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NASB | 1 Corinthians 12:27 ¶ Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 12:27 ¶ Now you [collectively] are Christ's body, and individually [you are] members of it [each with his own special purpose and function]. |
Bible Question:
Greetings Charis! The Apostles did have special status. It was through them that God wrote His revelation to us. From you response I wasn't sure, but do you believe that God choose some of their writtings, or do you believe that God wrote through them? Concering the "office" and "gift" distinction, I don't believe that Eph. 4 refers to spiritual gifts (like 1 Cor. 12-14), rather it refers to the offices given to the church to strengthen it. Gifts are given to every believer, but every believer may not be called to one of these five offices. Notice that the text uses plural nouns. God gave pastors, not the gift of pastoring. This is where I get the idea of an office. Some believers are called to a particular office, like you and I were called to be pastors. But, not every believer is called to an office. I've got to run! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
Bible Answer: Dear Tim, and saints, Yes, the Twelve Apostles were special. Nobody is arguing that (that I am aware). They were chosen by God for a special purpose. God did write through them (some of) the Bible. Some other writers of the New testament are not identified as apostles. God also chose soem of their writings (is this a trick question?), in the sense that it is very possible that these men wrote other things in their lives-ministries. If we try to say that every word written by these men was inspired by God, then where are they? The canon is finished, so we can assume that subsequent letters cannot be 'found,' nor can we assume that God 'lost' them. Ministers minister, but office-holders don't office. (they administer) Ephesians is very clear that God gave (ministerial) gifts to men, but not necessarily every Christian, but not exclusively to only the Twelve, plus Paul, plus others named as apostles. Ephesians speaks about the need for these ministries until the church is 'done.' Some of my respected colleagues have postulated that the church is 'done' because the canon is finished. I strongly disagree. The canon is finished, but the church is not! "Notice that the text uses plural nouns." Of course! Notice that some have deleted one or two of these five. One of the problems with the church is that we have allowed the ministries within he church to degenerate into 'offices.' No believers were called to an office, including the (mistakenly exalted) apostles to the Lamb. Almost every commentator I have read states that there are three uses of the word 'apostolos' in the Bible. 1)Jesus 2)the Twelve (Matthias was the only 'replacement') and 3)the 'other' apostles. These are sometimes called 'minor,' 'lesser,' or 'general' apostles. But they are called apostles nonetheless! Some have different ideas as to where Paul fits in. Some say that they did not 'self-perpetuate,' but do not back this up in the Scripture. Mostly, it seems that they must admit the existence of these ministers, but their tradition or religion does not allow them to be around today. All of the Bible references to their exclusivity are referring to the Twelve, not the 'others.' Brother, and brethren, I would ask that someone would give me a Biblical definition of 'office,' it's 'institutional' and-or 'organizational' meaning, as compared to a minister, a servant. The crux of the matter is that 'office' denotes an organized religion, closer to the Pharisees than I am comfortable with. Yes, we have a difference of opinion. I chose a simpler, faith-based church that is (still) being led by the Holy Spirit. Some may insist that this means disorganized and irresponsible, but I challenge you to come to Yokohama and see that it is possible to be orderly AND filled with the Holy Spirit. Just because you have never seen it does not mean it is non-existent :-) Peace in Christ Jesus, charis |