Fivefold ministry
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Fivefold Ministry refers to an ecclesiology or system of church organization utilized by a variety of minority religious movements (usually Christian). The term "fivefold ministry" derives from references in the Christian New Testament to the roles of authority in the Christian community: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher. (Ephesians 4:11)
Adherents of this ecclesiology especially emphasize the presence of the charismatic gifts, often called "signs and wonders," and the accompanying role of apostle and prophet.
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[edit] Historical background
[edit] The Cessation doctrines
As Christian movement grew and the organization of the movement became codified, the functions of apostle and prophet began to disappear. As the church approached the Middle Ages, it became common to state that the "Apostolic Age," with its accompanying prophets, had come to an end. Authority the once attributed to apostles and prophets became centralized in the person of the Bishop of Rome, a shift in power which culminated in the Papal Bull Unum Sanctum(1302), in which Pope Boniface VIII (1235-1303 CE) stated: "We declare and define it to be believed as a necessary condition of salvation that everything created in the human universe is subject to the Roman Pontiff."
This end of the apostolic era, and the church's perceived end of the charismatic gifts, is referred to by adherents of the Fivefold office as a doctrine of "Cessation."
[edit] Persistence of Charismatic Gifts in Christianity & Beyond
While apostolic gifts including prophecy continued to flourish, it was forced to do so in the shadow of the empire as a form of state heresy and thus any record of it during the Byzantium period occurs in the context of Rome's official condemnation and inquisitions, though their own records of condemnations, provide ample evidence of its continued practice. From the remnants of the Montanists to the revivals of Girolamo Savonarola to the Cryptic Jewish-Catholic writings of Nostradamus to the Irish prophecies by Saint Malachy prophecy continued despite Rome's decrees and declarations. (On the Cessation of the Charismata: The Protestant Polemic on Post-Biblical Miracles (Sheffield Univ. Acad. Press, 1993))
Mohammed was considered both an "Apostle" and a "Prophet" among Arabian Ebonite Christians and the Quran was the development of this belief in the continuation of the prophetic gift in Arabia. Islam, as Christianity, eventually outlawed its own basis for development, following the model established by Rome with a turn toward Academic scholarship in place of its original prophetic practices. The Quran, like the New Testament, gives no internal basis for such termination policies, and consequently minority groups such as the Sufis and certain individuals within Islam continue the practices without government-ecclesiastical or dominant religious group sanction.
The public expressions of New Testament practice in America, had been preceded in Europe by a number of Cryptic, Esoteric or Tsaphan movements, which are not documented due to the necessity by law that such pactices were illegal. Some more notable examples however included groups associated with John Wycliff such as the Waldensians, or the Bogomils in what is now modern day Bosnia, and small groups of Jewish-Christians who found refuge among the Moravians. It has been suggested by some that the very founder of the modern Messianic-Jewish movement today, Rabbi Ignatz Lichtenstein of Hungary, may have been influenced by these early groups.
Cryptic practices were usually maintained by individuals who saw the need to be identified publicly with the State-orthodox religious system to avoid legal prosecution, but maintain a private religious practice at home which often involved prophetic practices. One example of this is Nostradomus. This prophetic tradition has been influential with many Catholic audiences.
The esoteric stream followed the traditions of secret societies such as the Masons, the Templars and the Rosicrucians whose secret knowledge of symbolisms and a sacred rituals have been influential in the founding of the Mormons[citation needed] and shaping many mainline denominational views in America behind the scenes. {i.e., [Cyrus Scofield], author of the Scofeild Bible and advocate of Pre-tribulational dispensationalism was a Mason[citation needed]} Often the theologically charged terms were replaced with other words to avoid conflict with state authorities. Prophetic pactices and information however were still an active part of their traditions. Some[citation needed] have suggested the use of the term and role of psychic, in opposition to the concept of the Biblical prophet, could be traced to the influence of their practitioners seeking to avoid conflicts with religious authorities.
Tsaphan prophetic practices were Jewish and were maintained in the private home in different ways. In European states where anti-semitism had created mandatory conversion laws, many Jews publicly professed Catholicism to avoid death or imprisonment but continued keeping Jewish religious practices at home. Among these were Jews of karaite persuassion who were not rabbinical, but Biblical in their orientation, rejecting the authority of the rabbi and the Talmud.[citation needed] Some of these continued domestic family practices and observances of Judaism which included the role of the "Nabbi" or "Navvi" especially at the time of the Passover Seder when the "door is open for Elijah". During this time Tsaphan Jewish prophets would go form house to house giving words to encourage the "remnant". The term "Tsaphan" is taken from Psa 83:2-4:
Psa 83:2 For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head. Psa 83:3 They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones. Psa 83:4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.
