NT Church

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

• Who set up the New Testament church, and why?

• What was the New Testament Church like?

• What offices/roles/callings existed in the New Testament church?

• What were the general views/attitudes in the New Testament church?

• What were the practices in the New Testament church?

• How long would the NT church be needed?

• Is there a church today that fully matches Christ’s church as described in the New Testament?

VIEWS TO CONSIDER:

• EVANGELICAL VIEW: While some elements of the NT Church still exist today (ex. pastors, teachers, baptism etc.), many elements ceased after the first century (ex. apostles, prophets, healings, revelation, heavenly appearances, miraculous gifts of the Spirit, temple worship etc.)

• LATTER DAY SAINT VIEW: The same church that Jesus established during his life exists today in it’s fullness with the same offices/authoritative leadership positions (ex. apostles, prophets, seventy etc.), the same practices (ex. laying on of hands for ordinations and for the gift of the Holy Ghost, healing with oil, temple worship etc.), the same heavenly signs (ex. all gifts of the Spirit, miracles, divine authority, appearances of angels, new revelations, new scripture etc.) and same beliefs etc. That same Christ-established church will exist until Christ comes to rule over it Himself in person.

ELEMENTS OF THE NT CHURCH: This list below is a list primarily of general views/attitudes, practices and organizational details of the church, not so much doctrinal beliefs (that would make this list way too long). Doctrinal beliefs (about God, salvation etc.) are addressed individually on the other pages of this site. Biblical support for each point is provided below the list.

• Jesus established the Church

• Reasons for the NT Church Organization

• The Church would be needed until Christians are perfected

• Jesus is the Head/Cornerstone of the church

• Centralized Church Headquarters (Jerusalem in NT)

• Acceptance of new witnesses of Christ

• Acceptance of new/added scripture

• Acceptance of revelations not included in today’s Bible

• Appearances of angels

• Appearances, visions, voice of Christ after his ascension

• Resurrected Jesus speaks in 1^st person to the church through prophets/apostles

• Importance of unity in church body, doctrine and practice

• Teach all principles of salvation (grace, faith, works/deeds etc.)

• Members instructed to pray to God the Father

• Leaders anointed the sick with oil for healing

• All gifts of the Spirit: Tongues (& the interpretation of)

• All gifts of the Spirit: Healing

• All gifts of the Spirit: Prophecy

• All gifts of the Spirit: Miracles

• Temple worship (even many years after Christ’s death)

• Confession of sins to God and each other

• Gospel is preached to all (the living and the dead)

• Women are not to teach / speak (preside) in the church

• Women are called to be mothers

• Guidelines given for modest apparel / appearance

• Studying the scriptures

• Missionaries sent out two by two

• Distribution of wealth by church leaders

• Ordinances (general)

• Ordinances: Baptism

• Ordinances: Lord’s Supper/Communion/Sacrament

• Ordinances: Marriage, eternal (?)

• Ordinances: Temple

• Ordinances: For the dead

• Ordinances: Level of worthiness required for ordinance participation

• Laying on of hands: Ordinations

• Laying on of hands: Gift of the Holy Ghost

• Authority: Church leaders could trace their authority back to Jesus

• Authorized leaders ordain elders in local churches

• Authorized leaders correct errors in local churches

• Apostles and prophets lead and receive revelation for the church

• Apostles inform the church of proper practices and truths

• Apostles sent letters to local churches

• Apostles sent letters to those outside the church

• Apostles/prophets interpret God’s word with authority

• Apostles are replaced when they die/new apostles

• Prophets

• Elders

• Bishops/Pastors

• Deacons

• Teachers

• Evangelists

• Priests/Presbytery (no more priests?)

• Seventy

• Seven

Note: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only church that I am aware of that can claim to have have all of these NT Church elements

JESUS ESTABLISHED THE NT CHURCH:

• Eph. 4:11-124 Christ… and he gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers

REASON FOR THE NT CHURCH ORGANIZATION:

• Eph. 4:11-15 And he (Jesus) gave some apostles; and some, prophets… for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ… that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, that we may [speak] in truth in love, may grow up in him in all things, which is the head, even Christ

• 1 Tim. 3:15 The church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth

THE CHURCH WOULD BE NEEDED UNTIL CHRISTIANS ARE PERFECTED:

• Eph. 4:11-15 And he (Jesus) gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some… till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ

JESUS IS THE HEAD/CORNERSTONE OF THE NT CHURCH:

• Eph. 4:11-15 And he (Jesus) gave some apostles; and some, prophets… that we may [speak] in truth in love, may grow up in him in all things, which is the head, even Christ

CENTRALIZED CHURCH HEADQUARTERS:

• Acts 16:4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees (letters, see Acts. 15:23) for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem

• 1 Cor. 16:1-3 (To church at Corinth) Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do you. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store… and when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem

ACCEPTANCE OF NEW WITNESSES & APOSTLES OF CHRIST:

• Paul was a new witness & apostles of Christ

• XXX

• XXX

• XXX

ACCEPTANCE OF NEW/ADDED SCRIPTURE:

• Acceptance of the four gospels as scripture (ex. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)

• Acceptance of letters from the apostles as scripture (ex. 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, James etc.)

