Melchizedek Study Notes

August 5–30, 2026

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August 5 Notes

Psalm 110

- We started on Psalm 110.

- David was allowed to hear the conversation between God and Jesus approximately 1,000 years before the book of Hebrews.

- David heard this conversation around 1000 BC.

- David knew his King was coming through his bloodline.

Genesis 14 — Abraham and Melchizedek

- The story of the meeting between Abraham and Melchizedek is introduced in Genesis chapter 14.

- This took place approximately 1800 BC.

- At the time, Salem was associated with what would later become known as Jerusalem.

- There were five cities involved, with two major cities being Sodom and Gomorrah.

- There were four kings against five kings, with a king for each city.

- Abraham had 318 trained servants and went to rescue Lot with God's help.

- Abraham gave 10% to Melchizedek.

Timeline

Adam — ~4000 BC

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Abram and Melchizedek meet — ~1800 BC

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David writes Psalm 110 — ~950–1000 BC

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Jesus comes in the flesh — 1st Century AD

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August 9 Notes

Types and Figures

- There are different types and figures throughout this study.

- Pharaoh was basically a type or figure representing Satan, more or less.

- Melchizedek was a type of Christ, especially concerning Christ's position as King and High Priest.

- Melchizedek was equal in the sense that he held the two offices of King and Priest.

- Jesus would hold both offices as King and High Priest.

The First Coming of Christ

- Jesus came to earth in the flesh.

- After Jesus rose from the dead, He spent 40 days appearing to His disciples.

- He then went back to Heaven.

- Jesus was exalted to the right hand of God.

Abraham's Seed

- We are the seed of Abraham by faith.

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August 13 Notes

Genesis 14 → Psalm 110 → Hebrews

Genesis 14

↓ approximately 1,000 years

Psalm 110 — David

↓ approximately 1,000 years

Hebrews

- Hebrews was written to Christians who came from a Jewish/Old Covenant background.

- The meeting between Abraham and Melchizedek happened approximately 1,000 years before David wrote Psalm 110.

- David then wrote Psalm 110 approximately 1,000 years before the writing of Hebrews.

Salem and David

- The four kings did not conquer Salem.

- David conquered Salem/Jerusalem approximately 1,000 years later.

The Tithe

- Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth.

- The tithe deals with giving back to God the 10% that was commanded under the Old Covenant.

Christ's Return

- When Christ comes back, He will raise the dead first who are in Christ.

- Those who are alive and in Christ will then be caught up together with them in the air to meet Him.

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August 16 Notes

Hebrews 1–10

- Hebrews 5–7 is especially important to the study of Melchizedek.

- The whole book of Hebrews was written to Christians with a Jewish/Old Testament background.

- We are supposed to honor God with our giving.

Hebrews 1–10 — Major Points

1. Jesus is greater than the angels.

2. Jesus is greater than man.

3. Moses and Aaron

- “Apostle” means one who is sent.

- Moses was a type of an apostle because God sent him.

- Aaron was the first High Priest.

- Moses and Aaron each held different offices.

- Jesus is both King and High Priest.

1. The Rest

- Hebrews talks about the rest that is given.

- The hope is in Jesus when we follow His commands.

- The Old Testament rest was connected with the land of Canaan, the land flowing with milk and honey.

Jesus' Position

- Moses and Aaron each held one office.

- Jesus is both High Priest and King.

- Hebrews emphasizes multiple times that Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God.

Old Testament Types

- The crossing of the Red Sea is discussed in 1 Corinthians 10:1–2.

- The Old Testament contains events that can serve as types and figures pointing toward spiritual realities.

Hebrews 5–10

- Chapters 5–10 build toward Jesus being identified as a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek.

- Jesus is both King and High Priest.

- He holds the position that Melchizedek's role pointed toward.

Hebrews 8 — The Covenant and Sacrifice

- Hebrews 8 talks about the covenant and sacrifice.

- Jesus is the complete and perfect sacrifice.

- The Old Testament sacrifices pointed forward to Christ.

- The sacrifice had to involve death for it to take effect.

LORD and Lord

- LORD = LORD/Yahweh.

- Lord = the Son, Jesus.

- Lord also carries the meaning of master, ruler, or one with authority.

