CHAPTER 3. THE NEW TESTAMENT MINISTRIES, THEIR GIFTS AND WORK. Eph.4v11.

In 1Cor.12v18,28., we read that God has "set" the members in the body according to His will and plan, "kathos ethelesen." "Set" is "etheto," the aorist indicative middle of "tithemi," the middle voice indicates that God did it for His own use, and "kathos ethelesen," for His own will, plans and purposes. In 1Cor.12v28., Paul again uses the aorist indicative middle "etheto," to emphasise that God has "set" the ministries in the body for His purposes. It is, therefore, essential for the Church members and ministries to find out what God desires them to do, and not just try to fulfil their own plans. Theologians who state that God no longer places miraculous ministries in the Church, resist God's will, and refuse to accept His Divine appointments, and persecute His ministries. The Divine "Woe," is upon them. Lk.11v46-52. Rom.9v20.

We will limit our discussion to the ministry gifts mentioned both in 1Cor.12v28. and Eph.4v11., that is, apostles, prophets, teachers who are pastors as well, and evangelists. We must remember that people with the same ministry gift can vary very considerably in their spiritual authority and power. Gal.2v6-9. 2Cor.11v5. 12v11. A Christian can have a prophetic or teaching ministry that is only for the local church, whereas others, like Barnabus, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen and Saul, Acts.13v1., had such great ministries that they were called of God to establish infant churches in the faith. In the same way an evangelist may have such a great and conspicuous ministry that he travels outside of his local area, at the direction of God, to evangelise and establish churches. We also need to note that all the higher ministries possess, in greater or less measure, the lower ministries, indeed, one could not be an apostle unless they had some prophetic, teaching and evangelistic gift above the normal standard expected in a local ministry.

In Acts.13v1-4., we see Paul and Barnabus, both of whom had prophetic and teaching ministries, given an apostolic mission after their tender and faithful oversight of the infant church at Antioch and other places. Unless the local church gives pride of place to developing prophetic ministries, it will never see genuine New Testament apostolic ministry. The local church, not a theological institute, good as some of these may be, is God's supreme choice for the development of His ministry gifts, and this development can only take place where there is a genuine New Testament body ministry. This is why Paul urged Christians to seek after prophecy and the revelation gifts and to act as a complete body. 1Cor.12v1 to 14v40.

A. "FIRSTLY APOSTLES."

We read in 1Cor.12v28., that apostles are "placed, appointed, and set in the Church by God," and as long as the Church exists God will exercise His prerogative. Apostles, like all the other ministries, are permanently set in the Church, "en tei ekklesia," by God during this age. It is only rank unbelief and a resistance to God's Word and Spirit that makes Christians say that God has amended this Scripture, and now only appoints non-miraculous ministries. Apostolic ministry is looked upon as the most important ministry of the Church by God. Who are we to resist His will?

In the New Testament we see the chief apostle, our Lord Jesus Christ, Heb.1v2.; then there are the twelve apostles who had a unique position, and were chosen by Christ after a night of prayer. Mk.3v13-19. Lk.6v12-16. Mt.10v1-5. Acts.1v13,26. After the apostasy of Judas, the remaining eleven apostles taught others their hallowed memories of Christ's life, glory, and His public and private teaching, they also enjoyed additional special revelation and outstanding personal spiritual experiences. See Acts.1v1-4., for Christ's 40 days of ministry to them after His resurrection. It is interesting to note how many brothers were in the twelve, Simon Peter and his brother Andrew; James and his brother John; Philip seems to have been Bartholomew's brother, otherwise known as Nathanael, Lk.6v14. with Jn.1v43-51.; James the son of Alphaeus could have been the brother of Matthew as well as the brother of Judas, not Iscariot. Tradition says that James the son of Alphaeus was brother to Matthew, Simon Zealotes, and Judas, not Iscariot. Lk.6v16. Families, who have learned to live together and love one another, can be really used by God, they are a strong unit for God, if they keep close to Him.

There are other apostles besides the original twelve mentioned in the New Testament, Matthias, Acts.1v26.; Paul and Barnabus, 1Cor.9v5,6. Acts.14v4,14. Gal.2v9.; Apollos, 1Cor.4v6-9.; Timothy and Silas, 1Thes.1v1. 2v6.. "Messengers" in Greek can sometimes mean "apostles," Epaphroditus and Titus could have been apostles, the word for "messenger" in Phil.2v23. is "apostolos," and "messengers" in 2Cor.8v23 is "apostoloi," it could mean that Titus and Epaphroditus were "sent-ones" of the churches as distinct from the "sent-ones" of God, but they could have been apostles for God as well as men. James the Lord's half brother, also became an apostle. Gal.1v19. 2v6. James1v1. It is also possible that Andronicus and Junia were apostles, they had been Christians before Paul, and had suffered imprisonment with him it seems from the words "fellow-prisoners." Rom.16v7. "Of note among the apostles" could mean "highly esteemed among the apostles," but it probably more likely that they were "distinguished among the apostles," or literally, "stamped, marked, bearing a mark, among the apostles." They had by their suffering for Christ certainly fulfilled an essential qualification for apostleship. 1Cor.4v9-13. If Junia was an apostle, it could mean that there was one woman apostle. Church leaders of the first few centuries have written that Junia was a woman, and that she was also an apostle. Leaving all conjecture aside, we see around 20 apostles in the New Testament Scriptures.

