Arrangement of the
First Christian Churches

While most Christian religions claim to pattern their organizational structures after that described in First-Century congregations, we are aware of none that follows it to the letter. Here we will discuss how such congregations were arranged and governed. And since there are no written historical records about this other than the Bible (all written histories start from the Second Century), we will trust its record as the source.

The one thing that we do know is that the early Christian Church was patterned very much after the Judaic form of worship, which involved an entire way of life. We know this to be true, because Christians used the same words in their religion as were used in the Jewish arrangement. The group was referred to as a congregation, the places where they met were called synagogues, they formed their own religious courts (sanhedrins), congregations were under the direction of elders, and both groups did proselytizing. The commonality of such terms was to be expected, of course, because early Christians (especially those who lived in Judea) viewed Christianity not as a new religion, but as a fulfillment of the existing form of worship.

We learn much about the arrangement of the early congregations from Paul’s description at Ephesians 4:11, where he wrote, ‘Some are Apostles, some are Prophets, some are messengers of the good news, and some are shepherds and teachers.’ He also wrote at 1 Corinthians 12:28, ‘First are the Apostles; second the Prophets; third the teachers; then come [those with] powerful works, the gifts of healing, helpful services, abilities to direct, [and those who speak] different languages.’

So, we can see a clear order of gifts, responsibilities, and duties. However, recognize that each came from God; it wasn’t something that a person could choose for him/herself. Yet, Paul indicated that each person should keep seeking the greater gift.

Apostles

Apostle is the combined form of two Greek words, apo (from) and stello (withdraw), which combined means someone who is sent. And for a fact, Jesus’ Twelve Apostles were the first ones that he sent out to preach. However, thereafter he sent along seventy others to preach, but they weren’t referred to as apostles, they were called disciples (gr. matheteuo – students or followers). So, when Jesus chose someone to be an Apostle, this obviously had greater meaning than just being sent out to preach. And being a disciple may have required more than just learning or following.

The Twelve Apostles were to the new Christian Congregation and to the New Sacred Agreement what the twelve family heads of Ancient Israel were to that nation. The twelve ancient leaders were the founders and heads of the new nation of Israel, and each person was known by the name of that family head. Likewise, all who come under the New Sacred Agreement are apparently part of a ‘tribe’ under the headship of one of the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb (see Revelation 7:4-8 and Revelation 21:12-14).

So, in what special sense were Jesus’ twelve friends Apostles? It appears as though the term meant that they were the ones being sent out to form and strengthen the new Christian Congregation. And although Matthias replaced unfaithful Judas, no other can join this special group, which is referred to as the Apostles of the Lamb.

Yet, there can still be – and likely still are – other apostles in the Christian Congregation. For example, Paul (though not an Apostle of the Lamb) was an apostle, for he was also sent by Jesus to form and strengthen congregations. In fact, he was the apostle of most who are reading this, because he was the primary apostle to the nations (gr. ethne – foreign peoples). And there were others among First Century Christians who were apparently such apostles, for Paul wrote of some of them at 2 Corinthians 8:23, where he said, ‘Or if [there are any questions] about [the rest of] our brothers, they are apostles to congregations and a glory to the Anointed One.’

This probably included such men as Titus, Timothy, and BarNabas, for notice that BarNabas was referred to as an apostle at Acts 14:14.

So then, are there apostles in the Christian Congregation today? Although we are sure that few would be so self-assuming as to refer to themselves as such, the fact that Paul listed them among those who would be found in the church indicates that there have likely always been apostles whose job is to go out and build congregations. And if Jesus called them to this work, they are in fact his apostles.

Prophets

Since Paul listed them second in priority, Prophets hold a high position in the Christian arrangement. The word in Greek is spelled almost the same as in English, and it means a person who sees things in advance, or one who speaks inspired expressions under the influence of God’s Holy Breath.

We know there were First Century Prophets who saw things in advance, and not all were men (see Acts 21:8, 9). So, women could also hold such a lofty position of respect. Paul, for example, foresaw the problems that he would encounter when he last returned to Jerusalem (see Acts 20:22, 23), and other Christian brothers were referred to as Prophets (see Acts 11:27).

Are there Prophets today? Surely, there are those who are moved by God’s Breath to speak inspired things, and in so doing, they are proven to be prophets. Yet, thousands whose ‘divine revelations,’ have proven untrue claim this lofty position. And making such a claim of oneself is approaching a slippery slope, for Jesus said at Matthew 8:15-20: ‘Watch out for false prophets who come to you dressed as sheep, because on the inside they are hungry wolves. You will recognize them by their fruit: People don’t pick grapes from the briers or figs from thistles, do they? All your favorite trees produce good fruit, but rotten trees produce wicked fruit. Your favorite trees can’t produce wicked fruit, nor can rotten trees produce good fruit. All trees that don’t produce good fruit are cut down and thrown into the fire. Really then, you will recognize them by their fruit.’

He also said at Matthew 24:11, ‘False prophets will come and mislead many people.’ And again, in verse 24, ‘Because, false anointed ones and false prophets will arise and they will perform great signs and omens to mislead (if possible) even the elected.’

Messengers of the Good News

The Greek words that we translated as messengers of the good news are tous de euaggelistas, or they of good message. Euaggelista is where we derive the English word evangelist. So, an evangelist is defined in the Bible as a person who brings good news.

