33- Priesthood for a Special Group

 

St-Takla.org Image: Jesus, the Sacrifice of the Eucharist, communion bread and cup, wine, Coptic art صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: السيد المسيح يسوع ذبيحة الإفخارستيا، التناول، الخبز والخمر، الكأس، فن قبطي

[29] If Priesthood Was For All Why Did Christ Assign Baptism, The Unction, The Laying On Of Hands To A Special Group?

In the light of all the above biblical examples, we see that not everyone was authorised by Christ to carry out all the ecclesiastical duties, which included absolution, binding, forgiveness of sins and conducting the sacrament of the Eucharist.

[30] Why Did God Send Peter To Baptise Cornelius?

If every one was authorised to carry out the function, why was Cornelius not baptised by any of the Christians? Why call Saint Peter from Jafa?

(Acts 10:5-6) "Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. {6} "He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do."

(Acts 10:20) "Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them."

Here we see that God ordered, and His orders were carried to Peter by an angel, and in turn Peter fulfilled his responsibility.

[31] Why Did God Assign Ananias To Baptise Saul

(Acts 9:6, 10,11, 17, 18) {6} So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." ...{10} Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." ...{11} So the Lord said to him, "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. ... {17} And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." ...{18} Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

Although Saul met Christ personally and believed, as we have discussed this issue before here on st-takla.org in other sections. He still had to be baptised by Ananias.

And here we may ask the question; Why Ananias? Why not any other Christian if all were priests?

The Laying On Of Hands, Prayers, Fasting And Holy Utterance

Priesthood Books by H. H. Pope Shenouda III

Christian Priesthood