Gospel Order, Pt. 7

A Glimpse at the work Under the Apostle Paul’s Oversight

The apostle Paul’s commission to the Gentiles led him to the regions now known as the Levant and southern Europe. Associated with Paul were other apostles, as Barnabas and Appollos, with many evangelists and other laborers. But as the chosen apostle to the Gentiles, the responsibility of general oversight fell to him. He certainly had that spiritual gift of “governments,” so important in administering a work in which many are engaged. He was an organizer, as testified by every glimpse of his labors given us in the very brief record. His writings, more than any others, emphasize again and again the organic unity of the church of Christ, and the importance of recognizing gospel order and organization in gospel service.

As churches multiplied in all parts of his field, Paul was continually visiting them, or sending laborers among them, building them up in faith and unity. As the work grew, and particularly as disorderly and evil elements began to develop, it is plain from his epistles that the responsibility of his apostleship—bringing “the care of all the churches”—laid upon him a heavy burden. 2 Cor. 11:28. It was with him “daily.”

As the churches increased in the different provinces, those geographically located together were evidently grouped so as to act together as a conference of churches. Thus, “the churches of Galatia,” “the churches of Macedonia,” “the churches of Asia,” “all Achaia,” etc., were given direction by the apostle as to concerted action to be taken, or sent salutations to churches in other parts. When the general fund was to be made up for the Judean believers, Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “As I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.” 1 Cor. 16:1. The second epistle shows that this instruction was for the churches of “all Achaia,” of which province Corinth was the center. The churches were instructed to make up the gift, and to appoint representatives to go with it to Jerusalem. “Whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send.” The Macedonian churches had the same instruction, and sent a representative, “chosen of the churches,” to join in carrying the bounty to Judea. 2 Cor. 8:19. Thus each group of churches acted in concert, as one provincial or state conference organization, and had their representatives appointed to look after certain work.

Again, we find Paul appointing ministerial laborers to the general oversight of provinces or conferences. Timothy was assigned to the province of Asia for a time, with instruction from Paul as to the ordering of the churches, the appointment of elders and deacons, and the care of the general interests of the churches grouped together in that province. See 1 Timothy. Titus was assigned for a time to Crete: “For this cause I left 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.” Titus 1:5.

As the one in charge of the work in Crete, Titus was asked to see that Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, when they should arrive, were sent forward on their journey, provided with means so that nothing should be lacking to them. Titus 3:13. Those were not the days of bank drafts and postal remittances; but the instructions to Titus, and other similar references, show provision of funds available for the conduct of the work. As Paul told the Corinthians, the Lord, who ordained men to the ministry of the temple in former times, had also made provision for their support, and “even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” 1 Cor. 9:14. They were familiar enough with the manner of supporting the Lord’s work in the former time, by tithes and offerings, and “even so” it was ordained that the work of the gospel should be carried forward.

While Paul acted with the authority of an apostle, called to the general oversight or “care of all the churches,” he assumed no arbitrary authority over any. “Not for that we have dominion over your faith,” he wrote, “but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Cor. 1:24. Though evil men often represented him as self-seeking and arbitrary in his work, assuming authority not belonging to him, he was really servant of all. He counseled his associate workers, not as an overlord, but as a fellow laborer, a comrade in the common service. But, as some one must lead out in all associate work, there was a necessity in gospel effort for a directing supervision to keep all interests moving harmoniously forward. Hence ministers, like Mark, Timothy, Titus, Silas, Tychicus, Artemas, Crescens, and many others, were sent here and there, called to come and go, appointed to one field and then another, all responding as the loyal soldiers of Christ that they were. They recognized the increased efficiency given to their labors by organization and union of effort.

The unity of the world-wide work was provided for in the supervision of the committee of apostles, ordained to represent the whole church. Paul’s visits to Jerusalem to counsel with the other apostles, as well as his constant teachings, bear witness to his efforts to maintain union and co-operation between the churches in all the world. They were all members of the one body, Christ the head,—

“From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” Eph. 4:16.

The member is connected with the head only as it is a part of the body. Independent of the body, the hand or foot would be severed from connection with the head. The head can move the finger or the hand only as the finger or hand is united with the body.

The gifts of offices set in the church were to preserve the oneness and compactness of the body of Christ, the church, even after the first apostles had passed away. The churches were “set in order” by the appointment of proper officers. This was an important part of the ministerial oversight, and as Paul appointed Timothy to attend to this in Asia, and Titus in Crete, he gave instruction as to the qualifications of officers.

The elders were ordained to take “oversight” of the local church, not as “lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:3. Careful selection was also to be made in filling “the office of a deacon,” as assistants to the elders in the administration of church work. 1 Tim. 3:8-15. The work of deaconess was also recognized. Rom 16:1, R.V., margin.

The church was an organized body, officered and equipped for harmonious and concerted service, every member having his responsibility and individuality before God, while this very relationship to God bound the members together in sacred fellowship with one another.

W. A. Spicer

(Review and Herald, May 6, 1909)