More Preliminary Remarks as to the Office of the Pastor
I feel a bit more explanation may be warranted on this topic. Even as I am offering this reintroduction I anticipate further questions as to the biblical office of pastor. I am not speaking here of a non-biblical, worldly pattern that perhaps some are inclined to embrace, this may come into better focus as we move to the qualities not the qualifications of a pastor. Let's bear with one another on this. May I remind you my purpose here is not exposing unbiblical views and there are plenty of them. Neither is it my intent to express here the various legitimate patterns as there are many . Instead, I am expressing the biblical Baptist view.
Hear the Word...
Acts 20:28 Take 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.
1Timothy 3:1-7; This is a true saying, 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 behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Titus 1:5-9 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, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For 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; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding 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.
1Peter 5:1-3; 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: 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; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.
I can almost hear one of my brothers saying "Break it down for 'em brotha!"
I'll do my best...
The Verse
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock1, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers2, to feed3 the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
The Words
1 poym'-nee-on Neuter of a presumed derivative of poym'-nay a flock (literally or figuratively): - flock, fold.; a flock, that is, (figuratively) group (of believers): - flock. (Strong's)
2 ep-is'-kop-os From epi or ep-ee' and skopos; a superintendent, that is, Christian officer in general charge of a (or the) church (literally or figuratively): - bishop, overseer. (Strong's)
3 poy-mah'ee-no From poimēn; to tend as a shepherd (or figuratively superviser): - feed (cattle), rule. (Strong's)
I previously pointed up that, the Greek word poimen means shepherd this is where we get our word pastor. This can be discovered from Vine’s, Strong’s, Thayer’s, Zophiadite's, or my new favorite resource e-Sword.
The Context
In the text above Paul is exhorting some elders from Ephesus (Acts 20:17) He is confident that his mission was complete before moving ahead in God’s plan for him (Acts 20:27).
The Explanation
Let’s note that Paul indicates that it was the Holy Spirit made (the Greek here can mean made, appoint, or ordain) them overseers not apostolic laying on of hands or appointment. Paul is telling these elders that the Holy Spirit made them overseers (bishops) in other words the apostles may have had a formal recognition of these men of God, but it was the Holy Spirit that ordained them. These, recognized elders who the Holy Spirit ordained as bishops are then told here to feed (pastor) the church of God.
The Point
This text uses three words to denote one group of men performing three aspects of the same office. The elders were also the bishops and their job was to pastor.
Bear all this in mind as we unfold the next passage
The Passage
Titus 1:5-9 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders1 in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop2 must be blameless, as the steward3 of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding 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.
The Words
1 pres-boo'-ter-os Comparative of presbus (elderly); older; as noun, a senior; Christian "presbyter": - elder (-est), old. (Strong's) This term denotes wisdom and a level of maturity.
2 ep-is'-kop-os ...a superintendent, that is, Christian officer in general charge of a (or the) church (literally or figuratively): - bishop, overseer. (Strong's)
3 oy-kon-om'-os ...a house distributor (that is, manager), or overseer, that is, an employee in that capacity; by extension a fiscal agent (treasurer); figuratively a preacher (of the Gospel): - chamberlain, governor, steward.
The Context
Paul is instructing Titus, one of his protégées. By this time Titus was seasoned in the work of ministry and it is apparent that he had the spiritual gift* of administration. Paul, therefore, wrote, "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders1 in every city, as I had appointed thee..." Paul then mentions some character traits we will call qualities (more on this later), then declares "For a bishop2 must be..." again linking eldership with the bishopric. One may ask, "What are these elder/ bishops to do?" Paul would then answer that they are to be, "Holding fast the faithful word as [they] hath been taught, that [they] may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers."
The Explanation
If you will allow me some liberty to cross reference with what we have seen in Acts 20:28 we can conclude that these elder/ bishops were to act as shepherds feeding the flocks.
The Point
If you see in what I see in this passage too then you can agree that once again we see one office with three descriptions.
The Passage
1Peter 5:1-3; The elders1 which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder2, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed3 the flock4 of God which is among you, taking the oversight5 thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over6 God's heritage, but being examples to the flock4.
The Words
1 pres-boo'-ter-os
2 sumpresbuteros ...a co-presbyter: - presbyter, also an elder.
3 poimaino ...to tend as a shepherd (or figuratively superviser): - feed (cattle), rule.
