Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages.
Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles?
Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not!
1 Corinthians 12:28-30
Let’s return to those Wycliffe NZ questions about your beliefs on speaking in tongues.
- Is the gift of tongues the sign gift of the “baptism of the Holy Spirit”?
- Does the Holy Spirit indwell those who have never spoken in tongues?
- Do all speak in tongues?
- Must all speak in tongues?
- Read today’s passage from Paul again before we explore it tomorrow. Pull it apart and get all you can out of it.
- Take note of what Paul has included with this section. He has changed the focus for us? Why?
Here is the same passage in some different versions:
[CEV] God chose some people to be apostles and prophets and teachers for the church. But he also chose some to work miracles or heal the sick or help others or be leaders or speak different kinds of languages. Not everyone is an apostle. Not everyone is a prophet. Not everyone is a teacher. Not everyone can work miracles. Not everyone can heal the sick. Not everyone can speak different kinds of languages. Not everyone can tell what these languages mean. [GW] In the church God has appointed first apostles, next prophets, third teachers, then those who perform miracles, then those who have the gift of healing, then those who help others, those who are managers, and those who can speak in a number of languages. Not all believers are apostles, are they? Are all of them prophets? Do all of them teach? Do all of them perform miracles or have gifts of healing? Can all of them speak in other languages or interpret languages? [ISV] God has appointed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then those who perform miracles, those who have gifts of healing, those who help others, administrators, and various kinds of tongues. Not all are apostles, are they? Not all are prophets, are they? Not all are teachers, are they? Not all perform miracles, do they? Not all have the gift of healing, do they? Not all speak in tongues, do they? Not all interpret, do they? [MSG] You’re familiar with some of the parts that God has formed in his church, which is his “body”: apostles prophets teachers miracle workers healers helpers organizers those who pray in tongues. But it’s obvious by now, isn’t it, that Christ’s church is a complete Body and not a gigantic, unidimensional Part? It’s not all Apostle, not all Prophet, not all Miracle Worker, not all Healer, not all Prayer in Tongues, not all Interpreter of Tongues.And let’s have the ultimate version in many people’s view – the KJV. I couldn’t leave that out now could I?
[KJV] And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?Take note of the subtle differences and see if you can harmonise them. More tomorrow. Hint: this will help you answer the questions of belief above.
It is easier to get older than it is to get wiser.
Ian Vail
To succeed in life, you need three things: A wishbone, a backbone and a funnybone.
Ian Vail
As for me and my mouse, we will serve the Lord!
Ian Vail