DIVINE OPERATIONS IN THE ASSEMBLY READING (2)
DIVINE OPERATIONS IN THE ASSEMBLY READING (2)
Acts 15: 30 - 41; Acts 16: 13 - 15; Acts 18: 22 - 28; Acts 20: 17 - 38
SMcC We are keeping the thought of the assembly before us: not so much from the standpoint of doctrine, but rather from the standpoint of certain practical needs. It is purposed to consider further the bearing of teaching and ministry in view of the promoting of unity among the brethren, having the great thought of the assembly in mind. In this great Pauline section, which Mr. Darby, in the Synopsis, has alluded to as one of unprecedented and unparalleled energy in the power of the Spirit, we see in the end of chapter 15 how the Spirit of God moves in relation to Paul and the distinctiveness of his ministry, Paul being unique in regard to the Gentile world on account of the dispensation he had, both as to the gospel and the church. Entering into the passages read, there is also diversification of help in Judas, and Silas, and Apollos, and others. We are brought into this side of the service, in so far as we can speak of any part we have in the work of the Lord, small as it may be. What is to be noted as running through all these sections is the positive line in the teaching and ministry in forming, in establishing, in confirming, and in contributing. It is very striking that throughout this section we get positive development in the building up of the truth instead of the sowing of dissension or the bringing of confusion into the minds of believers. There is a steady upward trend in the teaching and in the ministry bearing on the saints of the assembly, having in mind their building up and their unification in the truth.
We might begin at this part of the Pauline section where a wondrously flowing stream of energy is brought before us, and then see the climax of it in the great wealth and warmth of affection which marks the latter part where Paul calls over the elders of Ephesus. He has the local position in mind, that it might be held in the light of the authority of his ministry. In chapter 15 the issue as to the truth is met in a remarkable way, and is followed by an up-building ministry involving Judas and Silas, Paul and Barnabas. It says, “And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets, exhorted the brethren with much discourse, and strengthened them” (verse 32).
FM The delivery of the epistle seems to have brought great comfort, and support, and encouragement (verses 30 - 1).
SMcC “They rejoiced at the consolation.” There was a consolatory touch in the letter which tended to strengthen the bonds of unity between the brethren. It is important that we should all be on the line of promoting unity among the brethren, especially those who have any part in the service.
WH These brothers not only had the authoritative letter to deliver to the saints, but they followed it up with a ministry that gave support and strengthening and unity.
SMcC That is the point. The letter is not only formally delivered, but these men come into the position to strengthen the brethren. They strengthen the truth in the minds and souls of the brethren by what they have.
PL Would you say sharing in body feelings is the spoil of the victory?
SMcC Yes, that would enter into it. It was what they had themselves gained.
TM Would the words of Paul to the Corinthians - “Let all things be done to edification” (1 Corinthians 14: 26) and “Let all your things be done in love” - illustrate the way Paul himself worked in his ministry?
SMcC Just so. He says the authority he had from the Lord was not for their overthrowing; it was for their building up. While he had to be very firm with the saints in Corinth, and had to write with many tears about the unfaced issues among them, the authority he had in their midst was for their building up and not for their overthrowing.
WWS In Acts 15: 27 it says, “We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves also will tell you by word of mouth the same things”. Do these two confirm what has been written by what they say in an intimate manner by word of mouth?
SMcC That is a beautiful touch as to the confidence that the assembly in Jerusalem had in these men, Judas and Silas. “Who themselves also will tell you by word of mouth the same things”. They do not say something different, but they follow up the truth, strengthening it by what they had to give to the brethren.
JSE Is there a touch in this that would give us liberty to apply the principle of the major and minor prophets?
SMcC The principle would be there, although in speaking of the major and minor prophets we do not suggest a disparity between their ministry. We do not have the same scope with the minor prophets as with the major prophets.
WSS Would you encourage us to see that whenever the enemy attacks, the Lord clarifies the position and gives much enlargement? I was thinking of what you were saying about Judas and Silas. They not only clarify matters, but there was enlargement. Is that the normal result of dependence on the Lord?
SMcC I am sure that is so. We shall find that when issues as to the truth are rightly faced, as in Acts 15, there is a looking into the Scriptures which are brought forward, and the truth is brought out in an enlarging way.
PL And do our leaders - “our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given up their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (verses 25 - 6) - emerge from the conflict in moral lustre in their devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ?
