Truth Magazine

By Weldon E. Warnock

Gospel preachers, elders and deacons, “chasing women,” having extramarital affairs (which the Bible calls adultery) and divorcing their wives for some other woman have become epidemic. Such disgraceful conduct was hardly ever heard of a few years ago. In some instances, it is not the preachers, elders, and deacons who are “running around,” but rather it is their wives.

What has happened to cause such widespread occurrences and how may it be avoided? In my opinion the basic problem is at home between husband and wife. One or the other, if not both, is failing in his commitment to the other.

Brother Ed Nowlin wrote two booklets several years ago (1954) entitled, Studies on the Home. Some of the things he wrote are most pertinent and applicable to the subject under discussion. I quote extensively from brother Nowlin in dealing with this problem.

Pitfalls In the Home

In volume 1, lesson 5, brother Nowlin discusses wedlock let-downs, listing four different let-downs of marriage. He says:

The let-down of courtesy needs to be considered. How often it is that we find a man who is the very essence of courtesy while courting the girl. He is careful to let her precede him through every door, to walk on the outside when going down the sidewalk, to remove his hat when entering her house, to thank her for every little favor done him, to hold her coat for her to get into, to open the car door and close it after she gets in safety, to help her up or down stairs or across the street, and to be solicitous of her welfare and comfort at all times. Her slightest murmur gets his full and rapt attention! But after the “knot” has been tied the let-down comes over him. He goes barging through the door ahead of her. She gets around too slowly! He never thinks to walk on the outside anymore, he is not afraid she will get away, now! He sits around the house with his hat on, or a pair of muddy shoes – why, he is the head of this house! He hardly remembers how to say “Thank you!” Why she is supposed to do favors for him. He is her husband! There is no use for him to hold her coat, why she can get it on (and get all of the children ready, too!). Why bother to open the car door, she can get it open! . . . He justifies himself for his inattentions and discourtesies toward her because she is his wife. Of course, she could do all these things for herself before she married him, too, but he wanted to do them then. It showed his love for her and added to her happiness during courtship! Should he not be just as interested in her happiness after marriage?

All of this let-down in courtesy is not on the part of the husband, either. Many times we find that the girl who was kind and attentive and courteous to him during courtship days has become a careless wife who takes everything for granted . . .

This thing of common courtesy between husband and wife is important to the enjoyment of the marriage relationship. Courtesy just for the sake of appearances is not worthy of the name, but when prompted by genuine appreciation and sincerity of feeling it can go far to prevent the husband-and-wife relationship from degenerating into a drab, monotonous, unappreciated existence within four walls . . .

The let-down of compliments is another thing which saps the happiness out of marriage . . . This let-down in compliments is the thing which starves both parties in the marriage to death for a little appreciation. Without it they may live together till death; but they could live together much more happily with it and have many pleasant memories to cherish because of it. The tragedy is that many husbands are led away from home by smart little, unscrupulous women who have the unmarried attitude toward compliments and are not stingy with them; and many women are driven to the conclusion that home is the place where they slave the hardest and are appreciated the least! Sincere compliments can produce a flood of the milk of human kindness to feed the marriage with happiness.

The let-down of personal pride is a third thing which makes a dream a nightmare. If the wife pays no attention to the appearance she makes and “lets herself go” she may be heading for real trouble. She probably attracted him in the beginning with a fresh, neat appearance. If so, she can keep him by keeping herself that way. It is not enough to tell herself that he loves her anyway. Married men are still men, and men attach a great deal of importance to the way a woman looks. Most of them would not marry a dishevelled, stringy-headed, shapeless mass of a woman, and they do not want to live with that kindl He may hesitate to say much about her appearance or the unkept house or the uninviting meal for fear of hurting her feelings or getting a piece of her temper; but if she is so dull as to disregard his wishes in these matters she may wake up some fine day to the realization that she no longer has his admiration . .

