Bible Question:
What were the main changes and developments in the early Jerusalem church's structure and strategy, as portrayed in Acts 1-12? What were the forces and factors that caused each of these changes to be made? |
Bible Answer: I do not believe that 'Church structure' was of that much importance to Paul, or for that matter to the Holy Spirit. If 'Church structure' had been layed out, in specific detail, we Believers would have inevitably argued on the interpretation of the entry; or at least created a Religion around it. Paul also mentioned that the Church ate together - but he didn't mention what they ate, how many servings were had, or how often the affair took place. Too much information appears to add another element of trouble to the Church. The main forces that have caused change in 'Church structure' could be in mans' nature to control, on the one hand, then, we have the ego that thinks it has a better idea than the last guy, and finally, as far as this reply is concerned, we must contend with the Believer trust in Self on most matters; not having enough faith in the Holy Spirt, wherein, God lets us wear ourselves out by our own foolishness until we are humbled, repentant, and finally confess our ineptness, and then in sincerely cry out for help, from Above, if all goes according to plan. So cry out now - try it! I Love you dearly in Christ - all else has been dealt with otherwise when "Jesus condemned sin in the flesh". Check out Dr. Gordon Fee - 'Paul, the Spirit and the People of God'. |