Here is a link to the conclusion of my dissertation, The Authority of Church Elders in the NT. Aside from the readers on the committee at school, I have not received much in the way of critical feedback. I am anxious for my conclusions to be challenged and improved. I also pray that where ever I have accurately understood the Scripture, this will be an encouragement and challenge to others. I have only uploaded the conclusion. I can also make available the chapters that discuss each relevant passage individually if there are further thoughts or questions.
Comments (5)
Hi Matthew
Just read through the 'conclusions' chapter of your PhD thesis on the authority of the elders in the NT church. Congratulations! I honestly believe this is the best summary on the subject I have ever read. Most articles or books on the subject I have previously read seem to be defending a particular passionately held viewpoint and end up trying to squeeze scripture to fit the conclusion they are trying to prove. There are those who totally ingore Christ's words in Matt 20:25-27 as if he never said them and emphasise every translation rendered 'authority over' and 'rule over' they can find. On the other hand there are those who seem to deny that elders have any role in the church - no leading, no shephering, no overseeing - except being older! As far as I can see you have allowed scripture to speak for itself and to be its own interpreter, comparing scripture with scripture, and not forcing a particular view onto the text. The result is what sems to me to be a well balanced and honest summary. I would LOVE to read the whole thesis sometime. Is there any way it is likely to be available in the foreseeable future?
Enjoy Grace!
Paul
Thank you, Paul, for the encouragement. I am working on putting all the chapters into one PDF document. I can share it all by chapters with anyone interested, though. If you send me an e-mail (mmcdill@bellsouth.net), I can send you a link.
I have been visiting various blogs for my dissertation writing research. I have found your blog to be quite useful. Keep updating your blog with valuable information... Regards
I have been visiting various blogs for my dissertation writing research. I have found your blog to be quite useful. Keep updating your blog with valuable information... Regards