SUMMARY OF OFFICES IN THE CHURCH

SUMMARY OF OFFICES IN THE CHURCH

Virgil Warren, PhD

                                                  general              supernatural           authoritative

                                                      vs.                            vs.                               vs.

Office                                         local                     natural               non-authoritative

Lord =                                       general               super                       author

     Christ

     Messiah

apostle1                                    general               super                       author

     "the disciples"

     "the twelve"

prophet1                                   general               super                                      non-a

     prophet2                              general                        natural                          non-a

evangelist =                              general                        natural                          non-a

     apostle2

elder (= presbyter)                             local                   natural           author

     bishop (= overseer)

                (= episcopos)

     pastor (= shepherd)

     teacher

     ruler

deacon                                               local                   natural                          non-a     

            The conclusion seems too restrictive that elders handled spiritual matters while deacons handled material ones. The idea comes from the account of the seven appointed in Acts 6:1-6 to “serve tables.” The account does not call them “deacons,” and later we find Philip and Stephen involved in spiritual matters and operating beyond the local situation. Their work evidently progressed beyond the earlier or primary responsibility. So, the case is ambiguous for defining the role deacons fulfilled.

            1 Timothy 3:8-13 provides the only list of characteristics for deacons. Paul adds that those who serve well in this way “gain good standing and great boldness in the faith.” Such a description does not specify a definite role for the “office,” so it is better to say that deacons served under elders in whatever function they were qualified to fulfill and needed for. Besides, there is no clear distinction between spiritual and physical matters. Proceeds from the sale of property were laid at the apostles’ feet to be distributed to the poor; the apostles were the ones who called for selecting others for the task in Jerusalem so they themselves could concentrate on ministry of the word (Acts 4:35, 36; 5:2).

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