Yeshue
FAITH OF THE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF ANTIOCH
Chapter 1: Class 10
Written by:
Chev. Dr. K. O. Mathew Konkara(Rtd Supdt of Police)
It's history, faith and liturgy and It's position within the church history
Purpose Of the Church
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In the previous section, it was explained who the "You" refers to in the hymn ("Paulose Sleeha Dhanyan Chol Ketten..." Blessed is Paul the Apostle...).This is taken from Galatians 1: 6 to 9. Now, let us examine who the "We" refers to in the same hymn.
Who are "We"?
Let us examine this based on the Holy Bible. When St. Paul says "We," who else were sent for the work of Christ along with him? First, we must understand the fundamental facts about St. Paul:
Did St. Paul belong to any specific Church? If so, what was its name?
What position did he hold?
Who authorized him? When was the name "Saul" changed to "Paul"?
According to Acts 13:1–4, there were prophets and teachers in the Church at Antioch: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. While they were fasting and praying, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." After they had fasted and prayed, hands were placed on them(Ordination/Laying on of hands) and sent them off. Here the laying of hand is a holy ceremony of the Church is done during ordination which is being followed from the beginning of the Church without any break.It is written that they, after the ordination being sent by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia. These verses provide the answers to all the questions and doubts mentioned above.
We further read that Saul and St. Paul are one and the same person. Acts 13:9 states, "Saul, who was also called Paul..." This indicates that Saul received the name "Paul" after receiving the laying on of hands by the Holy Spirit. The scriptures clearly show that he was sent by the Holy Spirit
Key Truths Revealed in These Verses.
(1)The True Church:
The Holy Spirit descended and gave commands within the Church established by St. Peter in Antioch—the same Church to which Christ entrusted St. Peter the administration of His Church. This reveals also that this is the true Church established by Christ.
(2)Paul’s Role:
Saul (St. Paul the Apostle) was a prophet and teacher of the Church of Antioch.
(3)Apostolic Succession:
The Holy Spirit performed the laying on of hands through the leaders of the Church. It is revealed that this first occurred in the Church at Antioch.
(4)Source of Priesthood:
We see that the source and authority of the Priesthood (Holy Orders) are rooted in the Church of Antioch.
(5)Divine Commission:
We read that the Holy Spirit "sent them off." This is not like humans seeing off other humans. The Holy Spirit arrived in the Church of Antioch, gave the Laying of Hands to those called and set apart, entrusted them with specific tasks, and remained with them in their works (Acts 11:21). The hand of the Lord was with them.
(6)The Church Predates the Bible:
A significant truth revealed through these biblical records is that the Church of Antioch existed as the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church even before the New Testament was compiled. Therefore, this Church remains the same today and forever.
The Companions of Paul ("We")
When St. Paul says "We," he refers to those mentioned at the beginning of the verse:
Barnabas: The cousin of St. Mark (the Evangelist). It is believed he was martyred by stoning in Salamis.
Simeon called Niger (The Black): Some identify him as the Simon who carried the Cross of Christ; others identify him as one of the early preachers.
Lucius: Said to be a kinsman of St. Paul.
Manaen: A prominent prophet and teacher in Antioch.
We can also include verses from other chapters where St. Paul uses the term "We."
(1 Corinthians 15:5–9): "He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that, He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once... After that, He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles..."
Here, St. Paul clearly identifies Cephas (St. Peter), the Twelve Disciples, and St. James. Furthermore, in Philippians 4:3, he says: "And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life."
In using the term "We," St. Paul includes Clement and others as his fellow workers. To understand what "We preached," we must examine what St. Paul and all those mentioned above collectively proclaimed.
Points for Further Study:
Who were they?
What was the "Mystery" they revealed?
Who are those who preach against this?
What is the punishment for those who preach a different gospel?