WHAT ESTABLISHES AN APOSTOLIC TRADITION?

I  believe that one reason the following four scriptures have been given is to identify for us what apostolic traditions are and what establishes such traditions:

1 Corinthians 11:1)  Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2)  Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

1 Corinthians 14:37)  If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

2 Thessalonians 2:15)  Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

2 Thessalonians 3:6)  Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

From these scriptures we learn that an apostolic tradition is:

(a) a teaching  passed down to an apostle, from the Lord Jesus,(I Cor.11:1,2

        & 14:37)

           (b) such a teaching has been delivered to others by an apostle, 

                     (I Cor.11:2; II Thess.3:6)

                      (c) such a teaching has been communicated by an

                             apostle’s spoken word or by written epistle. 

                               (I Cor.14:37; II Thess.2:15)

Some very earnest Christians sincerely believe and teach that some very common church practices are apostolic traditions based solely on records of historical events found in the New Testament.

But does a scriptural historical record of an event establish any apostolic tradition?

You be the judge of the following recorded events in the Book of Acts. Does the record of any of the following 21 events establish an apostolic tradition which we ought always to follow? Check off your answer (“YES” or “NO”) after each of the following and then record your reasons below for any “YES” answers:

(1) Prayer meetings ought to be held in upper rooms because of Acts 1:13,14. 

       Y(   ) N(   )

(2) Everybody at a prayer meeting ought to speak in tongues because of

       Acts 2:4. Y(   )   N(   )

(3) When preaching the Gospel, one should use Joel 2, Psalm 16, Psalm 110 &

       Psalm 132 as their texts because of Acts 2:14-39.  Y(   )   N(   )

(4) Believers ought to continue steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine and

       fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers because of Acts 2:42. 

       Y (   )  N (   )

(5) Believers ought to have all things common, selling their possessions and

       distributing to those who have need because of Acts 2:44,45 and 4:32-35. 

       Y(   )   N(   )

(6) Believers ought to meet daily in the temple because of Acts 2:46.Y(   )N(   )

(7) Believers ought to break bread daily from house to house because of

       Acts 2:46.   Y(   )   N(   )

(8) All lame beggars ought to be healed because of Acts 3:1-11.  Y(   )   N(   )

(9) Believers ought to heal every sick person that is brought for healing

       because of Acts 5:12-16.     Y(   )   N(   )

(10) Believers ought to preach the Gospel daily in the temple and in houses

        because of Acts 5:42.  Y(   )   N(   )

(11) Believers everywhere ought to appoint 7 men filled with the Holy Spirit

        and wisdom to care for widows in their city because of Acts 6:1-6. 

        Y(   )   N(   )

(12) Believers ought to pray and lay hands on people so they receive the

        Holy Spirit because of Acts 8:15-17.   Y(   )   N(  )

(13) Every one’s baptism should occur 3 days after their conversion because

        of Acts 9:1-18.    Y(   )   N(  )

(14) Believers should heal all those who are sick of the palsy because of

        Acts 9:33,34.  Y(   )   N(   )

(15) Believers always ought to raise the dead to life again because of

          Acts 9:36-41.  Y(   )   N(   )

(16) Believers ought to preach the Gospel on the sabbath day in synagogues

        because of Acts 14:1; 17:1-4)   Y(   )   N(   )

(17) Believers ought to baptize new converts in the middle of the night

         because of Acts 16:33.  Y(   )   N(   )

(18) Believers ought to remember the Lord Jesus in the breaking of bread

        on the first day of the week, and only then because of Acts 20:7.  

         Y(   )   N(  )

(19) Someone should always preach till midnight when disciples come

        together to break bread because of Acts 20:7.   Y(   )   N(   )

(20) Believers should always gather in an upper room to break bread

        because of Acts 20:8.   Y(   )   N(   )

(21) Believers should always break bread after midnight and then talk

        till day break because of Acts 20:11.   Y(  )   N(  )

How many of the historical events above do you think establish an apostolic tradition?(  )  

If  you think one or more of them do, why that one or those and not others?

Would you then add any other further scriptural requirements (which identify apostolic traditions) to the three I have listed above?  If so,  what would such requirements be and where would they be found in the scriptures?

From another perspective, some of the recorded events above are practical illustrations of obedience to apostolic traditions which are actually taught and commanded elsewhere in scripture!

- Believers ought to continue steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine, NOT because of the historical event of Acts 2:42, but because of the commands of the Lord Jesus and the apostles in Matt.28:18-20;  I Cor.11:1,2; II Thess. 2:15 and 3:6!

- We ought to continue steadfastly in the fellowship, NOT because of the historical event of Acts 2:42, but because of the calling of God in I Cor.1:9 and the apostolic command to communicate/have fellowship in Hebrews 13:16

 -We ought to continue steadfastly in the breaking of bread NOT because of the historical event of Acts 2:42 but because of the commands of the Lord Jesus and the apostles in Luke 22:19 and I Cor.11:23-26.

