Subnostr

I think the word "rule" is fine provided it's shaped by Christ's command to be servant-leaders, and not the kind who "lord it over" the people. It's similar to the "rule" granted to a man for the sake of his household (lead, protect, provide), or to an under-shepherd granted by the Chief Shepherd. But there is true authority there...elders will "give an account," we have responsibility, and with that responsibility comes a certain kind of ministerial authority. 🤙🏻

Duncan Cary Palmer 2y ago

BTW, "authority" is another such sorely abused translation.😜

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Discussion

freeborn | ἐλεύθερος | 8r0gwg 2y ago

How would you translate a word like [hypotasso](https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5293/kjv/tr/0-1/) in Ephesians 5:22?

Duncan Cary Palmer 2y ago

That and several others are commented on in this article:

https://peakd.com/conspiracy/@creatr/political-power-and-the-connotation-conspiracy

"Align with" would probably be my first choice; "submission" is not totally terrible, as long as it's mutual and absolutely not conflated or confused with "obey."

freeborn | ἐλεύθερος | 8r0gwg 2y ago

Got it. I am of a different flavor. "Submission begins where agreement ends," in which case, it's no different than obedience. 🤙🏼

Duncan Cary Palmer 2y ago

I pray that you are prepared to disobey or even depart, should that become necessary? (Acts 5:29)

freeborn | ἐλεύθερος | 8r0gwg 2y ago

That should be obvious...but yes: "God alone is Lord of the conscience." That doesn't mean he hasn't set up a true government for his church--albeit with a "declarative and ministerial" power only. The keys of the kingdom are real.

freeborn | ἐλεύθερος | 8r0gwg 2y ago

For some context, here is the perspective I'm coming from: OPC Book of Church Order, III: [The Nature and Exercise of Church Power](https://opc.org/BCO/FG.html#Chapter_III).

freeborn | ἐλεύθερος | 8r0gwg 2y ago

sorry, "Form of Government," III

Duncan Cary Palmer 2y ago

Thanks for that context.🙏😁💜🫂😆

I'm mostly aligned with point one there, a "priesthood of all believers" guy.

Merely human writings (especially mine!) are a mixed bag; of some value as summaries, but never to be preferred to Scripture.

The model I see in Scripture is congregational, cooperative (but 100% decentralized apart from King Jesus himself), non-hierarchical, 100% voluntary (within a covenant community, i.e. a non-coercive membership organization).

So my perspective is far from Presbyterian (although I'm part of a congregation with strong Presbyterian leanings).😆