| (Copyright) by Ray Daly (Lincoln, North Dakota) |
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| Most of the following information comes from a booklet titled “By What Authority”, by John A. Difley. The copyright was 1996. What Difley presents in his study centers on the Synagogues and their governmental systems. The start of this system of government is noted as likely having “originated during or soon after the Babylonian captivity”. Which system would have been practiced during the first century C.E. Difley uses Hebrew words, but regularly bracketing modern usage explanations. Emphasis on some points likely will be my own. Difley states. “The Synagogue was organized under the leadership of between three and twelve [likely referring to the attendance] zagenian (elders). Each zagen (elder) was APPARENTLY ELECTED BY THE LOCAL SYNAGOGUE MEMBERS…during the first century B.C. There is no evidence of a RESIDENT PRIEST [think man ordained minister] or PRESIDING RABBI within THE SYNAGOGUES.” “Rather, the Knesset [the three to twelve elected by the members] appointed a common member as the RULER [overseer] of the synagogue.” (Luke 8:41; Acts 18:8) It goes on to describe this “elected by the members” duties in the synagogue. “Governing the affairs of the synagogue and maintaining order…He may also have been the one to assign MEMBERS TO READ THE SCRIPTURES during Sabbath services.” “The [elected by the members] Rabbis (teachers) were appointed and promoted [by the members] based on their ability to teach. But there is NO INDICATION that these rabbis had any official capacity in the congregation.” The author goes on to point out other duties needing to be performed in the synagogues. All appointed by the “council of elders”. Organization, cleanliness, repairs, and the like. These duties are often cared for by paid individuals. It should be noted that the above system of the Synagogue government was the same as that of the “True Churches” established by the apostles. Also, it should be noted that, in the New Testament, there is no command or suggestion that the members had “to assemble on the Sabbath”. While they were indeed encouraged to assemble, no specific time or day is referred to. This is also true of the OT synagogues. The whole system of government given to Israel was that of a True democracy. With the “10-50-100-1000” format. The 10 assemblies (think precincts) would appoint one of their number to represent them at the 50 level (think county). The 50 would appoint one of their members to represent them at the 100 level (think state). The 100 would appoint one of their members to represent them at the 1000 level (think federal). It was at this level that Moses would be consulted. Later it was the Judges, and then the king. At the same time, the precincts had the authority over whomever it was that went to the next level. If he did not perform correctly, they could remove him. At whatever level he was in. While it is not clearly shown in OT writings, the means of authority that the precinct level had in enforcing their authority was the election/appointment of a “sheriff”. (As we would describe it today.) Obviously, the above material is supported by Scripture. At the same time, by the end of the first century AD, the True Church ceased to be an organized entity. For by that time, those of the mentality of Diotrephes had changed the correct way into one that is of the “catholic” mindset. Or that which has Babylonian backing. Consider that in the OT, the “church” (Levitical priesthood) is represented by Zion. While the state is represented by Jerusalem. Zion is also represented as being of the Sabbath. Note what it says of “Zion/Sabbath” churches today. Zech. 2:7. “Deliver thyself, O Zion [think Sabbath churches] that dwells with the daughter of Babylon”. ———————————————————————————————— See Ray Daly’s other articles at: Daly, Ray – Church of God, Bismarck (church-of-god-bismarck.org) ———————————————————————————————— |
| Iron Sharpening Iron In regard to: The Original Church Government Article by Ray Daly Comments by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota) |
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| Some of this article may be true at the beginning where he is talking about the book, but when he gets started on his own opinion and misunderstanding of the bible it veers off into many branches that may or may not be true. This is not an article to be regarded as all truth. One point he made in regard to the later church government being of a catholic mindset, he is correct on that. Many years ago, Richard Pinelli gave a sermon in United Church of God and told everyone listening that the Catholic Church had the church government correct. We have been over it with Ray many times in the past that the Sabbath command can be found in Leviticus 23, but he still claims it is not in the Bible. So, please don’t use this article for all your truth as it has only some truth in it. |
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