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NASB | 1 Corinthians 12:9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 12:9 to another [wonder-working] faith [is given] by the same [Holy] Spirit, and to another the [extraordinary] gifts of healings by the one Spirit; |
Subject: gift of healing same as prayer of faith |
Bible Note: Greetings Tim! You state: "But, again we are arguing from what Scripture doesn't say, not what it says. ;-)" You know very well that the context of the verse and the implications in which the verse was written (in this case, Paul is answering the Corinthians' questions) also supports the way the verse is interpreted in regards to translation and study.. ;) The argument that Paul does not state "gift of healing" in 1 Cor. 12:9 still does not give us license to simply ignore the fact that he did not include it.. I believe that that premise in and of itself is a stretch completely beyond interpretation. You state: "Further, there is evidence that the gifts have continued down through the centuries. I have seen the gifts in evidence in my own life and the lives of many others as well." Ok, let's see the evidence! You stated: "I prayed for a kid in youth camp who had broken his ankle, and God healed it on the spot." "I was one of several who prayed for a blind boy in a revival service, and God healed him on the spot." I praise the Lord for these miracles! But the problem with this is is that you did not mention that you laid your hands on the individuals mentioned and they immediately became well with a simple word from your mouth; you said that you, in fact, 'prayed' for these people to become well, and they were healed. Praise the Lord! But this is NOT the gift of healing that we are speaking of that occurred in the 1st Century church A.D. when Jesus laid his hands on the sick (Matthew 8:15), when Peter laid his hands on the sick (Acts 3:7), when Paul laid his hands on the sick (Acts 20:10), when "by the HANDS of the apostles" (Acts 5:12) many signs and wonders were done. What we are speaking of when you pray for someone and they become well is a direct healing intervention that is accomplished by the Holy Spirit. We are not the vessels used for healing, but God the Holy Spirit, hearing our prayer, effects the healing, and not us individualy. Perhaps that is why this gift of 'laying on of hands and healing' as defined so well in Mark 16:17 and Acts 5:12 is not given by the Holy Spirit today - so that we cannot individually take credit for what is actually done through and of the Holy Spirit! However, those select few in the 1st Century A.D. (including Christ) could have taken credit for the healing that they effected through their hands, but they instead chose to follow the example of Christ, "who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:6) So, as you can plainly see, there is a big difference between praying for someone to be healed and your prayer is answered, and actually laying your hands on someone and they become healed immediately, or with a few words. And I personally have not seen this gift of healing, this 'laying on of hands' if you will, exhibited widely in the church today. If it were, then you would see if everywhere. But as the present church now stands, there are a few that claim to have this gift of laying on of hands, yes, but for some reason, this gift is entirely devoid of the church at large. Why is that? Why is the gift of healing, or, if you will, the gift of laying on of hands not to be found in the present day church, if you contend that this gift was handed down for centuries and now exists? Just a side note: I do not mean to be rude or condescending in any way, my dear Brother in Christ. But I very sharply disagree with you on this subject, and I believe that I am entirely justified. If I have shown you that you have some serious problems with your point of view, then I am satisfied. :-) Blessings to you, Makarios |