Because of the extreme isolation of these communities, many eventually ceased to exist or were absorbed into the predominat religious culture of the surrounding state. It has been suggested by some that Baruch Spinoza may have found "fellowship" with these after being expelled from the Synagogue by the Rabbi in Amsterdam. it was well known that he continued practicing Judaism in his home, as was customary among the karaite Tsaphans. Many of the Tsaphanic Jews, while rejecting Roman Catholicism, did embrace a Jewish understanding of the New Testament,[citation needed] but never embracing the doctrine of the Trinity. Isaac Newton's interest in kabbalah mysticism and rejection of the Roman Trinity have been the source for some speculation as well.
[edit] The Impact of the Reformation & Restoration Movements
At the advent of Martin Luther's reformation in Germany, many declared Luther along with many other reformers to be New Testament "prophets", though later Protestant state churches themselves, despite advocating a return to Biblical based practice, decided to follow Roman canonical and council law on the matter instead.[citation needed] Splinter groups of radical reformers began home meetings throughout Europe. Some of these splinter groups began the Plymouth Brethren, the Quaker movement, and even the earliest beginnings of the later to be American Evangelical movement with such figures in Europe as George Mueller, himself "converted" at a Sabbath night "home meeting".
The actual roots of the restoration movement begin early in American revivalism and the free-church movement, now known as Evangelicalism. Pioneer Christians in America, now free of a state imposed orthodoxy began the quest for a full return to New Testament practice and faith. The outgrowth of this took a number of diverse directions. Alexander and Thomas Campbell, often credited with founding the modern Church of Christ were among some of the first to coin the phrase "restoration" as a goal of their theology. The Campbellites were strongly committed to understanding Biblical text as the guide for faith. Later some within this movement recognized the "gifts of the spirit", along with various groups of general and independent Baptists, and began hybrid theologies with Pentecostal influences. These were probably the first in America to openly advocate the return of a fivefold ministry.[citation needed] Their early influences can still be seen across America particularly in the African-American church, whose leadership were among some of the first to boldly pioneer the acceptance and practice of this restoration concept.[citation needed]
Another early "restoration" movement took an entirely different direction. Joseph Smith and the Mormons accepted extra-biblical revelations inspired by the Book of Mormon and revelations from God as well as from the Bible. Though the Gothic cathedral and its secret symbolism began the center-piece of their theology,[citation needed] they recognized the existence of the role of prophet and apostle in Church government and incorporated this into their own "restoration" of the Church. Two entirely different directions of restoration on opposite ends of the spectrum.
The work of finishing the reformation in the context of religious freedom found in America has long been a dream of many who have come to this country, beginning with the earliest pilgrims at Plymouth Rock. The shapes, forms, and expressions of this freedom and this question have led free Americans to a diverse set of answers. This diversity is often scorned and scoffed by critics of restoration who prefer the settled State-Churches from Europe's Middle Ages. But the reformers throughout history, and the freedom to engage the endeavor, whether for better or worse, has led to the improvement of even these very State-Churches.[citation needed]
The American Evangelical landscape today is filled with independent non-denominational ministries who accept and advocate a return to acceptance of both Apostle and Prophet as well as a number of smaller denominations.[citation needed] All branches of Charismatic Christianity embrace the prophetic as a gift already and many are moving toward full acceptance of the role of both prophet and apostle within the community of faith. The African-American church has been notably pro-active in this regard for a number of years. Kansas City Fellowship was the feature article of a Christianity Today cover-story on the subject a few years ago as a result of this debate entering into the mainstream in American Evangelicalism. The internationally renowned church leaderJohn Wimber had been a particularly strong advocate of recognizing the role of prophet in the local Church.
