Spiritual Gifts. Bible Research Group

Transcription

1 Spiritual Gifts Bible Research Group -- Literal Translation of the Holy Bible - Copyright

2 Spiritual Gifts -- Literal Translation of the Holy Bible - Copyright The Scriptural Source Paul has been writing to the church at Corinth. There was a definite need for them to having knowledge of spiritual gifts, and their function among Christians (1 Corinthians 12:1-12), "But concerning the spiritual matters, brothers, I do not wish you to be ignorant. You know that being led away, you nations were led to voiceless idols. Because of this I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, Jesus is a curse. And no one is able to say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit. And there are differences of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are differences of ministries, yet the same Lord. "And there are differences of workings, but the same God is working all things in all. And to each one is given the showing forth of the Spirit to our profit. "For through the Spirit is given to one a word of wisdom, and to another a word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; and to another, faith by the same Spirit, and to another, gifts of healing by the same Spirit, and to another, workings of powers, and to another, prophecy, and to another, discerning of spirits, and to another, kinds of languages, and to another, interpretation of languages. "But the one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing separately to each as He wills. Even as the body is one, and has many members, but all the members of the one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ." Paul begins with a list of three church offices, and then the first of a list of spiritual gifts. This passage gives a basic idea of the internal function of the church (1 Corinthians 12:27-28), "And you are Christ's body, and members in part. And God placed some in the church: firstly, apostles; secondly, prophets; thirdly, teachers; then works of power; then gifts of healing, helps, governings, kinds of languages." The list given above to the Corinthians is by no means complete. Paul also writes to the Romans, and both lists are not identical (Romans 12:4-8), "For even as we have many members in one body, but all members do not have the same function, so we the many are one body in Christ, and each one members of one another, but having different gifts according to the grace given to us, whether prophecy, according to the proportion of the faith; or ministry, in the ministry; or the one teaching, in the teaching; or the one exhorting, in the encouragement; the one sharing, in simplicity; the one taking the lead, in diligence; the one showing mercy, in cheerfulness."

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4 Jesus' Ministry When Jesus Christ was on earth, he only physically occupied one place at one time. Being the Son of God, he did many good things. His authority came from the Father in Heaven. Jesus speaks of himself (John 5:30), "I am able to do nothing from Myself; just as I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, for I do not seek My will, but the will of the One sending Me, the Father." And Jesus did many things during his ministry. John writes (John 21:25), "And there are also many things, whatever Jesus did, which if they were written singly, I suppose the world itself could not contain the books having been written. Amen." Greater Works Jesus knew that he was going to the cross. He promised his disciples that a greater ministry would happen through them, because he was going to his Father (John 14:11-14), "Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The Words which I speak to you I do not speak from Myself, but the Father who abides in Me, He does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me; but if not, believe Me because of the works themselves. "Indeed, I tell you truly, the one believing into Me, the works which I do, that one shall do also, and greater than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you may ask in My Name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My Name, I will do it." The dynamic would be that they would not be just one physical person, as Jesus was. But they would perform the ministry in greater numbers. Their authority would totally come from the one Savior, who is Jesus Christ, who received his authority from the Father. This is unity in the Spirit, which results in great works. And its potential is enormous. The Body of Believers But this ministry would not be confined to Jesus' disciples. In fact, it would be available to all believers. Jesus would act through them too. Under his authority, they would also do many great works. Jesus Christ is the head of the church (Colossians 1:18). He communicates with his believers, through his Spirit and his written Word. All Spiritual gifts are given by him to every believer at salvation (I Corinthians 12:11). To find out one's gift, then one communicates with the Lord. The principle is not much unlike that of the events after one's physical birth. Through one's parents, an individual learns what, and who, they are, and how they properly relate to the world. A new Christian is a new Spiritual child. It is the heavenly Father who teaches them the same things,

