October 2011 Seek The Old Paths 73

Vol. 22, No. 10 October 2011

UNREST, UPRISING, AND REVOLTRusty Stark

Our world is in the midst of wide-spread unrest. Citizens of vari-ous nations are rising upagainst their own governments. Insome cases, tyrants are toppling andbeing taken over by other tyrants.There are also common people takingpart in violent protests to overthrowtheir government.

On the one hand, brutal dictators,tyrants, and despots are clearly in vio-lation of righteous principles. It isGods will that rulers be a terror toevil, not to good (Rom. 13:3-4; 1 Peter2:13-14). Those who are a terror to therighteous and those who harbor andsupport evildoers are not right inGods sight.

But on the other hand, the ques-tion before us now is whether or not itis proper for Christians to engage inacts of civil disobedience and even vio-lence to overthrow the government even an evil one.

THE RULE OF GOVERNMENT ISAUTHORIZED BY GOD

Romans 13:1-7 says, Let everysoul be subject unto the higher powers.For there is no power but of God: thepowers that be are ordained ofGod. Whosoever therefore resisteth thepower, resisteth the ordinance of God:and they that resist shall receive tothemselves damnation. For rulersare not a terror to good works, but tothe evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid ofthe power? do that which is good, andthou shalt have praise of the same: Forhe is the minister of God to thee for

good. But if thou do that which is evil,be afraid; for he beareth not the swordin vain: for he is the minister of God, arevenger to [execute] wrath upon himthat doeth evil. Wherefore [ye] mustneeds be subject, not only for wrath,but also for conscience sake. For forthis cause pay ye tribute also: forthey are Gods ministers, attendingcontinually upon this very thing. Ren-der therefore to all their dues: trib-ute to whom tribute [is due]; custom towhom custom; fear to whom fear; hon-our to whom honour.

Romans 13:4 talks about the gov-ernment bearing the sword as a min-ister of God. For civilization to exist,for law and order to prevail, someonemust have the power of enforcementand punishment. Police can andshould use force in the course of dutyin order to thwart those who would doevil or to capture and punish thosewho have done evil.

A government can and should pro-tect its citizens from evildoers, even bythe use of military might. Our govern-ment certainly had every right to fightagainst Hitler, and to punish the evildeeds of Usama Bin Laden. Godsword gives governments the right ofpunishing evildoers (even other gov-ernments who are evil). However, Hedoes not give that right to individuals.

OUR OWN HISTORY

This question is one which caneasily become clouded in the minds ofAmericans. Not only was our nationborn out of revolt and uprising, we

have been taught to be proud of thatfact. But the truth of Gods word cannever be proven by appealing to pastbehavior. If something is wrong, wemust not justify it under the guise ofpatriotism.

TAXES, SUBMISSION AND CIVILOBEDIENCE

Here is an important point oftruth regardless of all attempts tojustify otherwise: Christians are topay taxes. Romans 13:6 says, For forthis cause pay ye tribute also: for theyare Gods ministers. It is not enoughsimply to argue that the tax is unfair.Nor do we have the right to refuse topay simply because we are taxed with-out representation. Christians paytheir taxes. If Paul commanded thepeople of his day to pay tax to anempire as evil as that of Rome, there isno excuse for Christians to refuse topay taxes to their government.

Here is another truth that wemust accept and follow: Christians areto be people of civil obedience, submit-ting themselves to governmentalauthority. We are not a people of civildisobedience.

Note the following passages:1 Tim. 2:2, we are to pray for those

in authority that we may lead a quietand peaceable life.

Titus 3:1, Put them in mind to besubject to principalities and pow-ers, to obey magistrates, to be ready

(Continued on page 75)Unrest, Uprising, and Revolt

Theres a world of differencebetween those who abide in thekingdoms of the world andthose who have been called out ofthem called out of the world ofdarkness and translated into thekingdom of Gods dear Son (cf. Col.1:13). In the world we were childrenof disobedience (cf. Eph 2:2); but, inthe kingdom of Christ (the church),we are children of light (cf. 1 Thess.5:5). Gods wrath is upon the disobe-dient those who walk as in thenight (Eph. 5:6). Faithful Christiansare not of the darkness, they are ofthe light.

Jesus said of himself, I am comea light into the world, that whosoeverbelieveth on me should not abide indarkness (John 12:46). The Lord toldSaul of Tarsus that He was sendinghim unto the Gentiles (those in theworld of darkness), To open theireyes, [and] to turn [them] fromdarkness to light, and [from] thepower of Satan unto God... (Acts26:18). Theres obviously a differencebetween the people of the world andthe people of the Lord (Christians).

As servants of the Lord, we are tocast off the works of darkness and puton the armour of light (Rom. 13:12).We ...are all the children of light, andthe children of the day: we are not ofthe night, nor of darkness (1 Thess.5:5). Since we are now light in theLord, we are to walk as children oflight (Eph. 5:8). Light can have nocommunion (fellowship) with dark-ness (2 Cor. 6:14).

First Peter chapter two tells ushow to live. It speaks of our conduct our attitude and disposition of life.Our manner of life is to be ...honestamong the Gentiles: that, whereasthey speak against you as evildoers,they may by [your] good works, whichthey shall behold, glorify God in theday of visitation (1 Peter 2:12). Weare to submit ourselves to ...everyordinance of man for the Lords sake:

whether it be to the king, as supreme;Or unto governors, as unto them thatare sent by him for the punishment ofevildoers, and for the praise of themthat do well. For so is the will of God,that with well doing ye may put tosilence the ignorance of foolish men:As free, and not using [your] libertyfor a cloke of maliciousness, but as theservants of God (1 Peter 2:13-16).

These verses do not tell us to taketo the streets in violent protest to thegovernment. Theres no mention ofrock throwing, destruction of proper-ty and general mayhem. When we seenews reports all around the world ofcountries in turmoil, its citizensembroiled in insurrection, we cantimagine in a million years of Chris-tians being in that number. Instead, 1Timothy 2:2 tells us to pray for kings,and [for] all that are in authority; thatwe may lead a quiet and peaceablelife in all godliness and honesty.

The Lords kingdom is a king-dom of peace. Isaiah 2:4 speaks ofthe citizens of the kingdom (thechurch) by saying, ...they shall beattheir swords into plowshares, andtheir spears into pruninghooks:nation shall not lift up sword againstnation, neither shall they learn warany more. The behavior and attitudeof people before becoming Christianswas to use instruments of war andviolence such as swords and spears.But after becoming Christians, theyconverted them into implements ofagriculture such as plowshares andpruninghooks. The Lords people donot take to the streets yelling andscreaming, calling for trouble andinstability. The Lords people areabsolutely no threat to anyone in theworld, certainly not a government ornation. We serve a new king, the LordJesus Christ. We attend to a new rule,the way of righteousness and purity.

Paul spoke of some in the firstcentury who thought Christiansacted like everyone else, that they

lived according to the flesh (worldlyminded), doing the same things peo-ple of the world did. However, Paulappealed to the conduct of our Lord.His was an example of meekness andgentleness. That was not only theLords disposition, it is the way Chris-tians are to act. The Word of the Lordis, ...though we walk in the flesh, wedo not war after the flesh: (For theweapons of our warfare [are] notcarnal, but mighty through God tothe pulling down of strong holds;)Casting down imaginations, andevery high thing that exalteth itselfagainst the knowledge of God, andbringing into captivity every thoughtto the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:3-5). Christians do not behave like therest of the world. The battle Chris-tians wage is a spiritual battle, foughtwith spiritual weapons, the Gospel ofJesus Christ. It is a battle for thehearts and minds of people every-where. The Gospel subdues the verymind, the very thoughts of an individ-ual, and brings them under control tothe obedience of Christ.

The Lords kingdom is governedby the Gospel of peace. It is a newlaw, the Gospel of Jesus the Christ.Romans 10:15 says, How beautifulare the feet of them that preach thegospel of peace, and bring glad tid-ings of good things! As citizen of thekingdom of peace, a soldier of JesusChrist, our feet are shod with thepreparation of the gospel of peace(Eph. 6:15). Jesus said his discipleswould march to a new command-ment. It is a new and novel concept asfar as the world is concerned. It is acommandment of love, genuine love,sincere love, a love that seeks thegood and well being of others. Jesussaid, A new commandment I giveunto you, That ye love one another; asI have loved you, that ye also love oneanother (John 13:34).

Within the Lords people there isa peace that passes understanding(Phil. 4:7). It is an inner peace. Philip-pians 4:7 does not say well be freefrom turmoil and trouble in theworld. We cannot escape persecution(2 Tim. 3:12). What it means is, ourhearts will not be consumed by theworlds unrest and crisis. Though welive IN the world, we do not live ASthe world. Maturity in Christ leavesthe carnality of the world behind.Jesus spoke of peace (John 14:27), butnot the kind of peace the world gives.

74 Seek The Old Paths October 2011

CHILDREN OF DISOBEDIENCEOR CHILDREN OF LIGHT

Garland M. Robinson

It is an inner peace that comforts ourhearts. We live by a higher standardbecause his banner over us is love (cf.Song of Solomon 2:4).

Our devotion is to the Lord andHis cause. While we are meek andgentle like our Lord, we will not com-promise nor bend the Law of God. It

is the very principle that rules ourhearts and lives. This is why Jesusteaches us to ...fear not them whichkill the body, but are not able to killthe soul: but rather fear him which isable to destroy both soul and body inhell (Matt. 10:28).

Is this so in your heart and life? Is

your life one of physical, carnal con-flict or one of gentleness and peace?The judgment of the Lord is coming.Are you, will you, be ready? Will youmeet Him in worldly confrontationand strife or in peace and love?

October 2011 Seek The Old Paths 75

to every good work.1 Thess. 4:11, And that ye study

to be quiet, and to do your own busi-ness, and to work with your ownhands, as we commanded you.

2 Thess. 3:12, Now them that aresuch we command and exhort by ourLord Jesus Christ, that with quiet-ness they work, and eat their ownbread.

