Paul Burleson

My opinion only, obviously, but no one has authority BECAUSE they hold an office as I see the text of scripture properly understood. That is foreign to the New Testament. Paul the Apostle himself had to defend his Apostleship and did it, not on the basis of the office itself but by virtue of it being the work of the Spirit having set him aside for it. [He requested them to see the work of the Spirit in it. No work of the Spirit no Apostolic authority.] 1Tim. 5:17 says the same thing in speaking of those Elders that “give oversight well”….”are worthy of double honor.” It is that “give oversight well” that is the reason for any authority they might have. I would call it the ‘annointing of the Spirit.”

But in our culture the ‘office’ of Elder or Pastor oftentimes carries a status or position with perceived authority along with it that has even some legal authority in the minds of the people of our culture. [Performing marriages for example.] We understand that. But that is far removed from biblical reality as described in the previous paragraph. I can understand how a non-believer might make that mistake. For a Pastor or Elder to make the same mistake [authority by virtue of the office] is unfortunate and a genuine forgetfulness of the nature of servanthood in the New Testament.

Cheryl,

You have done an absolutely superb exegesis of the entire passage. What a defense of a view with the text of scripture as a basis. This is the REASON every time I’m with a pastor in a meeting now, as I was this past week in Lake Jackson Texas, I tell the pastor about you and your blog. In fact, he asked and I consented to bringing it up on his PC for him and putting it on his favorites. He thanked me but he’ll thank me even more later as he reads the archives which I suggested he do.

Keep up using your gifts to the Body. This Body member is blessed by it.

Cheryl,

I could not agree more with your statement about angry men. I’m praying for you as this comes about. I’m also praying for the one you are confronting that the Spirit will remove scales from his eyes and that his heart will be opened to you as a sister in Christ. It sounds like you are moving thoughtfully and scripturally. Good for you.

Cheryl,

Not that it’s all that important to say, but, I think I agree with Don basically here. The gentleman’s wife may or may not be a help to him in such a meeting, but I think that is for them to decide. Of course, I understand why you would desire her to be present. But that can be a legitimate desire on your part, expressed, without it being an ought or should or must in this situation. [I don’t hear you making it any one of those three things at all.] In fact, I would hold the same for your husband’s presence. [All this is with the information I’m working from that she’s not part of what he’s being called on in the Matt. 18 experience.]

Cheryl,

I agree completely with your study so you won’t be surprised when I say…”you nailed it.” Good work. It does take an eisegesis of the passage, as you point out is often done, to see it differently IMHO.

Cheryl,

Forgive the typo…and especially in a “name.” That’s almost “unforgivable” but I do plead early in the morning and quicker mind than fingers fingers. 🙂

Cheyrl,

My wife has a simple question for people who misquote the scriptures by saying “the two shall become one.” She simply asks “which one?”

Of course the scriptures say “become one flesh” which is far different. Any interpersonal relationship where one is required to give over control of mind, [thoughts] will, [choices] or emotions [feelings] is more cultic than it is Christian. [Think Jim Jones.]

Cheryl,

I have heard, read, studied, researched, and picked apart the langage of 1 Tim. 2 with it’s possible meaning from every imaginable point of view from every imaginable scholar I could find over the past 40 years.

No one, anywhere I’ve read or heard has said it any better or more clearly FROM THE TEXT than have you. You have gone exceedingly above and beyond without loosing character or cool. Whatever position one were to hold on this passage, [your’s has captured me] you will be held in high esteem by all who appreciate good biblical interpretation and grace. You have demonstrated both. Thank you.

Cheryl,

Be sure and listen to a very wise man… Ryan. I think I will too when facing people or situations as you’ve described. What great, mature words of advise those are to us all.

Cheryl,

EXCELLENT.

Cheryl,

Enjoy you time away and I hope it will be both relaxing and refreshing for you as you minister to others.

What you have to say about the scriptures, from this Okie’s point of view, is always helpful and you WILL certainly be missed. Blessings.

Cheryl,

I’m honored that you would link to anything I’ve said. As you can imagine I’m sure, anything I might write has it’s roots in people who have been a help to me along the way.

I am certainly blessed more than you know by what you have to say. Keep up the great teaching as the Body, myself included, needs it and appreciates it.