Spiritual Authority Scripturally Scrutinized
A Review of and Reiteration for the Biblical Position of Authority
by Rev. John Stephen Brown, B. R. E., Pastor, Evangelist, Author
This examination is the result of reading an unnumbered paper entitled "Spiritual Authority" written by Bob Shoemaker that had been circulated among various groups. The subsequent comments are set forth after repeated urging of men who were connected to and influenced by this paper. As Pastor a number of issues arise which calls for an adequate warning. It is within this context as "A Watchman" 1 the following review is submitted for the Christian community.
There is no axe to grind or bone to pick, however, in this evaluation. It is simply a defense of the doctrine of Scriptural authority in general, and of the position of Pastoral Authority2 specifically, as set forth by the Holy Spirit of God as found in the Word of God, the Bible. Our guide, therefore, is the inerrant, infallible, inspired Word of God.3 The text which encourages such an evaluation: (2 Cor 10:5 KJV) "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"
Since Mr. Shoemaker confesses that he is a Christian of 40 years in the first paragraph, we will accept his statement of faith. It must be admitted, however, the length of a Christian walk has bearing only if the concepts of such an one are, in fact, Biblical. Although he confesses to having had "Lorded" over men, that is not to be construed that every man has committed the same sin as he. Nevertheless, his candor, in this regard, is to be commended.
The paper "Spiritual Authority" presents a flawed view of authority which is revealed in Mr. Shoemaker own words, as found in paragraph two where it reads, "We hear in the authority discussions the phrases, secular authority and spiritual authority. In many of the discussions there appears to be little difference between the two. This article is an attempt to differentiate the difference between these two types of authority."
1See: Ezekial 3:4-11; 3:17-27; 33:1-19;
2Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:7, 17,
32 Timothy 3:16-17
The premise is wrong. There is false dichotomy being presented. One wonders whether he has ever studied the subject of authority from the pages of holy writ. Scripture does not teach that there are two opposing kinds of authority. Rather, we are informed by our LORD Jesus Who as God/man was resurrected from the grave thus victorious over sin, death, the grave and , hell itself that He possesses all authority. The sphere of Christ's authority is both in heaven and upon earth. (Mat 28:18 KJV) "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." The term power in this verse is a translation of the Greek word [Exousia] and is the same word that has been translated as authority in each of the verses listed by Mr. Shoemaker: Mat 21.24, 27; Mar 11.28,33. The point is that all authority is held by Jesus, very God, very God.
Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words says of [Exousia] that it: "denotes freedom of action, right to act; used of God, it is absolute, unrestricted...; used of men, authority is delegated..." This definition is borne out as the context of Rom 13.1-4 shows, where it is rendered as power, and is seen as being a delegation of authority from Almighty God unto men, of which that passage is speaking of the sphere of civil government.
(Rom 13:1 KJV) "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
{2} Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. {3} For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:"
Scripture offers no such dichotomy of secular and spiritual authority as alleged by Mr. Shoemaker. What is clearly revealed within the pages of Holy the Bible is that all authority belongs to the LORD Jesus Christ and is delegated unto men within their various spheres.
These are the different areas of delegated authority Scripture mentions:
Civil authority, mentioned in the above passage of Romans, domestic, and ecclesiastical authority.
1) Domestically speaking, the husband is the head of the home. That idiom describes the realm of authority which has been issued to the husband. Within this area of authority, the man is authorized to lead his wife and their children that may flow from this union. To neglect or usurp this delegation of authority de-stabilizes the home. Neither of these actions, however, negates that this sphere of delegated authority comes from above.
The performance of this domestic authority is spiritual not secular. Why? First, since God instituted the home, it is a sacred institution. Secondly, the term secular means: of or relating to worldly things as distinguished from holy things. Secular homes do indeed exist, to be sure. This is due, in part, as a result of those who are disregarding their duties. When this delegated authority is properly understood and applied, then the home depicts the heavenly relationship of Christ and HIS Church.4 (Eph 5:22 -6:4; Col 3:18-21; 1 Peter 3:1-7; 1 Cor 11:3.
4In Eph 5:22 -6:4; Col 3:18-21; 1 Peter 3:1-7; 1 Cor 11:3 this doctrine is clearly asserted.
Feminism has permeated our land for two reasons: 1) Husbands have neglected their delegated authority. 2) Woman in general, and wives in particular, have rebelled against the concept of delegated authority and have attempted to usurp it. The Church has not been immune to the effects of this rebellion which has flooded into the church.
In the early Church restraints were placed upon who could address the assembly, where and when. Although modernism and feminism chaff at the thought, woman were restricted in the services. They were not authorized to oversee the flock.
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. {34} Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. {35} And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church." (1 Cor 14:33-35 KJV)
Shame in the aforementioned verse is from [aischros] and according to Strong's means "a shameful thing, i.e. indecorum." Vine's adds, "Of that which is opposed to modesty or purity." Dr. Samuel Johnson, author of the English dictionary, once was heard saying in reply to a woman preacher: "Sir, a woman's preaching is like a dog's walking on his hind legs. It is not well done, but you are surprised to find it done at all."
