"But Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord." -- Acts 15:40

Bear in mind that this is an act of commendation distinct from commitment. Another way of saying it might be, "they were endorsed by the brothers to the grace of the Lord." The brothers were not only committing them to grace. They were in effect, ordaining them to the ministry of grace.

Is it not enough for you to say, "I am called of God to the ministry of grace?" Did Paul and Silas need the endorsement of their brothers in the faith? I believe the answer is yes. They did need it. Those who would represent God as his message bearers need the endorsement of their peers. Not their followers, their peers. Men and women who themselves have been called of God to this service of grace.

The reasons for this are readily apparent. First, when you are selected by God for the work of the ministry, you need not fear the evaluation of your peers. Second, there needs to be some check and balance as to character and credentials. Third, it is important that a messenger from God function under some qualified body, if for no other reason than the sake of accountability. And finally, you need the psychological, spiritual and emotional support such accountability brings.

Just because a "leader" has followers, however many there may be, is no indication that he should be followed -- even if his work is attended by miracles, healings and conversion of souls. That ministry cannot possess integrity without the attendant endorsement of those whom God has also called. The response to ministry does not validate the character of the minister. These phenomena are not the work of a man or woman, but the response to the Gospel of Truth however and by whomever it is preached.

An equally critical component of this process is exactly what is meant by "accountability" and "commendation." If it is interpreted as some form of authority or control over the one who is be held "accountable" or is to be commended, then we have opened pandora's box of who is in power. This is not what Jesus wanted. As this process develops, it must of necessity be developed through loving affirmation -- not critical or judgmental attitudes.

To be commended to the grace of the Lord by others is the single most important confirmation that we have the right to be committed to it. It is apostolic succession in its most affirming sense.

-- PDM

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