. . On the other hand, the husband’s let-down may not produce such dire consequences. Women seldom marry a man because he is handsome but his personal appearance on the job is usually important enough that there is little let-down there. But no wife wants to kiss a porcupine! He should keep his whiskers mowed off and dress nicely so that she will be proud to introduce him as her husband . . . .

The let-down in behavior toward others many times becomes a source of embarrassment to the wife, especially. The “laying-on-of-hands ” is a marr iage privilege between husband and wife; but sometimes married people forget that they should keep their distance from other persons . . . . This writer knew of one preacher who was fired because of such behavior. He insisted on kissing the ladies of the church! He forgot that in the marriage ceremony he had promised to “keep thyself unto her, and to her alone . . . .

In Lesson 7 brother Nowlin says that “One of the most common causes of unhappiness in the home and the complete disrupting of the home is just plain selfishness.” He further states:

Selfishness is sometimes displayed in the matter of food and clothing in the home. The husband or the wife who is selfish will show it in various ways; such as, taking choice portions of food for themselves when the other needs or desires it just as much, or spending the family budget for clothes to the neglect of the other or of the children . . . . On the other hand there are wives who will buy expensive clothes and go out with their husbands in old overalls! They look like a show horse and an old farm mule teamed up together!

Selfishness is sometimes displayed regarding work in the home. Dishes have to be washed, children cared for, and a dozen other things done. This is primarily the work of the wife, and some husbands are selfishly content to let her do all of it, even though they may have nothing at all to do. They sit around the house and never turn a hand to do anything . . . . On the other hand, some wives are too sleepy-headed to get up and cook breakfast for their husbands who must be on the job at the mill when the whistle blows. One might call this laziness, but that is just another way to spell selfishness! The old spirit of “all for one and one for all” may be clannish, but it will promote happiness in the home.

Selfishness is often shown regarding recreation. Such recreation as the family can afford should take into consideration the best interest and desires of all concerned, and the more recreation the members of the family can plan and participate in together, the happier the family is going to be . . . .

From the standpoint of happiness in marriage, selfishness in the sex relationship is probably the most detrimental form it takes. This is a perfectly normal and moral relationship within the married state. It is the one privilege that is peculiar to marriage.

. . . . Recently a man in the prime of life came into this writer’s study with his problem. He started out by saying that his wife had just about destroyed all the love he ever had for her . . . . His wife wanted no sexual connection for fear of pregnancy! He had been treated like a criminal before the births of their two children. Now, he was at his wit’s end. Had he ever gone to the Bible for the answer? Even though he had preached considerably, he had never thought of I Cor. 7 as applying to this problem . . . . In another case, the home was about to break up because of the selfishness of the husband in refusing to exercise self-control in the frequency of such relations.

In chapter 9 brother Nowlin deals with the middle-age “fling” as a danger to the home. He points out: “To be forewarned is to be forearmed, and the grown person who does not take the trouble to inform himself on the dangers of middle-age may be rudely awakened sometimes by finding himself or herself the star performer in a drama of life, the like of which was never contemplated before. In such cases, the otherwise intelligent, successful husband and father who has always enjoyed the respect of the community finds himself entwined in the coils of a clandestine, extra-marital romance and his home and all that he has worked for and held dear fast approaching a state of shipwreck. The otherwise sensible and thoughtful wife and mother finds herself making eyes at some handsome man and vacating her throne in the hope she was given all to ascend . . . . The wayward, cheating husband and wife is gambling all that is of value to them in that stage of life in the insane hope of living over again the thrilling days of youth . . . . Happy is the person who can grow old gracefully, since we all have to do it.”

