G. A. Jacob: Ecclesiastical Polity in the NT (51ff.)

First Organization of the Church (51-86). In his analysis, Jacob provides a clear contrast between the polity and writings of the Old Testament and the New Testament. In the Old Testament, detailed rituals, festivals, sacrifices, civic, moral, dietary, priestly, and other laws were prominent, along with governance by Moses, seventy Elders, Judges, and a Monarchy. However, none of these appear in the New Testament. After the conversion of 3000 people, Jacob speculates that congregations must have formed some structure, although this is not addressed in Acts. Jacob then delves into the "ministry of gifts" and the "ministry of order," which arose as circumstances allowed. He notes that the Corinthians allowed lay involvement in various ways, reflecting the idea of all believers' Priesthood.

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