Tag: Members in Particular

Members in Particular Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Corinthians 12:27-31 Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God has set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way. 

‘Governments’ [Greek: kubernesis] steering; piloting; guiding. Used only here and refers to all the means of guidance God has set for Christians. It has no reference to the power to rule, but to men of extraordinary wisdom, knowledge, and discernment to guide individuals in all their problems, when they chose to turn to God. The gifts of wisdom, knowledge, and discernment of spirits are all involved in this ability of guidance.

‘Diversities of tongues’ This is simply the supernatural ability to interpret in the native tongue what is uttered in other languages not known by the one who interprets by the Spirit (12:10; 14:5, 13-15, 27-28). Be aware for those who try and teach you to speak in another language or teaches you a specific phrase that you must repeat over and over – it must come to the individual through the Holy Spirit; other canals are human interference that is not from God.

‘Do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?’ These questions reveal that all believers are not apostles (they were the New Testament writers and preachers of Christ’s gospel; chosen by Christ in person, Luke 6:13; 1Corinthians 15:9; 2Corinthians 11:13; Ephesians 2:20; 3:5), prophets (Old Testament writers and preachers of prophecy; called by the Father in person, Hebrew 1:1; Matthew 11:13 and Luke 16:16), teachers, and all do not have all the gifts of 1Corinthians 12:8-10. This does not mean that believers cannot attain to any and all these if they desire to glorify God in all areas.

‘But covet earnestly the best gifts’ – Here is a command for all believers to covet earnestly the gifts (14:1).

‘Covet’ [Greek: zeloo] eager rivalry; strong passion for a thing.

‘Best’ [Greek: kreitton] stronger; better; greater; superior. All the gifts are necessary for the proper and complete operation of the body of Christ (12:12-28).

Members in Particular Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Corinthians 12:27-31 Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God has set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way. 

‘You are the body of Christ, and members in particular.’ You and all in Christ as you make up the true Congregation or the body of Christ (1Cor. 12:13; Eph. 2:19-22; 4:1-6; Col. 1:18, 24).

‘First apostles’ [Greek: apostolos] a delegate, one sent with full power of attorney to act in the place of another, the sender remaining behind to back up the one sent. In the case of Christians it means God sends them to do what He, Himself would do if He went. It is found 81 times and translated apostle 78 times; messenger twice (2Cor. 8:23; Php. 2:25); and once he that is sent (John 13:16). The apostles were sent as representatives of Jesus Christ and His ministry to complete the writing of the New Testament. The last apostle chosen by Christ was Paul and the apostle that wrote the last books were John who wrote the gospel John, 1, 2 and 3 John (90 A.D.) and Revelation (96 A.D.).

‘Prophets’ – The Old Testament was written by prophets (Heb. 1:1) and the last writing prophet was John the Baptist (Matt. 11:12-13; Luke 16:16).

‘Miracles’ [Greek: semeion] a sign or token by which something is known; a token of confirmation of a divine work or call. It is translated sign 50 times; miracle 23 times; wonder 3 times; and token once. Generally used of miracles and wonders done by people to confirm their call and mission from God (Matt. 12:38; 16:1-4; Mark 8:11; 16:17-20; Luke 11:16, 29; 23:8; John 2:11, 18, 23; 3:2; 4:54; 6:2, 14, 26, 30; 7:31; 9:16; 10:41; 11:47; 12:18, 37; 20:30; Acts 2:22, 43; 8:6; 1Cor. 1:22; Rom. 15:19). It is also used of the power by which false teachers seek to confirm their fallacies to be of God (Matt. 24:24; Mark 13:22; 2Thess. 2:8-12; Rev. 13:13-18; 16:14; 19:20). The last scriptures above refer to the satanic powers in these last days to cause men to accept false teaching and be lost. Christians were promised power over all satanic forces (Matt. 17:20; 18:18; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:15-20; Luke 10:19; John 14:12; Acts 1:8).

‘Gifts of healings’ This is supernatural power to heal all manner of sickness without human aid or medicine (12:9; Mark 16:18; John 14:12).

‘Helps’ [Greek: antilempsis] a support; help; succourer; an aid. Only in 1Corinthians 12:28 and refers to every kind of help God sets for Christians. It does not refer to persons only, but to the various spiritual gifts which fill people with power to help. It is mentioned in the midst of references to certain gifts. Gifts will always be something through which God is glorified and never to put individuals in the spotlight or bring us any form of glory or followers. To be continued…