The Munus Triplex, Bullinger’s Christology, and His Understanding of Ministers of the Church

Many Reformers emphasized the munus triplex for the understanding of Christology and the roles and functions of ministers in the church. Heinrich Bullinger, however, did not focus on Christ as prophet, priest, and king in terms of the fulfillment and antitype of the anointing of prophets, priests, and kings in the old covenant. Rather, he focused on Christ as king and priest primarily because of Christ’s activity before his incarnation, his earthly ministry, and what he has been doing since his ascension and before the parousia. Bullinger was not particularly concerned about “orders” or “structure” of ministry in the church. He underscored that ministers should faithfully teach and apply the word of God while living exemplary spiritual lives as watchmen and shepherds.