"Apostle" was used by the Greeks to speak of any responsible person "sent" by someone who did a job for them. There were throughout the Middle East thousands of people called "apostles" in the business and political world, who were sent to do work for their master or ruler. "Apostle" means literally "one sent forth," from "apo" meaning "from," and "stello" meaning "to send." Apostles in the Church are, and were, the messengers, workers and "sent-ones" of God, with "a mission," "apostolee," from God. Acts.1v25. Rom.1v5. 1Cor.9v2. Gal.2v8. The ministries of prophet, teacher and evangelist may be "sent" on a mission by God, as were the ministries of Acts.13v1., and Agabus and Philip, but this does not mean that they had the ministry or authority of apostles. Apostles were Christians who were sent by God with His full delegated authority, and fully equipped by God to found and care for churches. The New Testament shows the ministry of apostles consisted of the following qualities and gifts.

1. "The most eminent Apostles" had great spiritual power and spiritual revelation from Christ. 2Cor.11v5. 12v11.

A miraculous ministry was an essential part of apostolic ministry, whether a person was a major or minor apostle. Apostles had a heavenly power and commission that manifested itself in miracles, it was not a formal title, it was a ministry and commission from Christ. Gal.1v1. 2Cor.12v12. 1Cor.9v1,2. Col.1v11. The miracles that God performed through apostles gave them great ability to win converts and found churches. The "chiefest apostles" also had a great prophetic revelation from God, and it seems that it was this difference in degree of revelation ministry that made the difference between major and minor apostles. 1Cor.9v1,2. 2Cor.11v5. 12v11,12. It is only those who have had this kind of tremendous revelation of God, and from God, who can stand true in the malicious persecution that comes against those who have a truly apostolic ministry. Apostles had Christ's truth and mighty gifts and keys of authority to open doors of blessing and healing, but it was all because of God's grace. Mt.16v19. 18v18,19. Jn.20v23. Jesus alone has the keys to eternal life, or death. Rev.1v18. Rev.3v7. Is.22v22.

2. Apostles had a God-given ability to pastor churches.

What the young apostles of Christ lacked in age they received through contact with their Lord, and through His gifts. They later exercised a pastoral care of the flock, as we see from Christ's instructions to Peter. Jn.21v15-17. Once a church was founded the work of an apostle was pastoral, so apostles needed great fruits of character and a real love for their converts. They had to be spiritual fathers to the flock, not just teachers, Paul said that the Corinthians had many teachers, but not many fathers. 1Cor.4v15. Paul speaks of "all patience," and "much patience." 2Cor.6v4. 12v12. Great power demands great grace, and the need for tenderness towards God's babes. Acts.4v33. Gal.4v19. 1Cor.9v1. We see from 1Thes.2v5-13., the tender feelings that Paul and his associates had towards their converts, it is an example that every ministry should imitate. There was no flattery, covetousness, or self-seeking, by Paul and his companions, they were gentle and affectionate to their converts. The whole aim of the apostolic ministries was to bring people into living contact with God, and to establish Christian fellowships that were dominated by "agape" love. Paul totally rejected any thought of glorifying himself, or of increasing his sphere of influence, or of establishing a personal kingdom or denomination. He recognised that apostolic ministry demanded a tender love for people, and a willingness to give his all for the welfare and blessing of people, just as his Lord had done. 1Thes.2v8.

3. Apostles were responsible for the foundation of Christian doctrine.

Apostles laid the necessary foundation of faith, we read in Acts.2v42., that the converts at Jerusalem "continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine." Eph.3v5. God fully equipped His Church with the doctrine for this age, at the start of this age, so no one can now lay claim to new doctrine outside of the Scriptures. Anyone who does so charges God with folly, because they suggest that God allowed His Church to carry on without vital truth for nearly 2,000 years. The Scriptures are the only foundation for doctrine and practice, any claim to vital new revelation on doctrine should be treated as heretical. New doctrinal revelation is not given today, even to people with a genuine apostolic ministry. Eph.2v20. 3v5. Rev.22v18,19. Acts.15v28. 1Cor.2v13. 1Thes.4v15. 1Jn.5v9-13. We can receive personal guidance from God, but not new doctrinal revelation.

The apostles were inspired in their doctrine, because they received it directly from Jesus, but they were not infallible in other things. Peter denied his Lord, and on another occasion had to be corrected by Paul. Lk.22v54-62. Gal.2v6,11-14. Acts.14v15. From Acts.17v10-12., we see that the Bereans carefully examined Paul's apostolic teaching in the light of the Scriptures, and they were said to be "noble-minded" because of this. These sincere people believed Paul's teaching, when they found that it was foreshadowed in the Old Testament, and was wholly in agreement with God's previous revelations to His children. 1Thes.5v21. 1Jn.4v1-5. Heb.8v5. 10v1. The vague shadows of the Old Testament were illuminated by divine revelation. Eph.3v1-11. The apostles taught eternal Old Testament moral truth with the new Christian truth, this truth was passed on to other Christians with a teaching ministry. We see Timothy teaching local elders in 2Tim.2v2.. Paul had valuable helpers who were able to assist him in the foundation and care of churches. Acts.17v10-15. Col.4v7. etc.

