It would seem Glory be has a bit of a problem with earthly authority and sometimes this is understandable. While Christ is the chief shepherd there are lesser shepherds who pastor the flock and the flock is to submit to them.

When Paul had reported to the Jerusalem council all that God had accomplished through Him with the gentiles he reported to the apostles and ELDERS. And it was this same body who assisted in determining the outcome concerning the gentiles

1 Timothy 5:17 says, Let the Elders who rule well, be considered of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
Rule over who? The church of course!

Elders were to be appointed in every church to rule, pastor, lead, protect, teach and minister. When one is gravely ill it is these men he is to call to lay hands and anoint.

In the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:4-5 it talks of the elder ruling his house well as a test of how he will rule the church. In Titus as well he is to refute those who contradict sound doctrine (Titus 1:9) he then says the elders are to silence these men who upset.

Elders are commonly called shepherds. A shepherd leads but of what benefit if the flock in defiance to earthly leadership refuses to follow. Did Christ preach anarchy or order. And what was the order? Paul tells Titus in 1:5, that you might set things in order that which remains and appoint elders in every church.

In fact the expression obey your elders was actually first a church term later applied to disobedient children. Think about it.

P.S. Let me also say I am not your elder and so you owe me no more respect than any other brother or sister in Christ. but to your own elders you owe submission to their leading. they will answer for it in the great day.


Brother John
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)