The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity
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A ministry is <strong>the</strong> sphere in which one exercises his spiritual gifts. This sphere may refer to a<br />
certain group <strong>of</strong> people, as Peter was sent to <strong>the</strong> Jews while Paul was sent to <strong>the</strong> Gentiles (Gal.<br />
2:7-8). Or this sphere may refer to a certain geographical area, as God calls some <strong>of</strong> His children<br />
to a ministry on a foreign field but wants o<strong>the</strong>rs to live for Him in <strong>the</strong>ir home country.<br />
Certain <strong>of</strong>fices, which represent <strong>the</strong> institutionalization <strong>of</strong> some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> gifts, were appointed by<br />
Christ for <strong>the</strong> functioning <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> local church (Eph. 4:11-12).<br />
Purpose: Establish and Supervise Churches<br />
THE GIFT OF THE APOSTLE<br />
(I Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11-16; 2:19-20)<br />
Definition: “<strong>The</strong> special ability that God gives to certain members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> body <strong>of</strong> Christ to<br />
assume and exercise general leadership over a number <strong>of</strong> churches with an extraordinary authority<br />
in spiritual matters which is spontaneously recognized and appreciated by those churches.” 1<br />
Description: <strong>The</strong> word “apostle” means “one sent out” or “one sent forth.” It occurs 77<br />
times in <strong>the</strong> New Testament. An apostle had a special commission and authority during New<br />
Testament times. Jesus Christ is “<strong>the</strong> Apostle” (Heb. 3:1).<br />
<strong>The</strong> Twelve when referred to as apostles is a restricted use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> term apostle (Acts 1:26;<br />
Rev. 21:14). Matthias was chosen to replace Judas (Acts 1:15-26). He thus became known as one<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Twelve (Acts 2:14; 6:2; 9:27; I Cor. 15:5,7). Matthias was chosen by <strong>the</strong> 120 assembled at<br />
Jerusalem, waiting for <strong>the</strong> advent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Holy</strong> <strong>Spirit</strong>, at <strong>the</strong> suggestion and under <strong>the</strong> supervision<br />
<strong>of</strong> Peter. O<strong>the</strong>rs named “apostle” in addition to <strong>the</strong> original Twelve:<br />
• Paul (Acts 14:4,14; Rom. 1:1; I Cor. 9:1-5; II Cor. 1-13).<br />
• Barnabas (Acts 14:4,14; I Cor. 9:5-6).<br />
• Adronicus and Junias (Rom. 16:7). <strong>The</strong> name Junias could be ei<strong>the</strong>r male or female.<br />
Many argue it is more likely female. If so, that means a woman in <strong>the</strong> early church<br />
was an apostle.<br />
• Titus (II Cor. 8:23).<br />
• Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:25).<br />
• Apollos (I Cor. 4:6,9)<br />
• James (Gal. 1:19; 2:9)<br />
• Silas (Silvanus) and Timothy (I <strong>The</strong>ss. 1:1; 2:7)<br />
• “Apostles <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> churches (II Cor. 8:23) and “All <strong>the</strong> apostles” (I Cor. 15:1-7).<br />
Obviously this refers to a larger group than <strong>the</strong> Twelve.