Correspondence: MAT 18:20; Leavened Loaf?; Bishops/Deacons/Prophets in N.T.

Narrator: Chris Genthree
Matthew 18:20  •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 7
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Answer: To be gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus is to be gathered in separation from evil, and in the unity of the Spirit. His name is holy and true (Rev. 3:77And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; (Revelation 3:7)). We must therefore seek to walk in holiness, and according to the truth. We are members of His body (1 Cor. 12:12-1312For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:12‑13)). He is our Head and Center, and we are enjoined to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the uniting bond of peace, apart from all divisions of men.
Question: If leaven is a type of evil in Scripture, should the loaf for the Lord’s supper be made of unleavened bread?
Answer: Our care for the bread used at the Lord’s supper is to have it one bread, a piece of dough baked as one. There is nothing said about size or kind.
The bread and wine are only symbols of Christ in death. We know Him as living now for us. We remember Him in His death for us.
Question: What are bishops, deacons, and prophets in the New Testament?
Answer: Bishops, elders, overseers, are the same (Acts 20:1717And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. (Acts 20:17), called elders; vs. 28, called overseers). Their character was to be as in 1 Timothy 3:1-71This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:1‑7), and Titus 1:6-96If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (Titus 1:6‑9). They were to look after the spiritual state of the assembly. It does not say how many were appointed.
Deacon is a servant to minister to needy ones, and to serve tables, as in Acts 6. Their character was to be as in 1 Timothy 3:12-1312Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 3:12‑13). They were chosen and appointed by the apostles or their delegates Timothy and Titus, but not by the assembly. The Scriptures were not completed and collated at that time.
A prophet now is only one speaking the truth. Prophesying now is speaking unto men to edification, exhortation and comfort (1 Cor. 14:3,293But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. (1 Corinthians 14:3)
29Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. (1 Corinthians 14:29)). We have no revelations now, for the Word of God is completed (Col. 1:2525Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; (Colossians 1:25)). There is no need therefore of tongues of interpretations. We are now living in the last day, and awaiting the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let our loins be girded and our lights burning.