Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
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 Makarios! The main problem that I have with Dr. MacArthur's position is that it relys upon too many assumptions. 2 Cor. 12:12 does refer to the signs of an apostle, but is this meant to imply that only the apostles could do them? Apparently not, since Scripture mentions other people, who were not apostles, doing the same things. Acts 6:8 uses the same words in reference to Stephen, "Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.'. Acts 14:3 uses the same words in reference to both Paul and Barnabas, "So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders." Acts 8:6 uses the same word to describe Philip, "When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said." The early church even prayed for this 'ability' in Acts 4:30, "Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." Though a disputed text, Mark 16:17 speaks of these signs following those who believe. Heb. 2:4 certainly doesn't limit these signs to only the apostles, but says that they were distributed according to His will. Given that there is not a single verse that actually says that these 'signs' were temporary, it seems to me to be a major stretch to say that there were indeed temporary. I think that our impressions of how common miracles were in the 1st century may be quite higher than actuality. Certainly, Christ did many miracles. However, there are not overwhelming references to the Apostles or anyone else doing miracles. Do they still occur today? I know that I have seen them. :-) My point is simply this: I cannot hold to a doctrinal position that is never once stated in Scripture. :-) p.s. - Happy upcoming anniversary my friend! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |