Authority in the Apostolic Age

148 Pages·1950·7.74 MB·English

by  R.R. Williams

AUTHORITY
IN - THE
APOSTOLIC
AGE
R. R. WILLIAMS
AUTHORITY
IN THE
APOSTOLIC AGE
This book by the Principal of. St.
Jolvt 's College, Durham, is devoted to
an investigation of the important and
controversial topic of the nature and
scope of authority in the primitive
Church. While the greater part of the
book is historical and expository, the
author has also discussed the bearing
of his findings upon contemporary
issues in the life of the Church.
8s 6d
net
THE SC M
RELIGIOUS BOOK CLUB
publishes six specially written and selected
books each year for 2s 6d per volume. Mem
bers simply undertake to join for one year.
There is no subscription, and the low price (the
books cost at least 7s 6d to the general public)
is made possible by the large membership.
Among the books already published are:
INTRODUCING THE NEW TESTAMENT
By Archibald M. Hunter, Ph.D., D.Phil.
THE FREE CHURCH TRADITION IN THE
LIFE OF ENGLAND
By Ernest A. Payne
THE ANGLICAN TRADITION IN THE LIFE
OF ENGLAND
By A. T. P. Williams, D.D.
CONCERNING THE WAY
By F. C. Bryan
FREDERICK DENISON MAURICE
By Florence Higham, Ph.D.
THE CHURCH AND THE CHURCHES
By K. L. Carrick Smith
MEN AND WOMEN
By Gilbert Russell, M.B., Ch.B.
THE CHURCH AND THE SOCIAL ORDER
By S. L. Greenslade
I BELIEVE IN .•.
By Norman Snaith, D.D.
LUKE'S PORTRAIT OF JESUS
By Hugh Martin, D.D.
CHRISTIANITY AND COMMUNISM
By John C. Bennett
THE SEVEN CHRISTIAN VIRTUES
By Hugh Ross Williamson
HIS SERVANTS THE PROPHETS .
By Eric W. Heaton
OUR FAITH
By Emil Brunner, D.D.
THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER
By C. E. B. Cranfield
Members ioining now have the privilege of
purchasing any of the above volumes in
print at 2s 6d each.
Write for particulars and enrolment form to:
SC M PRESS LTD
56 BLOOMSBURY STREET, LONDON W C I
FROM OUR LIST
D 0 GM AT I c'S IN 0 U T LINE
'
by KARL BARTH, D.D. 12s 6d net
'This vigorous exposition of the Apostles' Creed gives the reader a good idea
of the kind of Christianity, at once theological and practical, which issues
from the teaching of Karl Barth. . . . It presents an emphatic challenge
both to thought and life.'-Guardian.
THE SAYINGS OF JESUS
As Recorded in the Gospels according to St. Matthew
and St. Luke, arranged with Introduction and Commentary
by T. W. MANSON, D.D. 21s net
'The present volume was originally published as a section of a larger work
entitled The Mission and Message of Jesus . ... It is based on an examina
tion of Q and the sayings peculiar to Matthew and Luke. It will be invalu
able to everyone engaged in the study of the New Testament.'-Guardian.
THE SHAKING OF THE FOUNDATIONS
by PAUL TILLICH 10s 6d net
'A hearty welcome will be given to this English edition of one of Dr. Tillich's
works. It is a pity that his thought is so little known in Britain. . . . Will
give to many a popular and practical grasp of the basic principles of his
teaching. ... We warmly commend this book.'-Guardian.
THE WORK AND WORDS OF JESUS
by A. M. HUNTER, Ph.D., D.Phil. 12s 6d net
A study of the person and work of Christ as presented in the Gospels.
Appendices contain a reconstruction of the Gospel sources, Q, M, and L.
SCM PRESS LTD
SCM
S 6 B L 0 0 M S B U R Y ST RE ET, L 0 N D 0 N W C I
PRESS
AUTHORITY
IN THE
APOSTOLIC
AGE

AUTHORITY
IN THE
APOSTOLIC
AGE
WITH TWO ESSAYS ON
Tl:IE MODERN PROBLEM
OF A UTHORITY
R. R. WILLIAMS M.A.
Principal of St. John's College, Durham
Examining Chaplain to the, Bishops of
Durham and Chelmsford
SCM PRESS LTD
56 Bloomsbury Sireet London WCl
First published 1950
Printed °in Great Britain by
Northumberland Press Limited
Gateshead on Tyne
CONTENTS
Introduction 9
I Apostolic Authority in Action 11
II The Authority of History 24
III The Authority of the Ministi-y (i) 42
IV The Authority of the Ministry (ii) 61
V The Authority of Dynamic Happenings 75
VI The Authority of Common Practice 89
VII The Authority of Christ in His Church 104
ADDITIONAL ESSAYS
I An Account of the Modem Discussion of
Authority 114
II The Contemporary Problem of Authority 124
Index 143