Ephesians 4:11

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PART 2: AN EXAMINATION AND
AN OVERVIEW OF EPHESIANS 4:11
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"And he [CHRIST] gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers"

--The apostles Paul

WE SUGGEST that you read the introduction to "PART 1" of this article if you haven’t already read it. It would be good even to review all of it as we move from the first part to the last of Ephesians 4:11. Besides the apostles being the official eyewitnesses of the resurrected Christ, the apostles and prophets in their "office" and work have to do with the supernatural and extraordinary, whereas this is not necessarily the case with evangelists and pastors that we are now about to study (although apostles and prophets were and did serve as evangelists and pastors).

Even though we have no apostles and prophets in the church on earth today in the more limited sense, as seen in Paul and the Twelve, the impact of their work continues. They are incorporated into the very foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20), and their inspired teachings (Ephesians 3:5) continue to equip the saints for the work of ministry (whether thinking in terms of the evangelists and pastors in their work, or of all the saints in their ministry). We are told in II Timothy 3:16 and 17, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

Now Evangelists and Pastors
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Yes, the Lord used the Spirit-guided apostles to bring the church into being (Matthew 16:18,19; Mark 9:1; John 14:26; Acts chapter 2), and then to guide it in its infancy (John 16:13; Acts 2:14, 37, 42; 4:35, 37; 6:2-6; 8:14; 15:2, 4, 6, 22-24; etc.). As the fountainhead of Christ’s teachings (Hebrews 2:3,4; Acts 15:2,23,24; I Corinthians 14:37), their authority and influence were felt wherever local churches were started. But as far as the governmental function of the church was concerned, the organization of the church constituted local, independent entities. This will be more evident as we study evangelists and pastors, with the elders (pastors) being the overseers of the local church. From this perspective it would be more appropriate to study pastors first, but that is not the thrust of Ephesians 4:11. It has to do with equipping the saints for ministry, and this involves conveying the Word of God to them. This started with the men of inspiration, apostles and prophets, and then it was and is further brought about by evangelists in the spread of the gospel and pastors on the local scene.

"AND HE GAVE…SOME, EVANGELISTS"
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The Gift of Evangelist
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The word "evangelist" is found three times in the New Testament (Acts 21:8; Ephesians 4:11; II Timothy 4:5). This is enough to make us sit up and take notice for in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word is to be established. The term simply means messenger of the good news, i.e., the gospel. In the book of Acts Philip is dubbed with this designation (Acts 21:8). Ephesians 4:11 plainly states that Christ gave this position or work as a gift to the church in carrying out its endeavor. While every Christian in a very real sense is to be a messenger of the gospel (Matthew 28:19,20; Acts 8:4; Ephesians 4:12,16; 6:15; Philippians 2:15,16), "evangelist" specifically constituted an "office" or work in the early church. Obviously, the "grace" that had been given "according to the measure of the gift of Christ" (Ephesians 4:7) made some more adapt at this work than others. Then the apostle Paul in view of the imminency of his martyrdom, and the coming apostasy in the church, charged Timothy to faithfully do the work that he had been set aside to do, that of an evangelist, and thus fulfill his ministry (II Timothy 4:5). The Great Commission was to be carried out to the "end of the world," and there is no indication the work of an evangelist has been removed from the church. Rather, it is imperative.

A Look at Timothy
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A look at Timothy should help us in determining if indeed the word "evangelist" refers to a specific work in the church or whether the term is used generically. When in the region of Derbe and Lystra Paul saw the consecration and recognized the potential that was in this young disciple named Timothy (Acts 16:1-3). He recruited him "to go forth with him." Evidently the local elders were involved in a formal way with him being sent forth to work with Paul (I Timothy 4:11-16). Thus Paul says in I Timothy 1:18, "This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare." Timothy was a fellow-worker with Paul (Philippians 2:19, 22), and I and II Timothy refer to this work in a specific sense. More than once he is charged to do his work in a formal capacity. In such a context he is addressed as a "man of God" (I Timothy 6:11). Although every man who is a Christian generically speaking can be called a "man of God," when Paul in II Timothy 3:16 and 17 talks about the Spirit-inspired Scriptures making "the man of God…throughly furnished unto all good works," he is talking about Timothy as a preacher of the gospel. The expression "man of God" is used like in the Old Testament when the prophet and others were uniquely called a "man of God" (Deuteronomy 33:1; I Samuel 2:27; 9:6; I Kings 13:1; 17:18; 20:28; II Kings 4:7; etc.). Then the next few verses continue in II Timothy 4 with a charge for Timothy to "preach the Word." He was to do the work of an evangelist and thus fulfill his ministry (II Timothy 4:5). This was all in the capacity of him uniquely being a "man of God." This refers to a specific person in his "office" and work. (Also, notice II Timothy 2:24ff).