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August 19 Notes

Psalm 110

Ephesians 3

- Ephesians chapter 3 discusses God's eternal purpose.

- The plan of salvation was made known through Christ.

- The spiritual rulers and authorities came to understand God's wisdom through what God accomplished.

LORD — Lord

Yahweh — Adonai

- LORD refers to Yahweh.

- Lord refers to the one possessing authority, master, or ruler.

- Psalm 110:1 says:

«“The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’”»

Jesus in the Flesh

- Jesus was called Lord while He was still in the flesh because of His authority.

- Jesus went to Heaven on the 40th day after His resurrection.

- He returned to Heaven and was exalted.

- Christ was given His glorified position.

David Hearing God's Voice

- This was not the first time David heard the voice of God.

- David heard God's voice at least nine times, not counting what the prophets told David God had said.

- David heard the divine conversation approximately 1,000 years before its fulfillment in Christ.

Psalm 110 and God's Plan

- David heard the divine conversation approximately 1,000 years before Jesus.

- David saw that his descendant would become his Lord.

- When the Father and Jesus are speaking in Psalm 110, the prophecy concerns what would happen to Christ.

- God knew the plan from the beginning.

- Psalm 110 was in the mind of God before the world was formed.

- God's plan of salvation was not an afterthought.

- If the demons had fully understood God's plan, they would not have understood that God's plan would use the cross to accomplish salvation.

John 1:1

- God had a plan for Christ before Christ came in human form.

- John 1:1 confirms Christ's existence in the beginning.

- Christ existed before His earthly birth.

David and the Law

- Moses was told that when Israel received a king, that king was to write a copy of the Law of Moses and keep it with him.

- The king was to read it continually and keep God's law before him.

- David knew about Abraham and Melchizedek.

- David knew the Scriptures concerning the coming King.

Melchizedek and Christ

- The meeting between Abraham and Melchizedek was part of God's plan.

- Melchizedek is a type of Jesus.

- Melchizedek was both King and Priest.

- Jesus is both King and High Priest.

- The priesthood of Christ is after the order of Melchizedek.

Abraham's Tenth

- Abraham gave Melchizedek 10%.

- The Levites and their priesthood are later discussed in connection with Abraham's giving of the tenth.

- Hebrews uses this to demonstrate the superiority of Melchizedek's priesthood.

Bread and Wine

- Genesis 14 records Melchizedek bringing bread and wine.

- This is a precursor or picture that can be considered in connection with the later Lord's Supper.

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August 26 Notes

Psalm 110 — The Rest of the Study

Ephesians 1 and Psalm 110

- Ephesians chapter 1 helps explain Psalm 110.

- Melchizedek is part of the picture as a High Priest and King.

- Jesus is the fulfillment of the picture.

- Jesus is on His throne.

- Jesus being on His throne is the big picture.

The Word “Shall”

- “Shall” is a key theme in Psalm 110.

- It points toward what would happen in the future.

- David saw these things approximately 1,000 years before their fulfillment.

- Jesus would sit on His throne and accomplish what Psalm 110 describes.

Jesus on His Throne

- The key is that Jesus is exalted and seated at God's right hand.

- This connects with the fulfillment of Psalm 110.

- Jesus is our High Priest and King.

“In Christ”

- The key is “in Christ.”

- Ephesians chapter 1 explains how we receive spiritual blessings by being in Christ.

- All spiritual blessings are in Christ Jesus.

Enemies and God's People

Psalm 110 can be viewed in three sections:

Verses 1–2

Enemies

- God places Christ at His right hand.

- Christ reigns while His enemies are being made His footstool.

Verse 3

God's People

- God's people willingly serve Him.

- His people are holy and devoted to Him.

Pentecost

- The Holy Spirit was brought down on the Day of Pentecost.

- Acts 2 records this event.

- This happened after Jesus ascended to Heaven.

Acts 1

- Acts chapter 1 records Jesus going back to Heaven.

- Jesus' ascension helps us fully understand Psalm 110.

- Jesus ascended after appearing to His disciples for 40 days.

- He was exalted to God's right hand.

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August 30 Notes

Psalm 110 — Key Words and the Future

- Psalm 110 contains several key words that talk about the future.

