Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
As I meditate upon the Word of God, I frequently use commentaries to give me an idea of what others have come to learn in the Bible. The previous context is clearly speaking of the pastors or elders of the local church.
- They are to feed the flock
- They are to take the oversight
- They are to do so as ensamples and not lords
- They are to look for the appearance of the Chief Shepherd
Immediately the passage transitions to the younger. It’s like a leap must be taken from elders being the pastors to elders being the seniors of the church.
Interestingly, those commentaries written by men in denominational systems have no difficulty claiming the younger to be inferior or lower ministers. John Gill has trouble with it because he sees, as any Baptist would, only two offices in the church, pastors, and deacons.
True Baptist churches have no hierarchy. But we do have staff. Sometimes it’s a paid staff. Sometimes it’s a volunteer. In the smallest of churches, we find people who desire to serve the Lord through their local church. These, I see, as the "younger" referred to in the text.
It’s this simple. Those who serve in the church, in any place of service, are to submit to the pastor.
- Sunday school teachers are to submit to the pastor
- Office workers are to submit to the pastor
- Cleaning persons are to submit to the pastor
- Outreach people are to submit to the pastor
- Etc.
The pastor’s work is to take the oversight. He isn’t the lord of the church, but neither is he an employee. He is the one responsible for oversight and direction.
Everyone else is to submit to his role.
To my readers:
Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.
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