Was Paul An Evangelist?
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Timothy, as we have just noticed, was admonished by Paul to do the work of an evangelist and by doing this he would fulfill his ministry. It is interesting to note that time and time again Paul and Timothy are recognized as being engaged in work of the same kind. In Romans 16:21 Paul calls Timothy his "workfellow" (co-worker, fellow-worker). Paul wrote in I Corinthians 16:10 that Timothy "worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do." Of Timothy Paul wrote the Thessalonians that he had sent Timothy, "our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith." Paul likewise said to the Corinthians that the gospel "was preached among you by us, even by me, and Silvanus [Silas] and Timotheus [Timothy]…" (II Corinthians 1:19).

Other references could be given. But in the light of all of these statements, are we to conclude that Paul, aside from the supernatural and extraordinary aspect of being an apostle, was simply an evangelist? Being Timothy’s senior and an apostle set him apart from Timothy and others like him, especially as an authoritative leader who spoke by divine revelation. But he was nonetheless an evangelist. He and Barnabas, by the direction of God, had initially been sent out by the local church at Antioch (Acts 13ff), to which they returned and reported their labors. Philip is not reported as having the privilege of working side by side with an apostle in his preaching like Timothy. Evangelists today do not have that personal contact either, but they do have the writings of Paul that authoritatively serve in much the same way.

The Work of An Evangelist
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Philip the Evangelist
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What is the work of an evangelist? Philip as an evangelist preached the gospel to cities (Acts 8:5) and to individuals (Acts 8:27-40). Having baptized the Ethiopian nobleman on the way to Gaza, he came to Casarea (Acts 8:40). Years later Paul visited him there (Acts 21:8-10). Evidently he made Casarea his home and worked in and out of here in doing the work of an evangelist.

Paul and His Co-workers
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In Paul and his co-workers, which included Timothy and Titus, we can see the work of an evangelist. They were involved in carrying out the Great Commission, winning souls to Christ, establishing and setting churches in order; correcting problems in infant churches. Read the book of Acts. Read Paul’s epistles. What they did paralleled, in some respects, with what men do today who are called "missionaries." They were the long arm of the church reaching out into the world to save the lost.

I and II Timothy, and Titus
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The epistles of I and II Timothy, along with Titus, are very much like a preacher’s manual. Here different aspects of the work of an evangelist are seen (especially in reference to his relationship to the local church in its immature stage). As Paul’s co-worker, Timothy was to admonish "some that they teach no other doctrine" in Ephesus (I Timothy 1:3). Instructions are given about the public life of the church (I Timothy 3:15). Obviously Timothy was going to be involved in the "ordination" of elders (I Timothy 5:17-22; qualifications: 3:1-7). In the midst of all of this, Paul charged Timothy, "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee" (I Timothy 4:16). He was to deal with erring Christians (II Timothy 2:25,26). In view of coming apostasy, he was to "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…" (II Timothy 4:1-5).

The tenor of Titus is much the same as I and II Timothy. He was to "set in order the things that are [were] wanting, and ordain elders in every city" (Titus 1:5). False teachers were to be confronted and dealt with (Titus 1:9-11; 3:9-11). He was to speak "the things which become [are becoming to] sound doctrine" to people in all stations of life (Titus 1:1-10). Of all that Paul wrote, he enjoined Titus, "These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee" (Titus 2:15).

Evangelism Needed Today!
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A world is lost in sin. As never before, considering the exploding world population and the enormity of the situation, we need New Testament evangelists to lead out in world evangelism today. But they cannot by themselves do that which all Christian are supposed to be doing as they have their "feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" (Ephesians 6:15; Acts 8:4). It is by the entire church that the "manifold wisdom of God" (Ephesians 3:10) is to be made known. "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17).

"AND HE GAVE…SOME,
PASTORS AND TEACHERS"
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Now Pastors of the Local Churches
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In this study we have moved from the initial dynamic and thrust of the men of inspiration (apostles and prophets) to the evangelists who spearhead the spread of the gospel into all of the world. They couldn’t keep quiet. Now the last thing that we read in Ephesians 4:11 is that "he gave…some, pastors and teachers." Here "pastors and teachers" refer back to the single "some," describing two facets of the same work. After souls were won, and local churches started, eventually qualified leaders were set over them by the evangelist or evangelists. Now "pastors" (also called other names, like "elders" and "bishops," which we shall notice) were to lead, teach and oversee the local community of believers. The second part of the Great Commission, as well as the first, must be carried out. But this doesn’t nullify the priesthood of believers (I Peter 2:5,9; Revelation 1:6), as all are to be actively involved in "the work of the ministry" (Ephesians 4:12,16).

Elders Ordained in Every Church
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In the book of Acts, that great "book of conversions," we read of the return visits of the preachers Paul and Barnabas to the new churches in Asia Minor. We read that they were "Confirming [strengthening] the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith…And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed" (Acts 14:21-23). In another setting, Titus was to set things in order in churches on the isle of Crete and "ordain elders in every city" (Titus 1:5). Paul and Timothy, with the help of some others, had started the church at Philippi. Years later they could write and address the church as follows: "Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons" (Philippians 1:1). Evidently the church had long ago reached that stage of maturity and had been placed into the hands of qualified local leadership. "Bishops," asnamed here, refers to the same "office" as pastor or elder (which we shall see). ("Deacons" is a different "office" and will be the subject of another study.) Although these accounts tell us the preachers had been involved in setting these men aside to their work, Acts 20:28 says that the Holy Spirit had made them "overseers" of the church. One way this would be done was by them meeting the "must" qualifications as laid down by the Holy Spirit in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1.

