The Churches the Apostles Left Behind Key Concepts

The Churches the Apostles Left Behind Key Concepts from Raymond E. Brown’s text

Overview • 6 “models” or suggestions as to how the Church should be defined • All can be supported through scripture • All have strengths & weaknesses • The living Church is a combination and ever-changing combination of the models

1. The pastoral letters • The Church led by Authoritative Teachers You should appoint elders in every town, as I directed you: someone who is blameless… He must have a firm grasp of the word that is trustworthy in accordance with the teaching, so that he may be able to preach with sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it. [Titus 1: 5 – 7 a, 9] STRENGTHS • Stability and continuity are enhanced WEAKNESSES • Creativity can be discouraged (innovation might not be stressed) • Qualifications for leaders are • Clericalism, a chasm between teachers and taught can ensue established

2. Colossians/Ephesians • The Church as the Mystical Body of Christ to be Loved And God has put all things under [Christ’s] feet and has made him the head over all things for the Church, which is body, the fullness of him who fills all in all [Eph 1: 20, 22 -23] See also Eph 4: 15 -16 & Eph 5: 25 -27 STRENGTHS • Love for the Church is encouraged WEAKNESSES • A stress on Church as holy can encourage a hiding of defects to avoid “scandal” • Dedication of one’s life to the Church is • Local churches are reduced in importance fostered • Promotes faith in ultimate holiness of • There is a tendency to devalue those the Church despite its human sinfulness outside the Body

3. Luke/Acts • The Church as the Agent of the Spirit For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us impose on you no further burden than these basics… [Acts 15: 28] STRENGTHS • The survival of the Church not dependent on specific persons; the Spirit will work through new agents WEAKNESSES • Does not prepare for disaster • Is the Spirit always heeded?

4. 1 Peter • The Church as the People of God You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. [1 Peter 2: 9] STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES • Members can have the sense that real benefits are gained from belonging • A sense of exclusive privilege can result • Community is promoted • Are outsiders reduced to non-people? • The priestly dignity of all baptized is stressed

5. Johannine writings • A Discipleship of Equals Taught by the Paraclete I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. [John 15: 5] See also John 14: 26 STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES • A personal relationship with Jesus is • Can foster individualism to the point where a sense of Church is lost needed by all Christians • The equality of all in Christ is highlighted • The ongoing teaching of the Paraclete is available to all • Can result in uncontrollable divisions because of appeals to the Paraclete • The history of the community and respect for outsiders can be minimized

6. Matthew • The Church Living by the Torah of Jesus Do not think that I have come to abolish the law and the Prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill…Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. [Mt. 5: 17; 7: 21] STRENGTHS • Encourages a great respect for Law and authority • Unity of Church is stressed WEAKNESSES • It is not easy to maintain a healthy tension between Principle and Love