Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
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]. |
Subject: Prerequisite-infallibility? |
Bible Note: Dear Nolan, and saints of the Forum, No, my friend, I do not consider myself an apostle. It is possible that I may one day serve the Lord as a messenger of His tidings to a larger audience than my local church, which may (or may not) be considered apostolic in His eyes. In any case, I would not print new name cards with 'Apostle Randy' on the front :-) Just the other day, Nolan, you published my definition of apostle on this site. See below: APOSTLE (Gk. (apostolos,) a "delegate"). One sent with a special message or commission. In this sense the word is used in the LXX (1KI 14:6; ISA 18:2), and in the NT: JOH 13:16, "Neither is one (who is sent) [apostle] greater than the one who sent him"; 2CO 8:23; PHI 2:25, where persons sent out by churches on special errands are called their (apostles,) or messengers. In HEB 3:1 Jesus is called "the (Apostle) and High Priest of our confession." (New Ungers Bible Dictionary) The Bible describes 3 'types' of apostles; 1) Jesus. 2) The 'Apostles to the Lamb,' also called the 12. Matthai replaced Judas Iscariot, the only 'replacement' apostle in the Bible. 3)The 'post-ascension apostles.' Paul and Barnabas, among others, continued the ministry of 'special commissions' between churches. Sometimes these are referred to as the 'lower sense' of the apostolic ministry. I believe this continues today, although often misinterpreted and abused. I do not think that the present-day apostle equals the missionary, as I know too many missionaries that do not fit the Bible's description. However, some missionaries may well be working in an apostolic calling. end quote Friend, it is the (organized) church I find laughable. I am sorry you did not catch my irony. The church is far from organized! You may have a high opinion of your local church or denomination, but the world thinks that the church is a joke for their tainted history, disunity, pettiness and even war. It is only by grace that we continue to be used for His glory. Not one person was saved by a denomination or religious institution. Every soul called by Jesus was saved by grace, not 'truth in the church' or scholarly advice. My 'disdain for denominations' only applies when I see the gifts of the Holy Spirit replaced by professionals holding 'office' in the church. By the way, no one, as yet, has answered how we can conveniently dispose of one or two gifts, but retain the others. Blessings to you, my friend. In Jesus' name, charis |