Are we keeping the same faith the apostles kept in the first century? One simple test is to see if we are obeying Titus 1:5. But before we get to Titus 1:5, let’s back up a bit, to gain some better perspective of what is being said.
In Acts 9:15, Yahweh said that Shaul was a chosen vessel of His.
Ma’asei (Acts) 9:15
15 But Yahweh said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.”
Then in Acts 13:2-3, Yahweh’s Spirit tells a group of prophets and teachers to set Shaul apart for the work to which Yahweh had called him. Shaul is then “sent out” in fulfillment of the Great Commission (which is one of the hallmarks of the apostolic office).
Ma’asei (Acts) 13:2-3
2 As they ministered to Yahweh and fasted, the Set apart Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Bar Naba and Shaul for the work to which I have called them.”
3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.
In Fulfilling the Great Commission, we show how there are at least 22 apostles mentioned in the Renewed Covenant. In Titus 1:5, the Apostle Shaul commands the Apostle Titus to appoint elders (zakanim in Hebrew) in every city.
Titus 1:5
5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you —
We know the apostolic office is still for today, because in Revelation 18:20, Yahweh tells His set apart apostles and prophets to rejoice over the fall of Babylon, which will take place at trumpet 7.
Hitgalut (Revelation) 18:20
20 “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you set apart apostles and prophets, for Elohim has avenged you on her!”
The question we need to ask ourselves is, if the apostles were to appoint congregational elders in the first century, then isn’t that also how we need to do things today, if we are going to obey Scripture?
To find out more about the Melchizedekian priesthood and congregational elders, please see Fulfilling the Great Commission, available on the Nazarene Israel website.