In this video, Wade explains that there is no Greek word for “over” in the verses about church leaders in Hebrews chapter 13. Moreover, the word “rule”, used in the King James Version of these verses, is not an adequate translation from the Greek (Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24 KJV). Christian leaders are not rulers. They do not have authority over other Christians in the Church. In fact, there are no words for “rule” or “over” in any verses about Christian leadership in the entire Greek New Testament. (My article Authority in the Church covers some of the same ground as the video.)

Only Servants and No Masters (Hebrews 13:7) from Emmanuel Enid on Vimeo.

Wade Burleson is the pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Enid, Oklahoma. More videos from Wade here. Wade blogs here.

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Wade Burleson takes a brief look at authority in the church and the history of the word ekklesia (congregation/church) in his article entitled Who’s the Boss at Your Church?