Finally, in chapter 10 brother Nowlin writes about absenteeism. He says “our problems of absenteeism in the home is a serious one.” Later in the chapter he asks, “But why is absenteeism so dangerous to the home? There are as many dangers to the home as there are possibilities and occasions for unfaithfulness which may be thrust upon the husband and wife under such a circumstance. Without seeking to name each one, we can trace them all to the same cause: in a condition of absenteeism the wife does not have her husband, nor does the husband have his wife! Although legally married, they do not have each other when they are separated in a prolonged manner. One of the purposes in having a wife or husband is to avoid fornication. Paul says, ‘Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband’ (1 Cor. 7:2).”

For preachers to avoid the pitfalls that lead to the disruption of their marriage, there needs to be maintained an atmosphere that characterized their marriage when they first became married – courtesy, kindness, longsuffering, affection, compliments, neatness, etc., and a total, unselfish commitment to one another. Keep the relationship alive and exciting with the sparkle that was reflected in the eyes as newlyweds. With this kind of vibrant relationship nobody is going to be looking for “greener pastures.

Pitfalls Outside the Home

In his book, The Preacher and His Work, brother Jack Meyer, Sr. devoted a sizeable section to preacher’s pitfalls. On pages 87 and 88, he lists “women” as one common pitfall, and then sets forth some rules to follow in order to avoid the problem. He says, “Right here, in preachers’ relations with women, is where some of the biggest names – in and out of the church – have tripped. It is tragic, but true.” He then states five simple rules to observe:

1. As to women, be more careful with your hands than is observed in some preachers and teachers. “Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22). “Appearance” of the King James Version in this text is one meaning of the Greek word, but Thayer prefers the “form” or “kind” here. But that will include appearance. And Philippians 2:15 will help this point” among whom ye are seen as lights in the world.”

2. Avoid being in a position with one where either of you could be tempted. Never forget 1 Corinthians 10: 12: “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” That Scripture will help you at this point.

3. Avoid situations where enemies could reasonably charge the possibility, or probability, of evil. After you exercise the utmost care at this point, dishonest people will seek – and sometimes find – such pretexts. And other people will believe their stories. In Romans 12:17 the apostle Paul directed: “. . . Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.” This is not the only time when Paul said that. It applies as a principle to all life – and especially appropriate at this point.

4. Assist women with their problems, but be careful as to the how or where. One of the best things found in the New Testament on the subject of a preacher’s – and especially a younger preacher, though it is applicable to all – treatment of women in the church is found in I Timothy 5:2: “The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity. “

5. It is best to have your wife along, at least most of the time in visiting women, and practically all of the time in conferences with them. If you have no wife, then enlist the assistance of some mature or aged woman, or couple. Many men have landed in this pitfall who never dreamed that it could happen to them.

To prevent the sin of adultery all of God’s people need to develop the attitude of Joseph when he said to Potiphar’s wife after she enticed him, “How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God”‘ (Gen. 39:9). Reverence and love for God kept Joseph from sinning. Solomon said, “But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul” (Prov. 6:32).

May God help us to live right.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 1, pp. 3-5
January 5, 1984

By Irven Lee

The servants of Satan use cunning craftiness as they lie in wait to deceive (Eph. 4:11-14). This is one reason that teachers of the truth need to be strong. It is not easy to stop the mouths of false teachers, but this ought to be done (Tit. 1:9-11). If the servant of the Lord does not bring his own body into subjection and maintain a great faith, his own sins will aid the enemies of the Lord. Paul warned 6f this danger day and night with tears (Acts 20:28-31).

The Captain of our salvation was made perfect through suffering (Heb. 2: 10). He was tempted in all points as we are, and He could not have been the Savior if He had been weak. He is looking for soldiers who will put on the whole armor and exercise their senses to discern between good and evil (Eph. 6:10-20; Heb. 5:12-14). The Christian is given good weapons, but there are some strongholds to be destroyed, and only the mighty are capable of fighting the good fight. (Read 2 Cor. 10: 1-6; 1 Tim. 1: 18; 2 Tim. 4:7,8.)

