Acts 6:1-7:
Hello brethren,
I have a question on scriptural Presbyterian polity. In the above passage, it seems the apostles called "the multitude of the disciples" to nominate the first deacons. What is this multitude? Is this a way to elect deacons, or the only right way to go about it?
Further, what bearing, if any, does this have on teaching and ruling elders? Is this why the Free Church insisted at the disruption that the local congergation has a say in who is called to it, and the FPCG says that:
I ask that only those who believe in Presbyterianism answer this thread.
And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Hello brethren,
I have a question on scriptural Presbyterian polity. In the above passage, it seems the apostles called "the multitude of the disciples" to nominate the first deacons. What is this multitude? Is this a way to elect deacons, or the only right way to go about it?
Further, what bearing, if any, does this have on teaching and ruling elders? Is this why the Free Church insisted at the disruption that the local congergation has a say in who is called to it, and the FPCG says that:
No man is to be ordained a minister for a particular congregation, if they of that congregation can shew just cause of exception against him.
I ask that only those who believe in Presbyterianism answer this thread.