Note 14 — CHAPTERS XVII. & XVIII.

Even in the matter of appointing deacons, in Acts vi. we see it was an apostolic act. “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” The brethren were allowed to select the men, inasmuch as it was their money that was in question; but the appointment was divine; and this, be it remembered, had reference merely to the business of deacons who were to manage the Church’s temporal affairs. But as regards the work of evangelists, pastors, and teachers, it is wholly independent of human choice and human authority, and rests simply upon the gift of Christ. (Eph. iv. 11.)