Wigglesworth
24th October 2004, 09:33 AM
Since present Anglican bishops trace threir consecrations back through the generations to the Apostles chosen by the Lord, do any trace back to St. Paul?
The underlying issue here is whether St. Paul's selection by the Lord is any different that a present day minister's selection by the Lord in the same manner - through a supernatural visitation and calling. St. Paul's selection was different from the other apostles' callings, because it was after the Lord ascended. Jesus called the others in a physical manner in his pre-crucified humanity.
Is St. Paul's ministry considered "approved" by Peter and the others based upon what we read about their interaction in Scripture, thereby making this question moot?
Is the class of bishops consecrated by Jesus limited to 12 sees?
If Jesus chose Mr. Joe Schmoe today and called him into ministry through a supernatural visitation, should we require the Apostle Joe to then be consecrated or ordained by Anglican bishops? If not, what does that do to Anglican apostolic succession?
Of course, you could say, "Jesus doesn't do that, because He created the Church for that purpose." I would consider that statement to be a nonresponsive assumption that limits the sovreignty of God.
The underlying issue here is whether St. Paul's selection by the Lord is any different that a present day minister's selection by the Lord in the same manner - through a supernatural visitation and calling. St. Paul's selection was different from the other apostles' callings, because it was after the Lord ascended. Jesus called the others in a physical manner in his pre-crucified humanity.
Is St. Paul's ministry considered "approved" by Peter and the others based upon what we read about their interaction in Scripture, thereby making this question moot?
Is the class of bishops consecrated by Jesus limited to 12 sees?
If Jesus chose Mr. Joe Schmoe today and called him into ministry through a supernatural visitation, should we require the Apostle Joe to then be consecrated or ordained by Anglican bishops? If not, what does that do to Anglican apostolic succession?
Of course, you could say, "Jesus doesn't do that, because He created the Church for that purpose." I would consider that statement to be a nonresponsive assumption that limits the sovreignty of God.