Hi Josh,
This excerpt from the Concordant is a very interesting read, While we should "study to show thyself approved" [This verse ends with this quote] "unto God".
For only as sound principles of translation are followed can an accurate translation be made. Most believers, however, give little attention to such matters. Few seem to realize that various translations of scripture, for all their similarities, differ in many particulars, often in matters of great consequence. Most allow such important considerations to recognized authorities, to whom they defer in judgment.
It is true that authorities, experts in their field, agree on many points. Yet it is just as true that, especially in issues of theological significance, authorities differ widely among themselves. Men of great learning, of high intellect and ability, are still flesh; they are still failing, mortal sinners even as we are. Besides, however learned, such ones can still be proud, stubborn, or simply unenlightened as to certain vital issues. It is foolish, then, to accept as true what certain authorities may say, especially when we have not carefully considered the views of other differing opinions.
It is not that each one of us must become expert in one or more broad fields of learning within theology, philosophy, or language before we can hope to judge any certain matter correctly. Nor is it that we must canvas the entire field of opinion, throughout all history, before we can decide even the simplest questions. Instead, we need only discern what is truly at issue, While such judgments, indeed, require competency, God, in His own time, is able to make us competent, that we might, by His grace, not only hold correct positions, but objectively know that we do so.
God has appointed certain ones within the ecclesia who serve with a view toward the adjusting of the saints for the work of dispensing, for the upbuilding of the body of Christ, unto the end that we should all attain to the unity of the faith and of the realization of the son of God, to a mature man . . . that we may by no means still be minors (Eph.4:11-14).
Beyond those specifically named in Scripture, it is vain to speculate concerning the identity of such servants. But it is the part of wisdom to believe that God does give such ones to us. In His own time whether at present or in the coming eon–those who are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, will succeed in the work which, under Christ, God has appointed unto them (cp Rom.10:15; 14:4; Col.1:6,7). [concordant]
Peace
Chris R