One fold and one shepherd
There is only one fold and one shepherd, or one body of believers that faithfully follow the true Shepherd Yahshua the Messiah.
John 10:11-12 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep
Seventeen times in the New Testament the word shepherd is used. This word shepherd is always used in the singular when referring to Yahshua.
There is only one verse in all of the New Testament where the word shepherd, is translated to pastors (Eph 4:11). The problem with this translation is significant.
This subtle yet deceptive change, wherein the word shepherd is mistranslated to pastors creates a deadly precedence. This sets up albeit falsely, the justification for a hierarchy, allowing certain men to have authority over others.
One fold and one shepherd- His name is Yahshua
Yahshua is not just the Good Shepherd, He is also the only true shepherd.
John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
The verse that we are going to discuss here is imperative to understand; although mainstream Christian pastors would prefer this truth to remain hidden.
Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Below is the Strong’s breakdown of this verse for your perusal.
Eph 4:11 And <G2532> he gave <G1325> some <G3303>, apostles <G652>; and <G1161> some, prophets <G4396>; and <G1161> some, evangelists <G2099>; and <G1161> some, pastors <G4166> and <G2532> teachers <G1320>
There are several words in this verse that need to be carefully analyzed.
- The first word we need to look at to understand the one fold and one shepherd doctrine is the word gave (G 1325).
The word translated as give or gave, can also refer to bringing forth or ministering. The Elect are given a Spiritual understanding as Yahshua ministers to them through his Holy Spirit.
Matt 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
- The next word we need to look at to understand the one fold and one shepherd doctrine is the word and (G 1161).
The word and, is used five times in Ephesians 4:11. The second, third and fourth use of the word and, are used correctly, as a continuative.
The first and fifth use of the word and, is used incorrectly. In these two instances either the word indeed, or also, should be used instead of the word and. The words also or indeed (G2352) are used as connectors in a sentence.
- We also must look at the word some (G 3303), in order to truly comprehend the one fold and one shepherd message of Yahshua.
The word some, is actually only used once in this verse and the other three times it is added incorrectly. Also, the word translated here as some, in this particular verse is better translated as truly or indeed.
- The most important word we need to look to understand the one fold and one shepherd doctrine is the word pastors (G 4166).
The correct interpretation of this inserted word pastors is actually shepherd.
Eph 1:17 That God our Lord Yahshua the Messiah, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of himself
One of the purposes of Yahshua’s ministry was to reveal himself as the manifestation of Yahweh in the flesh. The corrupt versions of Eph 1;17, and Eph 4:11, represents a conspiracy against Christ, who is the image of the invisible God and the Creator of all things (Col 1:15-19, Isa 9:6).
There truly is only one fold and one shepherd whose name is Yahshua.
Heb 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Our Messiah Yahshua
One body, one fold and one shepherd who is the great Apostle and messenger, Yahshua the God of our hope (Rom 15:13).
There Truly Is Only One fold and one shepherd
One faith, one fold and one shepherd who also is the greatest Prophet of all times.
Matt 21:11 And the multitude said, This is Yahshua the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.
And there came a fear on all, and they that glorified God said a great prophet is risen up among us also because God hath visited his people (Luke 7:16).
- The other word to take notice of in Eph 4:11, is the word teacher. It is also translated as master, and is a title predominately given to Yahshua (Luke 12:12, John 14:26, 1 John 2:27).
Mat 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master (or rather Teacher) we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
Only twice is it used in reference to teachers in the church, and in both of these instances God sets the teachers, and not man (1 Cor 12:28-29).
Two other times are where Paul is appointed a teacher by God, unto the nations (1 Tim 2:7; 2 Tim 1:11).
Once is in reference to false teachers, who now call themselves pastors; this is the primary reason this article was produced.
2 Tim 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
And the last time this word is used it is translated as masters and comes with an important warning.
James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters (or teachers), knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. Emphasis added.
