[OBW]

One factor in the discussion on apostles that has been in my mind but not brought up is Paul's comment about how "all of Asia" had left him.

I somehow sense that much of the discussion here would assume that he should start excommunicating those who lead in those churches. But he doesn't even suggest that their charters be rejected, or that someone else go and start new churches there so that Paul's newly appointed elders could reign.

This seems to put a different status on the apostles. They were gifts to the establishment of the churches. They were not authoritarian leaders of those churches or "super elders." Even Paul's letter to Corinth in which he directs them concerning the man having an affair with his stepmother does not insist that they do it "or else." He says they should. He says if he were there he would. But he is not and all he can do is give advice.

It is a gift to them. They are free to leave the package unopened. Bad choice, but an option.