[edit] Current controversies
[edit] The Charismatic movement
In American revivalism and free-church movements, the development of the pentecostal movement, the charismatic movement, the "full-gospel" movement, the discipleship movement, the home-church movement, the restoration movement, the Jewish-Christian movement all gave rise to a return of both roles in religious practice. The use of the term "Apostle" is generally used by some as an equivalent of the term "missionary" and "prophet" is the equivalent of a biblical practice of the charismatic gift of prophecy.[citation needed]
[edit] Psychics instead of prophets
As a result of disapproval by orthodox Christianity,[citation needed] disciplines of intuitive based phenomena took other paths of development in western culture. In modern vocabulary the term "psychic" became employed as an alternative term for "prophet" and continued to be practiced within many of these same government-based ecclesiastical systems,[citation needed] but it a manner disconnected from its biblical mode and practice and in the murky shadows of official disapproval. Often the same European ecclesastical organizations found advocating "cessation" doctrines, were actively employing "psychics" for information.[citation needed] This was true for Kings in England to our own American Presidents, as well as the Papacy itself.[citation needed] "Psychics" continue to provide western societies the prophetic function but now as a result, generally outside the Biblical paradigm, sources, and modes for the practice.
[edit] The future
[edit] Global monotheism and prophecy
The majority of members of most book-based revelatory religious traditions however, still consider the "primary means" of their own "revelation" to have "passed away".[citation needed] This is true in all 3 major traditions; Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Each claimed prior to the arrival of the other that its revelatory functions had officially ceased and/or would exist no more until some future apocalyptic age. Minorities within all 3 of these traditions continue to practice their tradition's original functions.[citation needed] But this occurs in the larger context of the dominant group's opposition toward their practices.
[edit] Psychic research
As more information is gained from current University level research into the area of psychic phenomena, it may become increasingly difficult to maintain the claim that all such activity has "ceased". "Precognition" and "remote viewing" are increasingly becoming common subjects of study in a number of University programs world-wide.[citation needed] While this research has not been able to cross the threshold of official scientific law or fact due to the current definitions of laboratory repeatability, it has been documented as a statistically significant phenomenon for several years. See the SPR Research Directory for additional information.
[edit] Future trends
Increasing education in societies may lead to a greater understanding of the role intuition plays in the brain and in culture. As a result, societies may become more accepting of intuitive practices and skills in general, the rise of these gifts and functions may become more prevalent and eventually inevitable. Major strides have taken place among dominant religious groups in many places already to be more "open" and "accepting" of their possibilities.
[edit] The Ecclesiological debate
[edit] Objections
(1) Apostles had to be personal Disciples of Christ. Since none exist today, there are no Apostles.
(2) Prophets were used to give the Bible -or Torah- or Quran. The Bible - or Torah - or Quaran - is finished therefore there are no more prophets.
(3) Prophets had to be 100% accurate or they were to be stoned to death. Deuteronomy 13:1-5, 18:20-22
(4) Mainline Denominations do not accept the view.
[edit] Responses
Critics of the Termination doctrine would point out the following:
[edit] Paul's Apostleship
(1) Paul was not one of the original 12, never claimed to have personally known Jesus, and simply reported to have had a vision. Yet he called himself an Apostle.
It is argued that Paul "qualifies" in this definition of Apostle because he had a "Vision of Christ" but many regard this argument as disingenuous because anyone who is charismatic can have a vision of Christ. It must then be assumed that all future "visions of Christ" for 2000 years into perpetuity are "false visions".
Paul's apostleship was acquired through no other means than a "vision". Paul's own apostleship leaves him outside the group of 500.
[edit] Other Apostles
It is also clear from the New Testament that not all Apostles were mentioned and restricted to the list of the 12 original disciples. Since, detractors say, Paul was not one himself, there would be no need to examine anyone for "signs of an Apostle" 2Co 12:12.
Other Apostles mentioned:
Barnabas - Acts 14:14
Silas - 2 Thess. 1:1, 2:6
Andronicus - Rom. 16:7
Junia - Rom.16:7
[edit] Andronicus
Some claim that since 500 saw the resurrection, all the Apostles mentioned in the New Testament came exclusively from this group of 500. However this claim would be countered by the fact that in Rom.16:7 Paul notes his fellow Apostles Andronicus and Junia were "converted" BEFORE Paul. Andronicus is a distinctly Greco-Roman name found in the royal household at least indicating the possibility of Gentile ethnicity.
[edit] The term "Apostle"
The term APOSTLE (ἀπόστολος) simply means "a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders" - (Thayers) And was the application of a common Greek term to what many call today "Church planters" or "Missionaries". The priority of the original 12 are left untouched by this application as they were as the 12 Patriarchs among the Tribes of Israel and are inscribed on the walls of the New Jerusalem [Rev 21:14] in the same way the names of the Patriarchs were inscribed on the Breastplate of the High Priest.