A strong Christian may be in a wheel chair. Physically he may suffer much from some thorn in the flesh. In fact, some good wholesome lessons may be learned from these trials that may strengthen him spiritually (2 Cor. 12:7-10). Certain parallels may be drawn between the true Christian and the soldier or the great athlete, but Christ leads His army in conflict against spiritual wickedness in high places (Eph. 6:12). A wicked person who is marching with the Lord’s army is actually an enemy in the ranks. Only a few qualify for the Lord’s spiritual army. Some profess with their mouths to be with Him, but their hearts are far from Him (Matt. 15:8).

Fornicators, drunkards, thieves, and such like cannot inherit the kingdom. Heaven is not for them. (See 1 Cor. 6:9,10; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:5-9; Rev. 21:8.) A man who steals could hardly be expected to be a powerful influence against dishonesty. An adulterer is not the teacher the Lord wants to uphold the stability of marriage (Rom. 2:21-24). Immoral church members cause the world to blaspheme the church. The church should put away any such wicked member from its number (I Cor. 5:1-13). A little unholy leaven tends to leaven the whole lump.

Some believe for a while and then fall away (Luke 8:13). The love of the world destroyed Demas (2 Tim. 4:10). The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life entangle and overcome many in our generation. (Read 1 John 2:15,16; 2 Peter 2:19,20.) It never ceases to harm the church for teachers to be found who are thieves, drunkards, or fornicators. Have you known prominent church members to be found guilty? Have you observed the harm? Some preachers have lost their faith, and others have lost their good name. Their loss is great, and it is serious to cause others to stumble (2 Pet. 1:1; Prov. 22:1; Matt. 15:6).

“Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Tim. 4:8). Even people who make great sacrifices in this life for Christ receive a hundred fold now in this time and eternal life in the world to come (Mark 10:28-30). “The way of transgressors is hard” (Prov. 14:15). It is not evident that those who sow to the flesh must reap corruption (Gal. 6:7,8)? Be sure your sins will find you out for the Lord will see to that (Num. 32:23). Believing these facts could protect us all. Understanding these things could make us strong.

Danger of Evil Companions

Beware of evil companions because they do have a corrupting effect (1 Cor. 15:33). Some young preachers have sat at the feet of infidels in modernistic universities to learn to preach. There is great danger there. Servants of corruption have allured some through the lust of the flesh (2 Pet. 2:18-22). All of us need to be among those who can encourage others daily lest we be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin (Heb. 3:12,13). Sin is deceitful, so “be not deceived” is good advice.

Peter was very confident about his faith and loyalty to the Lord, but he failed the test (Matt. 26:33-75). One is protected by humility and an awareness of his own littleness. Pride and overconfidence prepare one for a fall. Beware of the thought that “it won’t happen to me.”

God looks on the heart because He knows that deeds come forth from that source. (Read 1 Sam. 16:7; Matt. 12:3437; Mark 7:20-23; Prov. 23:7.) If we would keep ourselves pure we should guard our hearts because the thoughts precede the deeds. The evil thought is sin, but it can lead to more sin. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23).

Regular Study of The Bible

When the Master faced special temptations He answered each one with a direct quotation from the Scripture. A careful study of the whole armor for the Christian will make it clear that knowledge of and proper use of the Scripture make up the defensive armor, and this word is the only offensive weapon. It is easy to see why the psalmist could say: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psa. 119:11). Those who meditate on His word day and night are blessed with spiritual strength. If the heart is full of the word it will not be full of lust.

Righteousness is a very positive matter. There are, of course, many things that are forbidden by the Lord, but the perfect law also assigns good things to be done. The breastplate of righteousness is a wonderful part of the defensive armor. The fiery darts of the wicked one do not pierce a good breastplate. The one who thinks and talks about the will of God and seeks to obey it will be delivered from evil. “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46.) Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:14). The preacher or other teacher who becomes a fornicator has not been thinking enough about things that are lovely, of good report, virtuous, and worthy of praise.