- These words describe things that would later be fulfilled in the New Testament.

David and Psalm 110

- Peter explains David's writings in his preaching.

- David wrote Psalm 110 by inspiration from God.

- David may not have understood the complete meaning of everything he wrote.

- We today can use the New Testament Scriptures to help break down and understand what David wrote.

- David wrote from the mind and inspiration of God.

Ephesians 1

- All spiritual blessings are in Christ Jesus.

- Being in Christ is a key part of understanding God's plan of salvation.

- Christ is exalted and seated at God's right hand.

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Complete Timeline

Adam — ~4000 BC

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Abram and Melchizedek meet — ~1800 BC

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David writes Psalm 110 — ~950–1000 BC

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Jesus Christ comes in the flesh — 1st Century AD

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Jesus dies on the cross

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Jesus is raised from the dead

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Jesus appears to His disciples for 40 days

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Jesus ascends into Heaven

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Jesus is exalted to God's right hand

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Day of Pentecost — Acts 2

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Hebrews explains Christ's priesthood after the order of Melchizedek

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Hebrews and Christ's Throne

- The book of Hebrews confirms multiple times that Jesus is at the right hand of God.

- Christ's position on the throne is a key part of understanding Psalm 110.

- Jesus is both:

- King

- High Priest

- Melchizedek provides the Old Testament picture of these two offices.

- Psalm 110 prophesies that the coming Messiah would be a priest after the order of Melchizedek.

- Hebrews confirms that Jesus is that High Priest.

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Acts 2 — The First Converts

- Peter preached Christ to the people in Acts 2.

- The people were convicted by Peter's preaching and asked what they needed to do.

- They asked:

«“Men and brethren, what shall we do?”»

- Peter answered:

«“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.”»

- Acts 2 records the first converts after the establishment of the church.

- The gospel was preached as the message of salvation through Christ.

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John 19:32–34 — The Blood of Christ

- John 19:32–34 records Jesus' death on the cross.

- Jesus' side was pierced.

- Blood and water came out.

- The blood of Christ is central to the sacrifice Jesus made for mankind.

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Two Types of Life

- The lesson discussed two types of life:

1. Physical life, beginning in the womb.

2. Spiritual life, associated with becoming new in Christ.

- Dew was discussed as an illustration of a new day and a new beginning.

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God's Knowledge and Wisdom

- God is all-knowing and ever-present.

- God's wisdom and knowledge are not the same thing.

- Knowledge involves knowing and understanding.

- Wisdom involves the proper use and application of knowledge.

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Main Theme of the Entire Study

Melchizedek → Psalm 110 → Jesus Christ → Hebrews

Genesis 14

Melchizedek is introduced as King of Salem and Priest of God Most High.

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Psalm 110

David prophesies about a coming King and Priest.

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Jesus Christ

Jesus comes in the flesh, dies, is raised, and appears for 40 days.

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Acts 1

Jesus ascends into Heaven.

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Christ at God's Right Hand

Jesus is exalted and takes His position of authority.

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Acts 2

Peter explains the fulfillment of God's plan and preaches the gospel.

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Ephesians 1

Christ is exalted above all authority, and spiritual blessings are found in Christ.

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Hebrews 5–7

Jesus is identified as the High Priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Central Point

Melchizedek was the Old Testament picture. Psalm 110 was the prophecy. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment. Hebrews explains that Jesus is the King and High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, exalted at the right hand of God.

In order is Vienna Church Of Christ (Wood county), 36th Street Church Of Christ (Wood county), Williamstown Church Of Christ (Wood county), Beechwood Heights Church Of Christ (Wood county), Rosemar Road Church Of Christ (Wood county), North End Church Of Christ (Wood county), Latrobe Street Church Of Christ (Wood county), Lynn Street Church Of Christ (Wood county), Camden Avenue Church Of Christ (Wood county), Rockport Church Of Christ (Wood county), and Slate Church Of Christ (Wood county).