4. Apostles had a God-given ability to develop spiritual ministry in their converts.

Apostles experienced in some measure certain aspects of prophetic ministry, particularly in the impartation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit to Christians. Paul wanted to visit the Roman church in order to share and impart some "spiritual grace-gift," "charisma pneumatikon," to them. Rom.1v10,11. The first essential was to get the converts baptised in the Holy Spirit and manifesting spiritual gifts, so that they could edify themselves and minister Christ's power and love to others. Acts.1v4-8. 2v4. 8v15-18. 9v17. 10v44-48. 19v1-6. Paul did not just give intellectual teaching on doctrine, essential as this is, he brought his converts into a living experience of God, His gifts, and His truth. Paul, like Moses of old, had the power and authority to impart spiritual gifts and spiritual ministry. Deut.34v9.

We see from Col.2v1-5., that Paul watched over the condition of churches by the revelation gifts of the Holy Spirit, and exercised the gift of faith in prayer to transform the lives of Christians he had never met in the flesh. Gal.4v19. In Cor.5v1-5., we see that Paul was present in spirit in the Corinthian Church, when the man who had committed incest with his father's wife was being disciplined, and he exercised spiritual power in that discipline. We need to remember that Paul did not only rely upon spiritual revelation for knowledge about the churches under his care, he also wrote letters, and relied on the reports of others about the spiritual progress of his converts.

5. Apostles were responsible for appointing elders in the churches they founded.

The New Testament states that Paul ordained elders in all the churches that he founded, and instructed Titus and Timothy to do the same and told them the qualifications that an elder must have. Titus.1v5-10. 1Tim.3v1-7. Acts.14v23. However, their choice was not autocratic or arbitrary, they chose those who the local Christians had confidence in. The popular will of the local Christians was prayerfully considered, for they knew which leaders were trustworthy, godly, wise and spiritual, and to whom the Holy Spirit had given a definite ministry. The advice and agreement of the local people was sought, and they nominated those who had the necessary qualifications of character and spirituality to perform this ministry.

The local church, then, had an important say in the ordination of both elders and deacons. Acts.1v25,26. 6v2-6. 14v23. Elders were chosen by the popular vote, and ordained by elders as well as apostles, in the will of the Holy Spirit. Acts.20v28. 14v23. 1Tim.3v2-13. 4v14. In Acts.14v23., "appointed," is "cheirotonesantes," the aorist active participle of "cheirotoneo" from "cheirotonos," which means" extending the hand," it is derived from " cheir," "hand," and "teino," "to stretch." It means "to vote and elect by a show of hands," and as in 2Cor.8v18,19., to appoint with the approval of an assembly of people. Ellicott says of Acts.14v23.: "The word for ordained occurs in the New Testament here and in 2Cor 8v19., where it is translated 'chosen' and certainly seems to imply popular election (election by a show of hands), which is, indeed, the natural meaning of the word." Quote ends. The seven deacons of Acts.6v1-6., were first selected by the Jerusalem church, and then chosen, "eklego, and appointed, "kathistemi," by the apostles, this was almost certainly what Paul did in Acts.14v23., and what he advised Titus to do in Titus.1v5.

Paul appointed the elders of local churches in the churches that he had founded; modern prelates, who have never founded a church and never manifested spiritual gifts, cannot claim the right to ordain elders, never mind the exclusive right of apostolic succession. There is no such thing as humanly ordained apostolic succession, it is only a miraculous ministry of the most conspicuous kind that proves a person has apostolic ministry. From Acts.13v1-4., we see that the leaders of the church at Antioch gave themselves to prayer and fasting for guidance in their work for God, and when God revealed His will for Paul and Barnabus, they earnestly prayed for their ministries, and sent them on their divinely appointed work. In like manner, Paul and the local church, not only appointed spiritual and godly men, they prayed earnestly for them, that God might impart further blessing and ministry to them. 1Tim.4v14. 5v22. Acts.6v6. 13v1-3. 14v23. 2Tim.1v6.

N.B. 1. The time lapse before elders were appointed by apostles.

We see from Acts.14v23., and the instructions to Timothy and Titus, that there was a definite time lapse between a church being founded and ministries being appointed in that church. Time was given for ministry in the local church to develop, there was no premature ordination and so mistakes were cut out.

In Acts.13v1-3. we see the Christians at Antioch were guided by prophets and teachers from outside for about three years before their own local ministries had developed enough for God to send Paul and Barnabus on their way to other work. From Acts.14v23., we see that Paul ordained elders within about two years of churches being founded. It appears that up to this time the Christians had gathered together for Bible study, prayer, the Lord's supper and fellowship, and the baptism of new converts, without any formally appointed elders or deacons. Christ Himself made leaders in these churches by giving His ministry gifts to some of them, and when these divinely given ministries manifested themselves, they were accepted and recognised by the people, and then appointed by Paul. Ministries were proved before they were appointed. 1Tim.3v10. God Himself sets ministries in the Church, men's ordination does not mean a thing if God is not in it, the churches should recognise those who God has ordained and given a ministry gift. Acts.20v28.

N.B. 2. Apostles were not despotic, they exercised the superintendence of love.

A prolonged apostolic mission in a city did not hinder the body ministry of the local church, or the development of ministries, it encouraged both. Paul did not stay in a place to be the permanent pastor of the flock, he always appointed local elders to guide and care for the local church. Paul followed our Lord's direction in Mt.20v25-28., and never "lorded it over" or dictated to the local Christians. He had the humility to look upon himself as, "the least of the apostles," and "less than the least of all saints," and even as "the chief of sinners," and this genuine humility won people's hearts to him, and accomplished far more than autocratic, bombastic claims could ever have done. 1Cor.15v9. Eph.3v8. 1Tim.1v15.

