ALONE WITH GOD     

  The ministers classified in these two scriptures are identical. They are properly divided into two classes—traveling and local. Traveling preachers plant churches and water the same; while the local, shepherd and feed the flocks. All these gifts were necessary to the perfect government of the early church, and they are just as necessary today. Whatever was essential then is essential now.

  As before stated, the early ministry were properly divided into two classes—local and traveling. The term "elder"" applies in Scripture to both the traveling and the local ministry. First, to the traveling. "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." 1 Pet. 5: 1. " The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth." 2 John 1. "The elder unto the well beloved Gaius, whom I dove in the truth." 3 John 1. Secondly, to the local. " And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed." Acts 14: 21-23. "To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. 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." Tit. 1:4, 5.

  They ordained elders in every church—in every city. These were the local ministers who cared for and fed the flock. But Paul and John were both traveling preachers. They were apostles, and each testified to being an elder. If Paul and John were elders, then all God's preachers are elders, all on one common plane. But some may object that "elder" simply means "older one," and that therefore elders are a class of officers selected from among the older ones to form a sort of Sanhedrin. No such thought is conveyed in the New Testament Scriptures. Though the word literally rendered is " older one, " yet in the New Testament it is used in an official sense, not in its literal sense, and applies to the sacred calling and office of a minister. In Moses' church under the Old Testament not all the older men of Israel were termed "the elders of the people," but a large number (seventy) of men of sound wisdom and judgment were selected and these sat as a Sanhedrin. These were the elders of Israel. Under the New Testament the term "elder," as before observed, applies to all the ministry, but they must be men and women of sound judgment and wisdom, and fully anointed by divine power to be "able ministers of the new testament. "

  The traveling preachers are classified as "apostles" and "evangelists." Who were the apostles ? God gave " some apostles, " " first apostles. " The first twelve ministers chosen by Jesus Christ to be the first propagators of his kingdom among the lost sheep of the house of Israel were called apostles. "And when it was day he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles. ' Luke 6:13. These twelve were to be eye-witnesses of his personal work on earth and also of his resurrection from the dead. When one was chosen to take the place of Judas, he had to be one who had accompanied Jesus Christ in his personal ministry and had been a witness of his resurrection. "For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric let another take. Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, show whether of these two thou hast chosen, that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. " Acts 1: 20 26.

  Through their labors, inspiration, and writings, the New Testament has come to us. Therefore these twelve form a perpetual foundation in the church (Rev. 21: 14; Eph. 2: 20). Such a thing, however, as a succession of the number twelve is simply Mormon fiction, invented by Joe Smith, who was filled with "visions of his own head. "

  Jesus Christ was called an apostle because he was sent forth from God to accomplish the redemption of man (Heb. 3:1, 2). Paul and Barnabas were called apostles because they were the first to plant the Christ an faith among the Gentile nations. " But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles." Acts 13: 50-52; 14:1-4. "Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out." Acts 14: 14.

  "James, the Lord's brother," was called an apostle. "Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. " Gal. 1:18, 19. Silvanus and Timotheus were apostles. "Paul and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father, and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. " " Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. " 1 Thess. 1: 1; 2: 6. Apollos was an apostle. " And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and angels, and to men." Cor. 4: 6, 9.

  Here we have clear proof of at least twenty who were called apostles in the early church. It is evident from a careful reading of the New Testament that there were many more in whom the gift of apostleship was manifested.

  From the testimony of Scripture it is clear that an apostle was a planter. The word is defined by Webster as "one who first plants the Christian faith." We will select the apostle Paul as an example. He says, in his epistle to the Corinthians, "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." 1 Cor. 3: 6. By this he means that he was the instrument God used to plant the Corinthian church. This is proved in Acts 18: 1, - 11: " After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth. And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. And he departed thence, and entered in a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshiped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them." This made him their apostle. He says, "If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. " 1 Cor. 9:2. "For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel." 1 Cor. 4:15. Through Paul's labors the Corinthian church was established. Hence he says, "I planted" you; and if not an apostle unto others, "I am to you"; for I have begotten you through the gospel, and the seal of mine apostleship " are ye in the Lord. " He further testifies to them, " Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds." 2 Cor. 12:12.

  From the foregoing we learn that apostles in the early church were not a separate class of officers stood above the rest, but were gifted men. Apostleship was not an office of itself, but was a gift of the Spirit in the ministry; apostles were men who were specially endued with the various gifts of the Spirit, which qualified them to enter new fields of labor and plant the truth, plant churches. This meant more than simply getting a company of believers raised up. They were gifted so that they could confirm and establish such assemblies in faith, truth, and holiness, and lead them into the various gifts necessary to make their local work effectual. Paul had a general "care of all the churches"; that is, he felt the responsibility of the work in general.

  But were there to be elders in the church in these last days qualified with the gifts to do the work of apostles? Yes. "Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her." Rev. 18: 20. In this evening time when Babylon should fall, there were to be apostles who would rejoice over her downfall.

  The other traveling elders were termed "evangelists." "And some evangelists." Eph. 4:11. Philip was called "the evangelist" (Acts 21: 8). Paul exhorted Timothy to "do the work of an evangelist" (2 Tim. 4: 2). The real work of evangelists is seen in I Cor. 3:6: "I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase." Their work was usually to labor among churches already established, to stir up the revival spirit among them, and to water the saints —refresh them. But in tile church of God, while these gifts were given "to profit withal," there was nothing legalistic, as in sectism today. An apostle could "do the work of an evangelist." Both Apollos and Timothy were apostles, but they did some evangelizing too. Such sometimes went into new fields and planted churches, as Philip the evangelist at Samaria; and the apostles came and established them, as Peter and John did (Acts 8).