In order is Nash Spings Church Of Christ (Pleasants county), Cloverdale Church of Christ (Pleasants county), Pine Grove Church Of Christ (Pleasants county), Union Chapel Church Of Christ (Pleasants county), Mt.Nebo Church Of Christ (Pleasants county), Dewey Avenue Church Of Christ (Pleasants county), George Street Church Of Christ (Pleasants county), Elizabeth Church Of Christ (Wirt county), Metz Chapel Church Of Christ (Ritchie county), Petroleum Church Of Christ (Ritchie county), Cantwell Church Of Christ (Ritchie county), Harrisville Church Of Christ (Ritchie county), Freeport Church Of Christ (Wirt county), Hartley Church Of Christ (Ritchie county), Beatrice Church Of Christ (Ritchie county), Pennsboro Church Of Christ (Ritchie county), and Cairo Church Of Christ (Ritchie county)

In order is Mineral Wells Church Of Christ (Wood county), Marrtown Church Of Christ (Wood county), Lubeck Church Of Christ (Wood county), Hopewell Church Of Christ (Wood county), Bellville Church Of Christ (Wood county), Waverly Church Of Christ (Wood county), Winding Road Church Of Christ (Wood county), Mt.Zion Church Of Christ (Wood county), and Sunrise Church Of Christ (Wood county).

Another denominational\Baptist false teaching and Satan lies shot down with God's word. This again shows that you are not saved calling on the name Lord Romans 10:9 or saved going up to the altar and praying before being immersed.

Saul and Cornelius: Two Cases That Show Why Baptism Matters

Denomination and Baptist point to Saul on the road to Damascus and Cornelius receiving the Holy Spirit in Acts 10 as proof that a person can be saved without being baptized. But when we actually read the accounts, we see something different.

Saul (Paul):

Saul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. He believed, was praying, and remained blind for three days. Yet Ananias still told him:

“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” — Acts 22:16

Saul's encounter with Jesus on the road did not eliminate the need for baptism. He was commanded to be baptized and have his sins washed away.

Cornelius:

Cornelius was a devout, God-fearing man who prayed and gave alms. Peter preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to him. The Holy Spirit then fell upon Cornelius and the other Gentiles as a miraculous sign showing that God was accepting the Gentiles.

But notice what Peter did next:

“And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.” — Acts 10:48

The Holy Spirit coming upon Cornelius did not make baptism unnecessary. Peter still commanded him to be baptized.

And then we have the words of Jesus Himself:

“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” — Mark 16:16

Jesus didn't say, “He who believes will be saved, and baptism is optional.”

He said:

“He who believes AND is baptized will be saved.”

That is why we cannot separate belief from obedience. Saul believed and was baptized. Cornelius believed and was baptized. The people in Acts continued to respond to the gospel through baptism.

If Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved,” then why would we teach people that baptism is not necessary?

Let's simply obey what Jesus said and follow the example given throughout Acts not man or denomination.

Believe. Repent. Confess Christ. Be baptized. Live faithfully.

Mark 16:16 — “He who believes and is baptized will be saved.”

What are some topics, passages, etc. that you think are needed most in the church right now? What are some lessons you have heard recently that were really good at encouraging and/or provoking you to do something?

Hello, everyone,

I wrote an essay on the topic of Congregational Autonomy vs. Centralized Authority, and I'd love to get feedback from this Reddit, both on the actual doctrinal subject itself, and also on how I approach the topic. I'll also be leading a Bible study on this topic soon, so feedback will help make sure I'm leading the study well.

Thanks for all who contribute!

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One of the most common patterns when people form communities is to create a hierarchy and centralize authority. We see this in government from the state to the military; in the bureaucracy and mergers of business; in the growth of urbanization; and in the structures of most religions. If you ask what structure Christ’s world-spanning church should take, you’d most likely be expecting a hierarchy with a central authority that mimics the structures of manmade organizations—a leader (an individual or board) that oversees regions, regional leaders that answer to the board, local leaders that answer to the regional leaders, middle management that answers to the local leaders and the rank and file at the bottom. However, our God is not a man and does not follow common human patterns, so we must look to His Word to find what He has planned for His church—it does not conform to our expectations.

The differences begin at the very top. Who is leading Christ’s church?

