Is the Trinity a hierarchy? Is the Trinity co-existent, co-equals?
If one was to make an argument for a primary partner, a first amongst equals, I think one would have to argue for the Father to fill that role. I say was to make or would have to argue because the concept of leadership thought of in human terms cannot be expected to fit into a divine relationship. Yet there are intriguing passages in Scripture that would lead you to believe a hierarchy is there:
In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus clearly indicates a desire (and a struggle with complying) to fulfill the Father's divine will over that of His. In this case, I believe it to be His human will that is struggling against the Father's will, Christ in His divinity would in my mind have the same will as the Father. But that may be a point we could debate.
In the Upper Room Discourse, Jesus seems to indicate that the Father is directing the activity of both the Son and the Spirit. They may be on equal terms, but the Father appears to have primacy here.
But there are many passages that indicate the equality that exists amongst the Trinity:
Here is one of many indicating the side by side nature of the Trinity in the relationship of Jesus to the creation. '
What are your thoughts about it? Is there a hierarchy? A primacy to the Father? Is there an equality, that doing the will of one member of the Trinity is a free and voluntary action by another member?
If one was to make an argument for a primary partner, a first amongst equals, I think one would have to argue for the Father to fill that role. I say was to make or would have to argue because the concept of leadership thought of in human terms cannot be expected to fit into a divine relationship. Yet there are intriguing passages in Scripture that would lead you to believe a hierarchy is there:
saying, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done."
Luke 22:42 (NASB)
In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus clearly indicates a desire (and a struggle with complying) to fulfill the Father's divine will over that of His. In this case, I believe it to be His human will that is struggling against the Father's will, Christ in His divinity would in my mind have the same will as the Father. But that may be a point we could debate.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.
John 14:26 (NASB)
In the Upper Room Discourse, Jesus seems to indicate that the Father is directing the activity of both the Son and the Spirit. They may be on equal terms, but the Father appears to have primacy here.
But there are many passages that indicate the equality that exists amongst the Trinity:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.
John 1:1-2 (NASB)
Here is one of many indicating the side by side nature of the Trinity in the relationship of Jesus to the creation. '
What are your thoughts about it? Is there a hierarchy? A primacy to the Father? Is there an equality, that doing the will of one member of the Trinity is a free and voluntary action by another member?
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