Rom. 13:13, Let us walk honest-ly, as in the day; not in rioting anddrunkenness, not in chambering andwantonness, not in strife and envy-ing.

1 Peter 2:11-17, Dearly beloved, Ibeseech you as strangers and pilgrims,abstain from fleshly lusts, which waragainst the soul; Having your conver-sation honest among the Gentiles:that, whereas they speak against youas evildoers, they may by your goodworks, which they shall behold, glori-fy God in the day of visitation. Submityourselves to every ordinance ofman for the Lords sake: whether itbe to the king, as supreme; Or untogovernors, as unto them that aresent by him for the punishment ofevildoers, and for the praise ofthem that do well. For so is the willof God, that with well doing ye mayput to silence the ignorance of foolishmen: As free, and not using your lib-erty for a cloke of maliciousness,but as the servants of God. Honour allmen. Love the brotherhood. Fear God.Honour the king.

Here we see that our submissionto the authority of government canmake a difference to how men viewChristianity. Our obedient, quiet, sub-missive lives can cause others to glori-fy God. The right attitude on our partcan put to silence the ignorance of fool-ish men. On the other hand, if weengage in civil disobedience we willmake Christianity look like a bunch ofrebellious, lawless people.

PROTESTS AND PETITIONS FORREDRESS OF WRONGS

In the First Amendment to theConstitution of the United States,number one in our Bill of Rights, ourgovernment allows its citizens peace-ably to assemble and to petition thegovernment for a redress of griev-ances. The point of this article is in noway intended to say the First Amend-ment is wrong.

Government of, by, and for thepeople demands that the people beinvolved. Christians are obligated aspart of the government to try to steerthat government in the right way. Forthis reason we should vote and use ourvotes as a stand for right and good, notswayed by party loyalty or thealmighty pocketbook. It is not wrongto call attention to those things ourgovernment needs to change. It is notwrong to point out the things our gov-ernment does that are wrong or sinful.It is not wrong to try to influence ourgovernment to do right. But there is avast difference between peaceableassembly and violent protest. There isa vast difference between lawfulattempts at responsible change andrebellion and revolution causing havocand mayhem.

Christians are to be people of civilobedience. That is, we are commandedby God to obey the government underwhich we live. Anything less is sinful.The only exception to this rule is in thecase where obedience to mans lawcauses us to violate Gods law. Theapostles made this clear in Acts 5:29when they said, We ought to obey Godrather than men. We have a highercalling. It is the Lord and His word.Heaven demands we seek Gods wayfirst (Matt. 6:33).

THE POWER OF CHRISTIANITY

John 18:36, Jesus answered, Mykingdom is not of this world: if mykingdom were of this world, thenwould my servants fight, that I should

not be delivered to the Jews: but now ismy kingdom not from hence. It isimportant for us to remember that thepower of Christianity is not militarypower. The kingdom of God is notadvanced nor defended by bullets andbombs.

Christianity fights and conquersby reason, revelation the Word ofGod (Rom. 1:16). For though we walkin the flesh, we do not war after theflesh: (For the weapons of our war-fare [are] not carnal, but mightythrough God to the pulling down ofstrong holds;) Casting down imagina-tions, and every high thing that exal-teth itself against the knowledge ofGod, and bringing into captivity everythought to the obedience of Christ (2Cor. 10:3-5). The power of Christianityis not from military action, not fromcivil government, not even from Chris-tians. The power of Christianity isfrom God. Gods Word in all its power(Heb. 4:12; Rom. 1:16) and the provi-dential care of His people (1 Peter3:12) are all the power we need in thisworld.

Christianity existed and flour-ished under the tyranny of Rome with-out Christians rising up and callingfor the overthrow of Caesar. Many gov-ernments have persecuted Christians.That is simply the way it is. SecondTimothy 3:12 says, Yea, and all thatwill live godly in Christ Jesus shallsuffer persecution. But the New Tes-tament does not call Christians tooverthrow governments. It calls us tosubmit to those governments, eventhose which are evil.

The command of the Lord is...that we may lead a quiet and peace-able life in all godliness and honesty(1 Tim. 2:2). We pray without ceasingthat peace and safety may prevail. Wepray that doors may be opened for theGospel to be spread around the world.Are you helping the Lords cause orpreventing it (cf. Matt. 12:30)?

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Unrest, Uprising, and Revolt(Continued from page 73)

76 Seek The Old Paths October 2011

ABOUT THE KORAN (QURAN)

The Koran was revealed in Arabicover a period of twenty-two years(AD 610-632). Since Muslims uni-versally insist that Mohammed was illit-erate, they claim that he received nonlit-erary (unwritten) revelations from theangel Gabriel, which he never wrote down(of course how could he if he was illiter-ate). The Koran supports this contention(6:7; 7:158; 17:93; 25:5; 29:48,51). Thismeans the Koran existed first only orallyas spoken by Mohammed. The next step,therefore, in preserving these revela-tions is to retrieve all these oral teachingsfrom all the many hearers. Most of Islamwill also admit and contend that thisprocess of collecting and compiling allthese revelations did not begin untilafter Mohammeds death. This brings usto a very important point concerning theKoran. If Mohammed is indeed (as theyclaim) the final and greatest prophet, thisnecessitates that the retelling and record-ing of these revelations would be left touninspired speakers, writers, and memo-ries.

