Journal: Central Bible Quarterly
Volume: CENQ 04:2 (Summer 1961)
Article: 5 The Officers Of The Local Church
Author: Anonymous

CenQ 4:2 (Summer 1961) p. 26

5 The Officers Of The Local Church

A. General officers of the church—Ephesians 4:11; I Corinthians 12:28–31.

1. Apostles—Acts 2:42.

2. Prophets—Ephesians 4:11; I Corinthians 14:1–3; 14:29–33.

3. Evangelists or traveling preachers—Acts 21:8; 8:26–40.

4. Pastor-teachers—I Corinthians 12:28.

B. Specialized officers of the local church:

Notes: (Eph. 4:8–13 and I Cor. 12 refer to these officers as “gifts” to the church.)

a. The Apostles and Prophets founded the church; had accrediting signs; and gave the church the New Testament Scriptures. The Evangelists propagated the Word, extended the church into new places, and thereby prepared the way for the pastors and teachers.

b. These servants, as God’s gifts, were not all permanent. When the church was founded and equipped with the

CenQ 4:2 (Summer 1961) p. 27

New Testament Scriptures, there was no further need for the apostles and prophets. These gifts, therefore, closed. But the work of extending the church and pastoring and teaching must continue. Hence we have the evangelist, the teacher, and the pastor (I Cor. 14:3).

1. In every local church pastors were 1 elected, (Acts 14:23). The pastoral office was described by five different Greek words each signifying a peculiar aspect of the office and a particular duty of the pastor.

a. Presbytereos or elder: The President of a deliberative assembly which figure was the local church particularly in the aspect of conducting its business (I Tim. 5:17; Acts 11:30). e.g.

(1) Business was conducted in a democratic manner— Acts 14:23.

(2) In business session members of the local church settled questions of dissension and disputation— You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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