4 poimnion ...a flock, that is, (figuratively) group (of believers): - flock.
5 episkopeo ...to oversee; by implication to beware: - look diligently, take the oversight. Bishop
6 kat-ak-oo-ree-yoo'-o ...to lord against, that is, control, subjugate: - exercise dominion over (lordship), be lord over, overcome.
The Context
Peter here is exhorting elders reminding them and perhaps himself that they are on the same team and on the same level in other words though Peter has apostolic authority, and though here he is speaking ex-cathedra he is no Pope! He identifies himself as a co-elder. It was important for the readers to understand this, at that time, although empire-wide ban on Christianity had not yet taken place they were still oppressed, living godly lives among pagans. BTW its important for those who read this letter today to understand this instead of exulting Peter we need to keep our sight on the archipoimen, the head shepherd: - chief shepherd, Jesus Christ.
The Explanation
Paul is not the only apostle that speaks of this one office of elder/pastor/bishop. Here we see the elders being exhorted to pastor the church and being careful in their bishopric not to be overlords. Peter set forth an example referring to himself as a co-elder.
Conclusion of Preliminary Remarks
The Holy Spirit co-Author of the passages above used three words to describe this one office. Perhaps He did so to give us a fuller idea of what this office involves. Pastor points to the care, feeding, protection and comforting of God's people. Elder emphasizes that he is mature, sound in the faith among God's children. Bishop bears marks of one who guides, directs, and give oversight to God's church. We most often use the word pastor because it is the most endearing of the three. I hope this further exlination helps others to see that Baptists derive thier pattern from the Bible.
Next Post: The Qualities of the Pastor, NOT the Qualifications of a Pastor
Hear the Word...
Acts 20:28 Take 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.
1Timothy 3:1-7; This is a true saying, 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 behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Titus 1:5-9 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, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For 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; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding 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.
1Peter 5:1-3; 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: 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; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.
I can almost hear one of my brothers saying "Break it down for 'em brotha!"
I'll do my best...
The Verse
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock1, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers2, to feed3 the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
The Words
1 poym'-nee-on Neuter of a presumed derivative of poym'-nay a flock (literally or figuratively): - flock, fold.; a flock, that is, (figuratively) group (of believers): - flock. (Strong's)
2 ep-is'-kop-os From epi or ep-ee' and skopos; a superintendent, that is, Christian officer in general charge of a (or the) church (literally or figuratively): - bishop, overseer. (Strong's)
3 poy-mah'ee-no From poimēn; to tend as a shepherd (or figuratively superviser): - feed (cattle), rule. (Strong's)
I previously pointed up that, the Greek word poimen means shepherd this is where we get our word pastor. This can be discovered from Vine’s, Strong’s, Thayer’s, Zophiadite's, or my new favorite resource e-Sword.
The Context
In the text above Paul is exhorting some elders from Ephesus (Acts 20:17) He is confident that his mission was complete before moving ahead in God’s plan for him (Acts 20:27).
The Explanation
Let’s note that Paul indicates that it was the Holy Spirit made (the Greek here can mean made, appoint, or ordain) them overseers not apostolic laying on of hands or appointment. Paul is telling these elders that the Holy Spirit made them overseers (bishops) in other words the apostles may have had a formal recognition of these men of God, but it was the Holy Spirit that ordained them. These, recognized elders who the Holy Spirit ordained as bishops are then told here to feed (pastor) the church of God.
The Point
This text uses three words to denote one group of men performing three aspects of the same office. The elders were also the bishops and their job was to pastor.
Bear all this in mind as we unfold the next passage
The Passage
Titus 1:5-9 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders1 in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop2 must be blameless, as the steward3 of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding 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.
The Words
1 pres-boo'-ter-os Comparative of presbus (elderly); older; as noun, a senior; Christian "presbyter": - elder (-est), old. (Strong's) This term denotes wisdom and a level of maturity.
2 ep-is'-kop-os ...a superintendent, that is, Christian officer in general charge of a (or the) church (literally or figuratively): - bishop, overseer. (Strong's)
3 oy-kon-om'-os ...a house distributor (that is, manager), or overseer, that is, an employee in that capacity; by extension a fiscal agent (treasurer); figuratively a preacher (of the Gospel): - chamberlain, governor, steward.
The Context
Paul is instructing Titus, one of his protégées. By this time Titus was seasoned in the work of ministry and it is apparent that he had the spiritual gift* of administration. Paul, therefore, wrote, "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders1 in every city, as I had appointed thee..." Paul then mentions some character traits we will call qualities (more on this later), then declares "For a bishop2 must be..." again linking eldership with the bishopric. One may ask, "What are these elder/ bishops to do?" Paul would then answer that they are to be, "Holding fast the faithful word as [they] hath been taught, that [they] may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers."
The Explanation
If you will allow me some liberty to cross reference with what we have seen in Acts 20:28 we can conclude that these elder/ bishops were to act as shepherds feeding the flocks.
The Point
If you see in what I see in this passage too then you can agree that once again we see one office with three descriptions.
The Passage
1Peter 5:1-3; The elders1 which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder2, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed3 the flock4 of God which is among you, taking the oversight5 thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over6 God's heritage, but being examples to the flock4.
The Words
1 pres-boo'-ter-os
2 sumpresbuteros ...a co-presbyter: - presbyter, also an elder.
3 poimaino ...to tend as a shepherd (or figuratively superviser): - feed (cattle), rule.
4 poimnion ...a flock, that is, (figuratively) group (of believers): - flock.
5 episkopeo ...to oversee; by implication to beware: - look diligently, take the oversight. Bishop
6 kat-ak-oo-ree-yoo'-o ...to lord against, that is, control, subjugate: - exercise dominion over (lordship), be lord over, overcome.
The Context
Peter here is exhorting elders reminding them and perhaps himself that they are on the same team and on the same level in other words though Peter has apostolic authority, and though here he is speaking ex-cathedra he is no Pope! He identifies himself as a co-elder. It was important for the readers to understand this, at that time, although empire-wide ban on Christianity had not yet taken place they were still oppressed, living godly lives among pagans. BTW its important for those who read this letter today to understand this instead of exulting Peter we need to keep our sight on the archipoimen, the head shepherd: - chief shepherd, Jesus Christ.
The Explanation
Paul is not the only apostle that speaks of this one office of elder/pastor/bishop. Here we see the elders being exhorted to pastor the church and being careful in their bishopric not to be overlords. Peter set forth an example referring to himself as a co-elder.
Conclusion of Preliminary Remarks
The Holy Spirit co-Author of the passages above used three words to describe this one office. Perhaps He did so to give us a fuller idea of what this office involves. Pastor points to the care, feeding, protection and comforting of God's people. Elder emphasizes that he is mature, sound in the faith among God's children. Bishop bears marks of one who guides, directs, and give oversight to God's church. We most often use the word pastor because it is the most endearing of the three. I hope this further exlination helps others to see that Baptists derive thier pattern from the Bible.
Next Post: The Qualities of the Pastor, NOT the Qualifications of a Pastor
posted by J. Wendell at 9:27 AM
16 Comments:
Good reasoning.
Nevertheless, pastor/ teacher is always identified as a gift.
There is some pastoral quality to an elder's work, but this does not prove that elders are pastors.
There is also no scriptural support for the role of pastor that is seen in most Baptist churches (a man who works full-time doing nearly everything important in the church).
I also cannot see how there is any power of appointment in the Church today. Elders were appointed either by apostles or by individuals who had been given the power of appointment, namely Titus and possibly Timothy.
Every Blessing in Christ
Matthew
By
Matthew Celestine, at 19/2/06 12:25 PM
Hi Matthew,
You have correctly identified the gift of pastor teacher. My position is that those with this spiritual gift make great pastors if they fill other qualities (eg.. they must ...not be a novice etc.)
"There is also no scriptural support for the role of pastor that is seen in most Baptist churches."
I suppose you may be correct here, as my experience is limited to very few congregations called churches. As for your view of the role of a pastor,
“(a man who works full-time doing nearly everything important in the church)”
This is nothing more than a straw man, in view of the fact that there is no Scripture to indicate that this is a pastor's role.
Yes, Timothy! I would point you to 2 Timothy 2:2.
Every Blessing in Christ back at you, my brother!
brother John
By
J. Wendell, at 19/2/06 12:58 PM
j.wendell: I came, independently, to the same conclusion to which you
came.
In the thirty or so Baptist churches I have been a part of, the pastor did not do nearly everything important, but delegated the work out to deacons, committees, Sunday School Directors, Church Training Directors, and Music Ministers (or Worship Leaders).