Cost of Sin

Let the Christian who is tempted stop immediately and count the cost of sin. The pleasure of sin is but for a season, but the scars that are left may be permanent. Does any one suppose that the alcoholic or drug addict is happier than the sober person or that the adulterer is happier than the faithful marriage companion? God knows what is best for us, and His counsel is “for our good always” (Deut. 6:24). The terrible cost is passed along to children of the guilty party, the marriage partner, the church, the partner in guilt, and the family.. Stop and count the cost and stand amazed. Sin becomes repulsive to one who does.

It is alarming that so many are falling into unfaithfulness after years of active service in the church. This does not prove that all that service was hypocritical. David had a good record in the sight of God before he sinned with Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11). That does not indicate that his sins were not grievous. (See Psalm 5 1.) Sin is failure to serve God.

Sin can be forgiven, but the effects may continue over the years. The bird with the broken wing may never fly as high again. How can one expect the brethren to pass over the unholy deed without notice? God knows when there is genuine repentance, but we may not. Pilate could not wash the blood off his hands. If a man has stood before an audience again and again as a gospel preacher and the people learn that he has been involved in immorality, it may be that his “I’m sorry” will not remove all doubt. People can be sorry they were caught. If they have been living a double life there will be questions in the minds of some in the future. We may not all forgive as we should. Those who are guilty will find that it takes a long time to prove themselves.

It has been over fifty years since I saw a certain young preacher cheating in his history class. This preacher is not young any more, but I remembered when I heard him preach several years ago. I am not boasting about my attitude. I am confessing that seeing him would bring the picture back to my mind of his almost standing to see the paper of a good student who was two seats away from him. Several other people may be a little like me in this way. “A good man is rather to be chosen than great riches” (Prov. 22:1).

People can have an influence without its being a wholesome influence. Unrighteous people can encourage unrighteousness in others. This is obvious, but to effectively encourage righteousness the teacher must be righteous. Satan can use his own ungodly servants to have an ungodly influence, and he can place some among the servants of righteousness. We remember the Savior’s remark about wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matt. 7:15). Let every servant of the Lord that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall (1 Cor. 10: 12).

I am asked what I think is the big problem that the church will face in the future. Worldliness is a perpetual problem. There may be special dangers lurking in the unseen future. In general terms we can say that unbelief, worldliness, and doctrinal errors are the big problems generation after generation. The popular doctrines about us and the popular sins in the world tend to come right on into the church.

Immodesty, vulgarity, alcohol, violence, and greed or covetousness to the point of idolatry are very conspicuous in the world. Expect these things to be in the church. America entertains itself by watching the sins just mentioned on the television screen. When divorce became so common among entertainers and in their dramatic performances, the church began to suffer much from the same evils. There is that ever present tendency to conform. The love of the world is in conflict with the will of God, but it obviously gets into many hearts.

It is not easy to convert men to Christ in our materialistic and ungodly world. The need for laborers is very great to turn the tide toward a reformation in America. It is sad to see one disciple after another entangled and overcome through the lusts of the flesh. “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:12,13).

Unbelief may be the “besetting sin” back of the crime wave in America and the heartbreaking downfall of so many Christians. The Spirit has revealed that the unrighteous shall not inherit the eternal blessings, but people do not tremble at the thought. Men who are weak in the faith do not abhor sin. The hunter may need to keep his gun loaded. The Christian needs to have a great faith.

The television networks are directed to a great extent by secular humanists who are atheists. They seem to be about as determined to destroy faith as they are to encourage the sex revolution’. Evolution dominates many of the programs that are not given to violence and lusts. What shall the end be? Who will fight a good fight? “Keep thyself pure.”

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 1, pp. 2, 25-26
January 5, 1984

By Mike Willis

This issue of Guardian of Truth is devoted to the problem of immorality among preachers, elders, deacons, and Bible class teachers, which seems to be occurring with greater frequency each year. I cannot say that we are glad to bring this special issue to you. The truth of the matter is that I am ashamed of the ungodliness among those who claim to be spiritual leaders which has necessitated this issue of Guardian of Truth.

