Rev. 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
1Th 1:8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
Rom. 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
Finally, the command to be witnesses unto all nations is part and parcel of the apostolic doctrine or the faith once delivered that was taught all the congregations. The following phrases are synonyms for "the faith" once delivered: (The faith, The doctrine, The Tradition, The truth, The apostolic doctrine, The doctrine of Christ).
Who was the Great Commission given to?
Discussion in 'Other Christian Denominations' started by The Biblicist, Feb 8, 2012.
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The Biblicist Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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I Th 1:8 - Thessalonica was a stop for travelers who visited the church at Thessalonica and then told Christians in other places about the faith, etc. of the church at Thessalonica. Commentaries indicate that the context is not that members of the church witnessed to the unsaved.
Romans 16:19 - There is no indication in Romans that obedience means laymen witnessing to the unsaved, that I know of.
Rev. 22:17 - The Spirit and the Bride say come. Nothing is said about laymen witnessing.
I am not saying that laymen should not witness. But there is no scripture we can use to say that laymen are required to witness. Yet, laymen witnessing to the unsaved is promoted as if the scripture requires it.
It appears that an over interpretation of the Great Commission is the best scriptural source for encouraging laymen to witness. -
The Biblicist Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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It never ceases to amaze me. After studying the word of God and debating on boards such as this board for 15 years now you would think I would have heard just about every strange doctrine man has conjured up. This is the first time I ever heard Christians argue against Matthew's record of commission being for all Christians to carry out. It's just sad :praying:
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I still find it interesting that the Epistles give so much instruction and still they do not specifically mention laymen witnessing, when it is emphasized so much in the churches today.
So we have one verse that specifically instructs laymen to witness. Good, that is better than no scriptures. -
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Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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There is something Paul said that should end this false teaching that the great commission is not spoken as a commandment to all Christians.
(Philippians 4:9)
"Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do:"
Can't escape this one! -
Those things refer to the things mentioned in verse 8 which have nothing to do with witnessing.
Philippians 4:8,9
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Keep looking for witnessing scriptures and good luck. -
The things Paul describes in verse 9 are things Paul says to "think on". This is perfectly clear when Paul ends with "think on these things".
Paul then goes on to describe further things. Paul does not then continue on about "these things". Paul changes the directive to "those things". Things which ye have "learned", things which ye have "received", things which ye have "heard" and things which ye have "seen in me", DO!
Luck hasn't anything to do with it, the scriptures are full of examples and directives to witness.
Here is just one example....
"But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things [which happened] unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other [places];
And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice."
(Phil 1:12-18)
As you can clearly see, many brethren are preaching the word doing exactly what Paul had instructed them to do many times I am sure and is recorded for us in Philippians 4:9 when Paul says "Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."
Further evidence given in scripture that verse 4:9 is speaking about the things Paul is doing is found in chapter 3 verse 17, "Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample"
I really don't understand why Christians want to convince themselves that they are not part of the great commission. Without this commission and Christians obeying this commission the church would have never multiplied. Praise God for obedient Christians!
I would ye should understand brother! :love2: -
Nothing has been said to change anything, The Commission Jesus gave in Matt 28 was strictly for the Twelve Plus Paul.
Christ was with them until the end of the World, since their Ministry commenced that age ! Heb 9:26
26For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
I disagree as well that end of the world here means the end of the jewish economy, I prefer Pinks Take on this :
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You can separate verses 8 and 9 for your purposes if you want, but the context in verse 9 is referring back to verse 8.
Keep looking. -
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An example scripture that indicates a difference between preachers and laymen is Hebrews 13: 7 which is directed to laymen:
"7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation."
I think I have made my point on this thread that there are no scriptures specifically directing laymen to witness to the unsaved although some have been interpreted to say that. So I am signing off of this thread.
BTW, before someone again gets the wrong idea, I believe that laymen should witness to the unsaved. However, the scripture does not specifically say that. It is interesting how laymen witnessing to the unsaved, is stressed in our churches even though there is no specific scripture to support it.
Thank you for the discussion. -
I have given you evidence from the scriptures that all should be witnessing/preaching. You never dealt with my last post referencing Philippians.
I would only challenge your pov by saying this, if there is no scripture instructing non-elders, pastors or deacons to give witness, then why would you believe it should be done?
Btw, I appreceate having a conversation with one who does not resort to personal attacks. Thank you for the polite discussion! Godspeed! -
Gerhard Ebersoehn Active MemberSite Supporter
When you lift high the banner of the Gospel, you lift high the ‘Apostolic Commission’ the New Testament Scriptures.
When the Scriptures are preached, the apostles are preached.
NO ONE has the right or the privileges of Christian apostleship; it belongs to those commissioned by Christ in Person or secondarily and FINALLY, to those in turn commissioned by the apostles in person.
The 'Apostolic Commission' places every Christian under absolute authority under the Head, Christ, of the Scriptures which are the apostles' legacy to all generations of believers after them. Apostleship was and is once for all. The apostles still speak and exercise authority through the NT Scriptures. The 'Apostolic Commission' is ad hoc and proprietary limited.
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