In 1 Timothy 1:1 Paul identifies himself as a apostle. After the resurrection of Jesus, the title “apostle” was truly a title of the highest order. Paul used this title to underline the authority of what he is to say to the church of Ephesus.

The office of apostle was more than an honorary position. It was a responsible and authoritative position. The church and its ministers were required to submit to Jesus Christ the Lord, and He ruled through the teaching of the apostle.

At Providence Presbyterian Church we believe that the requirement to submit to the teaching and instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ has not been withdrawn or outmoded. And we agree with what Paul asserts through Timothy. To submit to Christ is to submit to what His apostles and prophets wrote. Therefore, we work hard to make the Bible our only standard for faith and life.

That should be the goal of all faithful churches, even if they disagree amongst each other. Apostolic authority does not mean ours is the only church, but that ours (and others) strive toward a perfect understanding and practice based upon that infallible Bible.