Of Synods and Councils
Westminster Confession of Faith · 31.1–31.5
31.1. Of Synods and Councils
For the better government, and further edification of the Church, there ought to be such assemblies as are commonly called synods or councils.
Proof texts
- Acts 15:2, 4, 6 — [2] And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. [4] When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. [6] The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Acts 15:2, 4, 6 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- HC Q83 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- HC Q84 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- The Assembly divided over this: The Grand Debate over Polity. Presbyterian or Independent: who exercises the keys of the kingdom? What turns on the answer?
Read alongside
HC Q83 · HC Q84 · HC Q85 · BC 7.4 · BC 7.5 · BC 7.6 · SC60 6.1 · SC60 6.2 · SC60 6.3 · SC60 6.4 · SC60 6.5 · IAR 7.1 · SHC 6.1 · SHC 6.2
Leader's notes
A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): These Sections state — (1.) The different subjects which come before these church courts for decision. (2.) The grounds upon which, and the conditions under which, their decisions are to be regarded as requiring submission, and the extent to which that submission is to be carried. 1st. Negatively. Synods and councils have no right whatever to intermeddle with any affair which concerns the commonwealth, and they have no right to presume to give advice to, or to attempt to, influence the officers of the civil government in their action as civil officers, except (a) in extraordinary cases, where the interests of the Church are immediately concerned, by the way of humble petition, or (6) by way of advice for satisfaction…
31.2. Of Synods and Councils
As magistrates may lawfully call a synod of ministers, and other fit persons, to consult and advise with, about matters of religion; so, if magistrates be open enemies to the Church, the ministers of Christ of themselves, by virtue of their office, or they, with other fit persons upon delegation from their Churches, may meet together in such assemblies.
Proof texts
- Isa. 49:23 — [23] Kings shall be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. With their faces to the ground they shall bow down to you, and lick the dust of your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who wait for me shall not be put to shame.”
- 1 Tim. 2:1, 2 — [1] First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, [2] for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
- 2 Chron. 19:8, 9, 10, 11 — [8] Moreover, in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed certain Levites and priests and heads of families of Israel, to give judgment for the LORD and to decide disputed cases. They had their seat at Jerusalem. [9] And he charged them: “Thus you shall do in the fear of the LORD, in faithfulness, and with your whole heart: [10] whenever a case comes to you from your brothers who live in their cities, concerning bloodshed, law or commandment, statutes or rules, then you shall warn them, that they may not incur guilt before the LORD and wrath may not come upon you and your brothers. Thus you shall do, and you will not incur guilt. [11] And behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the governor of the house of Judah, in all the king's matters, and the Levites will serve you as officers. Deal courageously, and may the LORD be with the upright!”
- 2 Chron. 29, 30 chaps.
- Matt. 2:4, 5 — [4] and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. [5] They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
- Prov. 11:14 — [14] Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
- Acts 15:2, 4, 22, 23, 25 — [2] And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. [4] When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. [22] Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, [23] with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. [25] it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Isa. 49:23 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 7 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- HC Q83 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- HC Q84 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
HC Q83 · HC Q84 · HC Q85 · BC 7.4 · BC 7.5 · BC 7.6 · SC60 6.1 · SC60 6.2 · SC60 6.3 · SC60 6.4 · SC60 6.5 · IAR 7.1 · SHC 6.1 · SHC 6.2
Leader's notes
A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): These Sections state — (1.) The different subjects which come before these church courts for decision. (2.) The grounds upon which, and the conditions under which, their decisions are to be regarded as requiring submission, and the extent to which that submission is to be carried. 1st. Negatively. Synods and councils have no right whatever to intermeddle with any affair which concerns the commonwealth, and they have no right to presume to give advice to, or to attempt to, influence the officers of the civil government in their action as civil officers, except (a) in extraordinary cases, where the interests of the Church are immediately concerned, by the way of humble petition, or (6) by way of advice for satisfaction…
An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): The Assembly of the Church of Scotland, in the act by which they adopted the Confession, make a special reference to this section, and expressly declare that they understood it " only of kirks not settled or constituted in point of government;" and while they admit that "in such kirks a synod of ministers, and other fit persons, may be called by the magistrates' authority and nomination, without any other call, to consult and advise with about matters of religion," they assert that this " ought not to be done in kirks constituted and settled," and that it is always free to the ministers and iiiling elders " to assemble together synodically, as well pro re nata as at the…
31.3. Of Synods and Councils
It belongs to synods and councils, ministerially to determine controversies of faith and cases of conscience; to set down rules and directions for the better ordering of the public worship of God, and government of his Church; to receive complaints in cases of maladministration, and authoritatively to determine the same: which decrees and determinations, if consonant to the Word of God, are to be received with reverence and submission; not only for their agreement with the Word, but also for the power whereby they are made, as being an ordinance of God appointed thereunto in His Word.
Proof texts
- Acts 15:15, 19, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 — [15] And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, [19] Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, [24] Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, [27] We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. [28] For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: [29] that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.” [30] So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. [31] And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.
- Acts 16:4 — [4] As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem.
- Matt. 18:17, 18, 19, 20 — [17] If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. [18] Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. [19] Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. [20] For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Acts 15:15, 19, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 3 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- HC Q83 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- HC Q84 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
HC Q83 · HC Q84 · HC Q85 · BC 7.4 · BC 7.5 · BC 7.6 · SC60 6.1 · SC60 6.2 · SC60 6.3 · SC60 6.4 · SC60 6.5 · IAR 7.1 · SHC 6.1 · SHC 6.2
Leader's notes
A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): These Sections state — (1.) The different subjects which come before these church courts for decision. (2.) The grounds upon which, and the conditions under which, their decisions are to be regarded as requiring submission, and the extent to which that submission is to be carried. 1st. Negatively. Synods and councils have no right whatever to intermeddle with any affair which concerns the commonwealth, and they have no right to presume to give advice to, or to attempt to, influence the officers of the civil government in their action as civil officers, except (a) in extraordinary cases, where the interests of the Church are immediately concerned, by the way of humble petition, or (6) by way of advice for satisfaction…
An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): This section is evidently intended as a decision upon another important principle in the controversy with Independents, M'ho, while they admitted that congregations might, in difficult cases, consult with advantage synods of ministers, denied to these syiiods any authority over the congregations. Presbyterians readily grant that the power of Church rulers is purely ministerial. Christ is the alone Lord and Lawgiver in his Church ; so that their business is only to apply and enforce the laws which he has enacted. Their deliberations, however, are to be considered, not as merely consultative, but authoritative; and, so far as their decisions accord with the laws of Christ, laid down in his Word, being formed in his name, and by authority conferred…
31.4. Of Synods and Councils
All synods or councils, since the Apostles’ times, whether general or particular, may err; and many have erred. Therefore they are not to be made the rule of faith, or practice; but to be used as a help in both.
Proof texts
- Eph. 2:20 — [20] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,
- Acts 17:11 — [11] Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
- 1 Cor. 2:5 — [5] so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
- 2 Cor. 1:24 — [24] Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Eph. 2:20 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 4 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- HC Q83 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- HC Q84 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
HC Q83 · HC Q84 · HC Q85 · BC 7.4 · BC 7.5 · BC 7.6 · SC60 6.1 · SC60 6.2 · SC60 6.3 · SC60 6.4 · SC60 6.5 · IAR 7.1 · SHC 6.1 · SHC 6.2
Leader's notes
A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): These Sections state — (1.) The different subjects which come before these church courts for decision. (2.) The grounds upon which, and the conditions under which, their decisions are to be regarded as requiring submission, and the extent to which that submission is to be carried. 1st. Negatively. Synods and councils have no right whatever to intermeddle with any affair which concerns the commonwealth, and they have no right to presume to give advice to, or to attempt to, influence the officers of the civil government in their action as civil officers, except (a) in extraordinary cases, where the interests of the Church are immediately concerned, by the way of humble petition, or (6) by way of advice for satisfaction…
An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): "While our Confession denounces any Erastian interference of the civil magistrate in matters purely spiritual and ecclesiastical, it no less explicitly disavows all Popish claims, on the part of the synods and councils of the Church, to intermeddle with civil affairs, unless by way of petition, in extraordinary cases, or by way of advice, when required by the civil magistrate. Our Reformers appear to have clearly perceived the proper limits of the civil and ecclesiastical jurisdiction, and to have been very careful that they should be strir^^Iy observed. "The [lower and policy ecclesiastical," say they, " is different and distinct in its own nature from that power and policy which is call^'^ civil power, and appertaineth to the civil government…
31.5. Of Synods and Councils
Synods and councils are to handle, or conclude, nothing, but that which is ecclesiastical: and are not to intermeddle with civil affairs which concern the commonwealth; unless by way of humble petition, in cases extraordinary; or by way of advice, for satisfaction of conscience, if they be thereunto required by the civil magistrate.
Proof texts
- Luke 12:13, 14 — [13] Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” [14] But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?”
- John 18:36 — [36] Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Luke 12:13, 14 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 2 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- HC Q83 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- HC Q84 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
HC Q83 · HC Q84 · HC Q85 · BC 7.4 · BC 7.5 · BC 7.6 · SC60 6.1 · SC60 6.2 · SC60 6.3 · SC60 6.4 · SC60 6.5 · IAR 7.1 · SHC 6.1 · SHC 6.2
Leader's notes
A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): These Sections state — (1.) The different subjects which come before these church courts for decision. (2.) The grounds upon which, and the conditions under which, their decisions are to be regarded as requiring submission, and the extent to which that submission is to be carried. 1st. Negatively. Synods and councils have no right whatever to intermeddle with any affair which concerns the commonwealth, and they have no right to presume to give advice to, or to attempt to, influence the officers of the civil government in their action as civil officers, except (a) in extraordinary cases, where the interests of the Church are immediately concerned, by the way of humble petition, or (6) by way of advice for satisfaction…
An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): "While our Confession denounces any Erastian interference of the civil magistrate in matters purely spiritual and ecclesiastical, it no less explicitly disavows all Popish claims, on the part of the synods and councils of the Church, to intermeddle with civil affairs, unless by way of petition, in extraordinary cases, or by way of advice, when required by the civil magistrate. Our Reformers appear to have clearly perceived the proper limits of the civil and ecclesiastical jurisdiction, and to have been very careful that they should be strir^^Iy observed. "The [lower and policy ecclesiastical," say they, " is different and distinct in its own nature from that power and policy which is call^'^ civil power, and appertaineth to the civil government…