Paul founded and established churches and moved on, and then returned to confirm and give spiritual guidance and oversight to the churches, but he never took over the rule of the local church from the local elders. Paul stayed in Ephesus almost 3 years, and at Corinth for about 18 months to evangelise these strategic areas, not just to pastor the flocks formed by his evangelism. At Ephesus he had a mission in the hall of Tyrannus to reach all the district. Acts.19v8,9. This was the place for Paul's daily evangelism, and seekers came to him there. The Codex Beza adds "from the fifth hour to the tenth," that is, from just before midday and the noon meal to the close of the afternoon. What a Challenge! Paul had at least five hours evangelism a day in a public building or lecture hall. Paul needed quite a time to fully evangelise these strategic areas of evangelism, with their constant change of population. The local Christians would doubtless gather to listen to Paul's superlative theological discussions, and they would learn much from them. However, Christian fellowship and body ministry could not take place in a public meeting place for evangelism, so the Christians gathered in homes like that of Priscilla and Aquila. 1Cor.16v19. Acts.18v26. The Christian fellowship had plenty of scope at night, and Paul would do his very best to inspire body ministry and develop spiritual ministries, he was not in agreement with one-man ministry in Christian fellowship groups. 1Cor.12. etc. One-man ministry in a local church is wrong, even if, like the apostle Paul, a man has all the ministry gifts; body ministry is God's way for developing spiritual ministries and healthy Christians.

The elders were local men, the apostles itinerant men.

Through their itinerant ministries the apostles cemented fellowship between the churches, but they did not constitute either central government, or even an organisational fellowship of churches. Apostles, prophets and elders had the work of overseeing the flock of God, but they were not to dominate it, their work was the superintendence of love. Apostles were not to lord it over God's Church, "all ye are brethren and one is your Master, even Christ." Mt.23v8,10. Indeed, they were to humble themselves as little children, otherwise they would not even enter the kingdom of God. Mt.18v3. They were to be the servants of God's people, not their lords. Mt.20v20-28. Jn.13v4-17. They were not to be put upon a pedestal and called Rabbi. Mt.23v1-8. The aim of these ministries was to bring people into a living experience of God and develop ministries among them, they helped God's babes to grow into mature Christians. They showed the same grace to young Christians in developing their ministries, as God had shown to them in developing their ministries.

After Paul had appointed the first elders in a local church, it was the responsibility of the local church and local elders to appoint other elders, as it became necessary or desirable. As long as a person had the necessary qualifications, they could be an elder, there is no restriction as to numbers in the New Testament. It is only when men follow worldly principles of government and one-man ministry that a plurality of elders becomes inconvenient, in spiritual oversight a plurality is a blessing not a hindrance. Prov.11v14. 24v6.

If a person has an apostolic ministry they manifest signs, wonders and miracles, and are also able to found, establish and care for churches. The office is proved by results, not by hollow claims. Paul had to refute the false claims of false apostles ("pseudapostoloi") in his day. 1Cor.11v13. Paul also speaks not only of the power, gifts and revelations, but also the sufferings and persecutions that are the essential characteristics of true apostolic ministry. 2Cor.11v1. to 12v21. 1Cor.9v1-27. Christians need to pray continually that God will raise up truly apostolic ministries in these dark days, so that the fullness of Christ's ministry can shine out to the world. Mt.9v35-38.

B. "SECONDARILY PROPHETS." 1Cor.12v28.

A prophetic ministry is distinct from a ministry of preaching or teaching, even though prophets may exhort, preach and teach, as did Judas and Silas, both of whom were prophets. Acts.15v32. Prophetic ministries are also not to be confused with Christians who possess the simple gift of prophecy, which is for edification, exhortation and comfort. 1Cor.14v3. A prophetic ministry possesses not only the simple gift of prophecy, but also a continual manifestation of gifts of revelation from God. A Christian in a local church may have the simple gift of prophecy and occasional manifestations of gifts of revelation, but it does not mean that they have a prophetic ministry. This difference in gifting will become clear as we consider the essentials of prophetic ministry.

Under the New Covenant there was a significant change in the function of prophetic ministry. The Old Testament prophet and priest came between the people and God, but in the New Testament all children of God can have personal guidance direct from their heavenly Father. Rom.8v14-17. Heb.8v13. We have the right, and duty, to reject any "guidance" from another person about which God has not personally told us. Prophets may be, and are, used by God to confirm guidance, but never to guide us against our own revelations from the Lord.

1. A New Testament prophet can warn of dangers and needs ahead.

A person with a prophetic ministry may predict major events in the world, or future events in the Church, as Agabus did in the case of the famine, and of Paul's imprisonment. Acts.11v27-30. 21v4,10-14. However, as we have said. prophets in the New Testament are not intended to give direction to order, Christians are intended to seek God for themselves.