• Acceptance of Paul’s words as scripture even though he was not one of the original apostles (etc. Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians etc.)

• Acceptance of John’s Book of Revelation which contains new visions, prophecies of the future, first person revelations from Jesus etc.

ACCEPTANCE OF REVELATIONS NOT INCLUDED IN TODAY’S BIBLE:

• Col. 4:6 Read the epistle from Laodicea

• Jude 1:14 Enoch also … prophesied of these

• Matt. 2:23 Spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene

APPEARANCES/ACTS OF ANGELS:

• Acts 5:19-20 the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life

• Acts 2:26 The angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert

• Acts 10:7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually

• Acts 12:7-8 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me

• Acts 23:9 We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God

• Acts 27:23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve

• Heb. 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares

• Rev. 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John

• Rev. 5:2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

• Rev. 22:6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

• Rev. 22:8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

APPEARANCES/VISIONS/VOICE OF CHRIST (AFTER CHRIST’S ASCENSION):

• Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God

• Acts 9:3-6 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven. And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutes… Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

• Acts 18:19 Spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision

• Acts 22:17- And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance. And saw him (the Lord) saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

• Acts 23:11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

• Acts 26:16 Rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee

RESURRECTED JESUS SPEAKS IN 1ST PERSONS TO THE CHURCH THROUGH HIS SERVANTS:

• Rev. 22:8 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

IMPORTANCE OF UNITY IN CHURCH BODY, DOCTRINE AND PRACTICE:

• Eph. 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling: One Lord, one faith, one baptism

• 1 Cor. 1:10 That ye all speak the same thing, that there be no divisions among you, but… perfectly joined together

• 1 Cor. 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints

• Philippians 1:27 Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel

• Philippians 2:2 Be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

TEACH ALL PRINCIPLES OF SALVATION (GRACE, FAITH IN CHRIST, WORKS/DEEDS ETC.):

• See page: “Salvation: How to Receive?”

MEMBERS INSTRUCTED TO PRAY TO THE FATHER :

• Col. 1:3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you

• John 14:16 I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever

• Luke 11:2 When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

• Matt. 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

• Matt. 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name…

• Matt. 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him

• Matt. 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

LEADERS ANNOINTED THE SICK WITH OIL FOR HEALING:

• James 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord

• Mark 6:13 And they… anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them

ALL GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT: TONGUES (& INTERPRETATION OF):

• Acts 2:4 They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues

• 1 Cor. 14:1-5, 27-28 He that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men, but to God

• 1 Cor. 14:22-28 Tongues are for a sign to them that believe not.

ALL GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT: HEALING:

• 1 Cor. 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit

• 1 Cor. 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings

• Acts 3:7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength

• Acts 9:17-18 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

• Acts 28:8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him

ALL GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT: PROPHECY/REVELATION:

• 1 Cor. 12:10 To another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits

• 1 Cor. 14:26 When ye come together, every one of you hath a… revelation… let all things be done unto edifying

• 1 Cor. 14:1 Desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophecy

• 1 Cor. 14:3 He that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation and comfort

• 1 Cor. 14:22 Prophecying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe

• 1 Cor. 14:29-33 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any things be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints

• 1 Cor. 14:39 Brethren, covet to prophecy

• 1 Thes. 5:19-21 Quench not the Spirit, despise not prophecyings

ALL GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT: MIRACLES:

• 1 Cor. 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy…

TEMPLE WORSHIP (EVEN MANY YEARS AFTER CHRIST’S DEATH):

• Luke 24:52-53 [Saints] worshiped [the resurrected Christ] and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God (62 AD)

• Acts 2:46 And [the saints], continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house (62 AD)

• Acts 22:17 After Christ appeared to Paul in vision, and after being commanded to be baptized, Paul went and “prayed in the temple“, during which he received another vision of Christ (62 AD)

• Acts 21:26 Then Paul took the men (believers) and the next day purifying himself with them, entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification (62 AD)

CONFESSION OF SINS TO GOD AND EACH OTHER:

• 1 John 1:19 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness

• Acts 19:18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds

• James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed

GOSPEL IS PREACHED TO ALL (THE LIVING AND THE DEAD):

• Mark 16:15 Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature

• Col. 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven

• 1 Peter 3:18-21 He (Jesus) went and preached unto the spirits in prison which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved

• 1 Peter 3:18-21 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit

• 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance

• 1 Tim. 2:3-4 God our Savior… will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

WOMEN ARE NOT TO TEACH / SPEAK / ASK IN CHURCH:

• 1 Cor. 14:34-35 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church (FYI: Modern LDS revelations labels this passages as having errors, and clarifies that the true teaching is that women are not to have authority over men, that only men hold the priesthood authority etc.)

