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Church Leadership and Authority Conditional Introductory Note: This essay assumes the conclusions asserted in our two-part online article, "Ministers, Pastors, and the Calling," which states that the offices of elder, pastor, overseer, and bishop were all one and the same office in the New Testament, as understood and articulated deliberately by the apostles. Thus, the issue of a hierarchy of authority based upon differentiating between elders, pastors, overseers, and bishops in the modern church is shown to be inaccurate and a contrivance, which does not overturn the conclusions concerning rank established in this essay. 1.) The term or concept of "firstborn" denotes the successor, the heir apparent to the predecessor, the one with ranking authority, even as it is used in the New Testament concerning Jesus Christ (see Romans 8 and Colossians 1 below). Easton's Revised Bible Dictionary First-born Sons enjoyed certain special privileges #De 21:17 Ge 25:23,31,34 49:3 #1Ch 5:1 Heb 12:16 Ps 89:27 See BIRTHRIGHT 23592 The "first-born of the poor" signifies the most miserable of the poor #Isa 14:30 The "church of the first-born" signifies the church of the redeemed. The destruction of the first-born was the last of the ten plagues inflicted on the Egyptians #Ex 11:1-8 12:29,30 Menephtah is probably the Pharaoh whose first-born was slain. His son did not succeed or survive his father, but died early. The son's tomb has been found at Thebes unfinished, showing it was needed earlier than was expected. Some of the records on the tomb are as follows: "The son whom Menephtah loves; who draws towards him his father's heart, the singer, the prince of archers, who governed Egypt on behalf of his father. Dead." Easton's Revised Bible Dictionary Birthright 1. This word denotes the special privileges and advantages belonging to the first-born son among the Jews. He became the priest of the family. Thus Reuben was the first-born of the patriarchs, and so the priesthood of the tribes belonged to him. That honour was, however, transferred by God from Reuben to Levi #Nu 3:12,13 8:18 2. The first-born son had allotted to him also a double portion of the paternal inheritance #De 21:15-17 Reuben was, because of his undutiful conduct, deprived of his birth-right #Ge 49:4 1Ch 5:1 Esau transferred his birth-right to Jacob #Ge 25:33 3. The first-born inherited the judicial authority of his father, whatever it might be #2Ch 21:3 By divine appointment, however, David excluded Adonijah in favour of Solomon. 4. The Jews attached a sacred importance to the rank of "first-born" and "first-begotten" as applied to the Messiah #Ro 8:29 Col 1:18 Heb 1:4-6 As first-born he has an inheritance superior to his brethren, and is the alone true priest. See FIRST BORN 24339 Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Colossians 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Hebrews 1:4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. 5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? 6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. 2.) The Law of Moses required that the firstborn was entitled to a double portion, which of course, referred to the distribution of material goods among the children. Deuteronomy 21:15 If a man have two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have born him children, both the beloved and the hated; and if the firstborn son be hers that was hated: 16 Then it shall be, when he maketh his sons to inherit that which he hath, that he may not make the son of the beloved firstborn before the son of the hated, which is indeed the firstborn: 17 But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double (08147) portion (06310) of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his. 3.) Using the exact same Hebrew words as found in Deuteronomy 21, Elisha requests to be deemed Elijah's successor, with rank above his peers, by requesting a "double portion" of Elijah's spirit. This request is granted and the other followers of Elijah bow down to Elisha after he takes up Elijah's mantle. 2 Kings 2:9 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double (08147) portion (06310) of thy spirit be upon me. 10 And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. 11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. 13 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; 14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over. 15 And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him. 4.) In the New Testament, Paul speaks of the church elders, which was the office the apostles set up in each local community to act as the authorities once they had moved on. And when speaking of this office in 1 Timothy 5 in the midst of a discussion about the weekly distribution of money among the church, Paul states that those elders who rule well should receive a double value or portion, using the exact same Greek word used in Acts 4 to describe the distribution money. Like Deuteronomy 21:15-17, Paul is assigning a double portion of the money distributed to the children and this double portion designated who was counted as the firstborn, in the sense of being the apostles' successors and heirs apparent to the apostles' rank and authority, just as Elisha received the authority ranking above the other followers of Elijah. Thus, Paul's instruction not only includes the actual double portion of the financial supplement (see our articles online) but also designates who were the apostles' successors. Acts 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders (4245) in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. 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 (4245) in every city, as I had appointed thee: 1 Timothy 5:5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. 6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. 7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. 8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel…16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed. 17 Let the elders (4245) that rule well be counted worthy of double (1362) honour (5092), especially (3122) 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. Acts 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. Acts 4:34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices (5092) of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. 36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 5092 time from 5099; TDNT-8:169,1181; n f AV-honour 35, price 8, sum 1, precious 1; 43 1) a valuing by which the price is fixed 1a) of the price itself 1b) of the price paid or received for a person or thing bought or sold 2) honour which belongs or is shown to one 2a) of the honour which one has by reason of rank and state of office which he holds 2b) deference, reverence 5.) In addition, here in 1 Timothy 5, Paul very clearly makes who is deemed as the rightful and ranking successor of the apostles a conditional. First, whether or not an elder received the double portion, which denotes the rank of successor, depended on his ruling well. According to Paul here, those elders who did not rule well were not counted worthy of the double portion, a fact which consequently denoted their lack of rank or authority among the church brethren. 