SMcC They do, and it is a striking thing that the section before us begins with the thought of men who are prepared to give up their lives for the name, and Paul in chapter 20 says, “But I make no account of my life as dear to myself, so that I finish my course”. This kind of teaching and ministry and service involves preparedness to lay down our lives. It is not a question of withholding anything, but of the greatness of what is on hand in regard to the shepherding and care of those who compose the assembly. There should be the preparedness on the part of each one of us to lay down our lives.
PL The conflicts in the truth from time to time, and its maintenance, afford peculiar play for the expression of devotion to Christ and to the assembly.
SMcC It is in these matters that devotion is brought out, and I am sure that confidence is seen with these men, Barnabas and Paul. The affectionate way in which they are referred to is important in relation to their teaching and their ministry, and it is upbuilding. If the element of confidence is lost, where will we be?
AH In entering upon the conflict, do we need to keep what is positive in mind? In chapter 15, verse 3 the conflict is ahead, but it does not seem to obsess the minds of Barnabas and Paul. They speak of the work of God amongst the nations and cause great joy.
SMcC We want to see positive results in the ministry of those who are going on with the truth. These men are bringing positive features of strengthening amongst the brethren. The closing section of chapter 15 leads on to the great Pauline section where we find that difficulties arise, but Paul is very firm about the matters brought forward,
because he saw what was involved in them (Acts 15: 37 - 41 read). We have a positive constructive line in such men as Judas, Silas and Paul as they move on in the truth.
CMM Would you say that this matter of authority in the servant would be supported by verse 25, “It seemed good to us, having arrived at a common judgment, to send chosen men to you”? In verse 33 Judas and Silas are also spoken of as having been sent.
SMcC Yes, they are not moving according to their own particular liking, but they are under charge. “ ... they were let go in peace from the brethren to those who sent them.”
CMM In the paragraph you are alluding to, would you think something of that spirit had been lost in Mark for the moment although he seems to have been characterised by much power later on?
SMcC It would seem as if Mark goes out of the movement in relation to the testimony of his own volition. He just deserts the position, where he was under authority in the work, with Paul and Barnabas. We speak feelingly and with respect for Barnabas, for he was a godly man and honoured in his service, but he was deflected here in regard to Mark. The Spirit of God seems to honour the firm stand which Paul takes.
WH Was not the test for John Mark consequent upon Paul and his company coming definitely into evidence as if the truth of the assembly was having great development under Paul, and at that particular moment Mark turned aside? Would that not have an important bearing on the fact that Paul would not take him with him?
SMcC Just so. The deflection of Barnabas is a strong warning to us to avoid special links in our relations in the assembly. Nothing is more damaging among the brethren than special links, because they lead to a militating against the truth.
JAC Would verses 35 and 36 help us to the full recognition of the word of the Lord?
SMcC Yes, and it strengthens in our minds the idea of the authority of the word of the Lord. “And Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and announcing the glad tidings ... of the word of the Lord.” The section is important, because it impresses our minds with the authority linked with the work in which they are engaged.
AR I would like to ask as to this question of authority how we would distinguish if a ministry is authoritative, as we could not say that all ministry is authoritative.
SMcC All ministry from God is authoritative.
AR I was wondering whether authoritative ministry would have the definite stamp of the Spirit’s word. A word by the Spirit would be authoritative, but how far are we able to discern authoritative ministry?
SMcC That is where we are tested as to whether we can discern if authority marks a servant’s ministry and is accompanied by power which is linked with his ability in making room for the Spirit. That is where the authority lies. Of course, we have what is distinctive in Paul in his apostleship. Judas and Silas are prophets and they are strengthening what is being set forward in the truth.
LES Is it significant that Timothy is brought in at the beginning of chapter 16?
SMcC I think it is, because Timothy was a man who followed up the truth in regard to Paul’s teaching. What has been referred to is important, that in ministry we are to discern authority. We are not entitled to accept it just because it is said, but, as having the Spirit, the element of priesthood among the saints would discern if what is being said is in keeping with the truth.
CMM Would, “let the others judge” (1 Corinthians 14: 30) enter into this, and praying for such servants, and committing them to the grace of God?
SMcC Exactly. And there is the other side, as Paul says, “If any one thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him recognise the things that I write to you, that it is the Lord’s commandment” (1 Corinthians 14: 37). There is what is distinctive in Paul, and his ministry carries authority.