- We ought to continue steadfastly in prayers NOT because of the historical event of Acts 2:42 but because of the commands of the Lord Jesus and the apostles in Luke 18:1; 21:36; Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18!

-We ought to sell possessions we don’t need and distribute to the necessities of others NOT because of the historical events of Acts 2:44,45 and 4:32-35 but because of the commands of the Lord Jesus and the apostles in Matt.19:21; Mark 10:21; Luke 12:33; II Cor.8:9-15!

- Believers ought to remember the Lord Jesus in the breaking of bread on the first day of the week NOT because of the historical event of Acts 20:7 but rather because the Lord Jesus and the apostles command us to do it as often we eat the bread and drink the cup  (i.e. as often as we eat our daily meals!) This is also the reason why we ought to do it NOT ONLY on the first day of the week but daily, NOT because the early believers happened to do it daily (Acts 2:46) but because the Lord Jesus and the apostles commanded us to do so!

Your comments?.... Add them below!

Lemuel asks how biblical ekklesias function and if they exist

Lemuel, a friend of mine, has recently written a number of excellent comments and questions in relation to the earliest posts on the blog relative to what an “ekklesia” is and how it is to function.  There I maintained that an ekklesia was a company of people called out with authority to make decisions together.  Biblical ekklesias did not have “boards”, committees or groups of leaders who gathered together to make decisions “for” the ekklesia!  There were apostles and elders but neither the apostles nor the elders made decisions for the churches! They gave counsel and advice but the authourity and responsibility for making decisions lay with the church gathered together.  See Acts 6:1-7 and Acts 15:1-31

It was in this context that Lemuel wrote the following and I’m going to take the liberty to comment (in blue) within his comments here:
“I see more of what you mean about "ekklesia".

You know, I've never seen such a thing in all my life, and with all my rational thinking behind me, I can't ever see it succeeding, unless the spirit of God is truly there controlling the whole situation.  (You are right, brother!  A biblical church cannot function properly unless the saints are willing to acknowledge practically, and not just theoretically, that Christ is the Head of His church and expect that He will guide His people!  How often have we (people) assumed control and thus usurped control which is not rightfully ours??

Can you imagine a group of drunkards, thieves, robbers, prostitutes,...etc that come to join the church and get saved, but they still have the old mind or old habits of thinking, getting together to make a decision? Most of them, if not all, wouldn't know how to discern His spirit or know His leading, because they don't know Him yet. (Heck, I'm not satisfied with my Christian walk for many times in my trials, I have no clue whatsoever what to do). (I have often thought such things myself, brother! But when I do, I am actually denying many awesome truths that are stated in scripture regarding all believers, even the youngest convert:

-According to the divinely stated terms of the New Covenant, God who cannot lie (Titus 1:2) has guaranteed that He will do all of the following not only for the house of Israel and for the house of Judah (Hebrews 8:8), but also for all Gentile believers who are the epistle of Christ written with the Spirit of the living God in fleshly tables of the heart (II Cor.3:3):

(1) I will put my laws into their mind, (2) I will write them in their hearts: (3) I will be to them a God, (4) They shall be to me a people, (5)  They shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest, (6) I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and (7) Their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

The only reason that a biblical church is possible is because God is faithful to His own covenant!!! If such was dependent on our “performance”, our “wisdom” or our “ingenuity” it would be a hopeless cause!  But I would suggest that our doubts that God really meant what He said, and our fears that such just could not work have been at the root of our losing confidence in Him and placing our confidence instead in our own institutions, our own traditions and our own programs! 

May we rather acknowledge to Him when we have no clue what to do and then lean hard upon Him for the wisdom which He has promised (James 1:5) and trust Him to do in us all that He has said He would do!

“And what happens to the elders and apostles? They ought to know God a lot more (and many don't). Do they participate in decision making? I'm assuming they are part of the church body, so they would be included. Instinctively and naturally, the new babes in Christ look to church elders for their leadership.”

You are absolutely right, brother. Elders and apostles are part of the Body and, because they have been longer on the road, they go before and set an example for others to follow, and can give wise counsel. So yes, younger ones have the benefit of their example to follow and their wisdom to heed. But they are not to be rulers who “lay down the law” requiring others to bow to their decisions!

In all probability, I'm completely in the dark as to what the TRUE meaning of God's "ekklesia", "group", "board meeting", "gathering", "meeting" or whatever you call it is (for I don't think it matters what it is called, but what ever God providentially ordains is meaningful).
So describe then what actually happens in such a TRUE ekklesia...

