Christianity is populated by individuals who presume to hold authority over the gospel. Regrettably, no Scripture substantiates their conferral of authority by Jesus. If one were to consider the historical accounts of Christianity, the Roman Catholic Church emerges as the authentic entity. The other church groupings can be viewed as dissenters, lacking legitimate authority aside from their grievances. They resemble the Samaritans who separated from the true Kingdom of David, which was located in Jerusalem.
While the early disciples did communicate among themselves, this does not indicate that they founded an organized religion. Paul had followers, just as other apostles may have had individuals who viewed them as authorities before being grounded. Paul strongly condemned the formation of a group to create sectarian authorities. He maintained that there should be no divisions based on apostolic personalities. Although the recorded Scriptures illustrate the works of the apostles, there is no evidence suggesting that Jesus bestowed authority upon them, apart from what He taught.
“Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect” (1 Corinthians 1:10-17 NKJV).
Departing due to dissatisfaction is not divinely sanctioned according to the Scriptures. During the time of Jesus, Judaism was the recognized authority, serving as the custodian of Scriptural references. Nevertheless, it was also internally divided. For instance, the Pharisees upheld the belief in resurrection, while the Sadducees did not, for various reasons. However, the most significant critique of Judaism was articulated by Jesus.
Notably, Jesus opted not to alienate himself from that group, even after he had revealed their hypocrisy. He remained connected with them until they resolved to crucify Him. Important lessons can be drawn from this reality. Jesus did not forsake Judaism, even in the presence of severe opposition, culminating in His crucifixion. Observing a misapplication of Scripture within one’s associated group does not provide a legitimate reason to withdraw.
While it may be uncomfortable to maintain fellowship with obstinate leadership, Christ advised that one should rejoice and be glad in such circumstances (Matthew 5:10-12). Should they ultimately come to enlightenment, glory be to God. However, their continued stubbornness does not alter the situation, as it is Christ whom they would have rejected. Christianity is a serious commitment, as it represents the work of Christ through human agents. The challenge lies in the uncertainty of who God chooses to employ at any given time.
The call is to remain humble, aware that whatever bad treatment accorded to one has nothing to do with that person. It would be Christ that would be rejected. A true Christian does not fear ill-treatment by fellow humans. Christ set an example and advised that those following Him would be treated similarly. One may truly be heretical, but failing to see the truth as presented by colleagues. The opposition faced by one against fellow brethren does not necessarily indicate that one is on the correct path. Patience and humility are essential virtues for every Christian, ensuring none asserts their authenticity while others are presumed to be in error.
Perhaps the most important principle in Christianity is the understanding that no individual should be regarded as the sole authority. Truth is pure and stands independently, requiring no support from any person. When someone proclaims what is undeniably Biblical, it is not the individual speaking, but Christ. Any person who speaks maliciously about such an individual is, in effect, speaking against Christ. Furthermore, those who take such insults personally are also diminishing Christ, who explicitly advised that one should rejoice when insulted. The key point is that Christianity is fundamentally a sacrificial endeavour and is not intended to offer comfort.
“For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man be a liar. As it is written: “That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged” (Romans 3:3-4 NKJV).
Paul asserts that all individuals, including himself, should be regarded as liars, except God. This perspective is what fosters intelligence. Arguments should not be based on personal beliefs but rather on the teachings of Jesus. Christians will encounter no difficulties as long as they adhere to this principle. Jesus was clear about the necessity of recognizing Him as the sole authority. He instructed Christians to view one another as brethren, allowing for mutual correction without anyone presumed to be occupying Christ’s position, as all are considered equals. Each bears responsibility for others, thereby becoming a keeper of their brother.
The issue begins with the disdain for others, where an individual may possess the privilege of understanding concepts that others have not yet grasped. For example, if Peter became the first to comprehend that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, this did not render him superior to others.
Jesus stated that the first shall be last and the last shall be first (Matthew 20:1-16). This illustrates the notion that understanding a concept ahead of others does not confer seniority or superiority over those who comprehend it later. Therefore, to Peter, Jesus remarked, “Flesh and blood have not revealed this to you” (Matthew 16:17).
Failure to comprehend the Scriptures is not considered a sin. What seems unacceptable to God is refusing to change once the truth has been revealed. The readiness to change is what holds importance to God. For instance, an individual may become part of a church group that he or she later perceives as inconsistent with Christ’s teachings. That person may transition between different denominational groups as long as it appears advantageous. However, when God highlights the error in transitioning from one group to another, such changes come to an end.