5 but more on a Spiritual level. Their physical being is their identity in the flesh. Their Spiritual gifts contribute to their identity in Jesus Christ. Many people hear the saying that the best thing is to be is to be oneself. For the Christian, the best advice is to be oneself in Jesus Christ. He has the first and last word on the subject. It's his authority, totally. And no one can take it away. Suffice it to say, one may feel a Spiritual calling. But one will feel a Spiritual burden. A gift is defined as an ability, or a tendency in the personality, whose presence cannot be explained except by the presence of the Holy Spirit. A gift is not an office, nor is it a talent. It is an on-going permanent act of God, within the Christian. And, like salvation, it cannot be earned, bought, added-on to (like adding more gifts), lost, or taken away. And, like salvation (John 1:13), it is not by the will of man. One can take comfort in the fact that it's not up to any religious authority, but by God alone. It detection, and use, depends largely upon one's prayer life. Jesus knew who he was about at twelve years old (Luke 2:49). And he spent hours, at a time, in prayer. Most Christians seem to have more than one gift. Paul had all of the gifts that he listed. Jesus displayed all of the gifts, in Scripture, except tongues. The proper attitude is one where one says, "I am gifted where you're not, and you're gifted where I'm not". And we come together to fill in each other's Spiritual weak places, and collectively become more like Jesus Christ. This is the gathering together of the church, as it is done scripturally. Jesus makes it clear (Matthew 18:20), "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst." Edifying Gifts The expression "to edify" 1 means to "be a house builder", "construct", "build-up", "embolden". The act of believers helping one another, through the act of the Holy Spirit, is part of a structure made by God. Paul makes a great use of this word: 2 (Ephesians 2:18-22), "For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. So, then, you are no longer strangers and tenants, but you are fellow citizens of the saints and of the family of God, being built up on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the cornerstone, in whom all the building being fitted together grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. " The emphasis is upon helping others. And God acts through his believers to help other people. It all depends upon Spirituality and daily prayer. Gifts of edification are the gifts that are in general use today in the church. And Scripture lists twelve of them: 1. Prophecy Romans 12:6; I Corinthians 12:10 Prophecy comes from a Greek word 3, meaning "to speak"4. It refers to proclamation, as guided by the Holy Spirit 5. It can refer to preaching 6. In Paul's writings, the prophet is not the seer predicting the future (as with the Old Testament prophets), but the recipient and preacher of the

6 word 7. With this gift, a Christian can stand up and preach, totally guided by the Holy Spirit, and without any notes. But there are Scriptural exceptions, such as preparation ahead of time. In any case, the word comes from God, through the Holy Spirit. 2. Teaching Romans 12:7; I Corinthians 12:28 Teaching was a function most highly connected with Jesus, in the Scripture, on a daily basis during his ministry. He was called "Rabbi", by those who followed and looked up to him (John 1:38, 49; 3:2, 6:25). In the Bible, teaching goes well beyond the secular definition of the importation of knowledge. Like the other gifts, it is a type of revelation that proceeds from God himself through the spiritually gifted teacher, to those being taught. Being a gift that helps one to impart the actual facts about God, and that it is often done in a close and informal atmosphere, it is one of the most important, and effective, kind of spiritual gifts. The proper use of it, throughout Scripture, only varies with God's revelation of himself, up to that time. In the Old Testament, the verb for teaching is the Hebrew word lamad 8. It is most often associated with its Greek counterpart in the New Testament 9. In the Old Testament, the concern of Biblical teaching was with the concern of the whole man and his education in the deepest sense 10. The object of teaching was what already existed at the time, and not the future proclamations expressed through prophecy 11. It was a separate function, which focused in on the exposition of the law as the sum of the revealed will of God 12. This resulted in the instruction for the relationship between the individual and God, on the one hand, and the neighbor on the other, according to the divine will of God 13. The law served as a revelation from God until Jesus Christ was revealed to us. Writing in the New Testament, in hindsight, Paul explains the teaching of the law (Galatians 3:24), "So that the Law has become a trainer of us until Christ, that we might be justified by faith." In the New Testament, the word for teaching is "didaskalia"14. Whereas the Old Testament used the law as a revealer of God's nature and pointed to the need of the future Savior, in the New Testament the ultimate teacher was the revealed Son of God himself. From that point on, teaching would follow his course and example. Since the law was fulfilled by him (Matthew 5:17; John 19:30), the focus would be in on his person, his Holy Spirit acting through the church (John 14:10-31), and as Savior and head of the church (Colossians 1:18). Since there is a deep personal relationship with the Savior for the Spiritual Christian, then there is a similar nature with the spiritually gifted teacher. There is a burning desire to share the kingdom of God with others, through teaching. And the ability comes from the Holy Spirit. Not everyone in the office of teacher has this Spiritual gift. But those that do are easy to find.