AH Would it be right to say that ministry in the power of the Spirit would carry its own credentials, as in 1 Corinthians 14: 25, where it says, “he will do homage to God, reporting that God is indeed amongst you”?
SMcC Where ministry is in the power of the Spirit there would be that in it which would impress the minds of the brethren. We have to keep clear and distinct what may be given in the way of a lead, such as in the servants we have referred to, as being used of God in the great revival in the last days. There is a distinctive authority in their ministry which you could not speak of in some other ministry.
GRC Is the principle of the ministry carrying its own credentials seen in Mark 1, where it says, “They were astonished, for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes” (verse 22)?
SMcC Mark is the ministerial gospel and helps us in that way, but one thing needs to be kept clear in regard to this matter of ministry, and that is the ability to make room for the Spirit. Distinctive commission is another thing.
GRC Is that the distinction you were making this morning between authority and power? Authority involves a commission, but a brother who has a definite commission should have power in the Spirit.
SMcC Just so. There have been many ministers in the last fifty years, but one distinctive ministry throughout giving character to the service of God. We are now seeking to arrive at the fulness of that ministry; what the Lord has given through it and in it.
AJG What has accredited that ministry is that it has affected the saints all over the world.
SMcC That is the point. It bears the evidence of a distinctive commission. Although we do not have apostleship today, as in the Acts, the principle of a distinctive, authoritative commission from Christ remains in such leadership as that of Mr. Darby, Mr. Taylor, and others.
Rem Would Paul’s word to Timothy, “knowing of whom thou hast learned them” (2 Timothy 3:14), bear on it?
SMcC That is very important. “Knowing of whom ... “ would help the brethren as to anonymous publications. If an article is published it should bear the name of the author.
GMS “He that practises the truth comes to the light that his works may be manifested that they have been wrought in God” (John 3: 21).
SMcC Some brethren may feel it is more becoming and humble to remain anonymous, but it is better to know of whom we are learning things.
Rem Does it confirm us as to ministry to see that the brethren are taking it on?
SMcC As our brother has just said, the way brethren have been affected universally by the ministry during the last fifty years shows its distinctiveness and how leadership is linked with it.
APCL Are we responsible for what we make room for in our localities? It says here that “Paul thought it not well”. Did he have in mind what was necessary for the moment?
SMcC That is important. The priesthood in Numbers, as we were taught years ago, helps as to constructive criticism in regard to the ministry. We do not accept everything that is ministered in our localities without discerning whether the Lord is in it, whether the Spirit is in it, and whether it carries the distinctive word of authority.
AH Would verses 40 - 1 of chapter 15 show that the saints came to a judgment of this matter?
SMcC “Paul, having chosen Silas, went forth, committed by the brethren to the grace of God” shows that in the body of the saints there was a judgment as to what was right and as to where the Spirit was and where the Lord was in this movement.
PL In any issue that arises, is it not the body of the saints, in spiritual feeling and understanding, that really turns the scales?
SMcC It shows what an important place the body of the saints has in regard to the balance of the truth, but we must not minimise the need of leadership. The truth requires the maintenance of leadership.
WSS Referring to Timothy, after this declension where Paul had to take a stand, it would seem as if the Lord came in to strengthen the position by bringing in Timothy.
SMcC It is striking how closely linked are the references “confirming the assemblies” (Acts 15: 41) and “The assemblies therefore were confirmed in the faith” (Acts 16: 5). The first is just, “confirming the assemblies”; but after Timothy is introduced, and there is the movement to maintain unity, it says, “The assemblies therefore were confirmed in the faith”; that is the teaching, in the truth.
WSS Out of every issue there is increase. We can look for increase out of every conflict.
SMcC We would help one another if we were more faithful with one another. We should speak to each other face to face. Much damage may be done by speaking to one another about one another, instead of speaking to the persons concerned. That is where help is needed.
GRC Would you say a word as to the responsibility of the assembly in connection with the truth? We usually hold that on such occasions as these the local company has a responsibility in connection with the truth. Does not “the pillar and base of the truth” bear on that?
SMcC We were alluding to that in Glasgow, how the greatness of the assembly is referred to in a catholic way in 1 Timothy 3: 15 as, “the pillar and base of the truth”. We need to understand that aspect of the assembly.
