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Authority in the Body of Christ by Heidi Steve and I have been concerned about a misuse of authority in the church for years and wanted to find out what exactly the Bible says about Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists, and so on. For the basis of my study I looked to Ephesians 4:11, "It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers." I began to look up each verse in the Bible that included any of these titles. Please look up the verses for yourself. In some cases I've quoted the verse exactly as it appears in my NIV, but in other cases, I summarize entire passages. It would be wise for you to look into the context in which these verses appear. Apostles Ephesians 2:19 "For through Him we all have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole body is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit. Ephesians 3:5 "It has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles & prophets" Romans 1:1 Paul was called to be an apostle Romans 11:13 Paul is the apostle to the Gentiles I Corinthians 9:2 The Gentiles are the seal of Paul's apostleship. II Corinthians 12:12 The things that mark an apostle are signs, wonders, and miracles. Galatians 11:1 Paul was sent not from men or by men, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father. Galatians 2:8 The ministry of Peter was - apostle to the Jews. Paul's was - apostle to the Gentiles. I Timothy 2:7 I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles. Hebrews 3:1 Fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. Matthew 10:2 These are the names of the 12 apostles . Simon-Peter, Andrew, James Zebedee, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas Iscariot. (Paul & Mattathias) Mark 3:13 He appointed 12 - designating them apostles - that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. Mark 6:30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Luke 17:5 The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith'. Acts 1:26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Mattathias; and so he was added to the 11 apostles (they prayed that God would show them and then cast lots). Acts 2:37 The people said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized..." Acts 5:29 Peter and the other apostles said, "we must obey God rather than men!" Acts 6:6 There was a need for someone to care for and feed the widows. Men were chosen and presented to the apostles who prayed and laid their hands on them. Acts 8:14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. They placed their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 15:2 There was a big question about circumcision so Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. The church sent them on their way. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them. The apostles and elders met to consider this question. Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. "We have heard that some when out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said." Acts 16:4 As they traveled they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. So the churches were strengthened in faith and grew daily in numbers. I Corinthians 4:9 God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena. I Corinthians 12:28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. Eagerly desire the greater gifts. (obviously implying that some are greater gifts see I Corinthians 14:1). II Corinthians 11:13 Paul said, "I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about" "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading apostles of Christ." I Thessalonians 2:6 As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. II Peter 3:2 I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. Jude 1:17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord foretold. Revelation 2:2 "That you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false." Revelation 21:14 "The wall of the city had twelve foundations and on them ere the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 4:35 From time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. Romans 1:5 We received grace and apostleship to call people form among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. Apostles - God's household is built on the foundation of God's apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. God reveals things to the apostles and prophets. Apostles are known by signs, wonders, and miracles. Jesus is THE apostle and high priest. They can pray and lay their hands on people to receive the Holy Spirit. God appointed apostles first in the church. They also distribute goods to those who have need. In Galatians and I Timothy, Paul and Peter speak of themselves as apostles to the Jews and to the Gentiles respectively. The ministries of these two men appear to be that of a present day missionary. In Mark, it is mentioned that the apostles preach and have authority to drive out demons. In Acts, they are referred to as "brothers" by the church people, but they are also in a position to give direction even commands, and they are obeyed. It seems that in comparison to the other titles given in Ephesians 4, the apostles are the ones with the most recognizable authority over people. They send people off, they appoint people, they meet together to consider and make decisions about important theological issues. In Acts 15, the point is made that "some went out from us without our authorization." Implying that at times their authorization is given. Paul, in II Corinthians, talks about false apostles. This is very important to recognize. There are false apostles and it is important to determine which are true and which are false. In the past year "apostles" have been popping up all over the place and we would be wise to consider whether or not they are truly apostles. In Revelations, Jesus commends a certain group of believers because they "have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false." God calls us to be responsible for what we believe. If an apostle is found