Signs of an Apostle

[revmwc]

Which scriptures explain that after the last apostle dies, the authority over the church would be the church itself, in other words when did the church change from a theocracy to a democracy?

Now that being said Christ is the head and the Holy Spirit as the Comforter has given us scripture placing things in order. Notice this in Acts 6:2
Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

Seems the 12 (Apostles) told the people to vote on the deacons, to select them, they didn't select them. The principle was set for the membership to make certain choices. The Pastor was to guide the flock as the under shepherd in spirtual traaining. The Apostles faded out and with the death of John ended, in the 2nd century. For no one since that time can claim to have "seen Jesus Christ our Lord"as the disciples, early Christians and Paul says he did in His ressurection body.

 

[plain_n_simple]

Didn't answer the question, let alone with scripture. Christ is the head even with apostles in place. When did the church change from an apostle set over it, to a democracy?

 

[Iconoclast]

Which scriptures explain that after the last apostle dies, the authority over the church would be the church itself, in other words when did the church change from a theocracy to a democracy?

The church is still in a sense a theocracy...in that we obey God, his word, and appointed elders Heb 13:7, 17

The Apostles taught this in many places...as the Spirit instructed them
for example;
Paul gives the qualifications for elders and deacons, then teaches this

14These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:

15But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

The word translated "oughtest" actually is the same word "MUST"...as in ye MUST be born again.....

6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained

11These things command and teach. 12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

13Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

15Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

the Apostles were foundational

19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

paul warned the churches what would happen when the Apostles were gone..

26Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

27For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

30Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

31Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

32And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
33I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

34Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

PNS...there are many such verses in the Nt epistles...where the apostles were giving instuctions...that is why sign gifts were used to "credential them...as writing and speaking the word of God.

If you want to have some fun,and yet learn at the same time...go through Acts...look up every miracle, tongue, healing...and within three or four verses it will say...then the people believed their word...or some thing to that effect...here are just a few....

42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

4Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand

29And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

30By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

31And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
32And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

7And the word of God increased

[38How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

39And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

40Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

41Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

42And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

43To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

44While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
/QUOTE]
This pattern does not change....