Brother, let me be clear in my terms… there are many TRUE ekklesias/churches composed of born again, blood bought children of God in just about every community across this great land and around the world. They are TRULY God’s people and members in Christ’s Body. But, sad to say, the practices of many true churches are not biblical practices.

But, for the last two millennia, the Lord has been building His church and where ever people have heard the Gospel, become disciples of the Lord Jesus and then listened to Him, obeyed what He has commanded and taught others to do the same, such ekklesias which are biblical in their practices have been the result!  They have always been known by the practices we find recorded in Acts 2:- they that gladly received his word are baptized,- they continue stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine, - they continue stedfastly in fellowship, - they continue stedfastly in breaking of bread, and - they continue stedfastly in prayers,- the Lord adds to the church those who are saved (men do not add anyone to a biblical church they simply receive those whom God has received Romans 15:7).

And, when they assemble together, practices like those described in Hebrews 10:24 & 25; I Peter 4:10,11 and I Corinthians 11:24-26 are common among them:

Rather than forsaking the assembling of themselves together as the manner of some is…..     

- they consider one another to provoke (or stir up) unto love and to good works and - they exhort one another: - as they see the day approaching they long to do these things more and more, - they have fervent love among themselves,- they gladly extend hospitality one to another,- as each one of them has received, they also minister those gifts one to another as good

stewards of the many-sided grace of God, (they do not look to one or a few to do all the ministering) - So whenever anyone speaks they are to do it as the speaking of God, and- As anyone serves, they are to do it out of the ability which God has given so that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ.- They eat meals together in their homes and as they do, they remember the Lord Jesus.

“Do you know where any such ekklesia exists?    Lemuel”

Yes, brother, I personally know of a few here in S. Ontario and have heard of many others and I have been praying for years that the Lord would multiply such gatherings across our county until there would be such gatherings within walking distance of everyone in our county!  Where ever there are brothers and sisters who long to embrace apostolic traditions, I long to encourage such to begin doing just that in their own homes with other saints who may live just down the block or around the corner!

Would you seriously consider that the Lord might want such an ekklesia in your home?

Doug Comments on the Church: Part Two

My friend, Doug,  continued,   “I would be very curious if you have put together (from SCRATCH) your own theory as to how a biblical body should be put together under the headship of Christ and what passages of Scripture do you use to get there....     How do you handle the passages that others try to use to prove otherwise?    I would be fascinated to see your model.     As soon as I complete Acts and ask my co-teacher to take the next session, I am going to "flesh out" my thoughts on paper and create what I see as the biblical model and try to show how it is Biblically the closest I can come and practically how logical and wise it would be to "organize" in this way....     I will share it with you for critique when I get it done.”

Brother, theories or opinions are like noses, everybody has one! So my theory would be no better than anyone else’s. But what the Lord Jesus and the apostles taught us is of utmost importance.

First of all, I don’t believe it is our job to “put a Biblical body together under the headship of Christ”, for God has already done that!  We are never instructed in scripture to “plant”, “institute”, “organize” or “put together” such a body. We are simply instructed to “keep” (guard) the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”  (Eph.4:3)   When a baby is born, it’s physical body is complete. It’s unity is already established. It is not yet mature but it is complete.

The church is God’s creation, He has established its unity and our responsibility is to guard the unity of that body (not create it!)

Secondly, as far as scripture is concerned there is only one body (The church which is Christ`s Body, Eph.1:22,23, which He said He would build is the only body in which we need to have membership.)   A church in your town or mine is not a “body”, but such churches are part of the Body of Christ.  Otherwise we would have many bodies with one head!   Scripture only speaks of “membership” in the context of a body which has a head.  Only two such are mentioned in the Bible:  (1)our physical bodies have members (eyes, ears etc) I Cor.12, and (2) the Body of Christ has members, believers in the Lord Jesus who are in vital union with the head, Christ.  So “church membership” as the term is most commonly used today, i.e. membership in a local congregation, is not a scriptural idea at all, but simply an invention used to exercise control by dispensing “membership privileges” to those who wish to “sign up”.  I am not a member in any church or gathering of saints except the one I was made a member of the day I got saved!  Nor do we seek to have any control over other saints by inviting them to “become members” of “our church”!  The church is NOT ours at all!

Thirdly, in order to “keep/guard” the unity of a living body  (a little baby’s body or the body of Christ) we need to recognize what that body is ( a living man).  Then we need to recognize that the proper functioning of that living body needs care (in keeping with its design)  and that the health of that body can be threatened, endangered or crippled by abuse or lack of proper care.

I believe that the commands and instructions of the Lord Jesus which he gave to the apostles are the divine guide for the care of Christ’s Body.  The church which is Christ’s body, the church in your town or mine, and the church in your house or mine will thrive as those instructions are followed and obeyed. But when a baby is “cared for” by instructions created and suited for a corporation, the baby will suffer from severe neglect and abuse.  (Precisely what happens when “church” is organized, operates, and functions according to traditions of men rather than according to apostolic traditions received from the Lord Himself!