The adaptation of the term APOSTLE during the New Testament period was probably a softer and less controversial term than "Prophet" in that the Rabbinical Academy had already been teaching Prophets had passed away and were no more.[citation needed] Thus anyone claiming to be a "Prophet" was a "False prophet" only. This was based on the text in Zechariah:
Zec 13:2 And it shall come to pass in that day, smith the LORD of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land. Zec 13:3 And it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou salt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the LORD: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth. Zec 13:4 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive: Zec 13:5 But he shall say, I am no prophet, I am an husbandman; for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth.
The above text was the basis among the Rabbinical Academy for discrediting any future prophetic activity, including what would become the New Testament movement. However, Malachi [the prophet] came after Zechariah, so it is clear, at least as far as Malachi was concerned, this text did not mean what it was being popularly interpreted to mean.[citation needed]
The use of the term "Prophet" in Israel was much more controversial at the time[citation needed], than use of the term "Apostle" which was a common term employed of emissaries of the Jerusalem temple to the Diaspora. "Apostles" of the Rabbinical "Synagogue" system were a known and accepted practice and title of that day. Thus, employing the term "Apostle" to describe missionaries of the messianic persuasion would not have been as controversial.
In the New Testament, the term "Apostles" occurs in 59 versus. 27% of the total time mentioned it is phrased together "Apostles and Prophets". In Act 15:32 it is stated Judas and Silas while called "Apostles" were simultaneously called "Prophets", thus indicating the terms may have been either used in close association with one another or possibly even nearly but not quite inter-changeably.
The use of the term "Apostle" in the New Testament period however, would not have been understood in the same way as it is today among Post-Roman council sacerdotalists and canon theologists.[citation needed]
[edit] The Canon
Canonization theology or canon law is the outgrowth of the Roman Councils on Theology commissioned by the Roman Caesar Constantine often referred to as the Ecumenical councils.[citation needed] The degree to which these councils are accepted as authoritative depend on the particular denomination of Christianity under discussion.
Using the standard rules of hermeneutics known among theologians as the Grammatical-Historical-Contextual, it would be impossible to place any reference in any part of the scriptures to the Canon, as neither existed at the time of their writing. Thus the only reference one could make for it would be as a prophecy.
It is claimed by critics of the fivefold ministry concept that the Roman Canon was referred to indirectly in passages like the following:
1Co 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 1Co 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 1Co 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
... or ...
Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
In the first text, the phrase "when that which is perfect is come" is here used to refer to the Roman Councils completing the New Testament Canon. Thus since the canon has been agreed on, the charismatic gifts such as "prophecies" and "knowledge" have "passed away". However it is noted by critics, in the following text...
1Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
Restorations argue Paul, the Apostle with the very "revelation" penned in the New Testament canon itself, claims "we see through a glass, darkly" speaking of himself. He then DEFINES within the text what he means by the term "Perfect": "but then shall I know even as also I am known". Restorations would point out that this appears to many to be a clear reference to a state of perfection beyond a collection of 27 books. Furthermore, Paul includes himself participating in that future state of perfection and unless one assumes he was sitting around in heaven waiting for the Romans to vote on the canon so he could read it, this is a highly improbable scenario of intended meaning.[citation needed]
Among those who accept this interpretation, there are still historical discrepancies in what actually happened in history. As the prophetic did not actually ever "cease", it was simply censored, punished by law, and expunged. Savonarola is but one example.
In the Second text, critics of the 5 fold ministry concept use the phrase "Till we all come in the unity of the faith" to refer to the Roman Canon compiled by the Ecumenical councils. Thus "Apostles and Prophets" have no need to exist anymore and are thus discontinued. Restorationists would point out however, if one simply notes the full text, the terms "Apostles" and "Prophets" are mentioned along with "Evangelists", "Pastors" and "Teachers". Thus one must arbitrarily break the continuity of the text and "cherry pick" the two terms "Apostles" and "Prophets" out from among the rest in order to make this work.
[edit] "Cessation" absent from all texts
Restorationists assert there is no clear statement in any three bodies of literature indicating the prophetic comes to an end. Quite the contrary. In all three bodies of literature, instructions are given for its continued practice.
EXAMPLES:
TORAH -
Num 12:6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.
Joe 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
NEW TESTAMENT -
1Co 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy...