GRC How would you link that with what you are saying about leadership of an apostolic character which preceded the assembly at the beginning?
SMcC To use a simple illustration, it was strikingly seen in the way the saints universally accepted the truth of the Lord’s sonship and the truth of the worship of the Holy Spirit. The same would apply to the worship of God, the saints having come to it universally. There may be difficulty in certain parts, but the difficulties seem to be more with those who teach than with the general body of the saints. It is the assembly that is the pillar and base of the truth.
GRC The general body of the saints can be counted on to preserve priestly discernment.
SMcC I think that is important.
FM Judas and Silas would not be saying anything different from what Paul had said, and Paul’s selection of Silas seems to indicate his confidence in him to carry on the line of truth Paul was presenting.
SMcC Silas must have impressed Paul, and, having a Grecian name, he would perhaps fit better into the work that was before Paul. Verse 4 is remarkable as promoting unity without the truth being given up or relinquished,
“And as they passed through the cities they instructed them to observe the decrees determined on by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem”. This shows Paul’s great desire to maintain unity in the assembly. He was not initiating an isolated line, but was moving forward with a ministry into which the Spirit of God was to come peculiarly, resulting in the unifying of the saints generally.
FM One difficulty we find today is that some who assume leadership are bringing forward something different from what the Spirit of God is emphasising.
SMcC It is important that we should all say the same thing, especially when it comes to the truth, because it affects the saints, and we want to affect them rightly. One reason for reading about Lydia in relation to Paul’s ministry is to show how the sisters come into this matter. We were hearing about sisters in the south who are marked by disaffection, which is a very serious matter. It is important that sisters should come into the gain of the truth and be clear about it, and that they should be under the hand of the Lord so that He can operate in view of the strengthening of the truth.
PL In the Philippian epistle Paul says, “Fulfil my joy, that ye may think the same thing, having the same love, joined in soul, thinking one thing” (Philippians 2: 3). Would that not cover the sisters, Lydia and others, as well as the brothers?
SMcC The women have a remarkable place in Philippi. It says of Lydia, after the reference to the women in verse 13, “And a certain woman, by name Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, who worshipped God, heard; whose heart the Lord opened to attend to the things spoken by Paul” (Acts 16: 14). It is a remarkable reference to this woman, and it is a word to the sisters to support the truth in its distinctive character as seen in Paul.
FM Is that a feature Paul had to correct in Corinth as to the women?
SMcC He seems to have a good deal to say about the order in the assembly, indicating that women are to be silent in the assemblies. What a place they have here as attending to the things spoken by Paul.
AA In Philippians two sisters, Euodia and Syntyche, are exhorted to be of the same mind in the Lord.
SMcC That shows the importance of sisters. Paul’s concern for them shows their importance in regard to the testimony. The exposure of the great systematised teaching of error in Plymouth was through the sisters by the notes that were taken and circulated. In this way sisters had a good deal to do with bringing to light the error that Mr. Darby exposed.
AS What would be involved in the expression, “attend to the things spoken by Paul”?
SMcC It is to impress us with the need, not only to listen to the ministry, but to carry it into effect. It does not say, whose ear the Lord opened to hear, but “whose heart the Lord opened to attend to the things spoken by Paul”. It is the Lord who is in the matter.
WSS Would the woman being mentioned first show that in this great movement at Philippi the truth must be taken on subjectively?
SMcC Just so, and the counter-movement in verses 16 - 18 is subjective too in the way of evil influence.
AJG The result of Lydia attending to the things spoken by Paul was very far-reaching, for it resulted in her house being opened and becoming the base of operations.
SMcC How important it is to see that! Paul’s ministry bears so much on households, and in verse 15 shows such a good result in the effectiveness of the Lord’s operation in opening Lydia’s heart.
Rem Is there not a yield for God in our paying attention? “Obedience is better than sacrifice, Attention than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15: 22).
SMcC Obedience is a great matter. We should be obedient to the truth. What impresses you in regard to those who, alas, sorrowfully, still have difficulty about the Spirit, is the entire lack of obedience to the truth.
VTS Is it of interest that comely features in the sisters - as to the hair and the token - precede the Supper in 1 Corinthians 11?
SMcC Yes, we shall see that later. It is remarkable how Paul stresses subjection in that chapter which makes way for the introduction of the Lord’s Supper. The place that our houses have enters into this great ministry of Paul in the Gentile world at Philippi. How important our houses are, and what goes on in them - the conversations, the talk, sympathy with the truth and with the ministry. It is not only the sisters themselves but the whole constitution of the house.
