There Were Several Factors that led to the collapse of the first-century ecclesia, the central trio of which are legalism, immorality, and a factious leadership. I know it is popular to cite false doctrine, and it certainly existed (II Tim. 2:18). In the New Testament record, however, it is subordinate to these three. Even a cursory look at the problems of the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 should convince us that doctrine, as we usually define it, was not the major issue. Instead, these three problems of human conduct destroyed the Christian community (II Pet. 2; Phil. 3:2).
The tenacity of legalism has been thoroughly covered by Bro. David Levin in his excellent book Legalism vs. Faith. One aspect of legalism is important in our review. Quoting from Bro. David’s book, page five: “We could assume legalism is a problem of time and place long ago and far away. Legalism is a human problem, not a Pharisee problem. It is as much a part of our humanity as our sin-prone nature.” What David doesn’t say, I will: Legalism is alive and well in our community.
The second ruinous element, immorality, is, as most of us know, also alive and invasive in the brotherhood today.
The third issue, factious leadership, is the one we wish particularly to explore in these comments.
Anticipation of leadership problems
Our history as disciples of Jesus is replete with examples of schisms. Many of these have been instigated by abusive leadership. You may be uncomfortable with the idea, but there are indicators that we should expect such circumstances before our Lord’s coming.
False prophets and false Christs are to be expected in the last days. The Olivet prophecy describes false Christs in two eras. There was a first-century fulfillment when Peter, James, John and Andrew would be beaten in the Jewish synagogues (Mk. 13:9). Contemporaneous with the preaching of the apostles, false messiahs would lead many astray (Matt. 24:5; Mk. 13:6). After a passage of undisclosed time will be a period of tribulation (Dan. 12:1; Matt. 24:21). It is during this time that false Christs and false prophets arise to lead not the world, but, if possible, the elect astray (Mk. 13:22) and “In those days, they will see the Son of Man coming” (Mk. 13:24-26 RSV). Those able to entice the household are, in all probability, factious leaders from within.
John’s testimony
Prior to the fall of Jerusalem, the apostle John likewise describes the end of his era in broad terms: “Children, it is the last hour.” Simply put, he is saying time is short and now many antichrists are here in our midst (I John 4:1-3). These are the adversaries within the church seeking a following by teachings that will get them some prominence. I am aware of no worse example of factious leadership than that spoken of by the apostle John in his Third Letter. After requesting support for his fellow workers in the truth, John relates, “I have written something to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge my authority” (III John 9, RSV). Can you imagine the arrogance of this overbearing tyrant? He was rejecting John, the disciple whom our Lord loved and to whom he gave authority. John goes on to tell his friend Gaius there is a good chance that he may visit. “So if I come, I will call attention to what he [Diotrephes] is doing, gossiping maliciously about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church” (III John 10, NIV).
Has this extreme schismatism resurfaced in our day?
Danger of not seeing internal problems
The history of our brotherhood has been confrontational. We have boldly proclaimed the faith against bitter opposition. We have no need to be ashamed of this zealous heritage. In doing this, however, we have frequently neglected basic Bible truth: our real problem is internal.
Pointing at the corruption of others may be valid, but it does nothing toward developing ourselves spiritually. As long as we point to outward contamination, we neglect the plank in our collective eye. Remember, to err is human, but to blame it on others is even more human.
The Second Letter of Peter, second chapter, gives a graphic portrayal of their current failings and a preview of an impending disaster. Peter says “There shall be false teachers among you who privily shall bring in damnable heresies” (II Pet. 2:1) The Twentieth Century translation is more to the point when it says, “Who will secretly introduce ruinous divisions.” Peter is clearly identifying internal corruption. The impending divisions are not caused by the synagogues of the Jews or by the Romans, but from “among you.” This is important for us to note because as long as we fixate on corruption from without, we miss the consistent warning of scripture.
A brief review of the New Testament in this regard should be helpful. The beatitudes describe peacemakers as God’s children. The organization of Christ’s sermon (Matt. 5-7) begins with the ideal and progresses into a series of stern admonitions as to how we should think and act if are to apply the ideal in our lives. In regard to making peace, we are told to: “Leave your gift at the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother” (Matt. 5:24).
Problems among the 12
Toward the end of our Lord’s Galilean ministry, friction among the twelve became a problem. The often-cited Matthew 18 provides the council of Jesus. The context clearly alludes to a divisive and arrogant spirit among our Lord’s chosen leadership team. It begins in verse 1, “Who is the greatest…” continues with, “do not despise one of these…” (v. 10), includes the promise, “Whatever you bind on earth…” and climaxes with Peter asking, “How often shall my brother sin against me…” (v. 21). If they had applied Jesus’ council, it would have avoided the serious clash later.
In Matthew 20, another confrontation takes places in the Arabah on the way to Jericho: “Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him, with her sons and kneeling before him she asked him for something.” And our Lord asked, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Command that these two sons of mine may sit one at your right hand and one at your left in your kingdom” (Matt. 20:20, 21 RSV). Our Lord’s presence may well have kept this affront from breaking into a fight. “And when the ten heard it they were indignant at the two brothers” (Matt. 20:22).
Sadly, this strife continues until the last supper: “A dispute arose among them which of them was to be regarded as the greatest” (Luke 22:24). This same militancy was not only their attitude toward one another, but also toward anyone who was not respectful of their authority or whom they perceived as inferior: “Lord, do you want us to bid fire come down from heaven and consume them?” (Luke 9:54).
I am not bringing up this sad history because it is unique. The same striving is all too common today among our leaders. How many of us take the sage advice of James not to jump into the role of a teacher? (Jam. 3:1).
People don’t change
It would be convenient to assume all of this as a first-century problem. It can’t be denied that the warning and subsequent trials did take place at that time. But like so much in Scripture, it is impossible to confine the warnings solely to the past.
Toward the end of his ministry, Jesus spent a large portion of his time and energy helping to prepare the twelve for their future work. Shortly before Chanukkah, Jesus gives some parables as warning. In Luke 12:37, he warns against slacking on the job: “Blessed is that servant whom his master finds awake when he comes.” After the parable, Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise steward whom his master will set over his household?” “But if that servant says, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will punish him and put him with the unfaithful” (Luke 12:41-46 RSV).
Lord, are you telling this parable about us?
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