Traditions of men, which are designed to guide the functioning of corporations, bring horrible abuse upon members of Christ’s body. After long exposure to corporate traditions, many believers are atrophied from lack of use or paralyzed from abuse, joints with other members of the body are dislocated, disease is common and communication with the Head is almost non-existent! So the only way for believers to begin to function in a healthy manner as members of Christ is to purpose to listen to Jesus, obey whatever He has said and then teach others to do the same.  (That’s basically the idea of the “great Commission”!)

“Church services”, “worship services”, clergy/laity distinctions, denominational distinctives are a few of the traditions of men that are foreign to scripture. In their places believers are to assemble together to minister one to another (Hebrews 10:24,25) as good stewards of the grace of God which is given to each one (I Peter 4:10,11),   the people of God (LAOS) I Peter 2:10 are the same group of people as God’s inheritance (KLEROS or clergy) over which elders are forbidden to be lords! (I Peter 5:3) The use of any names which distinguish Christians one from another or which exclude others from their fellowship are forbidden. (I Cor.1:10-13)  Pastors/elders/overseers are males who are “homegrown” and thus well known by the believers they serve (not unknown and imported from elsewhere). They are recognized by God-given qualifications (I Timothy 3 and Titus 1) NOT hired according to preferences of the sheep and they work diligently with their own hands to meet their own needs and also to be able to support weak ones among the sheep(Acts 20:33-35). Finally, elders do not function alone. No NT church had only one elder. Rather the churches which resulted from the ministries of the apostles were guided by a plurality of elders who laboured together to care for the flock.

So, Doug, (and other readers of this blog)… as you look for and seek to be involved in a church which is thoroughly biblical in its practices,  which of those mentioned above would you embrace?  What other practices taught by the Lord Jesus and the apostles would you include? How can you begin to make such apostolic traditions part of your own lifestyle today? As you, personally, obey what the Lord has shown you, how might He bring you into contact with others with similar desires?

Doug Comments on the Church (Part One)

Doug, a friend of mine wrote the following comments in a couple of recent emails and gave me his permission to use his comments here. Doug currently serves as a deacon and teacher in a church whose location and denomination need not be disclosed:

“I have been thinking a lot about church too, but for different reasons.  I am teaching through Acts and though it is a transitional book, I find that there are some "traditions of men" that are tied back to Acts 6.   I have yet to find other solid passages in scripture that teach that the "congregation" should be electing its overseers/shepherds/elders etc. The idea of (our denomination’s) congregation rule is a biblical stretch at best. It seems scripture supports elders (qualifications given by Paul) overseeing the church and maintaining adherence to the truth of scripture.                                         

How can a congregation be in submission to an overseer/pastor/bishop/ elder/shepherd that they elect and can throw out if he preaches the stuff they don't want to hear?   Excellent point, Doug!  I agree entirely. There can be no genuine following of a shepherd by the sheep who have hired him and have the ability to fire him!  But an excellent example of biblical and godly leadership and how believers are to respond to it is found in the case of Stephanas’ house and Paul’s counsel to the Corinthian saints regarding them. 1 Corinthians 16:15)  I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) 16)  That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

How can any one man - certain (denominations and associations) tout "one man" / God's man as a pastor - have all the gifts mentioned in scripture?  No man has all the gifts, therefore all members of the body are needed.  If Christ is the HEAD, then all the other body parts have a function and make up a complete and functioning organism (not organization).   You are absolutely right on this as well, brother!

I think my next step is to draw up a graphic picture (I am a visual learner) of what I think a "church" should look like as I see things depicted in Scripture.   However, if there is ONLY one way for a biblical body to function, then I believe Christ would have made it very clear in scripture through the Holy Spirit.    But, like other truths that appear to be the mysteries of the word, maybe it is there, but we just don't want to accept it because we have our traditions we are comfortable with...   ya think?”  Doug, I do think that the Lord Jesus has given us just one way for a biblical church to function. The apostle Paul taught that one way consistently in all the churches. The only reason why we find it so difficult to recognize that one way is that we have all been raised in a religious system which presents “church” as a smorgasbord.  (If you don’t like “church” as it is served up in one place you can choose any of a multitude of different options offered down the street or in the next town! There are a wide of “worship styles”, “music styles”, “programs” and “doctrinal statements” which are offered.  But the following are traditions which were integral to the religious experience of almost all of us:
- pulpit ministry/monologue preaching is the centre piece almost everywhere,  (If you didn’t hear a “sermon" most would not believe you had been to church!) 
- a clear distinction between a clergy class of ministers and the laity is also almost universal. (If the group you are part of doesn’t have some form of “full-time Christian worker” with “credentials” to prove it, your “group” cannot possibly be a church! 
– the ownership, or at least the regular use of a large building (with a sign!) in which meetings are convened is considered to be an absolute essential if you are going to “have church”! and  
- the regular receiving from the congregants of monetary collections which are used mainly for  maintaining the buildings and supporting the “full-time ministers”.

