Paul the
apostle told the Ephesians how Jesus “descended” to the
“lower parts of the earth” before he “ascended above
all the heavens, that he might fill all things”. In chapter
four and verse eleven of his letter, Paul shared with the Ephesians
concerning “apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors and
teachers” where we read:
And he
gave some, apostles; and some, prophets;
and some,
evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
The
verse begins, “And he gave some, apostles; and some,
prophets;” Paul began with the
words, “and he gave”
or “Jesus granted, bestowed, supplied and furnished” “some”
which means “truly, certainly, surely and indeed”
“apostles” which
refers to “delegates, messengers and ones sent forth with orders”;
“and some”, or
“truly, certainly, surely and indeed” “prophets”
which refers to “ones who,
moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman who
solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration,
especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate
to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation”. The first
two leaders or officers mentioned by Paul who were given to the
church by Jesus are the “sent out” ones and the “ones who
declare” what they have “received by inspiration” of God.
The
verse goes on to say, “and some, evangelists; and some,
pastors and teachers;” Paul
added, “and some”
or “truly, certainly, surely and indeed”, “evangelists”
which refers to “bringers of
good tidings or news who are the heralds of salvation through Christ
who are not apostles”; “and some”
or “truly, certainly, surely and indeed”, “pastors”
which literally means “herdsmen or shepherds” and metaphorically
means “the presiding officer, manager and director of any
assembly” “and
teachers” or “one who
teaches concerning the things of God, and the duties of man”.
“Evangelists” are
those who proclaim or herald the gospel of Jesus Christ, and
“Pastor-Teachers”
are those who not only govern over a body of people within the church
like a shepherd, but also “teach”
them the principles and ways of God.
When
we think through these words of Paul, we see the brilliance of God
our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ His Son toward the church. There
are “apostles” who were “sent out” to spread the
gospel and affirm believers. There are “prophets” who
proclaim the trues of God's word and “evangelists” who
share the “gospel of Jesus Christ”. Finally there are “pastor
- teachers” who minister and serve the church members and
“teach” them concerning the ways of God. If we are in the church,
we have been affected by the people who held these “offices”. May
we ever be mindful that Jesus Christ knows how to “build His
church”, and He uses these agents to do so.
Next
time Paul shares the reason for these offices in the church, so read
ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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