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NASB | Revelation 2:1 "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ¶ The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this: |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Revelation 2:1 "To the angel (divine messenger) of the church in Ephesus write: "These are the words of the One who holds [firmly] the seven stars [which are the angels or messengers of the seven churches] in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands (the seven churches): |
Bible Question:
Greetings My Brothers and Sisters, Some of you may know that I believe the governmental structure and of the Church should be egalitarian leadership. I believe the elders should have the rule(lead, example) for the Church, not a pastor. I have said that the word pastor(s) only appears once in the NT.Eph 4:11 Recently, someone said that the word angel that appears in Rev 2:1,8,12, 3:1,7,14 etc. refers to pastors. I agree that the Greek meaning of angel in those verses could mean pastor, messenger, etc., but does that prove that there should be a hierarchy in God's Church? Bereaniam |
Bible Answer: God's day to you, Bereaniam, Since John is told to write toeach of the 7 angels, I believe they are human mesengers, and they are pastors. I doubt John would write to angels in heaven, or that God wouls use him to do so. There are two forms of church govt that is based on the Bible: Pastor rule (one man) ... 1Ti 3:1-7, 5:1,17-19; 1Th 5:17-18; Heb 13:7,17,24; 1Pe 2:25,5:1-4 Elder rule(more tha one man)... (Act 14:23, 15:2, 20:17; Tit 1:5; Jam 5:14) Congregational rule developed over time. Read http://www3.calvarychapel.com/hope/library/smith-chuck/books/ccd/02_church_gov.htm |