7 3. Wisdom I Corinthians 12:8 In the Hebrew and Greek cultures, wisdom breaks down into two basic definitions. On the human level, it refers to one who is clever and artistic 15. But on the highest level, it refers to a type of wisdom that is only available on the Godly level 16. This is being in tune with all moral standards, and nature itself. In the Bible, both in the Old and the New Testaments, it means a wisdom that comes from the only one true God, who acts through his believers. Another word for wisdom may be "Spiritual insight"17. Another definition can be the ability to apply knowledge, about the things of God, to everyday things 18. In the Old Testament, it is of the highest of qualities of people who are in a walk with God. Having just become king of Israel, and given a choice of things to receive from God, Solomon chose wisdom and knowledge. And he was granted much more than that (2 Chronicles 2:7-12). He was wiser than all men (I Kings 4:31). Having had the experience of wisdom from God, he writes of it in Scripture (Proverbs 8:11), "For wisdom is better than jewels, and all delights cannot be compared to it." Wisdom provides a special view of things. One is able to see things as God sees them, and not just from the earthly level (Proverbs 1:17), "For in vain the net is spread in the sight of every bird." And Solomon makes it very clear that this quality of wisdom is only available from God himself (Proverbs 9:10), "The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the Holy Ones is understanding." In the New Testament, James says the same thing (James 1:5), "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask from God, who gives to all freely and with no reproach, and it will be given to Him." And Paul speaks of the ungodly men who rely upon their own earthly wisdom, and not relying upon God's (Romans 1:21-25), "Because knowing God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful. But they became vain in their reasonings, and their undiscerning heart was darkened. "Professing to be wise, they became foolish and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into a likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things. "Because of this, God gave them up to impurity in the lusts of their hearts, their bodies to be dishonored among themselves, who changed the truth of God into the lie, and worshiped and served the created thing more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." We see the highest quality of wisdom in Jesus Christ himself, without exception. Jesus speaks of himself "...behold, a Greater-than-Solomon is here." (Matthew 12:42). In historical support of this, Luke writes of Jesus as a child (Luke 2:40),

8 "And the Child grew, and became strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom. And the grace of God was upon Him." Jesus had the education that was available to other Jewish children back then, in knowing about the law and the prophets. But, in handling this knowledge, his wisdom astounded the most prominent teachers of his time (Luke 2:46-47), "And it happened after three days they found Him in the temple sitting in the midst of the teachers, even hearing them and questioning them. And all those hearing Him were amazed at His intelligence and His answers." But although God's wisdom is available to all believers, some are gifted with it at the time of salvation, just like the other Spiritual gifts. Biblical insight comes natural to them. 4. Knowledge I Corinthians 12:8 The Greek understanding of knowledge is defined as the intelligent comprehension of a subject or matter 19. It is not an opinion. It embraces things as they really are 20. Therefore, it can have the sense of "to verify" or "to decide" 21. The Greek word, in the New Testament is "gnosko"22. It is an active word which has the sense of "to come to know", meaning the act of learning 23. It also has the sense of direct experience 24, especially, in the Bible, of the things of God. Since all truth comes from God, then knowledge of that truth should come from him as well. It is written in Scripture (Proverbs 1:7), "The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." In the New Testament, Paul also writes (Romans 11:33), "O the depth of the riches and of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!" The Christian with this gift has a Spiritual tendency to study and dig for facts for himself, especially Biblical ones. The importance of this gift is obvious. It keeps one close to the actual truths that are expressed within the word of God, which is the Bible. Many wrong opinions have a way of becoming major doctrine. This gift makes a good safeguard against false doctrine. The key thing to the use of the gift is that one tries to acquire knowledge from places where one is spiritually led. It's all tied to the will of God. And it's not just learning anything. And it's not all tied to the learning of Scripture. Sometimes the acquiring of certain secular knowledge is indicated by His will. There is much prayer involved. When Paul was preaching in Athens, at the Areopagus, he quoted two Greek non-christian poets during his sermon 25. And "some men believed" (Acts 17:34). In the gift of knowledge, there is often a burning desire to find out the facts for one's self. Just accepting a common accepted view is not enough. And it sometimes results in having to go against the common perception of the masses. A Spiritually-gifted person in knowledge, with no more than a high school diploma, can research circles around a secular Ph. D., who is not led by the Spirit. This often results in a lot of stirred-up jealousy within a church, which is not Scriptural. Knowledge is a ministry, just like the other gifts.

