THE VISITING PREACHER
More and more we are hearing that apostolic examples are not binding. Brethren, wanting to do the Lord's work in what they think is a better way, do not want to be limited to doing things the way the apostles did them. Among some, there is a growing sentiment that the binding of apostolic examples leads to a sort of narrow, judgmental legalism. Others observe what they deem to be inconsistencies in the way apostolic examples are applied, and so have developed a "throw-out-the-baby-with-the-bath-water" mentality; the attitude is that if apostolic examples are not going to be applied consistently BY all, they should not be applied AT all.
It may be that some are motivated to do away with apostolic examples as a means of making sweeping changes within the church. The effects on the church of UNbinding apostolic examples would be significant indeed. For instance, if approved apostolic examples are not binding, churches could meet any day of the week to partake of the Lord's supper (cf. Acts 20:7). If apostolic examples are not binding, churches would not need to follow the example of sending financial support for evangelism directly to preachers (as in Philippians 4:15-18; 2 Corinthians 11:8); they could send the financial support to missionary societies, colleges, or sponsoring churches. These are but two examples of the many changes which could and probably would be made if apostolic examples were unbound. Most significant of all, if apostolic examples are not binding, fellowship could be restored between brethren who are currently divided over these and other similar issues.
But the question of whether or not apostolic examples are binding is not one that should be settled on the basis of either our fears or desires concerning changing the church; the question should be settled on the basis of Scripture. And the Scriptures on the matter are EXTREMELY PLAIN. The Scriptures teach us first that the apostles of Christ possessed the authority of Christ. Jesus promised Peter and the other apostles that "whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven (Matthew 18:18, 16:19). Therefore the apostle Paul could truthfully say that "the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 14:37b).
Second, the scriptures teach us that we are bound not only to follow the commandments of the apostles, but also their examples. We are COMMANDED to follow their EXAMPLES. In Philippians 3:17 the apostle Paul commands, "Brethren, join in FOLLOWING MY EXAMPLE, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a PATTERN" (emphasis mine, SK). Later, he tells these same Philippians that "The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you" (Philippians 4:9). In 1 Corinthians 4:17 Paul tells the church at Corinth that he had sent Timothy to them to "remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church."
Surely no sincere, honest, intelligent person can read these verses and not understand that the "example," "pattern," and "ways" of the apostles are bound upon Christians everywhere. To deny it is to flatly deny the scriptures. The man who says that apostolic examples are not binding today is not fighting against a "Church-of-Christ-tradition," but against the words of the New Testament. Such a one needs to humble himself and repent.
This file was adapted from an article by Steve Klein that appeared in the September 21, 1997, issue of The Exhorter (the bi-weekly bulletin of Oakland Church of Christ, Athens, Alabama) by Hal Snyder on June 8, 1999.