The Scriptures reveal that prophets were sent by God to warn of divine judgement, or natural catastrophe. Gen.6v18-22. 18v17-33. 19v12,13. 41v1-44. 2Kings.4v8-17. with 8v1-6. Acts.17v9-11,21-25. 30v34,44. God can warn of war and persecution. 1Sam.23v9-12. 25v5,6. 2Kings.3v4-27. 6v8-12. Mt.16v21-24. Lk.22v31-34,54-62. A prophet can reveal spies and traitors in God's flock, 1Kings.14v5,6. Jn.6v70,71., and the evil thoughts and plans in the minds of opponents before they are spoken. Lk.14v1-6. Mk.2v5-8. Lk.5v22. Mt.22v15-22. God reveals people's hearts and exposes a hypocritical veneer. 1Sam.16v6,7.

2. Prophetic ministry can keep God's Church clean and in victory.

By the revelation of sin in the churches. Acts.5v1-12. 2Kings.5v20-27. Joshua.7v1-26. The apostle John had the spiritual condition of the seven churches in the Roman province of Asia revealed to him, the bad as well as the good. Rev.2 and 3. The New Testament apostles on occasions had judgement ministries similar to the Old Testament prophets, they had the authority to discipline by God's power. This is a rare but real New Testament occurrence. Mt.16v18,19. 18v15-19. Jn.20v21-23. Lk.10v19. Acts.5v1-11. 13v6-12. 1Tim.1v20. 1Cor.5v1-5.

By the restoration of the wounded and spiritually sick. Jesus desires restoration, not judgement, and prophetic ministry can reveal those with deep spiritual needs and meet their needs by divine power and grace. Gal.6v1,2. Phil.2v1,2. Heb.12v12-29.

3. Prophetic ministry can greatly help and comfort people, and inspire them to trust God.

Prophetic ministry can inspire discouraged people. Christ came to heal the crushed and broken in heart, the revelation of the secrets of people's hearts can inspire them to seek and trust God. Jn.1v48,49. Lk.13v12-16. Is.61v1-3. Lk.4v18,19.

God can expose the unconverted sinner's heart and bring them to Himself. 1Cor.14v24,25. 2Sam.12v1-9. John.1v40-51. 4v16-19,29. The very day I wrote this I saw a person amazed and challenged through the secrets of her heart being revealed, and she found Christ as her Saviour as a result. Prophetic ministry of this kind has a mighty evangelistic ministry, as we clearly see in John.4., from our Lord's conversation with the woman at the well. Also see Acts.9v10-18. and 10v48. etc.

4. Prophetic ministry can reveal God's strategic plans and confirm God's call.

A prophetic revelation from God guided Paul and his party to evangelise Macedonia, with great results. Acts.16v1-15. The Church needs to know God's strategic plans. Acts.8v26,29. 10v1-48. 13v2. 2v5. 4v4. Samuel confirmed his prophecy of God's call to Saul through many words of knowledge about future events. 1Sam.9v19. 10v1-16. Paul's conversion and call to God's work was confirmed by Ananias, who told Paul of his experience on the Damascus Road, and also ministered divine healing to him. Acts.9v17-25. 13v2.

5. Prophetic ministry is not limited by time or space in its ministrations.

Since the Holy Spirit is not limited by time or space, His ministrations to us, and through us, are not limited either. We can have the revelation of things to come, and minister to God's people at distance by His mighty power. Col.2v5. Gal.4v19. The Holy Spirit can take us through the time barrier to behold and live in the past , as He did with Moses to see the creation being made, and possibly with Ezekiel to see the sins which brought about the captivity, or see far distant events in the future as He did with Daniel and other prophets. Gen.1v1 to 2v25. Ezek.8v1-3. Dan. 7all. Is.53.all. Rev. all. The gift of faith can enable prophets to minister the powers of the age to come to needy people whether they be present or absent. All Christians can expect this to take place, but it occurs more regularly and at a greater level of authority with prophetic ministry.

6. Prophetic ministry is intended to develop spiritual ministry in Christians.

Prophetic ministry has an important place in the local church in the development of spiritual gifts and spiritual ministries. It is very sad to see the majority of Christians without spiritual gifts or spiritual ministry, because prophetic ministries have been absent, despised, stifled and opposed. Prophets have a delegated authority and power, and can be the channel of God in the impartation of spiritual gifts, even as Moses was to Joshua, Deut.34v9.; and Elijah to Elisha. 1Kings.19v16,19-21. 2Kings.2v9-14. N. B. v9. "Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you." Jesus imparted spiritual gifts to His apostles and the 70, Lk.9v1,2. 10v1-9., Paul ministered spiritual gifts to the Ephesians and Romans, Acts.19v1-6. Rom.1v10,11., and Paul and the elders to Timothy. 2Tim.1v6. 1Tim.4v14. Prophets, like apostles, have the responsibility to develop spiritual gifts and spiritual ministries, but they usually do not have a commission to found churches like apostles, unless like Silas, they are sent on an apostolic mission, then they become apostles, Silas was both a prophet and an apostle. Paul was a teacher with a prophetic voice, who became an apostle. Acts.15v32. 13v1-4.

Few will be led into a manifestation of the greater gifts, and spiritual ministry through formal ministry and formal meetings. Christians cannot be led into a deep spiritual experience of God and His gifts merely by preaching doctrine, you have to have to spend considerable time with them in prayer and ministry. A pulpit can be a means of real self-deception, it is not pretty sermons but spiritual power ministered in love that counts with God. It is only as we minister directly with needy people that the depth of our ministry is revealed. A pulpit ministry that never directly ministers to people's needs, is an unscriptural delusion. Love came down from heaven to minister even to death, and we should come down from our pulpits to minister and care. Where possible, every sermon should be followed by informal ministry to those in need. Christ's love can never be ministered at a safe distance. True prophetic ministry requires real prayer, caring love and sacrifice, and perhaps the demands and exacting qualifications for this ministry are one reason why there is a lack of prophets in the Church.

