Comfortable in Captivity

The elders are given authority from God (cf. Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4; etc.). However, the authority of the eldership is often misunderstood. What does the Bible say about the authority of the eldership?

A life devoted to God is wonderful and filled with blessings. However, it is counter to the way of the world, and experiences of adversity come with it. Comfort can be sought in God’s word (cf. Psalm 119:49-56).

(Part 2 of 2) “The elders who are among you I exhort…: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers” (1 Peter 5:1-2). What is the work of the eldership according to scripture?

The famous account of Daniel’s illegal prayer which put him in the lion’s den is truly remarkable (Daniel 6:10). Much can be learned from the account. What about the facts of Daniel’s prayer itself?

“The elders who are among you I exhort…: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers” (1 Peter 5:1-2). What is the work of the eldership according to scripture?

Why do we use unleavened bread for the Lord’s Supper? What can we make of Jesus’ use of unleavened bread when instituting the Lord’s Supper? We consider this historically, hermeneutically, and theologically.

God’s created institutions include leadership and submission. This is no different for the church which God has blessed with the leadership of elders. This pattern of aged men leading God’s people is found in ancient Israel.

God’s words to Eve in Genesis 3:16 form a striking parallel with His warning to Cain in Genesis 4:7. A consideration of the connections in the context inform us of sin, its consequences, and also foreshadow the solution in Christ.

Paul’s consideration of the eventual cessation of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 13 is a text of controversy for many, including the Eastern Orthodox Church. In particular, the meaning of “that which is perfect” is disputed. What does the text indicate?

Though God provided a way home for His captive people, many decided to remain in Babylon. Through Zechariah, God urged the people who remained in the land of captivity to return (cf. Zechariah 2:6-9). We must not grow comfortable in captivity!