Muslim scholars and historians cred-it Abu Bakr (his best friend and father ofhis favorite wife) with having been thefirst to organize the collection and trans-mitting of all these revelations in onesingle book. They contend he produced thefirst official written Koran. Many Muslimapologists and scholars admit that afterthe initial compilation of the Koran wasfinished, many copies were burned. Theywill go on to explain, however, that thisburning took place because there wereincorrect copies and many with mis-takes. They admit, therefore, that sincetheir process of recording and collectingthese revelations was a completely unin-spired process, there were many mistakesand errors in early copies. Where mostpeople contend that through the years awork will lose its credibility, the Muslimsmust contend that through the years theirbook gains more and more credibility asthey remove the mistakes and contradic-tions.

It is often contended that when mis-takes and contradictions arise, they aretotally the fault of the translation of thetext into another language other thanArabic. In the authors personal experi-ence, this has been a common response,

which is why in my work I always carriedan Arabic copy of the Koran for Muslimstudents to use (though most of themcould not use it if they wanted to!). By stat-ing this, the person is basically saying theonly way the Koran can be truly under-stood in its perfect and inerrant form isby speaking and/or reading the Arabic lan-guage. The god of the Koran has decidedthat the true message can only be receivedthrough one language, and the Koranclaims in several passages that it has beenpreserved in only pure and clear Arabicspeech (26:195). Interestingly enough,though, scattered throughout the pages ofthe Koran are words from other lan-guages! For example, Syrian words areused repeatedly in the Koran (3:45- masihtranslated Messiah, 2:50- furqan translat-ed salvation, etc.).

Finally, it is also important to under-stand what Muslims call Islamic Hadith.The Hadith is simply a collection of tradi-tions regarding the life and sayings of theprophet Mohammed and how he respond-ed to others. These traditions were firsttransmitted by word of mouth and laterrecorded. It is regarded as just as muchthe word of Allah as the Koran (some Mus-lims esteem it more authoritative eventhan the Koran).

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT BOOKSLIKE THE KORAN

Where Jesus was not satisfied leavingthe truth to the unaided human memoriesof His apostles alone, He instead told themthe Holy Ghost would teach you allthings, and bring all things to yourremembrance, whatsoever I have saidunto you (John 14:26). The same cannotbe said for the Koran. In recording theBible, not only did God inspire the writersmemory and knowledge, He also inspiredtheir writings.

And account that the longsuffering ofour Lord is salvation; even as our belovedbrother Paul also according to the wisdomgiven unto him hath written unto you (2Peter 3:15). If any man think himself tobe a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowl-edge that the things that I write unto youare the commandments of the Lord (1 Cor.14:37). And he that sat upon the thronesaid, Behold, I make all things new. Andhe said unto me, Write: for these words aretrue and faithful (Rev. 21:5).

This is how Paul, through the Holy

Spirit, could write all Scripture is givenby inspiration of God (2 Tim. 3:16). Allthat is Scripture, whether oral or written,is God-breathed. That means if somethingnew is taught, remembered, or writtenwithout the direct assistance of God, it isnot Scripture!

That introduces another very impor-tant concept directly relating to theKoran. God breathed the words written bythe apostle Paul when He wrote: Butthough we, or an angel from heaven,preach any other gospel unto you thanthat which we have preached unto you, lethim be accursed. As we said before, so sayI now again, If any man preach any othergospel unto you than that ye havereceived, let him be accursed (Gal. 1:8-9).

If the angel Gabriel brought a mes-sage to Mohammed (as they claim), that isdifferent, contradictory, or even additionalto what the apostles of Jesus Christtaught, the message should be reject-ed! Paul could not be any plainer thanwhat he wrote to the Galatians. So, theman of God simply needs to compare thewords of the Koran to the words of theapostles of Jesus Christ, and in every sin-gle way that the Koran is different thanScripture, it should be rejected and itsauthor should be considered accursed.And, in whatever ways they agree, theyare not true because the Koran said it (orin other words because Mohammedrewrote what he read in Scripture thathad already been written), it is truebecause Scripture said it beforeMohammed was even born!

Where the god of the Koran hasdecided that the true message can only bereceived through the Arabic language, thisis in complete contrast to the God of theBible who supplied many early Christians(specifically the apostles) with the abilityto speak and carry the message in tonguesthey had never before studied (Acts 2:7-8,et al.) in order for the Gospel to reach allpeoples (Col. 1:23). In fact, when God him-self desired to speak a message to Saul ofTarsus, He spoke in the Hebrew tongue(Acts 26:14). Paul wrote that there are somany kinds of voices (or languagesNKJV) in the world, and none of them iswithout signification (or significanceNKJV) (1 Cor. 14:10).