EGJ Is it not stressed here that the authority of the Lord precedes Paul’s ministry? We have to come under the authority of the Lord if we are to get the gain of Paul.
SMcC Yes. We can see how close the Lord and the Spirit are in the realm and sphere of mediatorial operations. The Spirit is mentioned earlier in regard to certain things, but now the Lord comes right into the position, opening Lydia’s heart. It is a personal and definite operation of the Lord to emphasise the importance of Paul’s ministry. The Lord did not do it with Peter or the others in the same way. He has Paul in mind.
AJG Is it not really a militant position? The Lord is establishing a base of operations with a view to the truth of the assembly entering the western world.
SMcC While we would not like to put too much into it, the position in this section suggests the seductive evil influence of Thyatira as mentioned in Revelation 3. It seems remarkable that the Lord should be operating in this way in regard to Lydia and Paul’s ministry.
JGM Is it not significant that Lydia is spoken of as one who worshipped God, even before her heart is opened?
SMcC We are entitled to regard Lydia as a subject of the work of God. What can we say about the expression, “who worshipped God”? How did she do it? Where did she do it? We are just left with the statement as if to remind us of the quality in the woman. She was not an ordinary person, she was a worshipper of God.
The 18th chapter deals with the local position at Corinth. Paul moves from there, and it says, “And landing at Caesarea, and having gone up and saluted the assembly, he went down to Antioch. And having stayed there some time, he went forth, passing in order through the country of Galatia and Phrygia, establishing all the disciples”
(verses 22 - 3). We are to be impressed with this much-needed ministry, and we should be confirmed, strengthened, and established, in relation to the teaching.
TM Is there a link between what God has raised up in an authoritative way and the assembly which is the vessel of the testimony?
SMcC There is, and it is of interest that (verse 22), despite all that had happened in Jerusalem earlier in regard to Paul, he did not carry over any feeling. He says, “and having gone up and saluted the assembly”. The allusion is to Jerusalem. He went down to Antioch, and comes back to the base of operations again, passing through these provinces and establishing all the disciples.
PL Does this salutation involve spiritual respect, as he clothes the saints at Jerusalem with the divine thoughts of this great vessel?
SMcC Just so. It is interesting that Jerusalem and Galatia are here so closely linked together in the journeyings, and we know what important matters entered into these places, Paul having to maintain the truth of the glad tidings in withstanding Peter to the face because the truth was being undermined.
WH It was really a Galatian influence that was at work.
SMcC The whole province seemingly was affected by a wrong lead in teaching, and a very humbling and sorrowful thing it was. But we know that spoil came out of it and that Peter eventually rose to the occasion.
WSS Why does it refer specifically to the disciples?
SMcC I think it would allude to the following-up and educational side of the truth.
PL It would be like Paul’s house-to-house visitation at Ephesus.
SMcC Just so, establishing all the disciples. We have to keep in mind that Paul was free from any special links, and it is important that we should be free from special links on natural lines, such as between Barnabas and John Mark. The enemy would work through special links at times to hinder the truth.
APCL Both in chapter 15 and here the movement came from the servants themselves. Paul says to Barnabas,
“Let us return now and visit the brethren” (15: 36) and here it says, “And having stayed there some time, he went forth” (18: 23). Would you say how that might work today? Servants are generally invited to serve.
SMcC Might I ask you if you accept every invitation you get?
APCL Surely not.
SMcC It is important to see that an invitation is no indication that it is the Lord’s mind that we should go. We have to make room for that which came out in Apollos, who was moving in relation to the Lord yet has to be adjusted. We have to be open to adjustment, and we should discern what is needed and where certain things may be needed. It is not that Paul was not legitimately subject to Christ. In becoming all things to all men it was “not as without law to God, but as legitimately subject to Christ” (1 Corinthians 9: 20). Paul was always under orders in that way.
AR Paul says, “Let us return”. Evidently he had an indication from the Lord, and he moves on his own initiative. Perhaps we do not know enough of this.
SMcC It is important that if there is work to be done it should be done. Care has to be exercised that we do not encourage free-lance movements. The principle and basis of all service is that we are sent, and I do not think that what is said of Paul here militates against that. He is moving as under the authority of the Lord.