The Relation Between the Growth of a Christians Spirit to Spiritual and Prophetic Ministry.

N.B. BOTH JOHN AND JESUS "WAXED STRONG IN SPIRIT." Lk.1v80. 2v40.

As Christians our spirits can, and should grow, and give us not only a greater appreciation of spiritual things, but also a greater ability to minister spiritual life to others. The Majority Text uses the identical Greek words to state that John Baptist and Jesus and not only grew physically strong, but spiritually strong as well as God prepared them for their ministries. We read in Luke.1v80., of John Baptist, "the child grew and waxed strong in spirit," this strong growth continued during his years in the wilderness. And in the Majority Text of Luke 2v40., we read that Jesus, "grew and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him." God the Father educated our Lord for thirty years at Nazareth, to prepare Him for His ministry. Is.49v1-3. 50v3-7. "Waxed strong," is "ekrataiouto," the imperfect passive of "krataioo," 2901, to strengthen, to make strong, the passive means to be strengthened, to grow strong, to be made strong. The Father and Holy Spirit made Jesus strong for ministry. "krataioo," only occurs in Lk.1v80. 2v40. 1Cor.16v13. and Eph.3v16.

The words "in spirit," in Lk.2v40., are omitted from most modern translations, the Jamieson, Fausett and Brown commentary states that they are left out without sufficient reason and evidence. "In spirit" is "pneumati," it is omitted from Aleph and B from the fourth century, D and W from the fifth century, L from the eighth century, N from the sixth century; some Latin manuscripts, p eighth century, and C twelfth century; the Coptic (Egyptian) versions, third and fourth centuries; the Sinaitic Syriac, fourth century; and Origen, who died 254.

However, the evidence that "en pneumati" is in the original texts is extremely strong, for it is found in all the remaining uncials including, A, Theta, Psi, 053, etc; every known cursive copy and the massive Byzantine evidence includes it; so do the f1 and f13 codex compilation of important manuscripts by Kirsop Lake; all the Lectionaries; some Latin manuscripts (aur, f, q), Aureus 7th century (aur), the Brixianus 6th century (p), the Monacensis 7th century (q); the Syriac Peshitto, second century; the Syriac Harklean, the seventh century; and the Gothic version, from the fourth century. Many early Church fathers quote or discuss "pneumati" and accept it as correct; Leontius of Cyprus, 6th century; Theodoret, died 466; Epiphanius, died 403; Cyril of Alexandria, died 444; Theodore of Mopsuestia, died 428; and others.

Dean John W. Burgon, states in his book, "The Causes of Corruption of the New Testament Text, (In unholy hands on the Bible page B-95,96.) that "en pneumati," "in spirit," was deliberately removed from Lk.2v40. in some manuscripts by orthodox Christians, because they feared that those who denied our Lord's deity would use this text to say, "How could Jesus be perfect God, if it says that His spirit waxed strong." Burgon records that Epiphanius states (2:36) that some of the orthodox, out of jealousy for our Lord's divinity, eliminated from Luke.19v41. the record that the Saviour wept.

Burgon goes on, "Codexes B Aleph D may be regarded as specimens of Codexes which have been once and again passed through the hands of such a corrector. S. Luke.2v40. records concerning the infant Saviour, that 'the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit.' By repeating the same expression which already had been applied to the childhood of John the Baptist (1:80), it was clearly the design of the Author of Scripture to teach that the Word 'made flesh' submitted to the same laws of growth as every other man. The body grew; the spiritual part waxed strong. The consequence might have been foreseen. Certain of the orthodox were ill-advised enough to erase the word 'pneumati' (spirit) from the copies of Lk.2v40. And, lo, at the end of 1500 years four 'corrected' copies, two versions, one Greek father, survive to witness to this ancient fraud. And because it is Aleph, B,D,L, Origen, and the Latin, the Egyptian, and the Lewis versions, which are without the word 'pneumati,' Lachmann, Tregelles, Tischendorf, and the revisers jump to the conclusion that it is a spurious accretion to the Text. They ought to reverse the proceeding, and to recognise in the evidence that this is one more indication of the untrustworthiness of certain witnesses. How can it be supposed that this word 'pneumati' ever obtained its footing in the Gospel? We are assured by them that it was imported from St. Luke 1v80. We answer, How does the phrase 'ekrataiouto pneumati' in 1v80. explain that 'pneumati' now can be found in every known copy of the Gospels except four, if in these 996 places out of a thousand it is an interpolation? Is it credible that all the remaining uncials, and every known cursive copy, besides all the Lectionaries, should have been corrupted in this way? Is it credible to suppose that the truth should survive exclusively at this time in only four uncials, B, Aleph from the fourth century, D from the sixth, and L from the eighth?" End of quote.

God the Father knew that both John Baptist and our Lord needed thirty years of "waxing strong in spirit," before they were ready for their ministries.." Lk.1v80. 2v40. God will give us time to grow, for He is a thoughtful Father who will not overburden us, and "much more" than any earthly parent will wait for, and watch over, our spiritual development, and will graciously and kindly recognise and make allowances for our immaturity. Even in our immaturity we can know our Heavenly Father's "much more" generous giving, and His outpourings of the Holy Spirit. Lk.11v9-13. It is a great pity that the Church is emphasising intellectual growth, but neglecting growth in spiritual strength and power, strength of spirit is an essential part of prophetic ministry. However, we must always remember that God's spiritual gifts and ministry gifts are not products of our own personality, they are "charismata," grace gifts from our Heavenly Father.

