Principles and Practice

An Examination

of

New Testament Practices,

Basic Principles,

and

their Application Today

A booklet to encourage

thought, study, discussion

and application

2008

Preface

It is evident that some New Testament practices are observed by us today, while others are not. We baptize new converts and we remember Jesus regularly in bread and wine, but we do not wash one another’s feet or anoint the sick with oil, despite the fact that these four practices are all commandments in the New Testament:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit....”        (Matthew 28:19)

...the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you.  Do this in remembrance of me.”             (1 Corinthians 11:23-24)

“You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”                                                                         (John 13:13-15)

Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

                                                                                               (James 5:14)

Is it possible to divide New Testament practices into some which are relevant as practices for all time, and others only the principle of which is relevant?  How much can we pick and choose from the New Testament, and, if we can reasonably do so, on what basis?  The issue is not merely of academic interest.  An enquirer once declined further contact with our community on the grounds that “Christadelphians are too worldly”.  When asked what he meant, he replied that we do not wash one another’s feet before breaking bread, and our women cut their hair.  Since our community takes “Back to the Bible” as the basis of belief and practice, it is necessary to examine our reasons for adopting some first century practices literally but not others.  In this booklet an attempt is made to pursue a consistent interpretation of Bible principles.

Ian & Averil McHaffie

CONTENTS

(1)   Jesus and the New Covenant                                    4

Questions for Thought and Discussion               12

(2)   Practices in the Teaching of Jesus      

       (a)      Fasting                                                          13

       (b)     Foot Washing                                               15

       (c)      The Sabbath Day                                          15

       (d)     The Lord’s Prayer                                         17

       (e)      Breaking of Bread                                         19

       (f)      Baptism                                                        21

Questions for Thought and Discussion               24

(3)   Practices in the Teaching of the Apostles     

       (a)      Choosing by Lot                                           26

       (b)     Laying on of Hands                                      27

       (c)      Circumcision                                                27

       (d)     Kosher Food                                                 28

       (e)      Length of Hair                                              30

       (f)      Driving out the Wicked                                 31

       (g)     Marriage & Celibacy                                     33

       (h)     Parents, Children, Slavery                            36

       (i)      Headcovering                                                37

       (j)      Greeting One Another with a Holy Kiss        40

       (k)     Payment to Workers in the Ecclesia              40

       (l)      Holding up Hands in Prayer                          41

       (m)    Appropriate Dress                                         42

       (n)     Anointing the Sick with Oil                          44

       (o)     Enrolment of Widows                                   44

Questions for Thought and Discussion               46

(4)   Conclusion                                                             48

Except where indicated otherwise, quotations are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1946, 1952, 1971 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission.