Why does Priests not mentioned in Ephesians 4:11?

  • Thread starter Thread starter DM_P
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
D

DM_P

Guest
A “born again christian” posted a question in an fb group that since Priests are not mentioned as part of the category mentioned in ephesians 4:11, therefore it is not valid.

[And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers]

I argue that Paul lists here the functions within the Church and not necesarily the title of an Office.

Am I right? I would like to know your thoughts on this.

Thank you all in advance and God bless!
 
The Apostles are the priests and the bishops of the Church.
Every Catholic priest on the planet is a descendant of one of the 12 apostles via the laying on of hands at Ordination.
 
I think the problem here is with the English language, and a lot of people not remembering that the word priest comes from presbyter.
 
Does it mean I’m wrong to say that those are functions rather than an office/position of title? Thank you for your response 🙂
 
I agree. One thing they can’t get over with is that it seems that all the “leaders” was enumerated in the verse but the priest was not included.
 
I mean… priest is a function (one who offers sacrifice) and Father is his title, if that’s what you mean.
 
I guess i’m not really sure what was i talking about when I said that. I might adopt your explanation of the verse as I think it is more fitting.
 
I guess one more thing I have to ask is that, if priests and bishops are in the Apostles category, then who are the evangelists and pastors and teachers?
 
DM_P said:
A “born again christian” posted a question in an fb group that since Priests are not mentioned as part of the category mentioned in ephesians 4:11, therefore it is not valid.

[And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers]

I argue that Paul lists here the functions within the Church and not necesarily the title of an Office.

Am I right? I would like to know your thoughts on this.

Thank you all in advance and God bless!
Click to expand...
The Apostles have holy orders, which means they are priests. Also deacons have holy orders but are not priests.
 
In that case, I would say the Apostles are specifically the bishops, since they share in the full apostolic office. then, pastors would be priests, and evangelists and teachers would be the laity. All IMO.
 
Your answers are great. Maybe I’m just looking for a good way to explain this verse to a non-catholic who doesnt believe in a ministerial priesthood
 
He needs a better bible translation. Tell him there is life outside the NIV. Ask him why Jesus is not named Emmanuel. That’s what prophecy said. Is Jesus therefore a false christ?
 
Tell that friend that the ministerial priesthood is 1,517 years older than ‘bible Christianity.’ Ask that friend if they think that the Eastern Orthodox Churches have also had a false priesthood for 2,000 years.

Or could it just be that ‘bible Christianity’ is a European innovation?

Yes, it could be.

That’s because it is.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top