There is rarely a month that goes by but that I hear of some preacher, elder, deacon, song leader, or Bible class teacher who has been guilty of fornication or adultery (which generally leads to divorce and remarriage). Among those who have fallen into this sin are some whom I have respected for many years. The staff of Guardian of Truth has not escaped unscathed. What has been occurring in our society at large has spilled over into the church, spiritually destroying, not only weak members, but many of our leaders as well.

This issue of Guardian of Truth is designed to help overcome the problem of immorality among those who are serving the Lord, both in a public and private capacity. The writers for this special issue are older, mature men of faith and wisdom. They have displayed in their lives the ability to resist the temptation to be involved in these kinds of sin. Some of them have experienced first-hand the heartache which involvement in sins of immorality brings (some of their own family have been guilty of the very sins which they abhor).

Those who enter the role of public service among God’s people have an extra responsibility to be sure that they conduct themselves in a manner that is above reproach. We should so walk that “the ministry be not blamed” (2 Cor. 6:3). When Paul collected funds for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem, he made every effort to conduct himself in a manner that was above reproach. He wrote, “. . . avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Cor. 8:20-21). Teachers of the word “receive the greater condemnation” (Jas. 3:1). Consequently, it is absolutely imperative that gospel preachers, elders, deacons, Bible class teachers, song leaders, and others who serve in a public capacity conduct themselves in such a manner that “the ministry be not blamed.”

This series of articles calls our minds to the impact which a public servant’s sin has on the church, community, his own family, and his reputation. Material is provided to encourage each of us to be feeding habitually his own spirit to prevent falling victim to this sin. Some of the common pitfalls into which brethren are falling are discussed with suggestions being given for how to avoid them. Advice is given regarding how to put the pieces back together again once one has fallen into sin. Hopefully this material will help keep others from falling. If nothing else, it will call our attention to the magnitude of the problem.

There are occasions when an innocent brother or sister suffers because of ungodliness on the part of his mate. For this reason, I have asked a divorced, preaching brother to write on this subject. He is writing anonymously at my request, not his own. To the best of my knowledge, this brother is doing his best to rebuild his reputation which has been damaged because of the apostasy of his wife. Having gone through the crucible which one involved in this must endure, I thought that his words would be helpful to encourage those who might have to face similar problems. Those guilty of sin need to be reminded that God’s grace is sufficient to forgive any and every sin. If God could find room for penitent David to serve in his Kingdom after his sin with Bathsheba, he can find room for any other person to serve after his sin. We need to be aware of the spiritual needs of a penitent brother who is trying to rebuild his life. Paul wrote regarding the penitent fornicator at Corinth, “Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow” (2 Cor. 2:6-7). If being swallowed up in over-much sorrow poses a danger for the penitent guilty party, the danger of overmuch sorrow must rest also upon the innocent from whom everyone has withdrawn because they cannot judge what has caused the marriage to go sour. The article by this brother should cause each of us to reconsider how we treat brothers and sisters who are going through a divorce.

Though I doubt that any of us will enjoy these articles, I do hope that each of us will profit from them. I wish that a copy of this special issue of Guardian of Truth could be placed in the hands of every gospel preacher, elder, deacon, Bible class teacher, song leader, man who serves in a public capacity (announcements, Lord’s table, prayer, etc.), and in the hands of the wife of each of these men. Let none of us be so arrogant that he thinks that this material is not relevant to him. Paul wrote, “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). Rather, let us be on guard to avoid the temptations of the devil.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 1, pp. 1, 26
January 5, 1984

By Mackey W. Harden

Alexander the Great; Napoleon Bonaparte; George Washington; Abraham Lincoln; Winston Churchill; Douglas McArthur; Dwight David Eisenhower; they all had something in common – they were all great leaders. The annals of World History are replete with these and more; men who possessed outstanding qualities as leaders. When we who are Americans reflect on the history of our great country, we are proud and feel so privileged in having had men as Founding Fathers who were indeed great and notable leaders. Had it not been for men of this stature we might not be the greatest country in the world, enjoying the freedoms we now have. We are certainly privileged above all people in the world.