9 5. Spiritual Discernment I Corinthians 12:10 The Greek word is "diakrisis"26, which has several meanings, including "separation", "distinction", "appraisal", "exposition", and "differentiation"27. The Bible makes it very clear that there are both good and evil spirits. Paul writes that the world is in a spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-12), "For the rest, my brothers, be made powerful in the Lord and in the might of His strength. Put on all the armor of God, for you to be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil, because wrestling against flesh and blood is not to us, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world's rulers, of the darkness of this age, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenlies." Then there is the ability to sense between good and evil spirits. The writer of Hebrews says this to the new Christians, and that they will develop this during their Spiritual growth (Hebrews 5:12-14), "For indeed because of the time you are due to be teachers, yet you need to have someone to teach you again the rudiments of the beginning of the Words of God, and you came to be having need of milk, and not of solid food; for everyone partaking of milk is without experience in the Word of righteousness, for he is an infant. "But solid food is for those full grown, having exercised the faculties through habit, for distinction of both good and bad." But aside from the mature Christians, there are those who are specially gifted for this type of ministry. Simon Peter showed this (Acts 5:1-5), "But a certain man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a property, and kept back from the price, his wife also aware of it, and bringing a certain part, he put it at the feet of the apostles. "But Peter said, Ananias, why did Satan fill your heart for you to lie to the Holy Spirit and to secretly keep back from the price of the land? Remaining, did it not remain yours? And being sold, was it not in your authority? Why is it that this action was put into your heart? You did not lie to men, but to God! "And hearing these words, Ananias fell down and expired. And great fear came on all those hearing these things." How did Peter know this? He had this gift, and the Holy Spirit was acting through him. 6. Exhortation Romans 12:8 Exhortation refers to consoling help 28. It is the Greek word "paraklesis"29. And it comes from two root words, which together mean to "call alongside"30. It is most identified with the Spirit-led function of pastoral exhortation.

10 Normally, the call comes from the person in need. But scripturally, the call comes from God himself, since it is his ministry acted out through the Christian 31. The meaning of the word has Old Testament roots. It is the word nacham 32, meaning "to console". The need is illustrated in Zechariah: "For the family idols speak iniquity, and the divining ones have seen a lie and have told false dreams. They comfort in vain. On account of this, they wandered like a flock. They were troubled because there was no shepherd." (Zechariah 10:2). The active sense of God's direct comfort is shown in Scripture (Isaiah 57:18), "His ways I have seen, but I will heal him, and will lead him and complete comforts to him and to his mourners." The most famous Scriptural use of this expression comes from Isaiah s prophecy about the future Savior, Jesus Christ (Isaiah 40:1-3), "Comfort, O comfort My people, says your God. Speak lovingly to the heart of Jerusalem; yea, cry to her that her warfare is done, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she has taken from the hand of Jehovah double for all her sins. The voice of him who cries in the wilderness: Prepare the way of Jehovah; make straight in the desert a highway for our God." There is a feel-good aspect to ministry, especially in hard times. And some Christians are especially gifted at it. In a church, it's amazing that it's always that same person who is there to listen and say the right things. 7. Faith I Corinthians 12:9 Faith is a special word in such a list. One cannot please God without it (Hebrews 11:6). Therefore, it is, to some extent, common to all Christians. And it is the only word used both in Spiritual gifts and the "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22). Faith has an Old Testament root. It is the Hebrew word "aman"33, from where we get the declarative word "amen". It has the sense of to "believe"34, to "trust"35, to "obey"36, and to be "trustworthy"37. Although the act of faith is basic to all Christians, there are some who are specially gifted. It is just easy for them to believe. They can accomplish a great deal, through prayer, and inspire others to do also. But the gift of faith is not limited to the physically healthy people. Sometimes it exists within those who have seemingly no end of problems, especially illness or other physical problems. Their faith, through their problems, becomes an example to others. There are many cases of pastors visiting a bed-ridden patient, who has this gift. And the pastor is the one who winds up being ministered to. The apostle Paul had an affliction, though not bed-ridden. He continued in his faith. He writes (II Corinthians 12:7-10), "And by the superabundance of the revelations, that I not be made arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, that he might buffet me, that I not be made haughty.