Colossians 1:18 (ESV): And he [Christ] is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

Jesus is the head of his church, and no other. This is already a massive departure from human organizations—Jesus is not a human leader, but a divine one. He is not physically present to attend board meetings—He is leading us from Heaven. Many Christians religions still have a physical leader over their global operations, whether an individual or a board of people, and they would all claim that Christ is the head of their church. However, there is no solid or dotted line from Christ to a physical head of His church in the org structure. We don’t need an intermediary head—our Lord is alive and leading his Church himself.

The Mosaic law might foreshadow the pattern of leadership that God intends His church to be structured. The author of Hebrews expounds on the likeness:

Hebrews 4:14 (ESV): Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

There was a High Priest in the Mosaic Law, in some ways a central figure (although the Law came through a prophet, not a priest), but even so—the High Priest in the Law of Christ is Christ Himself. What about the priesthood itself, then? Is there an authoritative body that the church should look to as an intermediary between God and his people? Peter explains:

1 Peter 2:5 (ESV): you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood

And then following up several verses later:

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Yes, in the Law of Christ, there is a priesthood. You are the priesthood, if you are in his church. There is no priesthood but you who are already the body of Christ, of which he is the Head, and no intermediary between God and man but Christ himself (Hebrews 7:25).

Of course, the Mosaic Law was not the beginning of humanity’s relationship with God, so there is another pattern we can observe to find comparisons for how the church should function. Prior to God giving Moses the Law, God still interacted with humanity, and the pattern he chose was to speak to the heads of certain households directly—we typically call them the patriarchs. God commands that Noah build an ark to save his family in Genesis 6, He calls Abraham to take his household and leave his home in Genesis 12, reestablishes his covenant with Isaac and his family in Genesis 26, wrestles with Jacob in Genesis 32 and sets Job in his right place in Job 38. The pattern here is that God has local leaders of smaller groups that he interacts with directly.

The pattern that God establishes in the New Testament resembles this pattern in several ways. We can begin by observing the example of the Apostles as they visited churches and taught them God’s will in Acts 14:21-23:

Acts 14:23 (ESV): And when they [Paul and his companions] had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Paul established elders in every church (not just some). I’m sure Paul did other things with each church, but Luke highlights that appointing the elders was Paul’s primary purpose. This accomplished a critical goal—creating leadership in each congregation so that they could govern themselves. We know from Acts 20:28-31 that the elders act as shepherds that protect the flock from the wolves. Without strong leadership, each congregation is vulnerable because, otherwise, anyone could walk into the congregation and lead it away from God’s truth.

This mirrors the pre-Mosaic period’s type of leadership. God has local leaders of small groups. Although God doesn’t interact with the elders directly, like he did with the Patriarchs, we know that “in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:2). This structure isn’t a new invention, but rather a continuation of a pattern God had already established. It incorporates not only the pattern of the Mosaic Law through Christ’s fulfillment, but the Patriarchal pattern in the structure of the churches.

Note that there is no “regional elder” that Paul appointed to oversee the elders or congregations of a whole region. This is the point at which the human tendency toward hierarchy kicks in and people often have a hard time accepting that God is the only authority local elders answer to. Paul appoints no archbishops, even though it might feel like greater wisdom or less risky to leave each congregation to its own devices. Here, we need to let go of our preconceptions and lean on the Holy Spirit’s guidance to Paul and the scripture’s examples to guide us. God does not give authority to build a hierarchical structure beyond the local congregation.

We see this pattern repeated in the New Testament:

Titus 1:5 (ESV): This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you

Paul also tasked Titus with establishing elder-based leadership in each congregation—again, without any hierarchy beyond the congregation.

Even in adjacent subjects of authority, such as church discipline, the pattern remains consistent. When Jesus addresses discipline in Matthew 18:15-18, the boundaries are clear. He begins by explaining that attempts to get an erring brother to repent should begin with an individual’s effort, followed by a group effort, and then he ends at the final level of discipline in verse 17:

Matthew 18:17 (ESV)
If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

The highest level of discipline is at the congregational level. There is no regional appeals court or central authority. Each local group is responsible for its own discipline, just like it’s responsible for its own leadership. If there were a higher authority, we’d see it listed in places like this where God saw fit to break down the process into explicit steps.

