Biblical Eldership Church Leadership

The Acts of the Apostles

geographic proximity (the city boundary being the most natural) to assemble themselves together in unity under one body of leaders? At the same time, small groups of Christians in Jerusalem also gathered in private homes (Acts 2246; 5:42; 12:12): 0 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying. . .(a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together). . .(Acts l:13a,15b). 0 And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart (Acts 2:46). 0 And when he [Peter] realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying (Acts 12:12). So according to Acts, Jerusalem had one citywide church, many house churches, and one body of leaders. This also appears to be the case in Antioch (Acts 11:26; 13:1; 14227; 1523,30) as well as in Ephesus. The Elders’ Duty: Protect the Church As he bid them farewell, Paul reminded the Ephesian elders that he had taught them the complete counsel of God. He held back nothing that he had received by revelation from God: “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God” (Acts 20:27). Paul repeats this theme in verses 20 and 27 to emphasize that he had thor oughly executed his duty as Christ’s apostle. The responsibility for the defense of the gospel and the welfare of the church now belonged to the elders, so Paul was free to press on to new lands. I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house. . ..Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. Be on guard for yourselves and for all 0 And every day in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ (Acts 5:42).

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