1Co 14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
Rev 19:10 for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
QURAN - Quran 2:87 "We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of messengers; We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. Is it that whenever there comes to you a messenger with what ye yourselves desire not, ye are puffed up with pride?- Some ye called impostors, and others ye slay!"
The main bodies of literature shaping this doctrine, it is charged by Restorationists, is the extra-biblical non-inspired, non-revelatory and non-prophetic literature created by each tradition.[citation needed] The Rabbinical Talmud, the Roman Canon Law, and the Islamic Hadiths.... all admittedly academic human tradition, not scripture.[citation needed]
It is observed by critics that the texts used in support of the termination doctrine appear to be isolated and are often contorted.[citation needed] Restorationists see these arguments as based on innuendo and insinuations. It is also observed that they arbitrarily and conveniently place the time of "cessation" at the end of their own movements. In the case of Rabbinical Judaism, Christianity was a false religion precisely because it still claimed prophetic activity, whereas the Rabbis of the Academy had already been teaching prophets had passed away for centuries.
DOUBLE STANDARDS FOR PROPHETS
Advocates of the Fivefold ministry concept would also point out the following in response to the standard objections concerning idealized standards for the prophetic:
a. The standard for Prophetic accuracy is no different than the standards for teaching accuracy. There are no teachers who are infallible and inerrant today. Thus, does that mean that the gift, office, role, function of teacher has therefore "ceased"? This argument cannot be used without invoking a clear double standard.
b. The Torah requirement for capital punishment commonly invoked against the prophetic, refers not to the prophet's accuracy of prediction, but of teaching ...to worship another god at that. The term "prophet" is equally applied in scripture to anyone who holds themselves to be a "messenger" of any kind, be it through teaching or prophetic messages. Thus once again, this Torah law would be equally applicable to both Prophet, Priest or Pastor.
NOTE: Deu 13:2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, Deu 13:5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; BECAUSE he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God,
This penalty is invoked EVEN IF THE PROPHETIC WORD IS ACCURATE. This is is not a textual requirement to be "100% accurate" as is often claimed. This TEXT as TORAH LAW in Israel was applicable to anyone.... even if they were "prophets".
The actual penalty for "missing" a prophecy under Torah?
Deu 18:22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
Restorationists point out that obviously, if you killed someone learning to be a prophet every time they missed one in the process of learning, you would never have any. And restorationists would say that is the real agenda or "goal" of this kind of teaching. How many "Bishops" or "Preachers" would be left, if that standard was applied to misisng a "teaching"? 1 Sa.10:5,10, 19:20, Isa. 8:16 [And there was "training" or "discipleship" among the prophets]
c. "Accuracy" is often subjective as most of the Biblical prophets were castigated during their own day as "false prophets". General accuracy as defined by pattern recognition was all that was required as the specific details of even Biblically recorded prophecies will often vary slightly between what was prophesied and what actually occurred, but they were still considered "accurate". The modern appellation "100% accurate" is nothing more than an argument based on cultural invention.[citation needed] The term itself "prophet" or "nabbi", required a consistent level of accuracy, otherwise it would not be applicable anymore than calling someone a "swimmer" when they could not "swim". Restorationists would claim these comments are the result of a lack of understanding about the Biblical practice of the prophetic.[citation needed]
MAINLINE DENOMINATIONS
"Mainline denominations" is a misnomer because these are generally references to ambiguous large Church organizations and their official "policies".[citation needed] The Charismatic movement, which is the basis of this ecclesiology is widespread throughout all Christendom and extremely diverse. It can be found among Roman Catholics to Baptists.[citation needed] A survey[1] in 1996 indicated Charismatic belief to be as follows:
Baptists = 37% Church of Christ = 34% 7th Day Adventists = 4% Lutheran = 17% Presbyterian = 17% Catholic = 27%
And these denominations are reported to represent the lowest approval rating, yet still clearly numbering in the millions globally. While all Charismatics endorse the "gifts of the Holy Spirit" by definition, which in most cases include prophecy, the ecclesiological definition of the term "prophet" is still being debated. Officially sanctioning the role of "prophet" creates a number of Church government issues which must be resolved for these organizations. The "fivefold ministry" model is one solution based on New Testament practice which is being proposed.