Even when discipline is being addressed to whole congregations, rather than to individuals, the discipline is limited to that congregation itself. Jesus addresses seven congregations in Revelation 2 and 3, most of which have problems that Jesus reveals to them. Jesus holds them accountable to himself, and no other authority. He does not refer to any regional authority they’ll need to answer to, nor does he address any group that might have responsibilities to these congregations. This is in line with every passage we’ve examined so far—the boundary of responsibility and earthly authority ends at the congregation itself.

This brings us to Acts 15, which is the most difficult example to work through. If there is a passage that makes the case for a structure of earthly authority higher than the local congregation, this is it. Paul and his companions encountered some Jews in Antioch who were teaching that Gentiles needed to be circumcised to be saved, and this did not align with their understanding of Christ’s plan for salvation. It is unclear whether Paul could have spoken inspired words to condemn the teaching, but it is clear that he didn’t, and instead went to Jerusalem where the matter was discussed, a conclusion made, and a letter sent back to Antioch explaining what commands the Gentiles really were expected to adhere to. Is this an example of a central church, Jerusalem, providing leadership and authority to other congregations?

Digging into the passage itself reveals some details that may help answer the question. In verse 1, the men preaching this heresy came from Judea. This may have led the people in Antioch to wonder if this teaching originated in Jerusalem, which might explain why they wanted to confer with the church in Jerusalem before coming to a conclusion. Regardless, verses 2 and 6 both highlight a key detail—multiple Apostles were at Jerusalem:

Acts 15:2 (ESV)
 ”were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.”

Acts 15:6 (ESV)
“The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.”

We cannot treat the church in Jerusalem as simply a church in matters of authority because they had an additional authority that is explicitly acknowledged in the New Testament—apostles. Unlike a regional authority today, they had men who were filled with the Holy Spirit and whose words were often directly inspired by God. The apostles weren’t the only inspired ones attending, as verse 32 points out:

Acts 15:32 (ESV)
“Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers”

Luke seems to be going out of his way to name the inspired individuals who were present, indicating it’s an important detail for us to note. In fact, verse 28 highlights from whom the ultimate decision came on this matter:

Acts 15:28 (ESV)
“it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements”

Ultimately, it was the Holy Spirit—God himself—who provided the authoritative answer on the issue from another congregation. It was not the church in Jerusalem that decided the matter, although it also “seemed good” to them. Why, then, did Paul travel all the way to Jerusalem to get this answer from the Lord when he, himself, was an apostle and could have conveyed the Holy Spirit’s judgment without the effort of a long journey?

First, it was very important that the judgment come from the church in Jerusalem since the message of obedience to the Mosaic Law also originated there, as verse 24 highlights:

Acts 15:24 (ESV)
“Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions”

The false teachers were wielding the good name of the Jerusalem church (filled with history, Apostles and prophets, as it was) as the authority behind their claim. The church needed to clear its good name of the taint of this false teaching and use its influence to help sway the distant congregations back to the truth.

Next epistles like Galatians and the Corinthians make it clear that Paul’s authority was often questioned and opposed. Although we recognize the authority he possessed through the Holy Spirit, not everyone in the first century did. Even though Paul could have pronounced the Lord’s judgment and began enforcing it immediately, he knew, just like we find in our own lives, wielding authority as a cudgel is rarely the best way to get people to follow. The Holy Spirit and Paul needed to approach this highly-charged and sensitive topic in a way that would bring people along and create large-scale buy-in and alignment.

The answer was to bring in multiple apostles, prophets and one of the oldest and most respected congregations so that all sides could be heard and, in the end, so that everyone could align with the Holy Spirit’s authority. We can see this play out in verse 7:

Acts 15:7 (ESV)
“And after there had been much debate”

All voices were heard—the faction that believed the Gentiles should follow the Mosaic Law appears to have been represented. They were not dismissed out of hand, but, rather, had the opportunity to have their say, which allowed everyone to see that it couldn’t stand up to the scrutiny of debate nor to the final judgment of God. This allowed the congregation to put the argument to rest by exposing it to the light rather than allow it to live in unexamined darkness.