Failure to change when the truth has been revealed can be cited as twofold. 1. A person, who fails to understand what God has not yet revealed to the individual. The condition of this is as Christ said no one can come to Him, except when drawn by His Father (John 6:44). God seems to have no issues with such a person. 2) An individual may arrogantly reject the truth based on their assumption of being an authority on Christian matters. This behavior is often observed among those in leadership positions, who do so out of disdain for the revealers, whom they deem to be inferior. This highlights the sole reason why Jesus refrained from appointing anyone to a leadership role. He also declared that anyone who elevates themselves would be brought low.
“But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more” (Luke 12:45-48 NKJV).
The above Scripture suggests that understanding the Scriptures, ahead of others, is not necessarily an advantage. This is notwithstanding that in this world; such abilities might cause others to worship such individuals. Jesus perfectly illustrated how God deals with such people using a parable. This showed one group working since morning but promised the same wage as latecomers (Matthew 20:1-16).
I believe that those considered as authorities within the Church may be completely oblivious to certain Scriptures. Pride is known to effectively blind individuals from understanding God’s truths. Such individuals may assert their position as Church authorities, thereby gaining advantages that cater solely to worldly interests. Any individual presenting them with undeniable Biblical truths would subsequently be perceived as a threat.
Paul is the most revered, among the apostles whose epistles are included in the Bible. He is particularly esteemed for proposing what seems like leadership structures within the Church organisation. This situation places God’s Church in a context for which Jesus frequently criticized the Pharisees. Jesus’ teachings stand in contrast to the structural leadership prevalent in the world.
While there may not be inherent flaws in Paul’s teachings, it is noteworthy that some individuals interpret rank structures when reading such Scriptures. It is a widely accepted notion that being ordained as a pastor or deacon is perceived as an advantage, as indicated by Paul’s teachings. Consequently, individuals are often observed to celebrate naively when granted such positions of authority.
“This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behaviour, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil” (1 Timothy 3:1-6 NKJV).
The final portion of the passage mentioned above seems to belittle a novice, portraying them as prone to being inflated with pride. This implies that a senior individual would be immune to such inflation. However, this notion is seen as contradictory to the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 20:1-16. Nevertheless, it poses no issue when assessed according to worldly standards. However, even more objectionable is Paul’s assertion that what He proclaims is a faithful saying.
By what standard can we evaluate Paul’s assertion that it demonstrates faithfulness and truth? There is nothing; aside from categorizing Paul among fallible humans, akin to all of us. Jesus should be regarded as the only standard if Christianity holds a truthful perspective. Many of Paul’s teachings conform to the teachings of Christ, making it irresponsible to label him as false, due to some of his erroneous utterances.
He would only be considered false if he failed to emphasize that Jesus was the authority in his teachings. Any sidestepping on his part should be excused, allowing him to be as human as we are. Otherwise, a responsible person would recognize Paul’s humanity, which includes the potential for erroneous teachings. Paul is on record as advising his followers to follow him as he followed Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).
His followers were, therefore, expected to compare everything Paul taught with the teachings of Christ. It is understandable that, at that time, they did not have recorded Scriptures regarding the teachings of Christ. It must also be noted that, unlike the other apostles, Paul did not have the privilege of interacting with Jesus.
Today, we have the privilege of comparing the teachings of Paul with those of Jesus. He grasped the fundamentals of Jesus’ teachings but lacked the finer details imparted to the other apostles. Those other apostles were directly instructed to preach solely what Jesus had commanded them to teach, as documented in the Gospel books.
Adding to, or subtracting from what Jesus taught is unwarranted. Everyone purporting to be a Christian must be listened to, carefully. That person might be true in some aspects of Christianity, but false in others. Therefore, it becomes imperative to highlight what is true, but also take note of what does not align with the teachings of Jesus. This is a principle to be adopted by everyone calling him/herself a Christian.
Clarity commences with the recognition that anyone who is converted requires baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, leaving no room for physical oversight. Jesus holds ultimate authority. The temptation to seek comfort and presume one is on the right path when compared to others can easily mislead an individual. Humility is indispensable for every Christian, regardless of how long one has been a follower of Christ, or how many individuals have been converted through their efforts. In Christianity, nothing is more valuable than humility.
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