JSE Was it not a feature of the early days that the ministers moved very much on this line but as things became consolidated they began to work by way of the assembly?
SMcC Just so. The early days had their own place. Many things then marked the movements that were quite distinctive to that period and time.
FM Mr. Darby’s movements in pioneer work seem to have been very much directed by the Lord.
SMcC They were. The Lord was distinctly directing him and he moved as under His authority. You cannot read his letters or ministry without realising that. The Lord, however, took issue with the free-lances and the evangelists who went about roving at will in their service. The Lord used the Glanton division to expose that,
because it led to opposition to the truth in Mr. Raven’s time.
AH May I ask you again to say a word on the disciples. It is striking the way they are brought in in Acts, and I wondered if they are disciplined persons as suggested in Matthew 13: 52, “every scribe discipled to the kingdom of the heavens”.
SMcC It involves that. It is important that we should be disciplined persons and that our minds and our energies should be disciplined so that we are not loose but under control. The more disciplined we are, the more careful we shall be in regard to our movements and in regard to the truth.
AJG This would be the public character that marked the brethren, would it not, as taught by the ministry?
SMcC Just so. That would be borne out again in verse 27, “And when he purposed to go into Achaia, the brethren wrote to the disciples engaging them to receive him, who, being come, contributed much to those who believed through grace. For he with great force convinced the Jews publicly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was the Christ”. Apollos’ ministry bears on the public position, especially in the maintenance of the truth as to the Christ.
WS Would the import and bearing of the baptism of John as known by Apollos render us peculiarly amenable to the brethren and ready for any adjustment that may be necessary as to the higher levels of the truth?
SMcC I am sure it is important that we should be amenable to adjustment.
CMM In regard to the movement of the servant, would he get his commission from the Lord? Would that not synchronise with the movements of the saints in the assembly by way of receiving and making room for such?
SMcC I am sure it would. The Lord no doubt would go before in regard to any service in ministry.
AEM I was going to ask you why Paul uses the expression “saints” and “brethren” rather than “disciples” in his epistles; for example, “to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called saints” (1 Corinthians 1: 1)?
SMcC You have something in your mind; please say more about it and help us.
AEM Is not this term “disciples” connected with the kingdom? The other terms are connected with the assembly.
SMcC Just so. What you are saying fits in with the remark as to the public side. The “way” is presented in the Acts, how Christianity was known in the public position, so that disciples are referred to throughout the book. The important service of Aquila and Priscilla is to be noted. It is important to note their care and skill, and lack of officialism, in the way they bring about adjustment as to the truth. Apollos would not be an easy person to speak to from one viewpoint, but the skill exercised was such that it won him completely. We get no suggestion that he demurred in any way.
CMM Would he be just the kind of man to go down to Corinth? He was a man with a personality, but he had been adjusted as to the truth.
SMcC Just so. He could help them especially in regard to Paul’s ministry, for Apollos had a particular link with Paul.
CMM He had great respect for Paul when he went to Corinth.
SMcC Just so. “Now concerning the brother Apollos, I begged him much that he would go to you with the brethren; but it was not at all his will to go now; but he will come when he shall have good opportunity” (1 Corinthians 16: 12). This shows the link there was between Paul and Apollos in regard to the ministry.
PL You spoke of the skill needed in relation to Apollos. It says in Proverbs, “An ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, is a wise reprover upon an attentive ear” (25: 12). Do you have the wise reproof with Aquila and Priscilla and an attentive ear with Apollos? Must you have that combination if adjustment is to be assured?
SMcC Exactly. Proverbs helps us as to that.
WH Is it important that they first of all took him to them? Would that be the confidence of love that would make way for adjustment?
SMcC That is it. It is a very affecting word. “Aquila and Priscilla ... took him to them and unfolded to him the way of God more exactly.” The expression “and unfolded to him the way of God more exactly” shows their skill in helping Apollos.
AM Would the service of admonition to which Paul refers, “admonishing each one of you”, bear on such a service?
SMcC It would, and this helps us in regard to all our responsibility in connection with the truth and to ministry in our localities, so that error might be checked.
HMcL How do you distinguish between this matter of Aquila and Priscilla taking him to them and the reference to Paul withstanding Peter to the face? In Galatians it says, “I said to Peter before all” (2: 14).
SMcC I think it was because of the leavening influence among the saints.