Also, in (1 Tim 2:11 KJV) "Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. (1 Tim 2:12 KJV) But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence."
It is the above passage that conveys the very idea Mr. Shoemaker is erroneously attributing to the false dichotomy. The phrase forbidding the woman "to usurp authority over the man," in the Greek expresses what he admitted he had done and believes others are doing. In this verse "authority" comes from the Greek word [authenteo]. Vine says: "To exercise authority on one's own account, to domineer over." The Holy Spirit did not, and does not, delegate a teaching/preaching ministry which encompasses men unto woman. Woman are not authorized to perform these types of services. Woman were granted a position of teaching, however, as Titus was reminded by Paul to instruct younger woman. (Titus 2:4-5 )
Now then, this points up to the second sphere of authority. Ecclesiastical authority is derived from Christ, as is true of all other authority. The Bible explains that Christ builds the Church from those for whom He died to save through HIS precious blood; these have been drawn unto the LORD by the power of the Holy Spirit through the preaching of the gospel, and placed into the body of Christ - the Church. The visible, local Church is made up of baptized believers who have submitted themselves unto Jesus regarding the ordinance of baptism as a public testimony of faith.
The Scripture states in Eph 4: 8-11 that the resurrected Saviour gave gifted men as gifts unto HIS Church. These gifted men are listed in verse 11: "And he (Christ) gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;"
Earlier in the epistle Paul wrote that the apostles and prophets were foundational to the Church: "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; {20} And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;" "(Eph 2:19 -20 KJV).
These five categories of men ("apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;") were authorized by the resurrected LORD to guide, guard, and groom HIS Church until such time Christ returns. They have been given delegated authority from the only one in the universe that possesses all authority.
Through their faithfulness of following in the apostolic doctrine5 and plain preaching of the gospel,6 the prophets of the New Testament era paved the way for the edification of the Church. Eph 4:12-13 explains the purpose of these gifts to the Church: "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: {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:"
5Acts 2:42
61 Cor 1:18-21
Today the Church stands, as it were, upon the shoulders of those who have gone before us. Apostles in the strictest sense have passed off the scene. Prophets have been filled by those faithful men of God who have and will proclaim the Word of God fearlessly and with out favoritism. Teachers have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to impart truths to enable believers to grasp the principles of God's Word. Pastors have been commissioned to oversee the flock's spiritual health.
Has there not been unfaithful men referred to as Pastors? The answer is an emphatic "yes!" As there have been unfaithful husbands, fathers, and wives. But the institution of marriage, although under attack, has not been set aside. Neither should the office of the Pastor be done away with, because of the disobedience of men of ill repute.
Almighty God certainly denounces the self serving Pastors as clearly demonstrated from the Prophets: (Jer 23:1 KJV) "Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD." Like Ezekial, this Pastor, evangelist, author, has been raised up to declare thus saith the LORD: (Ezek 34:2 KJV) "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?"
Notice that even within this rebuke against the sinning Pastors God insist that the Pastor should feed the flock. Why? That is his duty. Although it has been abused by some, and neglected by others, the office remains.
Coming to the New Testament Peter is guided by the Holy Spirit to delineate the responsibilities of the Pastor. "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
{2} Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; {3} Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. {4} And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. {5} 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." (1 Pet 5:1-5 KJV)
Is it not interesting that the Old Testament Prophet Ezekial gave Pastors similar instructions "shepherds feed the flocks" as Peter gave in the New Testament?
On this point consider David, who served as a type of Pastor. (1 Chr 11:1-2 KJV) Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh. {2} And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel."
The role of a God ordained Pastor is to feed, lead, and rule the people of God. Peter wrote: "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly;" In addition to Pastors feeding the flock, which incidently means to guide, guard, and rule as illustrated above, the Holy Spirit says they are to take the oversight.
In the New Testament there are three terms which describe the function of the man of God which the Holy Spirit places as overseers of the Church.7 Peter mentions elder. Another term is bishop. The third one is Pastor. A close comparison of Scripture shows that the requirements for an elder are the same as they are for a bishop.8 In Scripture a man of God must be mature in the Word of God , thus he is referred to as an elder. The oversight is to be assumed by him, thus he is called a bishop. The Greek term [Episkopos] according to Vine's9 means: " An overseer." He explains that it comes from two words: [epi = over, and skopeo = to look or watch." [Presbuteros] translated in our Bible as elder Vine10 writes: "indicates the mature spiritual experience and understanding of those so described; the term "bishop," or "overseer," indicates the character of the work undertaken." Combined within the office of the Pastor mentioned in Ephesians 4:11 are these traits.
7Acts 20:28
8Compare 1 Timoth 3:1-7, where Paul uses the term "bishop," with Titus 1:5-9, where he interchanges the terms "elder and bishop."
9Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words
10Ibid
Rather than subverting the office of Pastor or undermining it, we are told in Scripture the proper relationship we are to have towards those God has placed in it. This is spelled out plainly in (Heb 13:7, 17 KJV) "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
{17} Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."
1. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: Paul also wrote reminding the Thessonian believers saying: "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
{13} And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves."(1 Th 5:12 -13 KJV)
The concept of having a man, called Pastor who has "the rule over you," seems to be an offense to those who desire autonomy. Autonomy comes from the Greek word [autonomia] which means self law. Man is to be governed by God's Law-Word, not his own law. During the eras when men did that which was right in their own eyes,11 it was always a time of decadence.
11Judges 17:6; 21:25
However, the Scripture is replete with this principle of accountability. Moreover, (Rom 14:7 clearly insists, "For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself." Man is not an island unto himself.
2. whose faith follow,
3. considering the end of their conversation.
4. Obey them that have the rule over you,
5. and submit yourselves:
for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."
Mr. Shoemaker is a misinformed sentimentalist, antinomian who has, it appears, had a bitter experience within the Church. His Scriptural knowledge is somewhat lacking, and at times a bit convoluted. Christ's rebuke is apropos. (Mat 22:29 KJV) "Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God."
Power in this verse [dunamis]. Err comes from the Greek word [planao] and means: "wandering; to be deceived, or led astray." Faulty Scriptural knowledge, which is quite infectious, when publicized could mislead all those who may be influenced by reading such erroneous views. Thus, the need for contextual Biblical preaching by God ordained men called to such a task.
By taking issue with authority - not realizing that all authority is delegated from the Father above - he resisteth the source of all authority. Had Mr. Shoemaker utilized another term to express himself, possibly this review would not have been written. What he may have meant to say was that tyrannical, perverse, abusive men or women have mismanaged authority. Then this Pastor would have had no reason to write. But he did not say that. And what was stated by him contains enough doctrinal errors and inconsistencies to require a public rebuttal.
One example of Mr. Shoemaker's antinomianism1 perspective was clearly evidenced by him when he said: "Worldly authority operates through the law, rules or doctrine." Is he saying that the law of God and doctrine is wrong?
12The term antinomian comes from the Greek and means: against the law.
Dear reader, who should we believe: God or man? Scripture says,
"For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law." (Prov 4:2 KJV)
(Mat 7:28 KJV) "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:"
People like Mr. Shoemaker are to be avoided according to God's Word:
(Rom 16:17 KJV) "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."
Faithful men of God filling the position of Pastor who teach doctrine are to remunerated, as the plain teaching of (1 Tim 5:17 KJV) shows: "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine."
Rather than deny doctrine and God's Law the Lord expects HIS servants to proclaim it: "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." (2 Tim 4:2 KJV)
Notice the warning and the reason doctrine is to be preached as (2 Tim 4:3-4 KJV) explains: "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; {4} And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."
The Holy Spirit tells us in 2 John 1:9-11 that it is an evil practice to not continue in the doctrine of Christ. Mr. Shoemaker's words are wrong!
(2 John 1:9-11 KJV) "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. {10} If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: {11} For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds."
The idle dribble which fell from the ill advised mouth of Mr. Shoemaker and put to paper is further refuted with the Holy Scripture:
(Rom 3:31 KJV) "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." Another verse of Scripture should serve to effectively refute this nonsense: (Rom 6:17 KJV) "But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you."
What Bible was this man reading when he wrote: "Worldly authority
operates through the law, rules or doctrine." It certainly was not the Holy Bible, as we have demonstrated with the above verses. The misguided conclusions proffered by Mr. Shoemaker, privately held, would not have warranted this refutation. But since such erroneous views were openly aired and disseminated beyond his own opinion, they called forth a Scriptural response. His confusion indicates a resistance of the true nature of Scriptural authority. Recall the warning given by Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God: "Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation." (Romans 13:2 KJV)
The term resist comes from [antitasso] and means "To arange in battle against" Vine's states. Hence, to refuse the Scriptural sense of authority by attemptting to exchange it for one's own false perspection of it is to call forth God's judgement. Herein is what Peter was addressing when he wrote: "for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."
(1 Pet 5:5 b KJV) Almighty God will in fact array HIMSELF in battle against all those who insist upon their own self-centered ways. The premise of Mr. Shoemaker is incorrect; he had a false dicotomy regarding Spiritual Authority.
For those reading these comments, consider the Prophet Isaiah counsel:
"Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: {7} Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. {8} For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. {9 } For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isa 55:6-9 KJV)
Oh, may the author of the faith13 grant unto us discernment to detect obvious errors, and determine to declare the absolute authority of God.
13Hebrews 12:2
This position paper is commended unto the people of God, who have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ Jesus our LORD, in the hope that God will grant each of my readers an understanding of the Scriptural sense of Spiritual Authority. May the LORD God be glorified in each of our lives!
Pastor Brown may be reached at (765) 522-1308.
Or his mailing address:
64th Judicial District
8965 N. County Road 7675 E.
Bainbridge, Indiana
Email: Preacher@link2000.net
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