I agree that the authority of our teachers / fathers / brothers in the church is derived from authority, and (thus) inferior to it. And what happens when those teachers / fathers / brothers disagree? They appeal to Scripture, make their arguments from Scripture. Yes, sadly, there are those who misinterpret the Scriptures - whether from ignorance or malice - and Paul warned us of them in Acts 20.
That derived authority is not vested in individuals or even offices directly--but to the whole church, as a church. And then men are chosen to fill those offices--but they can be removed for unfaithfulness. But there's only one "kind" of authority in the church.
And, when I say that the Scriptures interpret themselves, what I mean is that we can interpret the more difficult passages by the more clear passages, and follow what comes out "by good and necessary consequence." I also mean that the Scriptures are _sufficient_ for teaching us "all things necessary for life and godliness," etc.
appreciate the thoughtful reply. I agree that all authority in the Church is derived from Christ, but He clearly established that authority through visible offices, not just the collective body of believers (see 1 Timothy 3, among other places). The Church doesn’t ordain itself afterall; it receives leadership through apostolic succession.
And while “Scripture interprets Scripture” sounds good, someone still has to decide which passages clarify others. I would say that’s already interpretation. The early Church settled those disputes through councils guided by apostolic authority, not by individual consensus.
I think we probably agree more than we disagree on loving Scripture, we just differ on how Christ intended His Church to guard it.
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