The Christian Congregation and Authority

"This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved; listen to him." (Matthew 17:5) These words uttered by Jehovah God himself, endorsed Jesus as one who speaks with authority.  What he said is recorded in the four Gospel accounts to which we can easily refer.

Just before his ascension to heaven, Jesus informed his disciples:  "All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth." (Matthew 28:18) As head of his congregation, not only did Jesus keep a watchful eye on his anointed footstep followers on earth, but, since the outpouring of the holy spirit at Pentecost 33 C.E., he has also used them as a channel of truth, as  a "faithful and discreet slave."  (Matthew 24:45-47; Acts 2:1-36)  what has he done to accomplish all of this in order to strengthen the Christian congregation?  "When he ascended on high . . . , he gave gifts in men." (Ephesians 4:8)  These "gifts in men" are Christian elders, who are appointed by holy spirit and are given the authority to care for the spiritual interests of fellow believers. -Acts 20:28. 

For this reason Paul counsels:  "Remember those who are taking the lead among you, who have spoken the word of God to you, as as you contemplate how their conduct turns out imitate their faith."  Since these faithful men follow Jesus' steps closely, it is certainly the course of wisdom to imitate their faith.  Then Paul adds:  "Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, ["continually recognizing  their authority over your souls as those who will render an account; that  they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to you. -Hebrews 13:7, 17.

What happens when such directions are disregarded?  Some members of the early Christian congregation did just that and became apostates. Hymenaeus and Philetus are mention as men who subverted the faith of some and whose empty speeches  'violated what is holy.' One of their assertions was that the resurrection had already taken place, evidently either  a spiritual or a symbolic one, and therefore there was no further resurrection in the future under  God's Kingdom. -2 Timothy 2:16-18. 

The appointed authority cam to the rescue. Christian elders were able to refute such arguments because as representatives of Jesus Christ, they used the authority of Scripture.  (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) The same is true today in the Christian congregation, which is described as  "a pillar and support of the truth." (1 Timothy 3:15)  Never will false teachings be allowed to despoil  "the pattern of healthful words," preserved for us as a fine trust within the Bible's pages. -2 Timothy 1:13, 14.

While respect for authority is rapidly disappearing in the world, as Christians we recognize that proper authorities in the community, in the family, and in the Christian congregation are established for our benefit.   Respect for authority is essential for our well-being physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  By accepting and respecting such God-given authority, we will be safe-guarded by the greatest authorities-Jehovah God and Jesus Christ-for our eternal good. -Psalm 119:165; Hebrews 12:9. 

Next time: PRESUMPTUOUSNESS LEADS TO DISHONOR

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000