The need to know the Christian ABC of theology to grow as Christian babes.

In 1Pet.2v2., Peter tells us to "Intensely yearn for the unadulterated milk of the Word that ye may grow thereby." All Christians need food for the mind, soul and spirit, God's babes need God's milk, "gala," of the Word, the foundation truths Paul mentioned in Heb.6v1-3.; mature Christians need the solid food, ("broma," 1Cor.3v2., "stereas trophes," Heb.5v12-14.) of the Word of God. The foundation truths of Heb.6v1-3. are, repentance from dead works, faith towards God, doctrine about baptisms, (baptism in water and baptism in the Holy Spirit), the laying on of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgement.

The word that Peter uses for "intensely yearn" is "epipotheo," it occurs nine times in the New Testament, and on each occasion it is used to describe intense yearning. In Rom.1v11., Paul states his intense longing to see the Romans to impart some spiritual grace gift to them. Paul uses "epipotheo" in 2Cor.9v14. to speak of the intense longing of the Jews at Jerusalem for the Gentile Corinthian Christians, and their appreciation of their generous gifts. In Phil.1v8,26., Paul said that both he and Epaphroditus greatly longed for renewed fellowship with the Philippians. In 1Thes.3v6. Timothy brought the news of the great desire of the Christians at Thessalonica to see Paul and his helpers, and Paul tells them that he greatly longed to see them too. In 2Tim.1v2-4., Paul said that he longed to see Timothy, his beloved son in the faith. In 2Cor.5v2., Paul speaks of his great longing to be clothed with his new heavenly body at the Christ's return. There are several possible translations for James.4v5.; Alford feels that, "The Spirit that He placed in us jealously desires us," is the best one, and quotes, Deut.32v10. Num.35v34. and Ezek.36v27., to show God's jealous caring love. The choice is between the human spirit, or the Holy Spirit, who takes up His dwelling in us. Finally, in 1Pet.2v2., Peter exhorts the babes in Christ to earnestly desire the genuine milk of God's Word, so that they can become spiritually strong. All Christians can and should grow spiritually strong in this way.

"Waxing strong in spirit" is an essential prerequisite for the operation of a powerful prophetic ministry, the divinely given gift of prophetic ministry is developed by divine education, through continuous manifestations of revelation wisdom and knowledge, and acts of divine power. The human response to this education should be submission to God, prayer and fasting, and a deep study of the Word of God, for even the greatest prophets can err if they do not know the correct meaning of the Scriptures, just as John Baptist did when he asked the Lord Jesus, "Art thou He that should come? or look we for another." Jesus asked John to consider the wisdom and knowledge imparted in His preaching to the poor, and the signs, wonders and miracles that He did, all of which fulfilled prophecy and proved that He was the promised Messiah. Mk.12v24,27. Lk.7v19-23. N.B. v22 with Is.8v18. 11v1-3. 29v18,19. 35v3-10. 42v1-7. 60v1-3. 61v1-3.

N. B. It is essential to grasp what the Scriptures say about the make-up of the human personality.

The Bible states that we are a soul that possesses a body and spirit; the body puts us in contact with earth, and the spirit puts us in contact with heaven. 1Thes.5v23. Heb.4v12. Rev.1v10. 4v2. Many Christians are so ignorant about spiritual things and spiritual gifts, that the mere mention of the word "spirit," makes them suspicious and they think it is "spiritualism." We should remember the " God is a Spirit," Jn.4v24., and His good angels are spirits, Heb.1v13,14., and everybody, including Christians, have an organ called their spirit. The Bible condemns the seeking of evil spirits via Spiritualism and Witchcraft, not spiritual experience from God. We need to know the following facts.

1. Our spirit was renewed at conversion.

When we became Christians, our spirit, which was dead to God because of our sins, was "quickened," or "born again," and we received the spirit of adopted sons, which enables us to contact God and cry "Abba," that is, "Father." Christians can, and should, experience sitting in heavenly places in Christ through their renewed spirit. Eph.2v1-6. 6v10-20. Jn.1v12,13. 3v3-13. Rom.8v14-19. Col.3v1-3. Peter tells us in 2Pet.1v4., that we are partakers, "koinonoi," that is, "sharers," of the divine nature. Our spiritual rebirth at conversion enables us to receive the life of Jesus through our renewed spirit, and to share His life with others, and minister to those in need of spiritual and physical help. The needy world is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God. Jesus earnestly desires us to communicate His life to them.

2. Our spirit is our means of contact with God and our worship of God.

In Prov.20v27., Solomon said, "The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord," it is the means whereby God lights the human personality, and lights the world through that personality. The spiritual blessings that come to Christians from God come upon their spirits. Eph.1v3. 5v19. Col.1v9. 3v16. 1Pet.2v5. God intends Christians to experience spiritual blessings and manifest spiritual gifts, and sing divinely inspired spiritual songs. 1Cor.12v1. 14v1,37. Eph.1v3. 5v19. Col.3v16. However, Christians can be carnal, "sarkikos," instead of spiritual, "pneumatikos." 1Cor.2v13-15. 3v1-4. The spiritual Christian can, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, discern things through their spirit, whereas a carnal Christian may have great difficulty in doing the same. Sowing to the flesh ends in corruption and spiritual death, whereas sowing to the spirit, that is, obeying God and living in communion with God in the spirit, results in eternal blessedness. Gal.6v1,7,8.