But, not one of these traditions were  received from the Lord Jesus or His apostles and biblical churches today function quite well without any of them!

Here’s another perspective on the issue of whether there is ONLY one way for Biblical churches to function…..

I recently received an invitation to a gathering of people “interested in doing church differently”. The invitation did not specify from what these folks were interested in differing as they did church.

Certainly there are many Christians and others who have been hurt, disillusioned, abused, bored or dissatisfied with whatever their previous experience of “church” has been. It is understandable that such are looking for a change!  It reminds me of a very similar situation with marriage in our culture! Many whether still married, separated, divorced or not yet married are very dissatisfied with what they have experienced in their own marriages or have observed in those of others. It is understandable that such are looking for a change!

But as Christians, born again believers in Jesus Christ who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God, what would or should be our response if we received an invitation to a gathering of folks interested in doing marriage differently??   Do we not recognize that marriage was God’s idea and that there is one way to “do marriage” and that that one way is now prescribed by a few basic non-optional, transcultural and universal traditions from the Creator?  I might very well be sorely criticised by some for being so “narrow” for saying so, but I firmly believe the following about marriage:                                                                                                                  
- It is a human relationship, (ruling out bestiality)
- It is a heterosexual relationship,   (ruling out sodomy)
- It is a non-incestuous relationship,  (ruling out incest)
- It is a non-adulterous relationship,  (ruling out adultery)
- It is a marital relationship  (ruling out pre, post and extra marital relationships)  and
- It is a monogamous relationship, (ruling out polygamy)

In like manner, why should it seem strange to us that when it comes to “church” that God should also have some basic, non-optional, transcultural and universal traditions by which all churches which own Christ as their head should follow?

Some more of Doug's comments and my responses in the next post. Now it's YOUR turn! What are your thoughts, experiences and conclusions from your own study of scripture? You can comment below or send an email to me at bwood4d@gmail.com.

Apostolic Traditions (Part Two)

Today we consider a numnber of other apostolic traditions which are still God's design for believers and His churches/assemblies/ekklesias today.  I don't expect to win a popularity contest with these posts as I know they are at odds with many firmly held church traditions today! But I simply ask you to see if they are really what the Lord Jesus and the apostles taught. If you find that they are, I encourage you to embrace them wholeheartedly!

Baptizing Done immediately upon conversion vs. Delaying baptism for any of a wide variety of traditional reasons.  Disciples, those who profess faith in the Lord Jesus, are to be baptized and then taught! (Matthew 28:19,20)  In every case of baptism in the scriptures, believers were baptized immediately. The longest delay (on scriptural record) was three days between Saul’s conversion and his baptism! When Ananias came to him he asked, “Why tarriest thou?” and then commanded him, “Arise and be baptized!” (Acts 22:16)

“Clergy” and “Laity” are the Same People vs. “Clergy/Laity” Distinction. The apostle Peter taught that all believers are the “people” of God (Greek = laos or “laity”) (1 Pet.2:9,10). As an elder himself, Peter taught that elders are never to lord it over God’s “heritage” (Greek = kleros or “clergy”) (1 Pet.5:3). Thus, “clergy” and “laity” are one and the same, and they do not refer to church leaders vs. ordinary believers! This false distinction among the people of God has been promoted and accepted for centuries as a result of religious traditions of men and has wreaked untold havoc among “clergymen” and those that they so often designate as the “laity”!

Elders Appointed by God vs. Elders Hired by Sheep. Local church leaders were interchangeably called “elders/presbyters”, “pastors/shepherds”, or “bishops/overseers” (Acts 20:17,28; 1 Pet.5:1-3). These elders were appointed by apostles (Acts 14:23) or those they had trained (Titus 1:5) according to God’s requirements (1 Tim 3 and Titus 1). These men (a plurality of males Acts 20:30; I Tim.3:2, Tit.1:6) from within the flock, were appointed by and accountable to God (Acts 20:28; Heb13:17; 1 Pet 5:1,4). But unbiblical religious traditions teach that a lone shepherd, male or female, is called from outside the flock based on qualifications determined by the sheep, is accountable to the sheep, and is hired, salaried, and may even be fired by the sheep!