Should we take the translation of Eph 4:11 at face value? Remember that Yahshua is the chief Prophet that all of His appointed prophets spoke of. Undoubtedly He is the greatest Evangelist ever to walk the face of the earth. He also is the only shepherd and the ultimate source of all truth.
John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd
If there was to be a hierarchy in the church apart from Yahshua, He would have mentioned it at least once, but He does not! The reason being, there is only one fold and one shepherd.
As well, anyone claiming to be a teacher ordained of Yahshua would have to be Baptized by His Holy Spirit. Otherwise what they taught would be guesswork at best or deception by design. Actually, both are in play today. Refer to the study guide entitled the identification of a Christian cult.
The fact is that Yahshua is the head of His Church (Eph 4:4-15). All men are equal, and no man has any spiritual authority over another.
The body of Christ is one, (or at least it should be) and has many members. However, all who are truly of that body, being many, are of one body (1 Cor 12:12; Rom 15:6; 1 Cor 8:5-6; Gal 3:28). Those truly of and in Christ, with one mind and one Spirit, are united together in one faith (Eph 4:5, Phl 1:27).
Matt 20:25-28 Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Yahshua makes it pretty clear there was to be no hierarchy. We are called to minister and serve each other, not ourselves. No man can rightfully claim Spiritual authority over another.
Matt 23:6-7 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
We are not to follow the traditions and doctrines of men. Christ made himself of no reputation and became a servant to many (Phil 2:7). How dare we, lift up and exalt mere mortal men, who are but sinners and call them pastors?
Religions are drunk with spiritual idolatry.
Some of these sins of idolatry are:
- Following false doctrines after the traditions of men.
- Proclaiming self-righteousness, and justification through the Old Law.
- Seeking the praises of men, instead of the praises of God.
- Obsessed with reputations, and achievements, this is also vanity.
- Placing anyone or anything above God.
- Becoming lovers of this world, instead of lovers of Yahshua.
- Obeying religious leaders or their writings and worldly wisdom.
- Expecting Christ to bless us with the things of this world.
- Storing up treasures on earth, and becoming lovers of money.
- Teaching false doctrines, and ignoring the one fold and one shepherd doctrine.
- Calling men father, rabbi or pastor, which is forbidden.
Can men be referred to as Teachers? Possibly! But only if they are truly called and filled with the Holy Spirit. Can men be referred to as Shepherds or Pastors not likely!
John 10:11-12 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep
The context of first Corinthians chapter twelve is that through Yahshua’s Spirit we are all Baptized into one body. The manifestation of His Spirit is given to all who truly are a part of this assembly (church), and He appoints certain members with Spiritual gifts according to his divine will. Strangely absent from this list of those who are appointed by God to build up His church are the pastors. Also, it is doubtful that the word governments in 1 Cor 12:28, is an accurate translation. God appoints His own in the Church, but men institute their own governments that are contrary to God and self-appointed.
1 Cor 12:28 Also God hath indeed appointed in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, afterwards miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues
When we study Ephesians chapter four, two verses stand out. And when properly interpreted a profound message emerges.
Also, he truly ministered as a prophet, and an evangelist, as our shepherd even our teacher unto the perfecting of the saints insomuch that the works of His ministry, therefore, would edify or build up the whole body of Christ until all have attained the oneness of the faith (Eph 4:11-12).
Option 1 – Also, He truly gave apostles, and prophets, and evangelists, and a shepherd even a teacher (Eph 4:11).
Option 2 – Also, he truly ministered as a prophet, and an evangelist, and (the) shepherd (who is) also our teacher (Eph 4:11).
Option 3 – And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers (Eph 4:11).
Yahshua is our Apostle and High priest, to whom we confess our faith in and pledge our allegiance to. He is the Prophet out of Nazareth that is the most inspiring evangelist or preacher the world would ever see. Lastly, as the only true Shepherd He alone teaches to this day through His Holy Spirit that dwells within us (Heb 3:1, Mat 4:17, 11:1, 21:11, John 10:16, 14:26, 1 John 2:27).