CMM Apollos is instructed in the way of the Lord, Aquila and Priscilla bringing before him the way of God. Then in chapter 20 we read of the counsel of God, the kingdom of God, and the assembly of God.
SMcC That is interesting. “They unfolded to him the way of God more exactly.”
PL And that would set him on the divine highway, we may say Corinthian-wise, would it not?
SMcC Exactly. I was thinking of what was alluded to earlier. We might refer for a moment to the difference between Apollos and Aquila and Priscilla, and Paul at Galatia. There might have been some who would have said it was a personal attack on Peter by Paul. How humbling it is that we should give way to the enemy when the truth is at stake and a stand is made, and attribute things to personal attacks. It was a question of the truth; something was affecting the saints and there was also what was the result of influence. Peter coming from James was adversely affected by influence. All that enters into the public rebuke of Peter.
AA His contention in regard to Alexander the coppersmith took quite a different form, “Alexander the smith did many evil things against me. The Lord will render to him according to his works” (2 Timothy 4: 14).
SMcC We do not have to do with that.
APCL It says of Apollos that he spoke and taught exactly the things concerning Jesus. Do you think that it is on account of the lack of these basic matters that it is so difficult for us to be adjusted?
SMcC I think there is something in what you say, because if we are right basically and foundationally adjustment will always be easy as a result of our links with God. David is an outstanding example of that. He was quickly and readily adjusted and never excused himself. We are too ready to excuse ourselves when it comes to adjustment.
MAW Is it important to see that Apollos was not on true Christian ground, “knowing only the baptism of John”? Being instructed in the way of God more exactly would bring him there.
SMcC He was not on proper Christian ground in his teaching. While the baptism of John had a foundational bearing in regard to certain things, Aquila and Priscilla discerned there was something needed; something was lacking with Apollos and they supplied it.
In chapter 20 the general bearing of the verses we read shows the greatness of the teaching and the ministry, as seen in Paul’s service to the assembly and the unity it led to among the saints. Unity, affection and love come to light in the chapter.
WSS Why is eldership emphasised?
SMcC Paul was thinking about the care of things in a locality. Eldership is not a question of gift. The chapter opens with suggestions about gift but ends with references to the local position and the matter of elders. That is, those who would have a care for things in a locality such as at Ephesus.
WSS That is a principle which would carry right through the dispensation.
SMcC Just so.
TM Would you give us some help in regard to the matter of reception in our localities? Is there need in a place where there are two or three meetings to go into the details of things in a subdivision before going to the Care Meeting?
SMcC How did you arrive at that? What suggested it to you?
TM You mentioned the care in relation to the elders and you stressed the idea of confidence.
SMcC It is a practical matter. I do not know what is generally done here. When young people ask to break bread where one comes from they are well known in the locality. A brother may have prayer with them, or he may have heard them before. It is mentioned in the Care Meeting, and if the brethren are happy the case goes forward. The simpler we are, the better. I do not understand what you mean when you refer to sub-divisional care.
TM I only used the expression to clarify what one has in mind. Normally when anyone seeks to take their place, the local brethren take up the matter and the issue comes to the Care Meeting.
SMcC We have to be careful not to allow any officialism. When you refer to taking up the matter, the matter belongs to the city. Elders are never linked with any part of the city - they are linked with the whole city. In a big city the work has to be attended to to facilitate the case going forward, but the persons concerned go in by the gates into the city, not the subdivision.
TM It is a matter of confidence, would you say, “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every matter be established” (2 Corinthians 13: 1)?
SMcC That is how I understand it. If two or three brothers have had contact with the person and they are happy, that is all that is necessary. The assembly generally has confidence in the brethren. We must not make things too hard for the young people. We want to see them in the assembly of course rightly.
AJG And then to shepherd them after they are breaking bread.
SMcC That is the great point, and that comes out in Acts 20. The young people have to be encouraged, and they have to be cared for after they are in.
APCL Is there a suggestion in the word “and to all the flock, wherein the Holy Spirit has set you as overseers to shepherd the assembly of God”? The overseers are in the flock in this setting.
SMcC That is very interesting - “and to all the flock, wherein the Holy Spirit has set you as overseers” - the “flock” suggesting what the saints are as the objects of care.
APCL I thought that would enable us to know of matters as they come up and not to be surprised when persons come forward.
SMcC Very good.