[edit] The church councils
For sacerdotal organizations, this model presents many historic challenges which may never be resolved. Church organizatins which have taken the Roman Councils as their basis of Biblical authority, are obligated to the decisions and practices of the line of council developments growing out of the Metropolitan Sees from the Nicene Council up to the present day, or at whatever diversion point which is chosen along the way.[citation needed] Per example many Prebytarians will follow the Council decisions through the council of Orange. Restorationists point out that according to even the earliest councils, the very Protestant Churches that cite them (Methodist, Baptist, Presbytarian, Independent Evangelical) are themselves condemned as "heretics", so the appeals are both hypocritical and illogical. In fact, it has been argued by some, that the current Roman Catholic church itself would be considered "heretical" based on its own previous councils.[citation needed]
Certain segments of the Restorationist movement see the Church councils themselves, from the beginning, as the dominant linage of error and consequently place little or no importance on them,[citation needed] while others still prefer identification with the earliest councils, such as the Nicene Council.[citation needed]
The rise and dominance of the "Bishop" over all other roles did not constitute historically the "cessation" of anything, but simply its "official disapproval" as it did in fact continue to occur. Often in protest by the Biships themselves [just as it often occurs today in many places].[citation needed] The fact that ecclesiastical authorities claim today it does not exist, and yet it does as evidenced by the controversy, is observation of the continuing argument which has existed since the founding of the Rabbinical Academy in Ancient Israel.
[edit] The role of the Academy in "ceasing" the prophets
The Academy, since its founding, has claimed the "prophetic" exists no more and is now to be replaced by the trained Academic whose titles of academic merit such as Bachelor, Master and Doctor now constitute the proper "ecclesiastical authorities". This was possibly the claim which was addressed by Christ himself:[citation needed]
Mat 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. Mat 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Mat 23:10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. Mat 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. Mat 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
A.T.Robertson notes on this passage the following:
Mat 23:10 - Masters (kathēgētai). This word occurs here only in the N.T. It is found in the papyri for teacher (Latin, doctor). It is the modern Greek word for professor.
It is maintained by Restorationist theology that this was a clear reference to the Academy system[citation needed] and its three degrees which "pronouce" spiritual authority in exchange for payment of money and completion of Academic awards. This system of training and ecclesiastical authority is understood to be inconsistent with both the teaching and actual practice of Christ as recorded in the New Testament:[citation needed]
Joh 7:15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
Act 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
Therefore, in Restorationist theology, spiritual authority is derived in the New Testament manner, by the ability of the "gift" itself which is conferred by God alone and its exercise [like the ability to sing or run] is self-evident by the ability to do it. Furthermore, some restorationists go farther and point out that the universally condemned practice of Simonry, in which payment for ministerial authority was overtly condemned as unpardonable in the New Testament:
Act 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Act 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. Act 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
...was also upheld even within Roman Catholicism for over a millennium,[citation needed] and clearly included a ban on payments for religious education among the Scholastics until eventually modified by Pope Gregory IX, 1231 CE to distinguish between the cost of services rendered and the labor[citation needed].... and thus was born the modern Seminary system.[citation needed]
Some restorationists see the rise of the Academic Bishop who was openly against the Apostolic and Prophetic from the beginning to have been the original point of departure for the majority Apostasy also predicted and described in the New Testament.[citation needed]
In all 3 religious traditions, Jewish, Christian and Muslim, one has to look past the sacred scripture of its various tradition to support the view the prophetic ceased, precisely because the literature itself in all three traditions were written by Prophets, not Academics. Restorationists see the rejection of the prophets as the "tradition of men", be they from the Jewish Talmud, the Arabic Hadiths, or the Roman Councils, arbitrarily crafted by jurists and judges of governments and empires. And ironically in all three cases, the Academics who describe themselves as "tradionalists", all attempt to build the same logic.[citation needed] The Prophets are all dead and no more.
Mat 23:29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, Mat 23:30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Mat 23:31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
The claim that "all the prophets are dead" has been around a long time, and so have the prophets who were being told this was the case.[citation needed]
Restorationists would note, history is not on the side of the Academic, but on the side of the prophet.Template:Facty But more importantly, so are the sacred texts... as are the prophets themselves who wrote them.[citation needed]
[edit] External links
Categories: Articles lacking sources from December 2006 | All articles lacking sources | Articles with weasel words | NPOV disputes from December 2006 | Articles with unsourced statements since February 2007 | All articles with unsourced statements | Christian group structuring | Charismatic and Pentecostal Christianity
