COULD "ANY MAN" SERVE AS A PRIEST TODAY?
Paul in his letter to Titus refers to him as "a genuine child according to a faith shared in common". The word 'genuine' means: Of the original stock, pure bred, really proceeding from its reputed source or author. (Oxford Dictionary).

Further, Paul said: "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you might correct the things that were defective and might make appointments of older men in city after city, as I gave you orders". (Titus 1:5). As the workers were few, why did Paul (Jesus' apostle to the nations) direct Titus to make appointments (if there were any) of older men in city after city according to the orders (qualifications) he gave, for a man to be God's steward? Titus must have been different in some way to others in Crete. To carry out such work he must have had something of the original source. As the work was of a spiritual nature, it could only have proceeded from God who is the Original Source, and through Jesus Christ who is our mediator. To be able to do this work of correcting and appointing in city after city it must have been something Paul knew would remain with Titus. Furthermore, why was it that Paul did not direct Titus to do the work of:

(1) Appointing from a base, as is the case with the sect of JWs today (from one of the cities)?

(2) Or appoint by proxy (i.e.) appoint from a base through letters of recommendation received
      for such appointments from those not even sealed with God's Spirit? (2 Cor 3:1).

The answer is that Holy Spirit directs, guides and gives evidence through Jesus' authority. It cannot be directed or sent by man's authority in a letter! Neither did Titus need to send his recommendations to a governing body for their consideration. Therefore the appointing can only be done by those who have been anointed with a portion of God's Holy Spirit, who have evidence that bears witness with their spirit (of this same spirit perceived) of that one's works and deeds, that he is free from accusation, and is to be used by God (who alone gives these ones a portion of His Spirit). This Spirit cleanses (sanctifies) them to become God's stewards over other "seers" (other anointed ones). Head knowledge of God's Word is not the only requirement of those becoming underpriests of God. They must also know how to administer the Word.

EXAMPLES.
Do the scriptures show that the original twelve apostles or a governing body at any time needed to be assembled together when appointing? The answer is no. Were Paul and Barnabas the only ones used to appoint? No, they were not. Is there need at any time for letters of recommendation from men? Again, no. Did they have to personally have spirit evidence of another's spiritual qualifications? Yes, they did. Was the recommending of anyone ever carried out on behalf of others, for a position of oversight? No. But as a replacement of Judas, anointed persons were put forward by other anointed ones, and the final decision left to God (by lot) in the case of a foundation member. Thereafter, it was done personally in congregations, through anointed men.

If the foregoing from God's Word was obediently carried out today, could any anointed ones appoint mistakenly or knowingly any man to be an "older man" (elder), (e.g.) one who had a serious mental disorder, one not "sound in mind", as was the case of the man Mr. R. F. of Cwmbran congregation diagnosed as suffering from schizophrenia? Certainly not! (Titus 1:8). Neither has God given a provision for those who have taken "hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew" to be appointed to teach or discipline His anointed ones, for by so doing one is claiming equality with God. (1 John 2:27. Zech 8:23).

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