Becoming a Bishop
Becoming a Bishop
Augustine of Hippo (in modern-day Algeria) was a bishop and an apostle who lived in the 4th C. He was a bishop, for such was he officially and formally ordained by the Catholic (universal) Church. Augustine of Hippo He was an apostle, as his work (especially his writings) was tested by the centuries and proved to be foundational.
"You are...of God’s household, having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone." (Ephesians 2.19-20)
Leaders of the Protestant Reformation during the 16th C (a mere millennium plus after Augustine lived and ministered) Martin Luther and John Calvin regarded his thinking and teaching (especially on free will and grace) to be one of the "theological fountainheads" of that tremendous revival and Christian movement.
There is a great deal of interest today amongst charismatic Christians and Pentecostals in apostles and bishops. Much of this is entirely unhealthy, rooted in a lust for power and money. Some have even appointed themselves to these sacred offices.
Therefore, the testimony of a real bishop and apostle ought to be of the greatest interest to us all. Here is Augustine's record of his elevation,
"I feared the office of a bishop to such an extent that, as soon as my reputation came to matter among ‘servants of God’, I would not go to any place where I knew there was no bishop. I was on my guard against this: I did what I could to seek salvation in a humble position rather than be in danger of high office. But, as I said, a slave may not contradict his Lord. I came to this city to see a friend, whom I thought I might gain for God...I felt secure, for the place already had a bishop. I was grabbed. I was made a priest...and from there, I became your bishop."
