Its Offices

1. THE OFFICES IDENTIFIED
1. The Office of a Bishop (1 Timothy 3:1This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
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2. The Office of a Deacon (1 Timothy 3:10And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
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3. The Obsolete Office of an Apostle (Romans 11:13For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
   See All...) – Taken from an article by David F. Reagan
1. New Testament apostles
1. The apostles played a crucial role in the ministry of Christ and in the establishment of the early churches.
1. God set in the church “first apostles” (1 Corinthians 12:28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
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2. This word (found only in the New Testament) occurs in one form or another 83 times from Matthew through Revelation.
3. The word apostle means sent one, and it refers to those sent out by Jesus Christ for the special work to which He called them.
2. There were at least seventeen men who were called apostles in the New Testament. The seventeen are as follows:
1. The original Twelve
2. Matthias, the replacement for Judas
3. Paul, as the least of the apostles (1 Corinthians 15:9For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
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4. Barnabas, in one place with Paul (Acts 14:14Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
   See All... – “Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul …”)
5. James, the Lord’s brother (Galatians 1:19But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
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6. Jesus, the Apostle…of our profession (Hebrews 3:1Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
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3. Of these, Matthias was chosen to replace the fallen Judas. There is no record of any others being replaced at death. If death required the apostle to be replaced, we should have seen a replacement chosen for James after his death in Acts 12:2And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
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4. Paul is clearly an apostle, but he is an exception to the rule for apostles.
1. He declares himself “the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle” (1 Corinthians 15:9For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
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2. The twelve were called to minister to the Jews, but Paul declares that he is “the apostle to the Gentiles” (Romans 11:13For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
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3. Notice, he is not an apostle to the Gentiles but the apostle to the Gentiles—showing him to be the only apostle chosen specifically for the Gentiles.
4. Paul had the same calling and authority in reaching the Gentiles as the Twelve had in reaching the Jews (see Galatians 2:7-8 [7] But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; [8] (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
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2. Not apostles and apostles
1. In 1 Corinthians 12:29Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
   See All..., Paul asked, “Are all apostles?”
1. If we can call missionaries apostles because apostle means sent one and missionaries are sent ones, then practically every servant of God is an apostle.
2. But to use the word in this weakened form minimizes what God did with the apostles of the New Testament.
3. It causes a confusion of understanding.
4. And, despite what some are claiming, the Bible does not use the word in such a common way.
2. It will not even work to make a distinction big Apostle and little apostle.
1. If someone is an apostle, they must have the New Testament authority and power of an apostle.
2. The office of apostle carried great weight and those who use this title are in effect, if not in actuality, claiming this authority.
3. We need to be careful about using such a title even when we mean well in doing so.
3. A unique calling
1. Special calling
1. Luke 6:12-13 [12] And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. [13] And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
   See All... tells us that Jesus prayed all night and then called unto him his disciples and “of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles.”
1. These men were already disciples.
2. There were other disciples who were never called to be apostles.
3. But these twelve were given a special office as representatives of the Master.
4. Their position was exalted to the point that they will sit on the thrones of the twelve tribes of Israel in the time of the kingdom (Matthew 19:28And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
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2. Paul was also given a very special, though separate, calling.
1. He often reminded those to whom he ministered that he was “called to be an apostle” (Romans 1:1Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
   See All...) and that this calling was “not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father” (Galatians 1:1Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
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2. In Romans 11:13For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
   See All..., he said, “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office.”
3. This was not a basic calling to preach but a calling to represent God on earth in a special way.
1. The apostles could remit or retain sins (John 20:22-23 [22] And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: [23] Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
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2. What they bound or loosed on earth would be bound or loosed in heaven (Matthew 18:18Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
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3. They spoke the Word of God and confirmed those words with signs following (Mark 16:17-20 [17] And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; [18] They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. [19] So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. [20] And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
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4. We must be careful not to minimize their power and authority by giving the title to men who were not meant to have it.
2. Special qualifications
1. The qualifications of the apostles are given in Acts 1:21-22 [21] Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, [22] Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
   See All.... They must have been with Jesus during His earthly ministry (Acts 1:21Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
   See All...), been baptized by John the Baptist (Acts 1:22Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
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2. Paul was given an exemption on the first two requirements but emphasized his having been an eyewitness of the resurrected Christ – “And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time” (1 Corinthians 15:8And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
   See All...). But Paul admitted to being the least of the apostles in qualifications (1 Corinthians 15:9For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
   See All...).
3. Special confirmation
1. What established the claims of apostleship in the eyes of the people?
1. Paul warned of many “false apostles” (2 Corinthians 11:13For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
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2. Paul spent a lot of time in 2 Corinthians confirming his apostleship and then sums it up in 2 Corinthians 12:12Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
   See All... – “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”
2. A genuine apostle had the signs of an apostle so that the people would know who they were.
1. These signs included wonders and mighty deeds.
2. Paul did many “mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God” (Romans 15:19Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
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3. In other words, he performed many miracles that confirmed his calling.
4. They could therefore rest assured that he was indeed the apostle to the Gentiles.
5. The other apostles also performed miracles by the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:12And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
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4. Now I ask you again, Are all apostles?