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TAKING THE WORD OF GOD TO ISLAM #2John Hall

October 2011 Seek The Old Paths 77

In this series of articles, I am analyz-ing New Testament passages whichset forth specific responsibilities thelocal congregation has toward elders.My objective remains twofold: 1) Tohelp brethren understand exactly whatGod demands of his people as it per-tains to the elders/congregation rela-tionship. This objective will be attainedby explaining what certain passagesentail as to their meaning and applica-tion. 2) I want to encourage and moti-vate brethren to implement the atti-tudes and actions God solicits on ourpart toward elders. This objective maybe attained by appealing to that senseof duty inherent within the hearts ofhonest and good brethren who areintent on pleasing their Master in allthings spiritual. Gods inspired direc-tives relate how every member of thechurch should treat elders of the localcongregation. Let us note a couple ofthese from a selected verse.

THE PASSAGE

The second passage in this series Iwould like to analyze comes from thebook of Hebrews. The writer states:Obey them that have the rule over you,and submit to them; for they watch inbehalf of your souls, as they that shallgive account; that they may do this withjoy, and not with grief; for this wereunprofitable for you (Heb. 13:17; ASV).

The author references two classesof people in this verse. The readergleans this from usage of the secondand third person plural pronouns:Obey them that have the rule over you,and submit to them; for they watch inbehalf of your souls.... The second per-son pronouns (you/your) referencesthe ones being addressed by the writer.The author imposes upon this groupcertain responsibilities of obedienceand submission. In contrast, the thirdperson pronouns (they/them) refer tothose people being spoken about. Theauthor states that this group rulesover and watches in behalf of thefirst group. Who are these two classes?

The first group designates Christiansin general. The second group denotesthe elders of various congregations.Thus, the passage should be understoodas addressing members of local congre-gations concerning responsibilitiestoward their elders.

Read it again: Obey them [the eld-ers] that have the rule over you [thecongregation], and submit to them [theelders]; for they [the elders] watch inbehalf of your [the congregation] souls,as they [the elders] that shall giveaccount; that they [the elders] may dothis with joy, and not with grief; for thiswere unprofitable for you [the congre-gation]. One may object that sinceHebrews consists of a general epistleand does not address any specific con-gregational situation, this cannot equala reference to the elders of the localchurch. Not so. Two matters should beconsidered: First, since elders wereappointed in every church (Acts 14:23)during the first century, the authors ofthe so-called generic epistles take forgranted that all the congregations ofthe Lords people when fully organizedpossessed elders. For example, onewriter mentions that if any among youare sick, let him call for the elders ofthe church (James 5:14). Anotherwriter appeals to the elders thereforeamong you and even identifies himselfas a fellow-elder (1 Peter 5:1-3). Nei-ther of these epistles was addressed toa particular congregation of the Lordspeople. Yet, both authors reference eld-ers with the assumption that they gen-erally existed in all churches of Christ.Second, the verse under discussiondescribes these leaders as ruling withoversight and watching out for the spir-itual welfare of Christians. Elsewherethese concepts are descriptive of thework of overseers in contexts whereelders and bishops are specified(Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 5:17). Further, rep-utable brethren have consistentlyapplied Hebrews 13:17 to theelders/congregation relationship(McGarvey, 26; Woods, 141; Jackson, 21;

Duncan, 93; Taylor, 125)

OBEDIENCE

This passage sets forth two respon-sibilities that members of the local con-gregation have toward elders. The firstobligation entails obedience: Obeythem that have the rule over you.... Theword translated obey carries the basicmeaning to persuade or be persuaded.In this context, however, the word con-veys the nuance, to listen, to obey, toyield, to comply with, or to follow (Thay-er, 497; BDAG, 792). Paul uses the termin this sense when referencing onesappropriate response to Gods truth: Yewere running well; who hindered youthat ye should not obey the truth (Gal.5:7)? When one obeys God, they yieldtheir will to the Lords will; they complywith what God demands and remainfaithful in practice to his requirements.In this same sense, every member of thechurch must surrender their volition tothe collective will and wisdom of elderswho oversee the local congregation.Show me a faithful Christian and I willpoint to the same individual as a personwho obeys the directives of the elders ofthe local church. That person will do sobecause they know such complianceremains part of what God expects anddemands among the devoted. FaithfulChristians never rebel at Gods wordbut rather live in harmony with thatdivine will. If God says members of thechurch are to obey elders, then thefaithful Christian feels privileged tooblige.

SUBMISSION

The second responsibility membersof the local congregation have towardelders entails submission: Obey themthat have the rule over you, and submitto them.... The term translated sub-mit occurs only here in the New Testa-ment. The word relates the concept,withdraw, give way to. The meaninghere, however, has a figurative exten-sion, to yield to someones authority,yield, give way, submit as when one sur-

