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NASB | Ephesians 4:11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 4:11 And [His gifts to the church were varied and] He Himself appointed some as apostles [special messengers, representatives], some as prophets [who speak a new message from God to the people], some as evangelists [who spread the good news of salvation], and some as pastors and teachers [to shepherd and guide and instruct], |
Subject: Are there any true prophets/prophetss' t |
Bible Note: Hi Tim, As I view it, there is a transition happening during this period of Acts that coincides with the writing of 1 Corinthians. The gifts had not yet ended at the time Paul writes 1 Corinthians (obviously). Yet, in 13:8 he says that love (which is not a "sign" gift) "never fails". I believe the Greek verb 'pistei' translated can mean "become null and void". The overall characteristic God desires in the life of believers is love.(13:1,13) Other temporary gifts will be done away with, cease and end, but love is permanent! With respect to prophecies, Paul says, "They will be done away". The Greek noun 'propheteiai' used in this context, refers to one of the early gifts given to members of the Church (Rom. 12:6, 1 Cor. 12:10, 13:2). The gift enabled those to whom it was given to recall and speak via the Spirit to those in local assemblies (cf 14:22, Eph. 3:5). The person who had the gift of prophecy edified, exhorted and taught believers (14:3-4, 33). My point is this: Even though gifts of prophecies were very important for establishing the Church, Paul says, "they will be done away". The verb here translated "they will be done away" is in the future tense and passive voice, which means that God -who gave them - will remove (cancel, make null)them. With the completion of the Canon of Scripture, this gift was (and is) no longer necessary. So, the question as to exactly WHEN these gifts cease (or ceased) is answered.(Heb. 1:1-2) Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |