The Example You Have in Us
Paul sets the context of the apostolic authority here. The apostles continue to be the leaders of the Church, even though they are now no longer present. This is a call to submission to the writings of the Apostles - the New Testament.
There are lots of Christian books in the world, but there is only one book that Christians should submit to - the Bible. Lots of good things are written by men and women, but they must always be measured against the standard, the absolute - the writings of the Apostles.
I don't like it when people downplay the importance of the apostolic writings, when people say they are secondary to the Gospels. The fact is that while the Gospels record the words of Jesus, it was the Apostles who wrote the Gospels. Without the apostles, there is no such thing as the church. Without the apostles, we would not know anything about Jesus.
This is why we follow the Apostles. They are our authority in all things.
Paul warns us against following "enemies of the cross of Christ". You choose to either walk with the Apostles or walk with the enemies.
Created 12 months ago