• 1 Tim. 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

WOMEN ARE CALLED TO BE MOTHERS:

• 1 Tim. 2:14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

GUIDELINES GIVEN FOR MODEST APPAREL / APPEARANCE:

• 1 Cor. 11:14-16 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

• 1 Tim. 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

STUDYING THE SCRIPTURES:

• 1 Tim. 4:13 Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine

• Acts 17:11 searched the scriptures daily

• 2 Tim. 2:15 Study … the word of truth

• 2 Tim. 3:15 holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus

• 2 Tim. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness

• Rev. 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth … the words

MISSIONARIES SENT OUT TWO BY TWO:

• Luke 1:10-11 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

DISTRUCTION OF WEALTH BY LEADERS:

• 1 Cor. 16:1-3 (To church at Corinth) Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do you. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store… and when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem

• Acts 2:44-46 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart

• Acts 4:32-37 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.... Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses… Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

ORDINANCES (IN GENERAL)

• 1 Cor. 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you

ORDINANCES: BAPTISM

• Acts 8:12 when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women

• Eph. 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism

• Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

• Acts 22:16 why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord

• Rom. 6:4 Buried with him by baptism

• Gal. 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

ORDINANCES: LORD’S SUPPER/COMMUNION/SACRAMENT

• Mat. 26:26 Jesus took bread … and said, Take, eat; this is my body

• Acts 2:42 continued steadfastly … breaking of bread

• Acts 20:7 first day … disciples came together to break bread

• 1 Cor. 11:26 as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup

• 1 Cor. 11:29 He that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation

ORDINANCES: MARRIAGE, ETERNAL (?)

• Matt. 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Note: While this passage does not specify what the binding and loosing refers to, Paul used this exact same language in a letter to the Corinthians while speaking specifically on marriage (“Art thou bound unto a wife? Seek not to be loosed?”, 1 Cor. 7). This suggests that that Matthew 16:19 may be the passing of authority to perform marriage ceremonies/rites/ordinances that would bind together couples not only for this life but for the next.

ORDINANCES: TEMPLE

• Acts 21:26 Then Paul took the men (believers) and the next day purifying himself with them, entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification

• See also the section “TEMPLE WORSHIP” for other related passages

ORDINANCES: FOR THE DEAD:

• 1 Cor. 15:29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

ORDINANCES: LEVEL of WORTHINESS REQUIRED FOR ORDINANCE PARTICIPATION

• 1 Cor. 11:29 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. He that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation

LAYING ON OF HANDS: ORDINATIONS

• Acts 6:5-6 And they chose Stephen… Phillip… and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them

• Acts 13:1-5 Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away… and… they preached the word of God.

• Heb. 6:1 The doctrine of Christ… repentance from dead works,… faith toward God, doctrine of baptism, and laying on of hands, resurrection of dead, eternal judgment

• 1 Timothy 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man

LAYING ON OF HANDS: GIFT OF HOLY GHOST

• 1 Tim. 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery

• 2 Tim. 1:6 I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands (Note: “Gift”, “laying on of hands”, “in thee” = likely Gift of Holy Ghost, but not specified)

• Acts 8:16-17 They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus… Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost

• Acts 19:6 They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

AUTHORITY: CHURCH LEADERS COULD TRACE AUTHORITY TO JESUS:

• Acts 16:4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem

• Titus 1:1-5 (Paul to Titus) For this cause have I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldest… ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee (Note: Christ ordained the apostles, the apostles ordained Paul, Paul appointed Titus, Titus ordained elders in every city)

AUTHORIZED LEADERS ORDAIN ELDERS IN LOCAL CHURCHES:

• Acts 16:4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees (letters, see Acts. 15:23) for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem

• Titus 1:1-5 (Paul to Titus) For this cause have I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldest… ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee

AUTHORIZED LEADERS CORRECT ERRORS IN LOCAL CHURCHES

• Titus 1:1-5 (Paul to Titus) For this cause have I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting

• Titus 2:15 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus… to Titus… these things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority

• Acts 16:4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep

• 1 Cor. 4:16 Wherefore I (Paul) beseech you, be ye followers of me. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus… who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church

