PRIESTHOOD

SUCCESSION: Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which is given to you... with the laying on of hands of the priesthood (of the New Testament!) (1 Tnm. 4:14). For this reason I remind you to stir up the gift of God, which is in you through my ordination (2 Tim. 1:6). And having ordained to them presbyters for each church (Diary 14:23; 6:6). Simon, seeing that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the hands of the apostles, brought them money (8:18). The Holy Spirit has made you overseers to shepherd the Church (26:28). The successors of the apostles also ordained: "For this reason I left thee in Crete, that thou mayest complete what was unfinished, and appoint presbyters in all the cities" (Tnt. 1:5). Do not lay your hands on anyone hastily (1 Tnm. 5:22).

UNWORTHY PASTORS: Therefore, whatever they command anyone to observe, observe and do, but do not do according to their works (Matt. 23:3). If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8; James 3:2).

Jacob blessed his sons with his hand (Gen. 48:14). And Aaron lifted up his hands, turning to the people, and blessed them (Lev. 9:22). The same is true of Moses (Deut. 34:9). Christ, having lifted up His hands, blessed them (the Apostles) (Luke 24:50). And having embraced them, He laid His hands on them, and blessed them (the children) (Mark 10:16).

HONOR: It is worthy of the superior elders to be given special honor, especially to those who labor in word and doctrine (1 Timothy 5:17). We beseech you, brethren, to respect those who labor among you, and your leaders in the Lord, and those who admonish you, and to honor them primarily with love for their work (Thess. 5:12-13). Obey your leaders and be obedient, for they are vigilant over your souls (Heb. 13:17).

TO EAT FROM THE ALTAR: The authority of the apostles is equal to that of the high priest, but to Aaron the Lord said: "All the firstfruits of their land that they bring to the Lord, let them be yours" (Num. 18:13). If we have sown spiritual things in you, is it great if we reap from you bodily things? If others have power with you, are we not more so?... Do you not know that the priests are nourished from the sanctuary? That those who serve the altar take a portion of the altar? Thus the Lord commanded those who preach the Gospel to live by the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:11; 13-14). Or... We don't have the power not to work? What warrior ever serves on his pay? Who, having planted a vineyard, does not eat of its fruit? Who, tending the flock, does not eat the milk of the flock? (6-7). Stay in that house, eat and drink what they have, for the laborer is worthy of the reward of his labors... and if you come to any city and receive you, eat what is offered to you (Luke 10:7-8). He who is instructed by the word, share all good things with him who instructs (Gal. 6:6). The wives served Christ with their possessions (Luke 8:3). To the other churches I have caused expenses, receiving from them an allowance for the service of you... my deficiency was made up by the brethren who came from Macedonia (2 Corinthians 11:8-9). Other places: 2 Thessalonians 3:9; 1 Corinthians 9:4,12; Phil. 4:10,14-18; Matthew 10:10

SACRED GARMENTS: The presence of the New Testament priesthood (1 Tim. 4:14) presupposes the presence of sacred garments.

Controversy

Where 2 or 3 are in My name.... Tell me, did Christ call for unity or separation by this? Then, in any case, this quote cannot be seen as a blessing of divisions. I beseech you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in one spirit and in one thought. (1 Corinthians 1:10)

Continuity is a temporary phenomenon. There was no continuity in the temporary services. For example, prophetic or speaking in tongues. The New Testament canon has replaced the gift of prophecy and teaching, but the priesthood ministry is the edification of the Body of Christ. There is a need for this even now.

Christ is our high priest (Hebrews 8:1). Yes, as a Redeemer (9:12). Clergy have a different ministry. They are stewards of the mysteries of God (Corinthians 4:1), i.e. ministers of the fruits of redemption.

We are all priests (Rev. 1:6: 1 Peter 1:9). It is about our inner transfiguration, by the fruits of which we are called to proclaim the perfections of Him who called us (Peter 2:9). This was said in the Old Testament (Exodus 19:6), but Korah, Dathan and Abiram for an understanding of this passage similar to yours: the whole community, all are holy, and the Lord is among them! Why then do you set yourselves above the people of the Lord? (Numbers 16:3) paid with their lives (v. 32). Christ made us kings and priests to God and His Father (0 T 1:6). In what sense are we kings? In the same sense, we are priests.