in his years of maturity, "The elders which are among you 1exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also apartaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feedtheflock ofGodwhichisamongyou, taking oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examplestotheflock. AndwhentheChiefShepherdshallappear,yeshall receiveacrownofglorythatfadethnotaway"(1Peter5:1-4). Hereminds theeldersthattheyaredealingwithGod'sflock,nottheirs. ItistotheChief Shepherd that they are finally accountable. They are the under-shepherds.
It is valuable to observe that Peter was writing to his fellow elders plac ing himself on an equal level with them, exemplifying humility for spiritual leaders to emulate. It has always been the eternal desire of God to give to His peopleshepherdsafterHisownheart(Acts13:22;Ezekiel34). TheSpiritof the Good Shepherd should rest upon the stewards of His household: "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with
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