Those of us who are citizens of an even greater kingdom, the kingdom of Christ, are privileged to have even a more notable Leader, Jesus Christ. While the aforementioned men were great leaders in regard to certain portions of American and World History, they do not begin to compare to the great leadership of the Lord Jesus Christ. He left the resplendent glories of heaven and came down to this earth; He went to the cross and died there so mankind might be redeemed from the power of the Devil and released from the bondage of sin. Jesus, our Great Leader, says, “Follow me” (cf. Mt. 4:17-22; 9:9; Jn. 1:37, 43, etc.).

There is a word in the Greek language that is used in reference to our great Leader, Jesus Christ. This word, archegos, connotes leadership, and is employed in the New Testament no less than four times. Through our study of this word in Scripture, those of us who are Christians should rejoice in that we have such a great Leader to follow, Jesus the Son of God.

Prince Of Life

The book of Acts records two of the four occasions where the word archegos is found (3:15; 5:31). The first eleven verses of Acts chapter 3, relate the story of Peter and John performing a miracle on the man who was lame from birth. As this trio entered the temple, the people were amazed at what had transpired. Peter took advantage of their interest, preaching them a sermon about Jesus whom they had crucified, by whom this very miracle was made possible. “But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you,- and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead, whereof we are witnesses” (Acts 3:14-15). The word “prince” in verse 15 is from the Greek archegos. Thayer’s Lexicon says this: “leading, furnishing the first cause or occasion . . . . 1. the chief leader, prince: of Christ, Acts V. 31. ” How privileged we are – Christ is the Chief Leader of life, of eternal life! Peter said just a short time later, “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins” (Acts 5:30-31).

Captain Of Our Salvation

The Hebrew writer said: “But-we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor, that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings” (Heb. 2:9-10). Christ is the “captain” of our salvation, and thankful indeed we should be for such a wonderful Leader! W.E. Vine defines the word captain in verse 10: “archegos, primarily signifies one who takes a lead in or provides the first occasion of, anything …. the word suggests a combination of the meaning of leader with that from whence a thing proceeds.” Christ is the captain of our salvation, being made such because of His completeness, brought about through His suffering and death. “. . . And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow . . . . And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:8-11; cf. also Heb. 5:8-9).

Author And Finisher Of The Faith

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:1-2). The word “author” found in verse 2 comes from the Greek archegos, which has already been defined to denote leading. The verse states that Jesus is “the author and finisher of our faith.” The word “our” has been supplied by the translators. The context, and other versions, indicate that Jesus is the author and finisher of the faith – the system of faith (cf. Acts 6:7; 13:8; Gal. 1:23; 3:23; Jude 3). The word “finisher” is also of vital importance. From the Greek teleites it is defined by Robert Milligan in his commentary on Hebrews: “it means a completer, perfecter, finisher; one who brings any scheme or enterprise to its full and perfect consummation. ” What a blessed privilege is ours in having such a leader and perfecter of the faith as Jesus Christ!

King Of Kings, Lord Of Lords

The temporal kingdoms of the world will no doubt continue to be led by great leaders, as in centuries gone by, but none can compare to the greatest Leader of all times, Jesus the Christ. He is “King of kings, and Lord of lords” (Rev. 19:16; 17:14). How privileged Christians are to be followers of the Prince of life, the Captain of our salvation, and the Author and Finisher of the faith. Paul told Timothy how to conduct himself “unto the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.- which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords . . . . to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen” (cf. 1 Tim. 6:12-16).

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 20, pp. 632-633
October 20, 1983