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1 Timothy 3:1-13 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Elders and deacons. Not priests.

The mediation for salvation is done through Jesus alone. That's why God tore the curtain in the Temple in two.

It's not needed any more because of the FINISHED work of Christ on the cross. Therefore, there is no need for an earthly priesthood.

No priests (whatever denomination) can claim to be doing (present tense) the done/finished (past tense) work of Jesus. Jesus is seated at the right hand of God in heaven. He is not ministering at an altar anywhere. How can they claim to be representing Jesus when they are not doing what He's doing?

You said,He did not set up a special class of people.
Paul seems to say he set up many special classes.

You said, The Holy Spirit empowers ALL people to do His work in the world. Paul seems to say not every single person was equipped or called to every every part of his work.

One post can't settle all question, any more than one member of the body can exercise all the functions of every other member.

I won't be suckered this way. Either your claim about very member is relevant or it is not. IF it is relevant, I have brought up an objection. And if it is relevant, it might be good to address the objection.

If it is NOT relevant, then why was it brought up?

Thank you for your excellent post, metmom.

Very clear, scriptural and easy to understand.

Snippet:

“The mediation for salvation is done through Jesus alone. That's why God tore the curtain in the Temple in two.”

Amen, mediation.

And the curtain, from the top down. God is so precise.

There is no tense when speaking of Christ’s actions

Christ lives in karios time

You live in chronos time

And fortunately never the twain shall meet

AMDG