Pastors = Elders = Bishops (Overseers)
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As we have already said, the terms "pastor," "elder," and "bishop" are all talking about the same person. Denominational usage of these terms today has muddled their original significance and application, creating unscriptural organizations, "offices" and a lot of confusion. Confusion, that is, if you really want to follow the Bible. Let us look at the Scriptures which show that all of these terms refer to the same "office." And in studying the distinctive meanings of each term we will more exactly understand the nature of the work of this "office" (the way the Lord intended it to be).

x Elders Are the Pastors
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Ephesians 4:11 states, "And he gave…some, pastors and teachers." The Greek word for pastor is poimen, which simply means shepherd (which is a term derived from a word meaning flock). The apostle Peter wrote in I Peter 5:1-4, "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the suffering of Christ…Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof…Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples [examples] to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." The elders are told to "feed the flock of God" and to be examples "to the flock." Then he talks about the "chief Shepherd" (Christ) appearing and recognizing them, the elders being subordinate shepherds. The word for shepherd here is poimen (with the prefix for "chief" in front of it), the same word that is translated "pastor" in Ephesians 4:11. And the words "feed" and "flock" here come from the same root, indicating taking care of sheep. The identical words are found in Acts 20:28 where Paul instructs the Ephesians elders (Acts 20:17) to take heed to "all the flock" and to "feed the church of God." It is very plain. In the New Testament sense elders are the pastors of the church. "Elder" puts the emphasis on them being older men and pastor upon them taking care of the flock. (Also, it is of interest to note that Peter identifies himself as an elder, as well as being a "witness [an apostle]" of Christ, I Peter 5:1).

Elders Are "Bishops" (Overseers)
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The word rendered "bishops" in the King James Version of the Bible is episkopos. The King James scholars retained many terms used in the Bishop’s Bible and previous translations, and this was one of them. The Greek term simply means overseer, and has reference to the elders of the local church. The Catholic apostasy made something else out of it, having a bishop over a plurality of churches. But the New Testament teaches a plurality of bishops (elders) over one local church. This is God’s plan.

Let us verify our assertion that "elders" and "bishops" refer to the same person. In Titus 1:5 we have already noticed Titus’ mission to ordain elders in every city. Then following in Titus 1:6-9 the "must" qualifications of elders are list by the apostle Paul. In stating them, Paul asserts, "For a bishop must be blameless…" etc. (1:7). Thus, "bishop" and "elder" are used interchangeably referring to the same "office." From another perspective we have already examined Acts 20:28. But now let us quote the whole verse, as Paul is talking to the Ephesian elders. "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock [all of the local church at Ephesus], over which the Holy Ghost [Spirit] hath made you overseers [episkopous, plural], to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." The word elsewhere translated "bishops" (KJV) is here represented with the word "overseers." And it has reference to the elders of the local church. Elders are the overseers ("bishops") who, in close association with the people, govern the local church. (They are not Diotrepheses, III John 9, and do not "lord" it over their brethren, I Peter 5:3). They lead.

Additional Thought:
Local, Independent, and Autonomous
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All of this points to the conclusion that the church corporately speaking is local, independent, and autonomous as far as its function is concerned. The extent of the elders being overseers was in connection with the ongoing of the local community of believers and perhaps their outreach as evangelists were sent out. Yes, evangelists were sent out. They won souls to Christ and started other churches. And in their infancy these new churches maintained a close relationship with these evangelists (especially as spiritual advisors). But once local leadership was set apart, the local church was to be mature enough to stand on its own feet. They were to be local, independent, and autonomous bodies responsible for their own actions and carrying on the work of the Lord. There were no denominational "bishops" over a plurality of local churches nor organizations binding local churches together into dioceses, districts, or groups.

Leaders Who Teach and Train
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As previously pointed out, In Ephesians 4:11 "pastors and teachers" refer back to the single "some," stressing two facets of the same work. That being case, elders likewise must be "apt to teach" (I Timothy 3:2). They are the God-appointed leaders in teaching and training everyone in the established church. And at the same time, since they are the pastors and overseers, all others who teach are responsible to them in faithfully fulfilling their task.

The Concluding Thrust of Ephesians 4:11
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The crescendo of thought as presented by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:11, and as we have studied, leads to the climax in the verses that follow (4:12-16). Why did Christ give these special gifts to the church? He did give them. "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers…" Why did he give them? The next verse gives the answer as it continues with the preposition "for." It was "for" the equipping of the saints for the "work of the ministry." As the body of Christ, the church is to grow. Everyone who is part of the body is to be involved in this as Paul concludes by saying, "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love" (4:14,15). Amen!

Have we realized the scope and depth of what is found in Ephesians 4:11-16? Let us understand it, accept it, appreciate it, and let the impact of what is taught here move us to put it into practice.It is the Word of God.

(It would be good to read DIAKONOS = "Deacon"
in conjunction with this article.)
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