Unpaid Ministry vs. Salaried “Clergy.” Itinerant apostles worked with their hands to support the weak and taught local elders and all believers to do the same. (Acts 18:3; 20:33-35; 2 Cor.12:14-19; 1 Thess.2:7-9; 2 Thess.3:6-12). Believers who preach the Gospel and teach others rightfully receive gifts from those blessed by their labors (1 Cor. 9; Gal 6:6-10; Phil 4:11-18; 1 Tim 5:17,18; 3 John 1:5-8), but neither missionaries nor elders were paid for their ministries. They labored with their hands (Acts 20:33-35, served freely (Matt.10:8), preached the Gospel without charge (1 Cor.9:18), and served willingly and not for filthy lucre or sordid gain (1 Pet.5:2). So today, missionaries, elders of assemblies of God’s people, and all believers are to have their daily needs met in the same way because all are members in the same body.

Ministry by Every believer vs. A One-man Show. The apostles taught and modeled ministry by all, not by a few ministering to the many!(Acts 1:12-2:47, 4:23-33, 6:1-6, 13:1-3, 15:4-32, 20:7-12; 1 Cor. 5:4-13, 11:20-34, 14:23-40; Heb 10:24,25; I Peter 4:10,11). “Preaching” to believers was always by dialogue and discussion, rather than lecturing. Paul’s “preaching” in Acts 20 was the Greek word “dialegomai” or dialogue. Also, while religious tradition says that “homilies” (Greek = homileo) are monologue sermons, scriptural “homilies” are always conversations among a number of people! The word homileo is found 4 times in the New Testament and is translated “talked together”, “communed together”, “talked”, and “communed” (Luke 24:14,15; Acts 20:11, 24:26). Although one-way communication was done to evangelize unbelievers (Acts 2:14-40, 7:2-53, 17:22-31), sermonizing to saints is foreign to the New Testament! This is one major reason why the apostles never taught the early saints to buy, own, rent or acquire special church buildings! Believers most often gathered in homes (Acts 2:46, 20:20; Rom 16:3-5; 1 Cor 16:19; Col 4:15; Philem 1:2). Even when the whole church in a city gathered together, their venue was not owned by the church! (Acts 2:46, 5:12, 15:12,22,30;  19:9; 1 Cor.11:20 KJV & 14:23 KJV).

Generous Giving vs. Mandatory Tithing. Every believer should set aside and save money as God has prospered them, so they will have resources to give to those in need, rather than being obliged to give a “tithe” or contribute to a collection which is spent on salaries, mortgages, utilities, etc! (1 Cor.16:1,2). We are now the house in whom God dwells (Eph.2:19-22) and are to give to poor saints, rather than giving tithes to maintain an unscriptural clergy class and offerings to maintain “sanctuaries” in which God does not dwell!! (Acts 7:48; 17:24; Heb.3:5,6). 

Giving to the poor vs. Fundraising for the “clergy”, “full-time Christian workers”, or “denominational hierarchies”.  Christendom today has become just as commercialized as the secular business world as traditions of men have usurped divinely given instructions regarding giving and how the needs of God’s people are to be met! (Luke 6:38; I Corinthians 16:1,2; II Corinthians chapters 8 and 9.) But the apostles’ consistent instructions on these matters focus our attention rather on giving to the poor, the needy, the weak, the widow and the orphan.

The Lord’s Supper vs. The Lord’s Snack. We are to remember the Lord as often as we eat our daily meals, rather than practicing a “bite and sip” ritual administered by “clergy” to the “laity” (Luke 22:19; Acts 2:42,46; 1 Cor.11:24-26). Early believers “continued steadfastly” in the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers (Acts 2:41-47). If we only prayed once a year, once a quarter, once a month, or even once a week, would we really be “continuing steadfastly” in prayer? If not, can we claim to be “continuing steadfastly” in breaking of bread if we do it only annually, quarterly, monthly, or weekly?

Unity vs. Denominations. We are to designate God’s people simply as “brethren”, “disciples”, “saints”, “Christians”, “believers”, “children of God” and “sons of God.” This promotes unity, fellowship, and mutual ministry. But names that religious organizations use, intentionally distinguish them from others. The very essence of “denominationalism” is taking names which distinguish one group from others. Apostolic tradition refutes such practices (Rom 15:7; 1 Cor.1:9-13) and commands us to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph.4:2).

Scattering into the world vs. Assembling together for Gospel preaching. The Lord Jesus sent his disciples out by twos and commanded them to “go into all the world and preach the Gospel”. (Luke 10:1; Mark 16:15) He met unconverted people “on their own turf” and taught his disciples to do the same. The apostles did the same and the early churches followed their example. The world was “turned upside down” as the Gospel was proclaimed by the seaside, in markets, in public forums, in courtrooms, in prisons and in homes. As a result, “evangelistic efforts” which are so common in our day were totally foreign to the early churches!! The New Covenant scriptures are entirely void of any “gospel meetings” which were advertised and convened by believers in places where the saints were accustomed to assemble or in places which they owned or rented.