RESPONSIBILITIESTOWARD ELDERS #2Stephen Wiggins

78 Seek The Old Paths October 2011

renders to the orders or directives ofanother (BDAG, 1030; Louw/Nida, 468).The idea conveys that members of thecongregation are to respond with sub-mission to the authoritative directivesof the elders even when one feels atvariance with their decisions (Allen,624). Some of the newer versions cor-rectly reflect this meaning in theirtranslation of the passage with the ren-dering: submit to their authority [NIV,TNIV; (Note: I quote from these trans-lations for illustrative purposes only todemonstrate how current scholarshipreflects the biblical truth that elderspossess delegated authority. Thisauthoritative concept inheres withinthe very terminology of inspirationsoriginal wording. Our more liberal-minded brethren are loath to acknowl-edge this gem of truth as such has beena controversial issue with them foryears. They have long denied that eld-ers possess any authority whatsoeveras it pertains to their decision makingrole. If liberals would have taken timeto study the very words of the New Tes-tament as reflected in their own cher-ished versions, however, they wouldhave known better to controvert over amatter the original makes crystal clear the authority of elders.My quotationfrom this one verse offers no blanketendorsement of the translations cited)].The point is that submit in this passagemeans to surrender to the authoritativedirectives of the elders (Lane, 554).

IMPERATIVES

The English reader may sometimesfail to appreciate that when the firstcentury authors wrote the New Testa-ment, they had at their disposal a lan-guage which allows for great flexibilityof expression. Greek permits an exact-ness or specificity which, though appar-ent to the original readers of the NewTestament, rarely transfers to the tar-get language in the translation process.This concession does not affirm that thetruth of Gods word cannot be conveyedthrough translation. The observationmerely acknowledges that there areintricacies such as subtle nuances ofmeaning, syntactical constructions, andgrammatical forms which are some-times exegetically significant for theinterpreter but not usually conveyed intranslation with the vividness other-wise noted from the original language.The conventions of the English lan-guage will not allow for the transfer-ence of some things clear to a reader of

the Greek New Testament. For exam-ple, observe that the author formulatesboth verbs, obey and submit, in theimperative mood on a present tensestem. The significance of this may gounappreciated unless brought to onesattention that there are reasons whythe author makes the grammaticalchoices he does (Porter, 50).

By using an imperative, the authorissues a clear, positive command. Itmakes a direct demand to the humanwill or volition (Wallace, 446). Itinvolves the imposition of ones willupon another. This explains why onegrammarian calls the imperative themood of volition (Dana/Mantey, 174).The imperative expresses the authorsattempt to impose Gods will on thechurch as a directive to be obeyed. Firstcentury readers would have immediate-ly noticed the force of this grammaticalconstruction and understood the seri-ousness and urgency of the charge. Thesignificance of this should be under-scored for modern day readers. Wheninspiration dictates Christians to obeyand submit to their overseers, a strongmandate comes through loud and clear.God has spoken in forceful language.No option or choice in the matterremains for those who wish to be count-ed among the faithful. One might aswell refuse to obey the command to bebaptized as to fail to obey the commandto submit to ones elders. This authori-tative injunction must be obeyed or elserebellion to the divine will ensues.Insubordination equals the heinouscrime of anarchy.

When used for commands, the pres-ent tense imperative denotes an on-going action (Dana/Mantey, 300). Thisusage classifies as a customary pres-ent. The force of which conveys a con-tinuous action that may or may nothave already commenced (Wallace, 485,721-722). What must be appreciated isthat Greek tense does not relate thetime of the verbal action, so much as itportrays the kind of action. Here, forexample, embedded in the verbtense-form, coupled with the literarycontext of the passage, the grammaticalconstruction relates an ongoing activity.That is, the author wants to portray thetype of action as progressive in nature.The writer had other tense optionsavailable by which he could have por-trayed a different kind of action. But hemade the deliberate choice to use thepresent tense. The authors grammati-cal choice would have been immediate-

ly recognized by first century readers.That significance remains the same forus today the directives to submit andobey are not obligations which can bedischarged with a one time or even spo-radic effort. Such commands can onlybe obeyed through constant and habitu-al practice. It involves an obligationimposed on the brethren that willalways and forever remain a God-givenduty. It equals a continuous responsibil-ity.

There will never be a time this sideof eternity when Gods people will beexempt from their responsibilities ofobedience and submission toward eld-ers in the church. These grammaticalnuances are captured, in part, by thefollowing expanded translation: I com-mand you to continuously obey the eld-ers who rule over you. I command youto continuously submit to their author-ity.

EXCEPTIONS

No one suggests that elders areinfallible or incapable of sin. No onemaintains that elders are immune tobecoming disqualified through somemoral failure or doctrinal aberration.No one suggests that elders cannotabuse their authoritative role resultingin lording it over Gods people asoppressive dictators (1 Peter 5:3). Noone argues here for indiscriminate loy-alty toward overseers without regardfor exceptional situations. No onedenies there may be extenuating cir-cumstances where the divine mandateto obey and submit to shepherds cannotbe followed by a faithful flock.

As human beings, elders are sus-ceptible to spiritual failures in the sameway any child of God may succumb totemptations preachers, deacons, ormembers in general. Elders must firsttake heed to themselves before theycan do so to the flock (Acts 20:28). Eventhe spiritual who seek to restore theerring must continuously be lookingto thyself, lest thou also be tempted(Gal. 6:1). The possibility exists thatelders can apostatize either doctrinallyor ethically (Acts 20:29-30; 1 Tim. 5:17-20). If the elect continue in submissionto such wayward men, the probabilityexists that they will be led to their spir-itual ruin as well. Therefore it may besafely assumed that when the biblicalauthor orders Gods people to obey andsubmit to elders that he has in mindfaithful elders/leaders, not apostaterenegades.