Verses 22 and 25 also highlight the spirit in which the council commenced:

Acts 15:22 (ESV)
“Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch”

Acts 15:25 (ESV)
“it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you”

Although the Apostles could have just commanded what the Holy Spirit directed, they considered it thoughtfully with everyone and worked so that everyone came to a mutual understanding. They brought everyone along—they did not beat everyone over the head with their authority through the Holy Spirit. In the end, the decision was because “it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit” (28), and because of their thoughtful approach, it enabled them to persuade everyone. Not just those present, but those across the world and across time, both with their letter and the story of how they wisely solved the problem, now preserved for millenia in the book of Acts.

Sometimes, what is not said is as important as what is said. For institutions that God wanted established and fulfilled through time, such as the roles of elders and deacons, the New Testament records their qualifications and provides examples of their appointment. However, we have no such example for a central church authority outside of Christ. How would a central or regional authority be established? How would it be passed on? What are their qualifications? The New Testament does not provide answers to these questions. Without them, the only source for the authority and pattern for them would be man made, and that is a dangerous pattern to follow. We are warned “not to go beyond what is written” 1 Cor. 4:6 (ESV).

It can be uncomfortable to learn that Christ’s church does not conform to our typical human conception of organization. However, we have faith that God, in his infinite wisdom, designed an organization that can span the world and the millennia and be successful by God’s metrics in a way no human hierarchy can. With Jesus as its head and the believers as its high priests, with the local congregation as the primary earthly structure and each congregation’s elders as its shepherds, God has built a resilient body. This structure allows each of us and each congregation to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12, ESV). The veil has been torn, and “since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus” (Heb. 10:19, ESV), let’s not put man-made structures between us and God. Rather, “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Heb. 10:22).

I am a preacher for a congregation of about 80 people. We have three elders, but one of them and his wife have been consistently lax in their attendance since my six months here. They come most Sunday morning services, when they aren't traveling, but they never come to Sunday morning Bible class and very rarely come to any Sunday or Wednesday nights. The only time I see the elder on a Wednesday night is whenever he is scheduled to give the devotional.

I have never been a part of a congregation where an elder attends less than many members. I have a few questions, because it has really been bothering me to see.

1.) Have any of you dealt with this, regardless of if you are a preacher or member?
2.) What are your thoughts on an elder only attending Sunday morning services?
3.) If it needs to be addressed, what would you say is the wisest way to handle it?

I would have never thought to ask the eldership about their attendance when I interviewed, but if I ever go anywhere else to preach in the future, I may have to start asking that question.

I am a preacher for a congregation of about 80 people. We have three elders, but one of them and his wife have been consistently lax in their attendance since my six months here. They come most Sunday morning services, when they aren't traveling, but they never come to Sunday morning Bible class and very rarely come to any Sunday or Wednesday nights. The only time I see the elder on a Wednesday night is whenever he is scheduled to give the devotional.

I have never been a part of a congregation where an elder attends less than many members. I have a few questions, because it has really been bothering me to see.

1.) Have any of you dealt with this, regardless of if you are a preacher or member?
2.) What are your thoughts on an elder only attending Sunday morning services?
3.) If it needs to be addressed, what would you say is the wisest way to handle it?

I would have never thought to ask the eldership about their attendance when I interviewed, but if I ever go anywhere else to preach in the future, I may have to start asking that question.

Im having issues listening only to christian music. I was told as long as the secular music is clean, meaning not vulgar language, violence, s3x, drugs, anti-vhrist..etc that we can listen to it. This was in a general christian forum but I want to know how the Church of Christ looks at secular music. Thank you all. God Bless! 🙂

It’s been on my heart to try to figure this out. I’ve studied this topic for years and am still confused. Can anyone shed some light on a few questions I have?

1. Matthew 19:9 implies that a man can divorce and remarry if he’s cheated on. Can a woman?

2. If you find yourself in unscriptural marriage can you repent and stay in the marriage?

3. Is there scripture for divorcing if so?

We are doing a study on him at church and after we get done I will compile my notes and post them here.

It is a very interesting study on how Psalms 110, Genesis 14, and Hebrews 5-10 connect them all together like a puzzle.

My old church had a fantasy sports league for the men. I cant remember if money or prizes were involved but there could of been prizes. I didnt partake because to me it seemed too much like gambling. Has your church ever done something similar?Also what do you think about a church having a fantasy league? I just viewed it as a red flag

For numerous years I've heard talks of unity between Restoration Movement churches. Does anyone know of any earnest efforts towards unity?

