Bible Question: Dear rcscroll, Then Paul was saying what? 3-fold ministry? Paul called himself an apostle 16 times, so he was at least number 14 after Matthias. Then there was Barnabas, Andronicus, Junias, and James, the Lord's brother. Jesus was a prophet after John the baptist. In Acts 15, Judas and Silas are called prophets, and Paul speaks of prophets and prophecy as for the church in 1 Corinthians and Ephesians. Shall we also do away with 'pastors,' as the word only occurs once? 'Evangelist' comes up three times, and 'teacher' as a ministry only twice. You see, my friend, you cannot legitimatize ministry based on your own traditions. All five ministries are listed for a reason, and I think all are 'under-utilized.' As a matter of fact, many spiritual gifts (ministries are gifts) are misunderstood and 'under-utilized.' I believe that many today shun or disregard the spiritual gifts because they focus on the abuses. I will be the first to admit that these gifts are misused, abused and sometimes just plain false. However, I have witnessed these spiritual gifts being used in an orderly manner, bestowing blessing and guidance, edifying the church, and lifting high the name of Jesus. Would you also deny miracles, healing, and guidance by the Holy Spirit? Yes, indeed, these will help in our pursuit of unity. Obviously, knowledge and scholarship have not led us to unity, yet. I understand a dearth of balance these days, on both sides, but to do away with some of our most powerful weapons is unwise. Peace to you in Christ Jesus. |
Bible Answer: Hello charis sorry it took so long for me to get back to you,Paul was talking to the immediate church at hand ,yes the church did indeed h ave a five fold ministry,they are the foundation that Christ has layed Eph 2:20 and no other foundation can any man lay. In construction the foundation only has to be done one time,then the frame work fitly joined together. What your trying to say in essance is that we are to build another foundation. 1cor 3:10-12 . now I propose to you that if you think that there are still Apostles,then what your saying is that what christ layed was not good and that it needs to be redone.As for Andronicus and Junis,they were not Apostles. You see I could be among the pesidents men however that dosent make me one of them , thats in essence what Romans 16:7 is saying .I used to struggle with the elizabethan language of King James also, however if you would study the old language this would be very aparent. Judas was naver an Apostle he died as a diciple, they became Apostles after Christs death on the Cross.So we start with 11 , then Mathias replaced judas,and that is twelve. then James died before paul came into the ministry Acts 12:2 .thats eleven again, so you see Paul is number 12 , Idont know all things but for some reason there were allways atleast the twelve. Which 12 will be in the foundation is unknown but as Rev 21:14 the names of the 12 Apostles, Idont know about you but I beleive what scripture says. As basing my beleif on my traditions your very wrong. I would never think that my Lord couldnt heal , he does very effectivly his will, not when we in the Church get everything just rite. you see hes not a respector of persons , he Healed me of an addiction to heroin 17 years ago. And my friend if you think that healing ministrys are going to come back your wrong, show me one passage of scripture that says that . My Bible says that in the last times they will not endure sound doctrine,2 Tim 4:3 and that a great fallig away of the faith shall happen 2 thess 2:3. When do you think lying signs and wonders will happen 2Thess 2:9-11. I Pray that you dont believe in slain in the spirit, and that you are a part of a healthy well balanced church. remember that the older testament they worshipped in power and might , but now we worship in spirit and in truth. Love you and God bless Allways R.C. scroll |