Who are the Pfaffen?
[by C. F. W. Walther; Part 7]
Finally [fourthly], however, it cannot be denied that there is a class of preachers who really preach the pure Word of God, who therefore cannot really be counted among the Pfaffen, but who are nevertheless not free from a pfaffish nature. These are those who, in the administration of the proper office, seek for themselves a leisurely comfortable life, money and property, and especially their honor. They preach rightly, but in practice they forget and deny what the Apostle wrote:
“Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.” 1 Pet. 5:2–3. “Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Cor. 1:24. “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.” 2 Cor. 4:5. “I speak not by commandment.” 2 Cor. 8:8. “Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.” 1 Tim. 5:1–2.
They forget and deny in practice the words of the Lord,
“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” Matt. 20:25–-27. “And [the Pharisees] 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. But be not ye called Rabbi: [page 51-3] for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Matt. 23:6–11.
Already in the apostolic time there were such pastors [Pastoren], whose doctrine could not be blamed, but who acted in practice — Pfaffish [or sanctimonious]. John writes about such a one in his third epistle to Gaius:
“I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.” 3 John 9–10.
It is frightening to read when Paul writes already in his time about those who offered themselves to him as assistants: “For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state (as Timothy). For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.” Phil. 2:20–21. (Cf. Acts 15:26.)
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