(I'm not exactly sure what was meant by "unity" in this context, so any insight that would give clarity would be helpful).

Sorry. But here comes a huge rant. One title could be...Trouble in River City.

I am soooo frustrated and worried with the direction of our church and the total lack of resolution to solve the problem.

We are located in the San Francisci Bay Area.

Maybe I should just end this with that. Maybe it says it all

I have watched our Sunday morning attendance drop from 80 in 2005 to about 25 last week. I have watched the church net worth drop from about 2.5 million to less than 1 million. The church operates on a negative cash flow every month in addition to issues of deferred maintenance.

I recognize the mission of the church.

I also recognize, perhaps somewhat related to being a business owner, that we have secular issues.

I watch expenditures that seem misdirected. An example... Hiring someone from rhe Bible belt to give us ideas for evangelism and growth for our church. For him to put on workshops for a week and a half.

Let me tell you...the issues and possible solutions for a church in the Bay Area are far different than a church in the Bible belt.

Hiring an intern when we can't feed ourself.

I could go on and on.

But....

I am a practical, logical, perhaps engineering type mindset type person....I want to focus on solutions rather than mire in the situation.

I try to brainstorm with members or the preacher about moving things forward. Sometimes I run into outright negativism about the conflict between secular solutions and Biblical mission. Mostly I run into ppl nodding their heads in agreement and no action to implement anything.

Sorry. Thank you for listening.

Currently in the RCW SF...I was interrogated last night for essentially wanting to be catholic again (long story short: I had explored theology and church history leading me to question the church.) One of my "co-disciplers" told me that we were going to meet up outside after service with the church leader (I didn't even knew there were going to interrogate me.) I was eventually surrounded by 5 people including the church leader and told me what I was doing was unbiblical that I shouldn't be exploring church history and theology anymore and that I should have a "personal relationship" with reading and interpreting the scriptures and that my salvation was at risk. They told me that I should go back to doing "real biblical christianity" and everybody outside the church isn't save: protestant, catholic, orthodox, anything you name it. But for some reason if you aren't a "disicple" according to their doctrine you aren't saved.

I felt like I was ganged up in a sense and I wasn't allowed to believe anything aside from what their view of the bible meant. funny thing...the "evangelist" who was talking to me said that he needs to work on his evangelism. funny how they say that they wanted to talk to me because they "cared" about me like a "brother and the 2 people who reported me for my "lack of respect" for the church DIDN'T EVEN DO ANYTHING TO HELP AFTER THE CONVERSATION and went on an "e-date" the next tomorrow morning.

one thing I hate the most are hypocrites. I felt like my dignity was taken away from me. why did they have to secretly talk behind my back. why did they have to interrogate me like this. why did you guys have to put all this pressure on me. why did you make me feel this way? I freaking lived with 6 of you guys and everything now is just akward. pls someone help me leave this organization.

I’ve never been married before. My husband was married and she left him so they had to get divorced for “irreconcilable differences”. Are we in an adulterous marriage? He and her both were unbelievers. Him and I came to Christ together after we were married. Do we need to get divorced so we’re no longer committing adultery?

I recently have been consuming the works of David Edwin Harrell, Jr. Any other enthusiasts out there?

He was a lay preacher in the NI churches who just happened to be among the most respected historians of Southern Christianity. (Ph.D. Vanderbilt, retired from Auburn University as Breeden Eminent Scholar of Southern History).

I began with The Churches of Christ in the 20th Century: Homer Hailey's Personal Journey of Faith. I moved on to The Quest for a Christian America, 1800-1865: A Social History of the Disciples of Christ, Volume 1. Now I've just begun *Sources of Division in the Disciples of Christ, 1865-1900 (*Vol. 2 of A Social History of the Disciples of Christ.

Not all scholars can write well, not by a long shot. But his writing pops off the page!

I continue to be intrigued by the idea that he was both a participant in a traditionalist subset of the CoC, and also an objective chronicler of the larger overall movement.

When I get done with the current book, I want to read his history of American Pentecostalism, All Things are Possible: The Healing and Charismatic Revivals in Modern America.

(Edited for grammar)