The above are certainly not an exhaustive list of all apostolic traditions! I have simply noted some main ones in a very brief format. I plan to deal with them in more detail in subsequent posts. But if you have difficulties, questions, comments to make regarding any of the above, please do so below and I'll seek to respond to your comments in upcoming posts.

So, What Now?

Throughout church history, whenever believers turned from religion and returned to apostolic traditions, they faced persecution from those who treasured men’s traditions above God’s Word. But they also experienced rich blessings from God for their costly obedience, and the church was reformed, revived, and renewed. How will our generation be remembered, and how will our choice of traditions affect future generations?        

Are we willing to turn from anti-scriptural traditions, inherited from denominations and families, to embrace the traditions modeled and mandated by the Lord Jesus and his apostles? Our behaviour with other saints, in response to this question, will clearly show whether or not we acknowledge Christ as our Head?

Apostolic Traditions (Part One)

I was raised, trained, schooled, “ordained” and served as a “church planting missionary” within religious traditions of men which I believed were truly scriptural. But a serious reading and study of the New Covenant scriptures, especially the Book of Acts, shook my religious beliefs to the core in 1978. Since then, I have been on an ongoing journey seeking to learn and practice apostolic traditions.

Apostolic Traditions vs. Man-made Traditions

Most Christians, like myself at one time, firmly believe that what their church teaches and practices is truly scriptural. But the fact of the matter is that many, if not most, church practices have been derived from traditions of men over the centuries since the apostles first taught the early church how God wanted churches to function. Until we actually search the scriptures and compare apostolic teachings with our own practices, we have no clue whether our practices are truly Biblical or not!

Most Christians believe that Christ is Head of the church, but yet His headship and lordship are actually denied by practices we have embraced which are contrary to His own instructions! How can we truly embrace Christ as Head apart from rejecting religious traditions that are contrary to His commands? We will acknowledge Him as our Head only when we fully embrace the simple yet dynamic practices which the Lord Jesus commanded the apostles to teach.

What is God’s Eternal Purpose?

God has an overriding purpose in Christ Jesus, but it is not simply the salvation of lost sinners! God’s purpose is not man-centered, but it certainly does include us. God loved us so much that Jesus died to save the world (John 3:16). Jesus said that he came into this world to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). And God is certainly not willing that anyone should perish (2 Pet.3:9)

But, Paul clearly informs us in Ephesians 3 about God’s “big picture” goal according to his eternal purpose in Christ Jesus our Lord. God’s eternal purpose is “that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold [i.e. many-sided] wisdom of God.” (Eph.3:10). This will only be accomplished as we obey Jesus’ commandments given to the apostles (Matt.28:18-20; 1 Cor.11:1,2; 14:37).

What’s the Relationship between Head and Body?

A brain surgeon, for example, can only show his many-sided wisdom as each member of his body obeys the instructions from his head. If his body is healthy, his members instantly obey directions from his head. But, if he is paralyzed or stricken with Alzheimer’s, his body parts will not obey his head as he would desire. Thus, his wisdom and skill will be obscured, rather than manifested.

So too when we, the members of Christ’s Body, are bound by unscriptural traditions, dysfunctional practices, and false teaching, God’s manifold wisdom is obscured, rather than manifested. In Christ’s Body, we can only function properly as we hear and obey the Lord Jesus’ commands to the apostles to be obeyed by all his disciples. Unfortunately, all of us have been “afflicted” by many religious traditions which are contrary to apostolic traditions. In the measure this is true of us, we are disobedient, in opposition to Jesus, and cannot minister as Christ desires!

Did Jesus and Paul believe in Traditions?

The Lord Jesus said, “Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?... Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition…. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matt.15:3,6,9).

The apostle Paul instructed the first-century saints with many similar words. To the Corinthians he wrote, “Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances (traditions), as I delivered them to you.” (1 Cor.11:2). Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to “stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.” (2 Thess. 2:15).

And Paul told the Philippians, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do.” (Philip 4:9). Paul went further and said, “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.” (2 Thess.3:6).

Examples of Apostolic Traditions

Although I cannot give a detailed list in this post, here are just a few  (two in this post and others to follow) examples of dynamic apostolic traditions vs. the “man-made” traditions often practiced.

Baptizing Believers vs. Baptizing Infants. We are to practice baptism of believers/disciples who have made a conscious decision to follow Christ, rather than baptizing infants or unsaved church “members.” (Matt.28:18,19; Acts 2:38; 8:36-38). 

Baptizing Done by Believers vs. Baptizing Done Exclusively by “Clergy”. Disciples who make other disciples are commanded by the Lord to baptize them, rather than limiting the act of baptizing new believers to a credentialed clergy caste (Matt.28:18,19; Acts 8:30-38).

