Covenant Reformed News – March 2021 • Volume XVIII, Issue 11
This article examines the source and purpose of apostolic authority in the New Testament, tracing it to Jesus Christ as the ultimate origin and showing how the apostles exercised derived, ministerial authority in teaching, ruling, and mercy. The author draws from II Corinthians 10:8 and other passages to establish that Christ's authority flows through apostolic offices and extends to other church officers like pastors, elders, and deacons, with practical implications for church leadership today.
The Source and Purpose of Apostolic Authority Two articles in the previous two issues of the News took their cue from II Corinthians 10:8, “For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed.” These instalments explained the right of the apostles to serve God in three spheres: teaching, ruling and showing mercy. Now, finally, we shall treat the source and purpose of the authority...