October 2011 Seek The Old Paths 79

By virtue of the fact that eldersmay apostatize from the faith, there areexceptions to the general rule of obedi-ence and submission toward elders. Butone must not attempt to negate whatGod demands regarding the Christiansresponsibilities toward faithful eldersby operating on the exception princi-ple and not the general rule. Suchdelusional efforts characterize onlythose who despise Gods design for eld-ers to rule over a congregation. Knowthat the divine mandates pertaining tosubmission must be understood andobeyed within the overall framework ofthe biblical context.

God does not enjoin upon the saintsblind allegiance to any man, much lessto elders who are not leading within theperimeters of truth and righteousness(Acts 5:29). What must be appreciatedis that elders occupy a functional rolewithin the church that exists by divinedesign. It is in connection with this roleand overall design that God designateselders to serve loyally and faithfully asshepherds over his people. When theydo this in accordance with Gods will,then there must be dedicated obedienceand submission to the elders of the localcongregation. No exceptions allowed.

DISAGREEMENTS

One may agree with what the Bibleteaches on congregational autonomyand on members being obedient andsubmissive to elders; yet, they findthemselves disagreeing with the elderspertaining to decisions they make onbehalf of the congregation. If one doesnot exercise prudence in this regardthey may allow tension to escalateresulting in resentment along with ahypercritical disposition toward theirelders. Such can easily denigrate into alack of respect for the elders if not out-right insubordination. I have personal-ly witnessed this tragedy on more thanone occasion during my ministry. This issad because an otherwise dedicatedChristian finds himself not only refus-ing to work in harmony with the eldersbut even despising that he must subor-dinate himself to leadership he views asincompetent. If a person finds them-selves in this situation it may help toconsider a couple of practical sugges-tions.

First, just because one disagreeswith a decision made by the elders doesnot mean the elders are wrong. It doesnot mean they have sinned. It does notmean they have violated some scriptur-

al principle of truth. It simply meansthat their judgment differs from yoursresulting in a different course of action.Every decision elders make falls intothe realm of expedience. They do notlegislate for God. They do not makelaws for God. Their decision makingrole remains within the realm of judg-ment and practicality as they overseeand make judicial choices on behalf ofthe spiritual welfare of a congregation.Many times an eldership will not evenunanimously agree among themselves.It follows that just because disagree-ments arise on how to carry out a par-ticular aspect of the Lords work doesnot mean anyones actions should beviewed as right versus wrong. The eld-ers have not committed a crime justbecause their judgment differs fromyours. Therefore any disagreementsdealing with the functional and proce-dural role of elders should be viewed asa difference of discretion in judgmentand not in matters of transgressingGods will. Think also in terms that obe-dience and submission to elders doesnot necessarily demand a rubber stampendorsement of every decision made bythem. In other words, there can be roomfor respectful disagreements in mattersof judgment without rebelling againsttheir leadership.

Second, if one disagrees with theelders, you might consider the fact thattheir collective wisdom and experiencemakes them far more qualified to makedecisions on behalf of the church thanyou as an individual. It is possible thatbecause of their accumulative knowl-edge they actually know much morethan you do concerning the circum-stances surrounding their decision on aparticular matter. It also may be thecase that they know details about a sit-uation of which you as a member of thecongregation are not privy and that thisknowledge assisted them in coming tothe conclusion they did. Perhaps onecould also think in terms of exemplify-ing an element of trust in those menthat the congregation appointed asqualified overseers. Cultivate an appre-ciation for their discretion and wisdom.Instead of being disagreeable andhypersensitive to your own opinions,assume that the elders are making thebest choices possible based on the infor-mation they have at their disposal. Per-haps there could be more humility onthe part of some members who thinkthey could do a better job than the cur-rent elders. Our twenty-first century

North American culture prides itself onindividualism and self-reliance. Thismentality fuels the freedom we supposeis ours to be hypercritical toward lead-ers in general. It remains easier forthese folks to criticize and complainthan to help with solutions to problems.Dont be so nave as to think that if youwere an elder, everyone would alwaysagree with you in every decision made.That will never happen.