1. Even Paul’s apostleship was “out of due time “ (1 Corinthians 15:8And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
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2. There may be men and women today who are doing some of the duties of an apostle.
3. They are sent by God to do a specific work. But that does not give them the office of an apostle.
4. We need to avoid calling people apostles in any particular sense. To do so causes confusion. It does not fit our day and age and it does not conform to the Holy Scriptures.
2. THE DISTINCTION OF AN OFFICE
1. It Is Not a Right.
1. There are many things we receive in the Christian life as a birthright from our salvation.
2. The offices of the New Testament church do not fall under that category.
2. It Can Be Given and It Can Be Taken Away.
1. An office is an appointed position.
2. Therefore, it is never assumed to be a lifetime appointment.
3. Just as a person was given an office, they may also be removed from that office.
4. Nothing in the Bible declares either office as a lifetime appointment.
5. Note: Perhaps it is regional, but in our area it is common for churches to give lifetime appointments to deacons, while voting on a pastor annually.
3. It Brings Responsibility.
3. THE OUTLINE OF STUDY
1. The Office of a Bishop
1. Other titles used
2. The qualifications of a bishop
3. The responsibility of a bishop
4. The pitfalls of a bishop
2. The Office of a Deacon
1. The qualifications of a deacon
2. The responsibility of a deacon
3. The pitfalls of a deacon
4. THE OFFICE OF A BISHOP
1. Other Titles Used
1. Confusion between elder and bishop
1. The elder
1. His age (Genesis 10:21Unto Shem also, the father of all the children of Eber, the brother of Japheth the elder, even to him were children born.
   See All...; 1 Timothy 5:1-2 [1] Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; [2] The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
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2. His wisdom (Job 32:4-7 [4] Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he. [5] When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled. [6] And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion. [7] I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
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3. His leadership
1. Old Testament (Numbers 11:14-17 [14] I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. [15] And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness. [16] And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee. [17] And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.
   See All...) “officers over them”
2. Gospels (Matthew 21:23And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
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3. Jewish church (Acts 15:1-4 [1] And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. [2] When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. [3] And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. [4] And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
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4. Gentile church (1 Timothy 5:17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
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4. Their number in the church – multiple (Acts 14:23And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
   See All...; Acts  20:17-18; Titus 1:5For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
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2. The bishop
1. His office (1 Timothy 3:1This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
   See All...) bishop means overseer
2. His duties
1. To work (1 Timothy 3:1This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
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2. To teach (1 Timothy 3:2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
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3. To rule (1 Timothy 3:4-5 [4] One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; [5] (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
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4. To pattern (cp. 1 Timothy 3:7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
   See All... with 1 Peter 5:3Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
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5. To administrate (Titus 1:7For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
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6. To exhort (Titus 1:9Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
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7. To convince (Titus 1:9Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
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3. Comparison of elder and bishop
1. Both rule in the church.
1. Elder (1 Timothy 5:17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
   See All...; Acts 20:28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
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2. Bishop (1 Timothy 3:4-5 [4] One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; [5] (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
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2. Both can be multiplied in one church.
1. Elder (Acts 14:23And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
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2. Bishop (Philippians 1:1The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see.
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3. Both terms are used synonymously in Titus.
1. Elder (Titus 1:5For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
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2. Bishop (Titus 1:7For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
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4. Conclusions
1. The term elder has a wider range than the term bishop .
1. Elder may refer to Old or New Testament offices.
2. It may also refer to men of age, experience, and/or wisdom.
3. Bishop refers to a specific New Testament office.
2. The terms may be used as synonyms of the term pastor but are used to describe different aspects of the same office.
1. Elder emphasizes the person.
1. His experience
2. His wisdom
3. His spirituality
2. Bishop emphasizes the office.
1. His duties
2. His rule
5. Problem: Why do we, unlike the Plymouth Brethren, have a single ruling pastor?
1. The scriptural principle: God always uses a man: Abraham, Moses, David, etc. Multiple rule brings confusion.
2. The example of James in the church of Jerusalem (Acts 12:17But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.
   See All...; Acts 15:13And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
   See All...; Acts 21:17-18 [17] And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. [18] And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
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3. The example of Timothy in the church of Ephesus (1 Timothy 5:17-19 [17] Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. [18] For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. [19] Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
   See All...; 2 Timothy subscript)
4. The emphasis on a singular bishop ruling the church, and the example of the family (1 Timothy 3:4-5 [4] One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; [5] (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
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2. Overseer (Acts 20:28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
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1. Only New Testament reference
2. To take the oversight (1 Peter 5:2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
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3. Preacher
1. His duty – to make the gospel heard (Romans 10:14-15 [14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? [15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
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2. His office
1. Ordained (1 Timothy 2:7Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
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2. Appointed (2 Timothy 1:11Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
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4. Pastor (Ephesians 4:11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
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1. Only New Testament reference
2. Means shepherd (see also 1 Peter 5:1-4 [1] The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: [2] Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; [3] Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. [4] And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
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5. Minister
1. Means one who attends to the needs of another
2. References: Romans 15:16That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
   See All...; Ephesians 3:7Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
   See All...; Ephesians 6:21But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:
   See All...; 1 Timothy 4:6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
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