Notice that Paul listed evangelists ahead of shepherds and teachers, so this office isn’t open to all, and like the office of an Apostle or Prophet, it comes as a special assignment by Jesus. What does this mean?

Well, it appears as though many early Christians had this gift and assignment, and theirs was a job similar to that of a missionary (see Acts 21:8). They were to go out (as they were led by the Breath of God) and tell the good news of Jesus and the Bible throughout Judea and throughout the world. They differed from apostles in that, although they preached and formed congregations, their main purpose was to preach publicly and to make converts, not that of building up congregations.

Where did evangelists preach? Well, although some would argue that they traveled from house to house (note the mistranslation of Acts 20:20 in some Bibles), the most effective use of their time was to speak in public places. When Paul and Peter entered a town, the records show that they started at the place where they would reach the most people and where they would most likely have the greatest success, in the local Jewish synagogues. However, they also converted many gentiles (where the greatest success was eventually gained) by speaking in public squares and in places where discussions were held, such as in the AeroPagus.

Recognize that Christians and Jews alike have always spoken to others about their God and the things they believe, resulting in the greatest influx of converts. However, the lack of their having received a special commission (which is required for evangelists, the same as for apostles and prophets) means that not all who preach to make new converts are evangelists. Such chosen ones have a unique ability to do this well, which comes from God.

Shepherds

A shepherd is, of course, one who tends sheep. And a shepherd in the Christian Congregation is one who tends the flock of God. Shepherds are often those we would refer to as overseers, elders, and bishops, and their divinely-appointed position is to care for and watch over individual congregations. A similar word that some preachers have assumed as a title is Pastor.

Jesus said of himself at John 10:11, ‘I am the good shepherd, and a good shepherd will give his life for the sheep.’

He also told Peter (at John 21:16), ‘Shepherd my little sheep.’

Then Peter, in turn, wrote to elders (1 Peter 5:1-4) ‘I encourage the elders among you (my fellow elders and witnesses of the sufferings of the Anointed One who will share in the glory that’s soon to be revealed) to shepherd the flock of God that has been entrusted to you. Don’t [do this] just because you have to, but because you want to. Don’t do it to make a lot of money, but [do it] because you want to help. Don’t [set yourselves up as] rulers over these who have been trusted to your care, but become examples to the flock. Then, when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will walk away with the enduring crown of glory.’

So, was Peter saying that all elders are shepherds? No, he was urging elders to become shepherds and to seek this special ability that comes from God.

Recognize that many men from all religions have been given oversight of churches or congregations who weren’t good shepherds. Some have even misled and fleeced the sheep! But, as is true with the choosing and receipt of the other gifts listed above, any righteous man can pray for and seek the greater gift. So, the God-given ability to shepherd God’s flock is something that no man can just claim for himself.

Teachers

Ah teachers! How many there claim to be, but how few there truly are, not just in the Christian Congregation, but also everywhere in life!

Though it is listed last, we among the 2001 Translating Group would be proud to be remembered as just teachers, for they are the ones who reach hearts. And although teachers are listed last by Paul, teaching is listed third among the gifts he spoke of at 1 Corinthians 12:28.

Teachers are often confused with preachers when it comes to religion. But the Greek word for teachers is didaskalous, and the Greek word for preacher is kerux. And while both are very important, kerux implies one who proclaims (which is needed when speaking of God’s truth), while the didaskalous explain in further detail in a way that can be easily understood.

Preaching is a broad way of spreading God’s word, but teaching is best done in small groups with people who have the time and circumstances to pay close attention. And being one who can teach effectively is truly a gift from God.

Servants

Though Paul didn’t mention the position of servants in the congregation (since this doesn’t appear to be a gift but an assignment), it appears as though all who had positions of oversight in the early Christian Church were considered servants. The English word servant is taken from the Greek word diakonos. Dia means through and konos means household dust. So, the implication is one of a household servant.

The first servants appointed were mentioned in Acts 6:3, where responsible men were assigned to distribute food among the needy in the congregation. And there we read, ‘So, brothers, find seven qualified men among you who are filled with wisdom and the Breath [of God].’

In this case, the responsibility was assigned to males. However, there is one mention of a woman who appears to have held such a position. We find this at Romans 16:1, which says, ‘I recommend our sister Phoebe to you, who is also a servant in the congregation at Cenchreae.’ In Greek this reads, ‘ousan kai diakonon tes ekklesias tes en Kenchreais,’ or, ‘being also servant of/the congregation the/one in Cenchreae.’

Messengers

Also within the congregational arrangement (which was derived from the Judaic arrangement) was a position called the sheliach, sent one, messenger, or angel. This was not an office or title, but simply the job description of a person who served that function, for it wasn't exclusive to a single individual. As was true of other positions of oversight in the Judaic arrangement, the job was shared among many, with each person serving annually on a rotating basis, or perhaps they were chosen by lot.

Notice how in the Revelation vision (Revelation 1:20) Jesus identifies the seven stars as the seven messengers (or angels) of the seven congregations. And this closely matches the same function in Jewish synagogues at the time, for the sheliach (messenger) oversaw the teaching services, perhaps served as the investigator of wrong conduct, and served as the emissary and overseer of the congregation. So, the seven messengers of the seven congregations were those who would receive Jesus’ message through John and then dispense it to the congregations.

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