For a list of Sources in writing thisarticle, see: seektheoldpaths.com/stop-o11.htm#SOUR

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80 Seek The Old Paths October 2011

We cannot seem to locate or per-haps we dont have the ability tolocate a sound church with whichto worship, fellowship and work.There does not seem to be any inthree states. We are not surewhere to try next. Would there bean avenue where we might beable to find a preacher who would

be willing to come our way for perhaps a year or so and help usstart a church and educate us on the correct way to do everythingand the best way to start? Thank you for your help. Warm regards...Chuck and Nancy Verkist, Ellensburg, WA. [NOTE: ThoughI have never met brother and sister Verkist, I have correspondedwith them for many years. They use our videos and newspaperarticles to assist them in their worship and teaching. If any of ourreaders may be able to assist them in their endeavor to have some-one come and work with them in establishing a faithful church inWashington state, then please contact them. Their address is: 906E 2nd Ave., Ellensburg, WA 98926, cverkist@kvalley.com.This Christian couple is certainly worthy of our support. We wouldlike to ask all the sound brethren and congregations in the sur-rounding states of the west and northwest to write them an emailof encouragement. editor]. Brother Robinson, thank you somuch for your stand for the truth. I enjoy Seek The Old Paths verymuch. May God bless you and the elders and all concerned withthis wonderful work. Please keep printing this ...Bobbi Wheeler,Baxter, TN. Will you please add my name to your mailing list? Ihave read several articles online and I would like to get the writ-ten copies. My husband and I pick up the issues when we visit acongregation in Murfreesboro, TN. We enjoy reading STOP...Katherine Byrom, Manchester, TN. Please remove my moth-er, Mildred Phillips, from your mailing list for Seek The Old Paths.She passed away in 2009 and we are already receiving your publi-cation in our name at the same address ...Mrs. Mark Stephens,New Market, AL. My mother, Eleanor Edmonds, has receivedthe subject publication for years. She had enjoyed it, but no longerwishes to receive it and hated to have you pay postage for it anylonger. Please remove her name and address from the mailing listfor Seek the Old Paths publication. Thank you and God bless...Lisa Davis, Harriman, TN. Please remove from mailing list...Janice Thaxton, McMinnville, TN. Please send me themonthly publication of Seek The Old Paths. 86 years old but stillseeking the truth. Thank you again ...Raymond Christmas,Marshall, TX. Brother Garland, the sound Gospel articles pre-sented in Seek The Old Paths are truly a joy to read. It is veryencouraging to me to stay faithful to The Word. It is uplifting toread the MAILBAG and realize there are other Christians remain-ing faithful to Christ. I have heard that in many areas The Churchis erring from the truth. My eyes were certainly opened to his dis-regard of Gods plan of worship by some of our brethren while site-seeing with family in Oregon last fall. (Should we really call thembrethren?) In shock at the band playing when I walked into thefoyer of one so-called Church of Christ (at least the sign out frontsaid it was), I went to the truck and cried thinking how very sad itmust make Christ who shed His blood for us. Unfortunately, mycousin did not agree to leave with me. She did take me to a con-gregation near her home that evening for worship. May we contin-ue to pray that the once faithful Christians repent before it is toolate and that we do not succumb to their false teaching. Please donot include my name in STOP ...West of the Mississippi.Please remove from your mailing list. Thank you ...StephanieStyers, Selmer, TN. Please send me your free monthly publica-tion, Seek The Old Paths. Im a prisoner at the Huntsville, TexasEstelle Unit. Thank you very much and may God bless you allthere ...Eric Bricker, Huntsville, TX. Dear brothers, RecentlyI have been reading all of your articles on the internet so you candelete my name and address from your mailing and save a littlepostage. Keep up the good work, til the Midnight Cry, ...Billy

Grammer, Longview, TX. Enclosed you will find a contributionthat you may use to help repair the ink drum or to help with otherexpenses. With issues of permissive society today, we draw comfortfrom your publication of Seek The Old Paths. We gain strengthknowing that there are others out there who seek the Old Paths. Itis with your monthly publication the truth is being told, for this wethank you and those who write the articles. I would greatly appre-ciate it if you would add the following on your monthly mailing...Art Ostrander, Marshall, TX. I am interested in receivingyour magazine, Seek The Old Paths. If there is a charge, could youplease add me to the mailing list? If there is a subscription charge,could you please send me subscription info and a sample copy ofthe magazine? Thank you for your time and assistance. I hope tohear from you soon ...Jim Kenison, Concord, NH. [NOTE:There is no charge. Were glad to add anyone to our mailing list.The paper is supported by free-will contributions of churches andindividuals. Were glad to help. editor]. Dear brother Robinson;To all who are in McMinnville, Tennessee, East End Church ofChrist, beloved of God, called to be saints: grace to you and peacefrom God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:7). It hasalways brightened my spirit to use the beautiful language of theBible, and the inspired men who recorded it is sweet to greet afaithful brother in a like manner. It has been quite some time sinceI had opportunity to greet you personally and hear you teach; butmy subscription to Seek The Old Paths has kept that remembrancefresh. I would ask you to receive and know of the fervent prayersof both myself and my wife for your work in the Lord. Lastly, pleaseadd my dear friend in Christ to your subscription list. He too is afaithful minister of the word of God ...Peter and Martha Capoc-cia, Southbridge, MA.

Seek The Old Paths is a monthly publication of the East EndChurch of Christ and is under the oversight of its elders. It is mailedFREEupon request. Its primary purpose and goal in publication canbe found in Jude 3; IITimothy 4:2; Titus 1:13; Titus 2:1; IIPeter 1:12.All mail received may be published unless otherwise noted. Articlesare also welcomed.

Editor: Garland M. Robinson

http://www.seektheoldpaths.org

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