The selection of an apostle was conditioned not only upon divine appointment but upon having been an eyewitness to the resurrected Christ (Acts 1:21). Jesus speaks to the Apostles in Acts 1:8, saying, … but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in…
The saints are equipped to serve through the work of Apostles, prophets (revelation), evangelists (first principles of the gospel of Christ), and pastors and teachers. As each serves, God’s people are being built up (edified). All of these have in common the role of teaching to build up the body of Christ. The work of…
In separating these gifts, we will note some key similarities and differences between them and why they are linked together as they are in the text. The reason these distinguished classes are listed together appears to be their common role in teaching. Both 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4 share the emphasis of the first…
Let’s attempt to put all the chapters together and see the relationship between them. When we reach the fourth chapter, we understand that the ultimate goal of completing the unity of the faith, and knowledge of Christ is accomplished through the gifts that God gave the called out body. Make no mistake, the body of…
Paul specifically mentions that the mystery was the bringing of Jew and Gentile in one body. The hostility and division was the issue and context of that day. The big picture of division starts with the scattering of man in the dispersion at Babel (Genesis 11) and the advancement of nations. Then, God’s choice to…
Paul’s role in this plan of God is recorded in Ephesians 3:1-13. He was an apostle of Jesus Christ. He and the other apostles and prophets uncovered the mystery revealed to them by the Spirit. It reads, “For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— Surely you have…
The significance of the events of the last days is important because it is in these days that the leadership of New Testament Christians is cast. It is for this reason that much of this book will include the use and meaning of the “last days” and the fulfillment of the events during that time….
Sometimes, people work hard to find some rationale for their conclusions. One fallacious reasoning that attempts to discredit the obvious application of time statements in the New Testament is to suggest that time is impervious to God. “One day with the Lord is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day.” It…
The content of the letters and epistles proves that bringing Jews and Gentiles together in one body was the goal of their work. 1 Corinthians 13 speaks of the miraculous gifts continuing until the coming of that which is complete or perfect, while Ephesians 4 speaks of the gifts being granted until “we attain to…
Paul specifically mentions that the mystery was the bringing of Jew and Gentile in one body. The hostility and division was the issue and context of that day. The big picture of division starts with the scattering of man in the dispersion at Babel (Genesis 11) and the advancement of nations. Then, God’s choice to…