11 "Beyond this I entreated the Lord three times, that it depart from me. And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness. "Therefore, I will rather gladly boast in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may overshadow me. Because of this, I am pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in dire needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for the sake of Christ. For when I may be weak, then I am powerful." A person, with the gift of faith, can be used in many ways. But it's all within the will of God. 8. Helpers I Corinthians 12:28 The word "helpers"38 means the help, in such a way that it does not involve a miraculous character 39. It is an activity of love within the community of the church. When a particular gift is not strictly an ability, then it comes under a tendency within the personality. It comes from the act of the Holy Spirit. Some Christian, of probably no more than average musical ability, may love being in the church choir. Another person helps provide the coffee for the Sunday school class, each Sunday morning. There is always the person who is there, doing reliable things consistently. And many times, it's not appreciated by others until that person's absence. It's a quiet type of ministry, but a very powerful one. 9. Giving Romans 12:8 It is often a complaint by pastors that eighty per-cent of the offering is given by twenty per-cent of the members of the congregation. Perhaps this is by Spiritual design. The act of giving is a type of ministry that all Christians should share in. But, in the New Testament, all true scriptural ministries are Spirit-led. And there are some people who are provided with a Spiritual sense of drive to make giving their main focus of ministry. In the text, the literal translation of the Greek 40 word is "sharing". This is supported, in context, by the new Spirit-filled believers on the famous day at Pentecost. They just found themselves doing these things, including sharing (Acts 2:44-47), "And all the believers were together and had all things common. And they sold possessions and goods and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need. "And continuing steadfastly with one mind day by day in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they shared food in gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. "And the Lord added to the church those being saved from day to day." The root Greek word, for the word "sharing", is "giving"41. Behind it is the idea of the gift of love, and not merely obligation 42. Jesus himself is the ultimate expression of the use of this word for giving (Mark 10:45),

12 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Historically, it should be mentioned, in non-biblical writings, that this expression was used for the death of martyrs among the Jews and the soldiers among the Greeks Ministry Romans 12:7 Ministry, in the New Testament, comes from the Greek word diakonia 44, which is used for any "discharge of service" in genuine love 45. It is a verb form of the noun from where we get the word "deacon". It is regarded as all significant activity for the edification for the community, a distinction made in its type of activity 46. Whereas the gift of exhortation centers around comforting others in time of need, ministry covers a much broader area. Ministry is focused in upon meeting the need itself. An example is given in Acts 6, as the apostles delegated certain types of ministry to specially gifted believers (Acts 6:1-7), "But in those days, the disciples having multiplied, a murmuring of the Hellenists toward the Hebrews occurred, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving. "And having called near the multitude of the disciples, the Twelve said, It is not pleasing to us, having left the Word of God, to serve tables! Then brothers, be looking for men among you receiving testimony, seven men full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint over this need. But we shall continue steadfast in prayer and the service of the Word! "And the saying was pleasing before all the multitude. And they chose out Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, each of whom they made stand before the apostles. "And having prayed, they placed their hands on them. And the Word of God was increasing, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was multiplying exceedingly. Even a great crowd of the priests were attending to the faith!" 11. Mercy Romans 12:8 In the New Testament, mercy is the Greek word heleos 47, and it is most often used for the divinely required of man to man 48. Besides having mercy, it can also refer to performing acts of loving kindness 49. The most famous verse, about mercy, was given at the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:7), "Blessed are the merciful! For they shall obtain mercy." One possible example may be that of a child who, for some reason, is suddenly alone, and needs a ride home from church. And a Christian adult suddenly says, "Let me! I'll take the child home". And it's usually always that same person. It's a Spirit-fed tendency in the personality. It's their gift.

