Gospel Principles
Unit 5: The Church of Jesus Christ
Chapter 16: The Church of Jesus Christ in Former Times
Concept 4: Some Features That Identify The Church of Jesus Christ; The Church Organization
"The Church of Jesus Christ was a carefully organized unit. It was compared to a perfectly formed building that was "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief orner stone;" (Ephesians 2:20).
Jesus appointed other priesthood leaders to assist the Apostles in the work of the ministry. He sent officers called seventies in pairs to preach the gospel (Luke 10:1 "After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come."). Other officers in the Church were evangelist (patriarchs), pastors (presiding leaders), high priests, elders, bishops, priests, teachers and deacons (see chapter 14, "Priesthood Organization", Chapter 14: Priesthood Organization, Gospel Principles Comments and Resources). These officers were all necessary to do missionary work, preform ordinances, and instruct and inspire Church members. The officers helped the members come to a "unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God" (Ephesians 4:13).
The Bible does not tell us everything about the priesthood or the organization and government of the Church. However, enough of the Bible has been preserved to show the beauty and perfection of the Church organization. The Apostles were commanded to go into all the world and preach. They could not stay in any one city to supervise new converts. Therefore, local priesthood leaders were called and ordained, and the letters to the leaders in the various branches. Thus our New Testament contains letters written by the Apostles Paul, Peter, James, John and Jude, giving counsel and instruction to the local priesthood leaders.
The New Testament shows that this Church organization was intended to continue. For example, the death of Judas left only eleven Apostles. Soon after Jesus had ascended into heaven, the eleven Apostles met together to choose someone to take the place of Judas. Through revelation from the Holy Ghost, the chose Matthias. (Acts 1:23-26 "23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.").
Later, other Apostles died or were killed. Paul, Barnabus, and James, the brother of the Lord, were all ordained in their places. Jesus had set a pattern for twelve Apostles to govern the Church. It seemed clear that the organization was to continue as he had established it."