Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 53

Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope – part 53

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 20:8

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Today’s Scripture Jigsaw

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From the Confessions: Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope

Jerome therefore, teaches that that the distinctive grades of bishop and elder (or pastor) are by human authority. The subject itself declares this, because the power is the same, as has been stated above. Afterwards, one thing made a distinction between bishops and pastors namely, ordination, because it was determined that one bishop should ordain ministers in a number of churches.

Pulling It Together

Here is the distinguishing labor of all ministers (shepherds) of the gospel: take care of the flock. But how is this accomplished? While there are many tasks in ministering to the needs of a congregation, the chief function, the one that must weave through all other responsibilities, is preaching and teaching the Word. Paul stresses the importance of this charge by saying we are to preach and teach all the time (2 Timothy 4:2). The only difference between a bishop and a pastor is that a bishop ordains new pastors. And why is a bishop assigned this duty but that more ministers will preach God’s Word.

Prayer: Lord, raise up new shepherds for your flocks. Amen

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