13 12. Leadership I Corinthians 12:28 Within an active ministry, someone has to organize things. Realistically, this is done by a number of people. Some may be involved in strategy for new ministries. Others are involved in ministries that already exist. Some have the vision on improving older ministries. And some have the function of handling emergencies that sometimes appear within the congregation. All are important. The Greek word for this gift is kubernesis 50. It literally means "the helmsman of a ship"51. This same Greek word is used in the experience of Paul (Acts 27:11), "But the centurion was rather persuaded by the helmsman and the ship master, than by the things spoken by Paul." In speaking of the judgment on Rome, the term "ship-pilot" is used, for this same word (Revelation 18:17-18), "For in one hour such great wealth was desolated. And every ship-pilot and all company on the ships, and sailors, and as many as work the sea, stood from afar, and cried out, seeing the smoke of her burning, saying, What is like the great city?" In the body of Christ, Paul has this same view of the helmsman of the congregation. The importance of the helmsman increases in the time of a storm 52. The church may endure sickness, persecution, attacks on Biblical doctrine, or other things. The church back then was in a much more fluid state than it is today 53. But the modern church, even in peaceful times, needs decisive leadership as well. And some people are gifted, for leadership, by the Holy Spirit. Sign Gifts When Jesus was in the world, the only Scripture available, at the time, was what we now know as the Old Testament. Its prophecies predicted the coming of the Savior. But many learned men would question his being the coming Son of God. It seemed natural that he would perform miracles, as some of the prophets did back in much earlier times. And the Scripture is very clear that he did perform many miracles, which included, among other things, healing and raising people from the dead. These were signs of his coming. And they would also be signs of the coming of the New Testament. Jesus said that his disciples would do even greater works, through him (John 14). Among their Spiritual gifts would include sign gifts, which would have the effect of validating their message about Jesus Christ. This came to pass after his crucifixion, resurrection, and later ascension into heaven. Viewing them historically, the sign gifts were temporary. Since the Bible is a finished work, such validation is rarely needed today. We can compare what we know to the written word.

14 1. Kinds of Tongues I Corinthians 12:10 The miracle is that of a believer speaking in a language that he had never learned. The Greek word used is glossa 54, which means "speech"55. The New Testament uses the word "tongue", referring to the organ of speech 55. Biblically, the use of this gift is an act of the Holy Spirit. There were three recorded occasions, during the early expansion of the church, that tongues were used: 1. The most famous occasion involving the day of Pentecost, where people, from different nations, were hearing in their own language (Acts 2:5-6), "And Jews were living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation of those under the heaven. But this sound occurring, the multitude came together and were confounded, because they each heard them speaking in his own dialect." 2. Then there was the salvation of the gentiles. This use of tongues was a sign that they were in possession of the Holy Spirit, thus defining their Christianity (Acts 10:44-48), "As Peter was yet speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those hearing the Word. And the faithful of the circumcision were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on the nations also. "For they heard them speaking in languages and magnifying God. Then Peter answered, Can anyone forbid the water that these not be baptized, who the Holy Spirit received, even as we also? "And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to remain some days." 3. Finally, there was the conversion of the twelve disciples, of Paul, at Ephesus. There was a possibility that they were gentiles 56 (Acts 19:5-7), "And hearing, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. And Paul laying hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in languages and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve." In looking back through Acts, in context, the activity of speaking in tongues appears to be directed towards the Jewish people. First, it is shown to Jews at Pentecost. Then the next two times, it is used to validate the presence, of the Holy Spirit, in gentiles, which was something that Jewish Christians would want to know. But it is important to remember that speaking in tongues can also be fabricated by demonic forces, and therefore not be biblical. We first see the Biblical use at Pentecost, but there were demonic uses, in other cultures, existing before Jesus Christ came into the world. It was used by the enthusiastic cult of the Thracian Dionysus 58. And it was written of by Plato 59. So one must be careful that it is done by the Holy Spirit, otherwise it is a great sin. In fact, Paul downplays the use of tongues in I Corinthians 14, since it is not an edifying gift. He