To be continued in subsequent posts

Introduction to Apostolic Traditions

Traditions: What are they?                                                                                                                                                      -something passed down from one to another and generally observed.    (Greek PARADOSIS, Strong’s  # 3862)       

What kinds of traditions are there ?

 (1) Traditions which are obedient to and in keeping with God-given commands.

          (godly, biblical and moral traditions)  These are called “the commandments of the Lord”,  “the  ordinances”,  “the   

         traditions which ye have been taught by word or our (the apostles’) epistle”,  "the traditions received of us (the

        apostles)”, and “the things which thou hast heard of me (Paul) among many witnesses”. Matthew 28:20;  I

        Corinthians 11:1,2;  14:37;  Philippians 4:9; II Thessalonians 2:15;  3:6;  and II Timothy 2:2

 (2) Traditions which are disobedient to and contradictory to God given commands.

          (ungodly,  anti-biblical, and immoral traditions)  These are called your own traditions”, “traditions of men”, 

        “traditions of the fathers” or “traditions of the elders”. Matthew 15:2,3,6;  Mark 7:3,5,8,9,13; Galatians 1:14; 

         Colossians 2:8; I Peter 1:18

 (3) Traditions which are neither obedient to nor disobedient to God-given commands.

          (neutral, non-biblical and amoral traditions)  For example, meeting regularly on a Tuesday night for Bible study,

         having receptions after weddings and funerals, or serving coffee and cookies when the saints gather in your home.

Apostolic Traditions: What are they?

  -practices which are:

    (1) commanded by Christ,

              Matthew 28:18)  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in  heaven and in
              earth. 19)   Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the  Father, and of the Son, and
             of the  Holy Ghost: 20)  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am
            with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

             1 Corinthians 11:1)  Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2)  Now I praise you, brethren, that ye
             remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
             1 Corinthians 14:37)  If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things
             that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

    (2) taught by the apostles, to be practiced by us,

             Philippians 4:9)  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and  

            the God of peace shall be with you.

            2 Thessalonians 2:15)  Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught,
            whether by word, or our epistle.
            2 Thessalonians 3:6)  Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that  ye withdraw
            yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.   and
                 
    (3) to be taught by us to others.

               2 Timothy 2:2)  And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to

                faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Why is keeping them so important?

(1) Our response (obedience or disobedience to the commands of Christ communicated to us by the apostles)
     demonstrates whether or not Christ is our Lord.   Can someone who wilfully ignores and disobeys divine
    commands truly claim that Christ is their Lord?
     Luke 6:46) And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
    Matthew 7:21)  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that
       doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22)  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not
      prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23) 
     And  then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart  from  me, ye that work iniquity. 24)  Therefore whosoever
     heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
     25)  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it
      was founded upon a rock. 26)  And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not,  shall be
      likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27)  And the rain descended, and the floods came,
      and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

 (2) Our response (obedience or disobedience to such apostolic traditions) demonstrates the measure  of our a

      cknowledgment of the headship of Christ as members in His body.

      Colossians 1:18)  And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that

        in all  things he might have the preeminence.

      Romans 12:4)  For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5)  So we,
      being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6)  Having then gifts differing according
      to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7)  Or
      ministry,  let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8)  Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he
     that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 9) 
     Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10)  Be kindly affectioned
     one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11)  Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit;
     serving the Lord; 12)  Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13) Distributing to the
     necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14)  Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15)  Rejoice with
    them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16)  Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high
     things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17)  Recompense to no man evil for
     evil. Provide things honest in  the sight of all men. 18)  If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with
    all men. 19)  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is
    mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20)  Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so
    doing thou shalt heap coals of  fire on his head. 21)  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

 (3)Our response demonstrates the measure of our love to Christ and of our love for other children of God.  (Both

     are proven by keeping His commandments.)                  

       John 14:15)  If ye love me, keep my commandments.
       John 14:21)   He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall
        be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.                   
     2 Corinthians 5:14)  For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were
       all dead: 15)  And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him
       which died for them, and rose again.
    1 John 5:2)  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3) 
       For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
     2 John 1:6)  And this is love, that we walk after his commandments.

 (4) Our response (obedience or disobedience) will be an example which will inevitably have an  influence on others

       (for good or evil!)

        1 Timothy 4:11)  These things command and teach. 12)  Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of
        the  believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
        1 Corinthians 16:15)  I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia,
         and  that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) 16)  That ye  submit yourselves unto such,
         and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

In the next post, I’ll begin a discussion of a number of apostolic traditions which are largely ignored and disobeyed in Christendom today. I encourage my readers to earnestly consider them and to begin to practice those which you may not have practiced before. As always, please feel free to leave your own comments and questions below.