This chapter highlights one of the duties that fell to the Apostle Paul that we seldom recognize. Jesus left behind a band of believers that were part of an unorganized movement. They had strong faith and a mission statement, but they did not have a structure. Paul was instrumental in putting in place some of the structure for the first century church that for better or worse still lives on today.
The word translated as bishop here is the source o our word episcopal - it can be broken into it's root words as epi - or over and scopal - or sight. The Bishop the was give the duty of overseeing the working of the church. the requirements for the one who would fill this office are listed as a minimum requirement for Paul.
The next level of administration is called deacons. This is the same Greek word used in Acts 6 when the disciples set apart the seven people for "servant" ministry to care for the widows and the distribution of food. It is still expressed in many churches that the deacon is assigned to assist in a servant role the working of the church. Paul gives another list of minimum requirements for this office.
Almost as a reality check to draw us back to the spiritual side of our faith Paul interjects the following, "Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great: He was revealed in flesh, vindicated in spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory." 1 Timothy 3:16 NRSV. I read and reread that verse. What a simple way of expressing the mystery of our faith! Revealed in flesh(the incarnation), seen by angels (the glory of the Son), proclaimed among Gentiles (the universality of God's invitation!), believed in throughout the world (His dominion) taken up in glory (resurrection and ascension power). That should give us enough to meditate on for one life time!
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3 comments:
It was so interesting that this chapter came up right as we got two new "pastors" at my church. We had previously had a full-time associate pastor, now we have three part-time deacons per say. They all do different things and have different responsibilities. Someone at church was explaining this to me on Sunday, and then Sara and I read this Sunday night. How crazy is that? They said that the deacons are not usually hired by the church for the Methodists, so we have an exception at our church. Crazy!
We do have a great mystery in our religion, and that's why people sometimes have so much trouble trying to believe. Beyond the mystery, the truth of the greatness, the power of God, his resurrection, forgiveness, love, and so much more - is more than enough for us. Let's be sure to get over the "mystery" and put in our heart what we really know and believe.
God sees what's in our heart, not what we "fake" on the surface.
God bless,
Marshall
Amen Marshall,
I try to get through this trap by focusing on relationship and not religion.
If I keep my eyes on Jesus and our relationship, the rest either works or doesn't matter as much.
Bill
This is a fascinating little look into how the early church was structured. "puffed up with conceit." Hmm..maybe we need to all take a good look at that part!
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