15 makes it very clear as to its original purpose (I Corinthians 14:22), "So that tongues are not a sign to those believing, but to those not believing. But prophecy is not to those not believing, but to those believing." Therefore, since we have the completed Bible, tongues are largely not necessary, even though, on very rare occasions, there have been legitimate uses in the foreign mission field toward primitive peoples. But even then, the written word was enough. 2. Interpretation of Tongues I Corinthians 12:10 There is always the possibility that the unknown language is unknown by others in the congregation. Then there is the gift of interpretation, to inform them what has been spoken. The Greek word used is hermeneia 60, and it means "to interpret", "to expound", or "to explain"61. Paul writes (I Corinthians 14:5), "And I wish all of you to speak in languages, but rather that you may prophesy. For the one prophesying is greater than the one speaking in tongues, unless he interpret, that the church may receive building up." 3. Miracles I Corinthians 12:10 The real meaning of miracles, in the Greek, is "power". It is the word dunamis 62. It refers first to the miraculous power of Christ 63. One of the obvious uses of it is the power over demonic forces 64, which can cover a broad area of needs. Beyond this, the apostolic use is not totally clear. 4. Healing I Corinthians 12:9 The miracle of healing is a concept that exists in a number of ancient cultures 65. Healing from the one true God goes back to the Old Testament 66. Belief in him quickly discredited magic in Israel 67, where early medical practice probably went back to the Egyptians, during the captivity 68. Old Testament examples of miraculous healing include the account of the brazen serpent (Numbers 21:8), and the cleansing of Naaman (II Kings 5). The raising of the dead (1 Kings 17:20 and 2 Kings 4:33) were answers to prayer. In the New Testament, the prime example of a healer was Jesus Christ. The Greek word for healing is iaomai 69. All of the gospels use this word in describing the miraculous healing work of Jesus, especially Luke 70. Once, Jesus sent his disciples out by themselves to perform ministry. He gave them, among other abilities, the ability to heal (Matthew 10). After Jesus' ministry, the miraculous healing became a regular part of the apostolic ministry (Acts 3:1; 8:7; 9:32; 14:7; 28:8). Like the Old Testament, it was from God. And it highly differentiated itself from magic (Acts 8:18; 19:13, 10). It appears to be a function where one can heal others, through God's power, seemingly at will. It

16 is not to be confused with the gift of faith. And nowhere do we see Christians healing one another in Scripture. It was a sign for the non-believer. Like the other sign gifts, it is not generally seen today in the church. Conclusion Jesus Christ had all of the Spiritual gifts, even though we don't see tongues as one of his miracles. As far as we know, Paul had all of the listed Spiritual gifts. He lists them in Romans 12 and I Corinthians 12. Each Christian has at least one or more gifts. And the church is filled with people who have diversities of gifts, who all come together spiritually into one unified collective body. Within, there is unity, diversity, and harmony, all of them under one Lord. Jesus decides who gets what gifts at salvation. These cannot be added to, nor taken from. One may lose an office within the church, but the gift remains forever. Paul makes it very clear about Jesus' authority over the gifts (I Corinthians 12:11), "But the one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing separately to each as He wills." He is the head of the body, which is the church (Colossians 1:18). He communicates with us through his Spirit. Therefore, all unity, in the body, is within Jesus Christ. Paul again makes it very clear (Ephesians 4:4-8), "There is one body and one Spirit, even as you also were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, the One above all and through all and in you all. "But to each one of us was given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Because of this, He says, "Having gone up on high, He led captivity captive," and gave "gifts to men." Spiritual unity is the miracle of the body of Christ, and it's all achieved through prayer. Jesus himself made it very clear, praying at the Last Supper table (John 17:20-23), "And I do not pray concerning these only, but also concerning those who will believe in Me through their word; that all may be one, as You are in Me, Father, and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. "And I have given them the glory which You have given Me, that they may be one, as We are One: I in them, and You in Me, that they may be perfected in one; and that the world may know that You sent Me and loved them, even as You loved Me." Spiritual re-birth is similar to physical birth, except that it's Spiritual. One discovers whom one's Spiritual Father is. And through that Father, one learns who and what one is, and what one should do in Christ. It takes prayer, experience, and the voice of God. Bible Research Group

