Shepherds in Ephesus 1 Timothy 3:1-3

Church of Ephesus Church started by Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:6) Paul personally pastored the church for three years (Acts 19) Paul then placed Timothy to Pastor at the church (1 Timothy 1:3) (About A.D. 62-63) Church is mentioned by John in about A.D. 95 (Revelation 2)

The Church: A new concept The citizens of Ephesus were accustomed to following the cult of Artemis. There is strong evidence of the practice of Egyptian magic. (Acts 19:19) There was a Jewish synagogue in the middle of the city for the Jewish community. (Acts 19:8) The church was unique in that it brought cultures together.

4 “In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” EPHESIANS 3:4-6

8 “Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” EPHESIANS 3:8-10

Paul provides instructions Because the church was “new” and many cultures, converts of other religions, and various practices composed the church of Ephesus, Paul had to write to offer 1) Warning against false teachers 2) Instructions in public worship and 3) Church administration

“This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.” 1 TIMOTHY 3:1 Desires-strong internal passion with external action. Paul describes chain of command: A) Bishop B) Deacon

Three Fundamental Church Goverments Congregationalism Episcopal Presbyterian

Congregationalism A system of church governance in which every local church congregation is independent, ecclesiastically sovereign, or "autonomous". Example-Southern Baptist

Episcopal A form of church governance that is hierarchical in structure with the chief authority over a local Christian church resting in a bishop. These Bishops regard themselves as being in an unbroken, personal Apostolic successional lineage.

Presbyterian A method of church governance typified by the rule of assemblies of presbyters, or elders. Each local church is governed by a body of elected elders. Groups of local churches are governed by a higher assembly of elders known as the presbytery. Specific roles in church services are reserved for an ordained minister or pastor.

“2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”  5 This proposal pleased the whole group.” ACTS 6:2-5

6 “The apostles and elders met to consider this question 6 “The apostles and elders met to consider this question.” ACTS 15:6 22 “Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.” ACTS 15:22 As the church evolved, the government changed!

Church in 21st Century Times Past: Now: Bishop- Overseer, elder, pastor Deacon- (To serve) Now: Shepherd/ LG Leader Apprentice The church must adapt to the needs of the people. Matter is about function

2 “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach;” 1 TIMOTHY 3:2 Blameless- no valid accusations of crimes against him. Temperate- Vigilant; watchful Sober-minded- Mature; disciplined Hospitable- “love of strangers”

“Husband of One Wife” Implications Paul gives no acknowledge for a female to serve in the capacity of a Bishop. Married not single (What about Paul?) Forbids Polygamy Faithfulness to his wife

“Apt to Teach” 11 “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,” EPHESIANS 4:11 Teach- “didaktos” Skillful instruction of precepts.

3 “not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.” 1 Timothy 3:3