  This gives us a brief idea of the work of the traveling elders. The apostles entered new fields and preached the gospel, God working with them and confirming the word with signs following. Under their labors churches were planted. The Lord held them responsible for the welfare of those assemblies until local officers had been raised up and everything "set in order." Sometimes it was necessary for the apostle to remain in such fields of labor for years. For a minister to plant a church and then run off and leave it without a spiritual father's care and proper shepherding is to work contrary to God's plan. Such work brings disaster. A careful reading of the Acts will show that the apostles remained at Jerusalem for a long period of time. Paul abode for a number of years at some places in order to establish the work; at other points he left workers, as Titus in Crete (see Tit. 1:4, 5).

  The local elders are termed "pastors" and " teachers. " Eph. 4: 11. A plurality of elders were ordained in some of the larger local assemblies. "And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord. on whom they believed. " Acts 14: 23. " 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." Tit. 1:5. "And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. " Acts 20:17. "And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present." Acts 21:17, 18. You will notice that in the different churches they ordained elders. The last two texts clearly show a plurality of them in tile church at Jerusalem and also at Ephesus.

  They were the overseers of the assemblies. Their work is clearly set forth in the following texts: "And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 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. " Acts 20: 17, 28. " 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 ensamples to the flock. " 1 Pet. 5: 13. Their work was feeding the church, ministering to them the word of life, taking the oversight, caring for the little ones, and protecting them from the impositions of the devil through heresy of false teachers.

  "Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. " 1 Thess. 5: 11-l5. " Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation." Heb. 13:7. "Obey them that have the rule over you. and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." Heb. 13:17. These texts clearly set forth the responsible work of the local elders. Comments can not make them clearer.

  Another work of these elders is seen in Jas. 5:14, 15: "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. "

  "And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." Jer. 3:15. "And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord." Jer. 23:4. We will here insert a quotation from the early writings on this point: "Let the presbyters [elders] be compassionate and merciful to all. bringing back those that wander, visiting all the sick, and not neglecting the widow, the orphan, or the poor, but always providing for that which is becoming in the sight of God and of man; abstaining from all wrath, respect of persons, and unjust judgment; keeping far off from all covetousness, not quickly crediting an evil report against any one, not severe in judgment."—Epistle of Polycarp, Chap. VI. While a quotation from history, this clearly sets forth the work of the new testament elders. At a glance any one can see the need of such work in every assembly. Feeding and caring for the flock does not include merely preaching the word, but visiting the brethren, praying with them, calling upon the sick and poor, and ministering to them. How simple the plan of apostolic government and yet how well arranged by the infinite wisdom of him who worketh "all in all"!

  As before observed, Paul divides these elders into two classes—pastors and teachers. These do not form two classes of officers. There was but one "office of a bishop" (1 Tim. 3:1, 2). There was only the one office for the local elders —bishops—that of overseers. But their gifts were not all the same. " Let the elders that rule well he counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. " I Tim. 5: 17. The reader can easily observe that Paul speaks of some elders who labored in word and doctrine and of others who did not; some who were public preachers—pastors—others who were not preachers, yet were men of faith, good judgment and wisdom; men able in private to teach and instruct in the ways of salvation. The latter are the teachers. This distinction is made in Rom. 12:6-8: "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. "

  The qualifications of Bible elders—bishops —are found in the following texts: "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. tile 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 self willed, 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. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. " Tit. 1: 5-11. " A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach, not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre: but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one 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. " 1 Tim. 3: 2-7.

  Among the early ministers were a class of men with the gift of prophecy. They were known as "prophets." "NOW there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. " Acts 13: 1. The work of the prophets and their office are clearly seen in the following scriptures: "And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar." Acts 11: 27, 28. "And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into tile hands of the Gentiles. " Acts 21: 10, 11.

  It has been thought by some that there is no need of prophets under the new covenant; but the above texts prove that there were prophets in the church before the apostasy, and God has them in his church today. These may he among either the traveling or the local ministry. There were a number of prophets in the church at Antioch. Prophets also traveled, as Agabus. Philip the evangelist "had four daughters which did prophesy."

  One work of a prophet was foretelling events. Agabus signified by the Spirit that there would be a dearth throughout the whole land, and, we are told, "it came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar." Agabus was a true prophet of God. It was he who also foretold what would befall the apostle Paul at Jerusalem. But the work of the prophets included more than foretelling future events. "Though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and al] knowledge. " I Cor. 13: 2. Here we see that there was a special gift of prophecy, which unraveled deep mysteries and gave knowledge. Those who possessed this gift were able to interpret prophecy by the Spirit of God. Since we have returned in these last days to the mount of holiness and truth, tile spirit of prophecy is again manifested among God's ministry. We sit with awe and listen to God's prophets as they unravel the mysteries of prophecy and revelation.

  Having briefly considered both the traveling and the local ministry who were termed "elders, " we will now consider another class of officers called "deacons." "Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." 1 Tim. 3: 8-13.

  "The office of a deacon. " This language implies that in the early church there was a class of officers by that name. Deacon is from diakonos, which signifies a minister or servant. Its literal meaning would cover both those who minister the word and such as minister in temporal affairs; both to those who serve in the gospel and those who serve in temporal things; that is, dealing out food to the hungry and ]ooking after tire temporal needs of the church. The real office of a deacon evidently has to do with the latter. Our reasons for believing so are these: All those who are ministers of the word, both traveling and local, are officially called "elders." The office of a deacon is a separate office from that of elders. Therefore those who minister in the temporal affairs of the church are officially termed "deacons. " Some of those officially appointed deacons, however, may minister the word, as did Stephen at Jerusalem.