By
Joe, at 19/2/06 3:24 PM
Welcome Joe,
I’m sure you understand that Baptists do not claim to have a corner on the market of truth. We should… and I do, delight in learning from many others who are just as committed (some to greater or lesser degrees, I judge not) to our Lord.
I appreciate the fact that these convictions came about as you independently searched them out. Me too! That is why I often say I am Baptist by conviction.
It sounds to me that you have been involved in some good biblical local churches where the gifts of the Spirit were exercised and developed in harmony with God’s Word.
Thanks for your comment Joe,
Brother John
By
J. Wendell, at 19/2/06 7:28 PM
Now that was a clear piece of writing and a fine example of good biblical exegesis! Well done, John.
I agree that the practice of "elders" and "shepherds" in the NT itself does seem to be one and the same, functionally speaking. "Office" and "gift" don't make a difference to me. I try to see through all terms to the actions of the people (and the spirit) at the time.
So I think you are right about Ephesus, Crete and Bithynia in the 50's and 60's AD! :)
Now... whether your own practice fits that accurate biblical model is a whole other question, isn't it?
Can I challenge you again? It doesn't matter how you describe or envision their role. It's what they do that defines their position.
For example, a "delegator" is still a CEO, no matter how much the "laymen" participate in his activities. And a deacon board is still a board-of-directors who can vote the CEO right out any time they want. That's the typical Baptist model, and it doesn't fit the model you just described.
But I'm sure I may not be describing your group, because I don't know your group. Are you going to show us how your group fits the biblical model you just described? Do you have a true plurality of leadership, shepherding and oversight going on there?
If so, I'm eager to learn...
If not... please don't hate me!?! :)
To me, y'all are free in Christ to have a head-pastor/deacon-board model of church government, if indeed, like most Baptists, that is what y'all have(?) Really, if the Lord works in y'all through that model, then great!
But the post topic is whether it's "biblical", right?
I'll check back, to see if I'm still missing something...
And thanks again for the great exegesis, John. I'd never quite noted that use of all three terms in the one passage. It's a wonderful observation. Realy, thank you. :)
By
Bill Heroman, at 19/2/06 9:19 PM
What!!!? We don't have a corner on the truth?
Arghhhh!
By
Joe, at 21/2/06 2:20 PM
OK. You win.
Make me a list here of the parts of truth Baptists don't have:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
If they are not true, why do we have them?
By
Joe, at 21/2/06 2:22 PM
Hi John
I aways injoy your wisdom
Thank You
Doug
By
forgiven, at 22/2/06 2:02 PM
Hi Joe,
Thanks for comin' back. I don't mean we don't hold to the truth, I mean to say we are not the only ones who hold to the truth. Here is a list to illustrate this idea:
1) The Bible is God's Word
2) Jesus is God
3) Jesus was born of a virgin
4) Jesus died to redeem sinners
5) Jesus rose from the dead
These are truths that really define us as Christians. Biblical Baptists do hold to these foundational truths, but so do our Prysbeterian and Methodus (etc.)bretheren.
Hi Doug,
Thanks for the kind comment.
Thanks for your visits,
brother John
By
J. Wendell, at 22/2/06 9:36 PM
Good article, John!
By
Anonymous, at 22/2/06 11:03 PM
Thanks Bobby,
brother John
By
J. Wendell, at 23/2/06 5:39 AM
Hey John...I think you should correct #2 above.
Jesus is fully God and fully man.
By
bluhaze, at 23/2/06 9:56 AM
oh and not to forget!...
fully God and fully man but without sin
very important there.
By
bluhaze, at 23/2/06 10:04 AM
Hey, John... I'm sincerely waiting to hear from you again. Your depiction of the first century was great.
Are you going to show us how your Baptist church there is the same?
By
Bill Heroman, at 23/2/06 11:53 AM
Hi Abiance-five,
you are correct, thanks for that keen observation, are you Baptist? =)
Hi Hero Bill,
biblical Baptists are known as New Testament believers, and my aim is to show that the office of pastor is one of the biblical distinctives. Thanks for you patience.
I still want to get back to the challenging book you have written. I am reading with great intrest.
God's best,
brother John
By
J. Wendell, at 23/2/06 2:43 PM
Thanks, John. I want to get back to it to! I hope I get to finish it before I'm old and gray!
John, as the kids like to say, "You aw'ite"! :)
By
Bill Heroman, at 24/2/06 8:04 PM
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