Looking for a Particular Ministry Publication

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by bearbear

Witness Lee has no verses to back up his claim of Nicolaitans conforming to a clergy-laity system however, whereas Sam Storms cites scripture to back up his view including Revelation 2:14-16

bearbear here are those verses to Pergamos --

“But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth.”-- Revelation 2:14-16

Here's the problem Sam Storms et. al. have. Apostle John says "so also you have some" who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Scholars have kicked this around for centuries without a definitive conclusion. John clearly identifies two distinct heresies and those who hold these heresies. Good Bible exposition requires differentiation here. If they were the same, John would not say, ""So also you have some."

But I'll readily agree with you that the Nee/Lee teaching lacks basis. Both of them used this teaching early in their ministry to condemn the rest of the Body of Christ, uplifting themselves. (see Acts 20.30) The Apostles themselves established certain ministerial offices in the churches (elders and deacons) and gifts from the Head to the body of Christ. (Eph 4.11)

The only criticism we can level at those who hold church office is moral or "lording it over" the saints.