Acts – Selection of Deacons

Acts

The selection of Deacons

After being released from the council rather than being put to death, due to Gamaliel persuading the council to not be hasty in their action, grumbling rises up among the disciples over the distribution of daily needs. Rather than leaving the Word of God, the Apostles have the disciples select seven men who are placed in the position to oversee the need. These men had to have a good witness, be filled by the Holy Spirit, and be wise.

Paul later gives specific instruction on the requirements for a Deacon in 1 Timothy.

Acts 5:26 – 6:6

^5.26 Then departing, the captain with his officers lead them, not with force for they feared the people in order that they should be stoned. ^5.27 And after leading them to stand in the council, also the high priest questioned them ^5.28 saying, “Did we not instruct with instructing you to not teach upon the basis of this name? And behold you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine and you determine to bring upon us the blood of this man.” ^5.29 And Peter and the apostles answered saying, “It is necessary to obey God rather than men” ^5.30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, Whom you took in hand. hung upon a cross. ^5.31 The God lifted up this Prince and Savior to His right hand to give a change of mind to Israel and forgiveness of sins. ^5.32 And we are His witnesses concerning these utterances. And also the Holy Spirit, Whom the God gave to the ones obeying Him. ^5.33 And the ones hearing were cut to the quick and took […]

Acts – Selection of DeaconsLuther Walker2018-11-20T04:47:15-08:00

The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans

Nicolaitans is a transliterated word; therefore, there is no English equivalent. We must look back at the original language and translate its meaning into English to understand what it expresses. Nicolaitans (Νικολαΐτης) is a combination of two words: victory (νῖκος) and people (λαός). By compounding these words, they communicate a victory over the people; therefore, it is a person who holds a position of authority over the people.

The concept of the Nicolaitans doctrine comes from the Jews and the priestly structure under the law. From the very beginning of the Church, it is a false doctrine that continually attempts to creep into the local assemblies. The apostle John writes of this doctrine while addressing the first of the seven assemblies in the book of Revelation. Those in Ephesus were indifferent to the Nicolaitans doctrine, even though some attempted to impose it.

But this you have, that you are indifferent to the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also am indifferent to. Revelation 2:3.

In Christ, the distinctions of sex, class, and race have no value; instead, it is the new creation, Galatians 6:15. This new creation is the body of the Christ, in which Christ is the head and the Church is His body, 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 1:22-23. Within the body of the Christ, there is no separation based upon any of these statuses, for we are all part of one body, 1 Corinthians 12:13. The doctrine of the Nicolaitans is distinct from the Mosaic law, which implemented a priesthood and specific classes of people. However, in the local assemblies of the Church, the Pastors and other leaders are not separated from the congregation.

In its full form, the doctrine of […]

The Doctrine of the NicolaitansLuther Walker2024-04-18T06:36:20-07:00

Administration (προΐστημι)

Often translated as “Rule”, “Administration” comes from a word that means, “to stand before”, and is used concerning those in a leading position. This is not the type of ruling where a person is the final word on all matters, such as a king or lord, Matthew 20:25.

Those who have the Spiritual gift of administration are to lead with diligence, Romans 12:8. Within the assembly we should recognize the labor of those in a leadership position, 1 Thessalonians 5:12. Neither of these activities exercise lordship over others. The one with the Spiritual gift of administration will naturally take a leadership role in organizing and managing when fellowshipping and showing love towards other saints. Within the local assembly there can be lead positions other than the Pastor and Deacons. These types of positions would relate to teaching and the managing of the daily tasks, or events for the church, under the authority of the Pastor and Deacons.

“Ruling” is not the same as being the master or head of the household. The father is the head of the household, but the wife is the master (despot), 1 Timothy 5:14. As the head of the family, the father is responsible for knowing and following the desirous will of God for them, Ephesians 5:28-33. The wife manages the household where the husband is the head to give directions relating to God’s will and administers over the household. Therefore, the wife is placed into a proper position with the husband, who being the head, brings her alongside to rule with him, not under him, for she is a helpmeet, not a servant.

The man who holds the position of a pastor is to rule (administer) his household properly, 1 Timothy 3:4-5. […]

Administration (προΐστημι)Luther Walker2023-11-25T07:44:52-08:00

Colossians Let the Peace of God Umpire

As The Elect, Colossians 3:12-13

Affections of Pity

Kindness

Humility

Objectivity of Mind

Longsuffering

Bearing One Another (Putting Up With)

Being Gracious, Colossians 3:13

Not Forgiving, but Having an Attitude Whereby You Give a Benefit Without Consideration of Merit

It is directed at yourself

Being kind to one another and gracious to yourselves, Ephesians 4:32

Also Directed at Others, Colossians 3:13

The Bond of Unity, Colossians 3:14

The Unity of the Spirit, Ephesians 4:3

Unity in Christ, Colossians 2:18-19

Maturity, Hebrews 6:1

The Peace of God Umpiring In Your Hearts, Colossians 3:15

Peace of God is not having a Ruffled Mind

Christ Left His Peace, John 14:27

It is not a peace from the world (The world does not know the way of peace), Romans 3:17

The Truth Christ Revealed to the Disciples of the New Relationship is So that We Have Peace, John 16:33

Peace Comes from Framing Our Minds on the Things of the Spirit, Romans 8:6

The Kingdom of God is not about food and drink, but righteousness, peace, and joy, Romans 14:17

Our God is not of Confusion, but Peace, 1 Corinthians 14:33

This Peace is an Aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22

It is a Peace that Surpasses the Mind, Philippians 4:7

In Contrast to Those Who Umpire Against Us, Colossians 2:18

Human Umpiring is Against Us – Focusing on the “No”

God’s Peace Umpires by giving us an unruffled mind that focuses on the […]

Colossians Let the Peace of God UmpireLuther Walker2023-12-14T08:26:08-08:00

Philippians – Introduction

Introduction to the Book of Philippians

Written in 64 A.D. by Paul from a Roman prison to the saint, bishops, and deacons in Philippi.

Paul and Timothy, servants belonging to Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus, the ones who are in Philippi, with the Bishops and Deacons. Grace [is] to you and peace from God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ.I give thanks to the God upon every remembrance of you, always in all my supplication on behalf of all of you, while making the supplication with joy,on the basis of your fellowship into the gospel from the first day until now, being persuaded of this same thing, that the One having begun in you a good work will bring it to its intended end until a day of Christ Jesus. Just as it is right for me to think this concerning all of you, because I have you in my heart, in both my bonds, and in the defense even confirmation of the gospel, all of you being my partners of the grace. For God is my witness, as I long for all of you with compassions of Christ Jesus.

Philippians – IntroductionLuther Walker2017-09-03T14:42:24-07:00

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