17 Footnotes 1.oikodomeo - (Greek: Strong's number 3618). 2. Theological Dictionary of the new Testament [Kittel] V: prophetaia - (Greek: Strong's number 4394). 4. Kittel, VI: Ibid., p Ibid., p.832, item Ibid., p lamad - (Hebrew: Strong s number 3925). It is used 73 times in the Old Testament: to learn (23 times), skillful (1), taught (9), to teach (38), accustomed (1), instructed (1). 9. Kittel II:136. There are two other Hebrew words used for teaching in the Old Testament: "yasar" (Strong's number 3256), and is most often associated with punishment; The same can be said for the other word "mosar" (Strong's number 4581), and can also mean "instruction", like from a parent. Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament (TDOT), VI: Ibid., p Ibid. 12. Ibid. 13. Ibid. 14. didaskalia - (Greek: Strong's number 1319). It occurs in some 95 places in the New Testament, with roughly two-thirds in the gospels and the first part of Acts, and 10 in Paul's letters. 15. Kittel VII:468, Ibid. p New Bible Dictionary [NBD], p Ibid., p Kittel I: Ibid., p Ibid., p gnosko - (Greek: Strong's number 1108). 23. Kittel, ibid., p Ibid. 25. The poets were Epimenides the Cretan and Aratus (a Stoic). F.F. Bruce, "Paul: The Apostle of the Heart Set Free", p Strong's number Kittel III: Kittel V: Strong's number para - (Greek: Strong's number 3844), meaning "from beside"; kaleo - (Greek: Strong's number 2564), meaning "to call". 31. Kittel, ibid., pp nacham - (Hebrew: Strong's number 5162).

18 33. aman - (Hebrew: Strong's number 539); Kittel VI: Kittel, ibid. 35. Ibid. 36. Ibid. 37. Ibid., p antilempsis - (Greek: Strong's number 484). 39. Kittel I: metadidomi - (Greek: Strong's number 3330). 41. didomi - (Greek: Strong's number 1325). 42. Kittel II: I Maccabees 6: diakonia - Greek: Strong's number 1248). 45. Kittel, ibid., p Ibid. 47. heleos - (Greek: Strong's number 1653). 48. Kittel. ibid., p Ibid., p kubernesis - (Greek: Strong's number 2941). 51. Kittel III: Ibid., p Ibid. 54. glossa - (Greek: Strong's number 1100). 55. Kittel I: Ibid., p F.F. Bruce, "The Acts of the Apostles", p Kittel, ibid., p Ibid. 59. Ibid. 60. hermeneia - (Greek: Strong's number 2058). 61. Kittel II: dunamis - (Greek: Strong's number 1411). 63. Kittel, ibid., p Ibid. 65. Kittel III: Ibid., p Ibid., p Ibid. 69. iaomai - (Strong's number 2390). 70. Kittel, ibid., p.204.

19 Bibliography Botterweck, G. Johannes, and Ringgren, Helmer (ed.), Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament, 15 vols., William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Brenton, Sir Lancelot Charles Lee, The Septuagint with Apocrypha: Greek and English, Samuel Bagster & Sons, Ltd., London, 1851, Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody, Maryland, Bruce, F.F., Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, The Acts of the Apostles, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Douglas, J.D. (ed.), New Bible Dictionary, 2nd ed., Tyndale House, Wheaton, Illinois, Green, Jay P. (ed.), The Interlinear Bible, Peabody, Massachusetts, 1985 Kittel, Gerard, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, 10 vols., Grand Rapids, Michigan, Strong, James, S.T.D., LL.D., Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, World Publishing, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1890.