Church Restoration Acts 14:23

This post discusses church restoration.

Church restoration of the New Testament church involves a dependence on and guidance by the word of God alone. For example, in every New Testament church a plurality of elders acted as the governing body, Acts 14:23 “when they had appointed elders for them in every church…”  No Bible verse authorizes one elder to be above or over the others.

However, as early as the third century, departures from the New Testament pattern popped up. In a few congregations, a ‘presiding elder’ assumed preeminence and complete control. Gradually this practice led to the name ‘priest’ applied to the controlling ruler. This practice does not surprise. Consider a verse from New Testament days, 3 John 9, “but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.”  Already present could be found the desire to elevate oneself over others. John promised to correct him.

Later, the priest of the church in Rome declared himself to be the head, the pope, over the entire church. Not everyone agreed. So, in 1054 A.D., this disagreement finally resulted in a split with Greek-speaking congregations in the east who did not accept this ‘self-declared’ pope. They became known as the Greek Orthodox Church and continue to oppose the pope.

Afterwards, further departures and abuses by about 1500 A.D. resulted in the development of a reformation movement. However, despite a partial return to the New Testament pattern, extensive further splitting provided a wide array of churches and beliefs and confusion.

Later, in the early 1800s, several people decided that a reformation was not enough. Accordingly, the need for a restoration of the church of the New Testament developed.

Eventually, some church restoration principles emerged.

1.Speak only where the Bible speaks. Be silent where it is silent.

2.Have a Bible passage highlighting a command, an example, or necessary inference for every practice.

3.Govern each congregation by elders, according to the set of qualifications in1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Deacons assist the elders, 1 Timothy 3:8-11.

What did we learn?

Restoration of the New Testament church means following only the scriptures exactly.

You’re invited to find and attend a restored New Testament church where you live.

For more on the Bible  click https://tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#pope #eldersDeacons #followOnlyNewTestament