Quote:
Originally Posted by Igzy
Actually, they think it is scriptural. They point to Paul seeming to give orders to churches as evidence an apostle can step in and take control.
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That is not how I read it.
2Cor 10:8 For though I should glory somewhat abundantly concerning our authority (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down), I shall not be put to shame:
The key point in this chapter is that it is not the one who commendeth himself that is approved but rather who the Lord commends.
2Cor13:10 For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.
He says that by the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. This is the same authority that is given to those that meet in the name of Jesus to bind and lose. He even says that they should try themselves to see whether they are in the faith, that Jesus Christ is in them. The authority that he refers to here in chapter 13 is surely the same as in chapter 10 and that authority was given by the Lord Jesus in Matthew 18. In neither verse does he claim some kind of special "apostolic authority".
1Thess 2:6 nor seeking glory of men, neither from you nor from others, when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ.
The context is “even as we have been approved of God to be intrusted with the gospel”. This verse about
claiming the authority as apostles is in reference to his saying that he did not “seek glory of men, neither from you or others”. It is not a positive point, he is exposing the phony claim of those who are seeking glory of men.
Titus 2:15 These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
If Titus can speak "with all authority" then that must certainly include this so called "apostolic authority". This term is only used once in the NT in 2 Corinthians in a disparaging way concerning people who seeking glory of men.