to be true, we must follow the example of the believers in scripture and learn from them, obey them, respect and honor them. Prophets I Thessalonians 5:20 Do not treat prophets with contempt. Test everything. Hold onto the good. Avoid every kind of evil. II Timothy 1:18 Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you. I Corinthians 14:1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. II Peter 1:20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. Revelation 19:10 For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Luke 1:67 Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit & prophesied. John 11:51 He did not say this on his his own (Caiaphas) but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation. II Corinthians 11:4 Every man (woman) who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head. I Corinthians 14:3 Everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified. Matthew 7:22 "Lord, Lord, did we not prophecy in your name?" I will plainly tell them, "I never knew you." Acts 2:17 I will pour out my spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophecy. Romans 12:6 If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. Matthew 10:41 Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward. Matthew 13:57 Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor. Acts 13:6 They met a sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus. Revelation 16:13 Then I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. Luke 2:36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, she was very old; she never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Romans 16:25 Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him. I Timothy 4:14 Do not neglect your gift which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Acts 15:32 Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers. Prophets - Honor them. Spiritual gifts may be imparted by the laying on of hands and a prophetic message. Prophecy is when a person speaks from God as the Holy Spirit leads them. The purpose of prophecy is to encourage, strengthen, and comfort each other. It is a gift from God, a great gift, which we should desire to have. It is very important to honor and respect true prophets, and it is also very important to discern a false prophet from a true prophet, and to test every prophecy to determine whether or not it is true. The gift of prophecy is not age specific. There are men, women, children, and elderly prophets. High Priests and people filled with the Holy Spirit prophecy. Matthew 7:22 "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?" I will plainly tell them, "I never knew you." This particularly interesting to me because it talks about people who prophesied thinking that everything was right between them and God, when in fact He didn't know them. It is most important to have a relationship with God. Prophecy should flow out of your relationship with God, out of your faith in God, as a testimony of Jesus. Evangelists Acts 21:8 Philip, the Evangelist, one of the seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. Acts 6:1 There was a problem in those days that the widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So from among the twelve disciples they choose "several men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom" and gave them the responsibility of caring for the widows and the distribution of food. Philip was one of the seven that they chose. Acts 8:5 "Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. Wish shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city." Acts 8:12 "They believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." Acts 8:30 There was a man reading the scriptures, but he didn't understand what he was reading. "Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus." "Then both Philip and the eunuch went down in to the water and Philip baptized him." II Timothy 4:5 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardships, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. Evangelists - Unfortunately the Bible has very little to say about evangelists. But it does say that Philip was an evangelist. Philip was chosen with six other believers to take care of the widows and passing out food to the needy. He also traveled around preaching about Christ. He performed miracles, healed people and cast out demons. He baptized people and explained the scriptures. In the dictionary, evangelism is defined as "preaching of, or zealous effort to spread the gospel." The word "evangelist" is connected with the words, "well done," "help," and "messenger" and also can be used as "supernatural being that serves God." Pastors Ephesians 4:11, "It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers." The word "pastor" or "shepherd" is a translation of "poimen." In scripture, the word is used in the following ways: Poimen, Poimnion, Poimne, Poimaino, Poia, and Archipoimen. Poimen - shepherd or pastor Poimnion - flock Poimne - flock Polmaino - to shepherd, take care of sheep; to rule, lead, tend, look after Poia - grass, herb Achipoimen - chief shepherd The word "Poimen" is only once translated as "pastor" and that is in Ephesians 4:11. In order to find other references to pastors, I looked up references to shepherds since that is the most closely related word to pastors. Usually "Poimen" is translated "shepherd." Matthew 2:6 Out of you [Judah] will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel. Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Mark 6:34 So he began teaching them many things. John 10:16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. I Peter 5:4 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who will also share in the glory to be revealed. Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. Acts 20:28 This is Paul's Farewell to the Ephesians' elders. Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. Jude 1:12 These dreamers pollute their own bodies, reject authority and slander celestial beings...These men speak abusively against whatever they do not understand;...woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam's error,...Shepherds who only feed themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind, autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted - twice dead. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame, wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage. Pastors - They are to shepherd, look after, rule, lead, and tend the flock. To make sure that they are well fed and safe. First I'd like to point out that Jesus is a Shepherd. He is The Shepherd. He is the Chief Shepherd. We are to be imitators of Christ. Without a shepherd we are harassed and helpless. When Jesus saw the people without a shepherd, his response was to teach them. Peter talks to the elders and tells them to be shepherds. They are to oversee and watch over people out of love, not greed, not power, but eager to serve. It is very important that they teach the flock by being an example. Jude warns against false shepherds. Just as with false apostles and false prophets, we must be on guard for false shepherds. When in doubt follow the Chief Shepherd. If ever by following another shepherd you find yourself getting further from the teachings and presence of Jesus Christ, then you are following a false shepherd. Keep your eyes constantly on Jesus. He is the Good Shepherd, our wonderful Guide. Teachers Matthew 5:2 Jesus teaches his disciples Matthew 11:1 He instructs us, teaches, and preaches Luke 4:32 "They were amazed at his teaching because his message had authority." Luke 12:12 The Holy Spirit will teach me what to say John 14:26 The Holy Spirit will teach me all things and remind me of what Jesus says. Acts 4:18 Peter and John taught in the name of Jesus Romans 2:21 We ought to teach others and also ourselves. Teach only what you've learnt. Romans 12:7 Teaching is a gift Romans 15:4 What was written in the past was written to teach us and give us hope I Corinthians 11:14 The very nature of things teaches us. Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another I Timothy 1:3 Paul tells Timothy to stay in Ephesus so that he may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer I Timothy 3:2 The overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach. I Timothy 4:11 Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young. I Titus 1:11 They must be silenced because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach. I Titus 2:1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. Hebrews 5:12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food. Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. James 3:1 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. I John 2:27 As for you, the anointing we received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit - just as it has taught you, remain in him. Matthew 23:10 Do not call anyone on earth father for you have one father and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called "teacher" for you have one Teacher, the Christ. Luke 6:40 A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. Isaiah 30:20 Your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way; walk in it." II Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. II Peter 2:1 There were also false prophets and false teachers. Secretly introducing heresies - even denying the Lord. Isaiah 48:17 I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea. Teachers - God, The Holy Spirit, Christ alone, is our teacher. In the scriptures we are warned against calling any man or woman "teacher." This, unfortunately, has been completely ignored by the Christian community. We are to teach what we know, and only what we really know. We are to teach and admonish each other without looking down on anyone for their age whether they are the one teaching or being taught. We must be responsible, however, just as with the other spiritual gifts and test the teachers, and the doctrines to discern whether they are true or false. The Bereans were commended in Acts 17:11, "For they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." Luke 6:40 "A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. Is so encouraging to me because I know that the Holy Spirit is my teacher, and that as I learn from Christ I am becoming more and more like him. Teaching is a gift, but it is also a great responsibility. Summary - In response to the issues of "Kingdom Authority," "Church Government," "Spiritual Coverings," and the like, I want to say that Jesus Christ, God Himself, is my Chief Shepherd, my Teacher, my Apostle and High Priest, and my Prophet. Love covers a multitude of sins. He is the head of the church, the King, my spiritual covering. Steve and I have each attended church since childhood. But in the past few years we've become increasingly aware of problems in the organized church and taken issue with many teachings that did not agree with scripture. So many of the things that God had taught us through his Word, through prayer, through prophetic words of others...was being slowly but surely taken down one stone at a time. We were becoming more and more weak. It was as if we had been eating steak and thriving on it when all of a sudden we realized that our diet had been changed to milk. Our spiritual muscles had grown apathetic. So we sought the Lord. We prayed and studied. He led us away, to come after Him. And now, seeking Him, we find that He truly is all that we need. Jesus Christ is sufficient for me! Some may fear for our spiritual welfare, without the "covering" of the local church won't we be bombarded from within and without by all kinds of spiritual enemies? No, in fact, we've found that Christ is a sure foundation. He is the strong tower that we run to in times of need. We are hidden in the shadow of His wings. He hasn't failed us yet. Our faith and confidence in His love has only grown stronger, more pure, more joyful. He is good! What a joy to realize after so many years. We remain rooted and grounded in Christ and in the Bible.
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