APOSTLES (12) & PROPHETS LEAD AND RECIEVE REVELATION FOR THE NT CHURCH:

• 1 Cor. 12:28 God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers

• Acts 11:27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch, And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Cæsar, Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judæa

• Eph. 2:19-20 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone

• Eph. 3:5 In other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit (Note: John the Baptist was not the last revelatory prophet as many Evangelical Christians today claim)

• Eph. 4:11-14 And he (Jesus) gave some apostles… for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ… that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, that we may [speak] in truth in love, may grow up in him in all things, which is the head, even Christ

• Luke 6:13 He chose twelve, who also he called apostles

APOSTLES INFORM CHURCH OF PROPER PRACTICES AND TRUTH:

• 1 Tim. 3:15 I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth

APOSTLES SENT LETTERS TO LOCAL CHURCHES:

• Acts 16:4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees (letters, see Acts. 15:23) for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem

• The First and Second Epistles of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians

• The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians

• The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians

• The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Philippians

• The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Colossians

• The First and Second Epistles of Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians

• The First and Second Epistles of Paul to Timothy

• The Epistle of Paul to Titus

• The Epistle of Paul to Philemon

• The Epistle of Paul to Hebrews

• The General Epistle of James

• The First and Second General Epistle of Peter

• The First, Second and Third Epistles of John

APOSTLES SENT LETTERS TO THOSE OUTSIDE THE CHURCH:

• The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans

APOSTLES/PROPHETS INTERPRET GOD’S WORD WITH AUTHORITY:

• 1 Cor. 15:45-57 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit… The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

• 2 Peter 1:20-21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost

• Acts 28:23 He (Paul) expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets

• Gen. 40:8 And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.

• Dan. 5:12 Daniel … will shew the interpretation (of a God-given dream)

• Gal. 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ (Inspired interpretation of Gen. 17:7)

• Heb. 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. (Inspired interpretation of Gen. 5:24, giving additional information beyond what was recorded)

• Heb. 7 Explanation of Melquisidec in Genesis

• Luke 24:27 He (Jesus) expounded unto them in all the scriptures

• Matt. 22:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

• When Paul quotes Psalm 68 in Ephesians 4:8, he changes the wording from “you took many captives; you received gifts from people” to “he took many captives and gave gifts to his people” Again the meaning is thereby changed from God receiving gifts to giving them.

APOSTLES ARE REPLACED/NEW APOSTLES:

• Acts 1:26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles

• 1 Cor. 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother

PROPHETS:

• 1 Cor. 12:28 God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers…

• Eph. 4:11, And [Christ] gave some apostles, prophets…

• Acts 11:27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch, And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Cæsar, Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judæa

• Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers

• Eph. 2:19-20 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone

• Eph. 3:5 In other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit (Note: John the Baptist was not the last revelatory prophet as many Evangelical Christians today claim)

• Titus 1:12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are always liars… this witness is true.

ELDERS:

• Acts 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every city, and…

• Titus 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city

BISHOPS (also PASTORS):

• Eph. 4:11, And [Christ] gave some… pastors

• 1 Tim. 3:1 If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work

• Phlpns 1:1 To all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Phillipi, with the Bishops and Deacons

• Titus 1:7 A bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God

• 1 Tim. 3:1-2 If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior

DEACONS:

• Phlpns 1:1 To all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Phillipi, with the Bishops and Deacons

• 1 Tim. 3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre

• 1 Tim. 3:10 Let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless

• 1 Tim. 3:12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well

• 1 Tim. 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus

TEACHERS:

• Eph. 4:11, And [Christ] gave some… pastors

• Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers

• 1 Cor. 12:28 God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers…

EVANGELISTS:

• Eph. 4:11, And [Christ] gave some… evangelists

PRIESTS/PRESBYTERY:

• Rev. 1:6, Christ hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father

• 1 Tim. 4:14 The laying on of the hands of the presbytery (Note: Greek word is “presbyteriou” from Latin root “presbýteros” which means priests, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priest)

NO MORE PRIESTS/HIGH PRIESTS? Some have assumed that since Christ is called our “High Priest” in the NT that that the offices of priest and high priest are no longer offices in the NT Church. However, such is false logic. The NT also calls Christ our “Bishop” and “Apostle” (see below), yet those offices are clearly still a part of the church.

• 1 Peter 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls

  • Heb. 3:1 Holy brethren… consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus

SEVENTY:

• Luke 10:1, After these things, the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two by two…

SEVEN:

• Acts 6:3, Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report… who we may appoint

• Acts 21:8 We entered into the house of Phillip the evangelist, which was one of the seven