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NASB | Titus 1:5 ¶ For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Titus 1:5 ¶ For this reason I left you behind in Crete, so that you would set right what remains unfinished, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, |
Bible Question: I would really appreciate some opinions concerning what the Bible teaches concerning church government. From my study, I feel that congregational rule is close to how the churhc in Acts operated. However there are those who are just as sure that elder rule is the correct way to go. Any help would be appreciated. |
Bible Answer: Hi Max, Elders have been a part of life for the Lord's people since the bondage of Egypt. Moses used these men to govern, judge, and communicate with the people. 1. Who makes elders? The Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28) 2. How are elders appointed? From Scripture we find that this was accomplished by an apostle (Acts 14:23) or a designate (Titus 1:5). Paul was most likely looking ahead to when this would no longer be the case when he wrote instruction on how to recognize those men the Holy Spirit had selected (1 Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). These two points rule out the congregational model of choosing their own shepherd(s). 3. What do we do today? It seems most likely that those who are the spiritual leadership be looking for and helping those men to be their replacements upon death. The Lord has placed them for a purpose. As an aside, if there is fear of elder self-perpetuation, that church has more problems than which governmental model to employee. 4. How many elders are to be active at any one time? Scripture always indicates a plurality (see above along with Phil. 1:1; 1 Pet 5:1). The maximum depends solely on the size of the church. 5. What hierarchical structures are found in Scripture? None, save for elders and deacons. One church or group of churches lends aid to another or may otherwise assist, but nowhere can such a structure be found. The word bishop (or overseer) indicates the duty of church leadership while elder (or presbyter) relates to that man's age and wisdom. These two points rule out the episcopal model of government. As an additional resource, I recommend _Biblical_Eldership_ by Alex Strauch. It's not perfect, but it gets most things right. Steve |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Titus 1:5 | Author | ||
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Jr. Deacon Theo | ||
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Jr. Deacon Theo | ||
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sept14child | ||
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rrdave | ||
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kalos | ||
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Max Martin | ||
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srbaegon | ||
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flowergirl |