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 Bro
Turner:
I
find specific authority to use the collection for helping needy
saints and supporting preachers, but where is the authority to
use such funds for properties (buildings, books, communion
service, etc.)? PT
Reply:
If
the querist means to say that we must have specific
authority for all we do, he might try finding such for having
the building, books, and communion service in the first place.
“Go”
authorizes locomotion; it does not “specify” the means
of locomotion. In the absence of a limiting specific or
prohibitions, “Go” is all the authority we need to walk,
ride a mule, swim, fly, or use other means of getting from one
place to another. This is what is often called generic,
or general, authority. It is not true to say we have “no
authority to fly,” although it is certainly true to say we
have “no specific authority” to fly. Means of
locomotion are inherent in the generic authority to “go.”
Now
“go” can only authorize that which is subordinate to this
category, i.e., loco- motion. It does not, for example,
authorize “teach,” for teach is a coordinate; a differing
category, and one of equal rank with locomotion. It is illogical
to contend that “go” authorizes methods of teaching, caring,
or organization — it can only authorize that which is inherent
in its meaning, and which is subordinate to or within its
bounds. If this is not so, words have no real meaning, and are
of no use whatsoever in setting forth the will of God.
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But
the querist may have in mind some current contentions regarding
the pooled funds of the saints; as if we had to have a specific
example of the collecting of funds for every
single item for which funds are spent.
(I do not know of anyone who has gone this far — yet — but
this is the logical end of their contentions.)
When
the church in Corinth sent assistance to the needy saints in
Jerusalem, we are given information concerning the means by
which they put together this fund. (1 Cor. 16:1-f) Some details
for pooling a fund and putting it at the disposition of the
apostles, is found in Acts 4:34- f. But, as the querist
acknowledges, the early church supported preachers( see Phil.
4:15), and no specific details are given as to how they
brought together this fund. The thing itself is authorized
— but authority for making the collection necessary for this
is generic. In the absence of specific authority, surely we
are not amiss in using the example of 1 Cor. 16: for the
bringing together of funds to do whatever the saints are
authorized to do collectively.
The
saints are authorized to assemble, and subordinate to assembly
is a place of assembly. They are authorized to sing —
but you may object, “They do not have to use books; they could
memorize the songs.” Yes, — if you could find specific
authority for memorizing songs. Don’t we see that the
principle of generic authority is essential to interpretation
and compliance with God’s will? Then let us study and
understand the principle, and learn to use it wisely.
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