Wrong. He wanted the preeminence. Where does it say that he failed the test for eldership. I might have missed that. Thanks.
Other scriptures back the non self exaltation command. We are not to 'lord it over His heritage.'
Matt. 20 the verses that you never hear taught on. Jesus told His own that the world has its upper authority system 'but it shall not be so among you'.
Elders were to take the oversight of the flock, not the overlord.
Other scriptures back the non self exaltation command. We are not to 'lord it over His heritage.'
Matt. 20 the verses that you never hear taught on. Jesus told His own that the world has its upper authority system 'but it shall not be so among you'.
Elders were to take the oversight of the flock, not the overlord.
Right, Yet. You didn't miss it; you see that the man was not above reproach or Paul would not have reproved him. He was arrogant, for example. Aren't leaders to be servants of all? This is the idea behind the word "minister", isn't it?
This is getting silly. I do see your point about elders and deacons - the situation Timothy was in was unique in the history of the church - but where to we go with it? If you want no pastor in your fellowship or church, that's great. If other churches, like the one I am part of, have roles for everyone and don't put the pastor on a pedestal they should be allowed that freedom and get on with the work of extending God's kingdom, wouldn't you say?