50 Truths Concerning Apostolic Ministry

22. Apostles are Bishops (Overseers) of Local Churches ... Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his BISHOPRICK let another take. Acts 1:20 he word bishop simply means overseer. To oversee means to survey, watch, inspect, examine, supervise (Webster). When Judas lost his apostleship, he lost his BISHOPRICK. T The "bishoprick" is an office, work, charge, or position of being an overseer. The word bishoprick is the Greek word episkope meaning inspection. To inspect means to examine officially. Apostles have the official right to inspect the churches they plant and oversee. This includes correction based on correct judgment. They are not called to dominate and control the saints. When spirits of domination and control manifest through an apostle, deliverance is needed to avoid judgment from the Lord. The Lord is the Bishop of our souls. Apostles, along with other ministry gifts, are responsible to bishop (oversee) the saints with love and wisdom.

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