1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders (4245) that rule well be counted worthy of double (1362) honour (5092), especially (3122) 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. 6.) Furthermore, as can be seen in the quote of 1 Timothy 5:17 above, Paul also differentiates greater rank even among those elders who do rule well. Note Paul's use of the word "especially," the Greek word "malista" (Strong's 3122), which means, "especially," "chiefly," or "most of all" (see definition below). As indicated by the survey below of the twelve occurrence of "malista," this means that the double portion and the rank of apostles' successor applied more to the elders who labored well in the word and doctrine than it did to the elders who ruled well in areas other than the word and doctrine. As can be seen in the definition of below, in this sense "malista" also denotes the "chief" or "above all," which in turn designates that the chief in rank even among the successors were those who labored in the word and doctrine. Other elders who did not labor in the word and doctrine did not and could not outrank or even be counted equal in rank with those who ruled well and were expert laborers in the word and doctrine. Consequently, in the post-apostolic era in which the church was governed by the apostles' successors, there could never be any authority higher than or equal to that of an elder who ruled well and was an expert laborer in the word and doctrine, except for other such elders. More than anyone else, more than other elders, those who rule well being expert laborers in the word and doctrine carry the rank and authority as the apostles' successors. And lastly, given these protocols, it is clear that there is absolutely no rank or authority or office of successor held by those who, even under the title of elder or leader (see introductory note at the top), do not rule well, particularly in the word and doctrine. Such individuals are deemed by Paul unworthy for the double portion and subsequently lacking the rank and succession from apostles. 3122 malista neuter plural of the superlative of an apparently primary adverb mala (very); ; adv superlative AV-specially 5, especially 4, chiefly 2, most of all 1; 12 1) especially, chiefly, most of all, above all Acts 20:37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, 38 Sorrowing most of all (3122) for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship. Acts 25:26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially (3122) before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write. Acts 26:2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: 3 Especially (3122) because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently. Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially (3122) unto them who are of the household of faith. Philippians 4:22 All the saints salute you, chiefly (3122) they that are of Caesar's household. 1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially (3122) of those that believe. 1 Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially (3122) for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially (3122) they who labour in the word and doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially (3122) the parchments. Titus 1:10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially (3122) they of the circumcision: Philemon 1:16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially (3122) to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? 2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10 But chiefly (3122) them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they , selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 7.) In addition to the conditionality and hierarchy established above, the New Testament asserts plainly (see 1 Timothy 3:1 below) that that being a bishop is something a man himself chooses to pursue and attain. And he does attain it, he is counted worthy of that rank and authority established by the apostles in the churches they left behind, if he meets not only the criteria of ruling well, but the following criteria also. Notice from a comparison of Paul's statements about authority in 2 Corinthians 10 to Jesus' own words in Matthew 7 and Luke 6 that the ability to judge and rule in the church also requires meeting the criterion of yourself first becoming perfect or mature in obedience, removing the beam from your own eye. With these criteria met, a man who desires it and rules well should indeed be deemed worthy of double honour, the successor of the apostles and bearing rank over the church with those that are expert laborers in the word and doctrine being chief of all in this present church age prior to the return of Jesus Christ. 1 Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 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?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 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 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: 6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 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; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9 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. 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: 2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's. 8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: 9 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. (Concerning Verse 6 Above - That the phrase, "readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled" refers to Jesus' teaching that in order to administer judgment, a person must have first themselves achieved mature obedience.) Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. 39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? 40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. 41 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye. (Concerning Verse 7 Above - That the phrase, "look on things after the outward appearance" is intended as instruction to exercise correct judgment.) 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. (Concerning Verse 8 Above - Who Paul means by "us" in the phrase "our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification.") Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Back to the top. Home | Just So You Know | About Us | A Brief Word On | In-Depth Studies