"And as they [Paul, Silas, and Timothy] went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily."
Here is a good example of where Christian joy, prosperity, and liberty is dependent upon submission to church authorities. Paul and his band were faithful to hand down the decisions of the Jerusalem presbytery; and, as they were well-received by the churches, they (the churches) flourished.
Today, we are often told that we do not need church, nor authority. This is the same thing as to say we do not need Christ, nor salvation. Let all of us who are committed to Jesus be committed to His ways, as well.
[Puritan quote of the day: "After we are gained to Christ ourselves, we should labor to gain others to Christ." --Richard Sibbes, in "The Bruised Reed"]