God desires His Church to be a spiritual house, spiritually equipped to fight the evil spiritual forces that come against it. 1Pet.2v5. Eph.6v12. Jesus said that only worship in spirit and truth is acceptable to God, and that unless a person's spirit is in touch with God, their worship is in vain. Intellectual knowledge of the truth is not sufficient, there has to be a living contact with God in spirit. Mt.15v8. Mk.7v6. Jn.4v21-24. The people who opposed Christ prayed regularly, but their worship and prayer was in vain. True spiritual worship is not lip worship, it is heart worship linked to God by vital spiritual contact.

Paul warns us in 2Tim.3v1,5., that one of the great perils of this day will be, a form of godliness without the power. "Form," is "morphosin," which means a shadowy pencilled outline without any reality, it is religion without contact with God. People can go through a Christian form and yet have no contact with God. God intends that prophetic ministry should bring people from intellectual knowledge of spiritual gifts and spiritual ministry, to a vital experience of God and His gifts.

3. Our spirit is the means of fellowship between Christians.

Because our spirits are "born again" and renewed we can not only contact God, we can have fellowship with other Christians in the spirit. We need the spiritual help and companionship of other Christians otherwise we grow spiritually lonely and ineffective, even Paul found that his ministry was limited without the right kind of spiritual fellowship. 2Cor.2v12,13. We are intended to draw spiritual strength from one another as well as directly from the Lord, and this brings a real sense of dependence upon one another and a growth together in Christian love. 1Cor.12v21-26. Eph.4v11-16. The New Testament speaks of an incredibly beautiful "fellowship of the spirit," Phil.2v1-5. Philemon v6. Christianity consists of much more than an intellectual sharing of doctrinal truth, there is a fellowship and sharing of spiritual life and love in Christ, that is heaven upon earth. 1Jn.1v3,6,7. United together with God and Christ, we can experience a heavenly oneness that is indescribably holy and beautiful. Jn.17v22-26. In the world there is a terrible spirit of competition, "the rat race," which is a by-product of sin and selfishness. People build up barriers inside themselves to protect their emotions from an evil and unloving world, and become lonely and starved within. In formal services people seldom get to really know each other, and often never experience a real sharing and fellowship of the Spirit. God desires to break down the inner barriers within us and He wants us to know, trust and love each other, and prophetic ministry is intended to facilitate this.

4. Our spirit is God's channel for giving us spiritual gifts and spiritual ministry.

The Holy Spirit communicates His spiritual gifts to us through our spirits, when He uses us to be the channel of His power, love and tenderness. He graciously gives us part of His unlimited abilities, this was the secret of Paul's ministry. Rom.7v6. 8v1,2,4,5,9-16,26,27. 15v19. 1Cor.2v4,10-14. Eph.2v18,22. Paul knew what it was to be "strengthened with might by His spirit, in the inner man," and the reality of a strong faith and a transforming experience of Christ's love because of it, and he prayed for the Ephesians to have the same experience. Paul said that the Spirit's power can do more for us than we can ask or think. Eph.3v16-21. In Rom1v9., Paul writes that he served God with his spirit. Exercise of the spirit is not exercise of the mind, notice the difference between mind and spirit in Heb.4v12,13., many preachers exercise their minds when they preach and pray, but the spiritual deadness of their preaching and praying shows that they do not exercise their spirits. Christ could say that His words were spirit and life, and so people were greatly affected by them. Jn.6v63. 7v45,46. We too should not rely on oratory, but should preach with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven. 1Pet.1v12. James.3v1.

Jesus told His townspeople at Nazareth that He was anointed "to preach good news to the poor," "ptochois," the penniless beggars who would feel and admit their need. Jesus was anointed "to preach as an herald, deliverance to the captives." The Greek word for captives is "aichmalotois," which means "captured prisoners at spear point;" Christ was "sent," "apestalken me," to deliver these captives of sin, sickness and Satan, He was also anointed and sent to bring recovery of sight to the blind.

Jesus turned the roll of Scripture back from Is.61v1. to Is.58v6., and quoted, "to set at liberty them that are bruised," or better, "to send forth the crushed in liberty." Hallelujah! "Bruised," is "tethrausmenous," from "thrauo," it means "to break in pieces." Praise be to God, Jesus can heal the broken in heart and body, and put all the pieces together and send them forth in liberty. All texts omit "heal the broken hearted," however this idea is included in "sending forth the crushed in liberty."

Jesus was sent and anointed "to preach the acceptable year of the Lord," the year of Jubilee, the year when all captives and slaves were released, all debts were cancelled, and all lost inheritances were restored. Lev.25v8-17. This Scripture was fulfilled through the strong and loving soul of Jesus. Lk.4v21. Divine life and power poured through Him to needy people and delivered them. We see apostolic and prophetic ministry in its most perfect manifestation in our Lord's ministry.

By quoting from Is.58v6., Jesus emphasised that He was not just sent to talk, or be an out of touch holy man, He was deeply involved with peoples needs, and sent to deliver them and send them forth in liberty. From Is.58v1-14., we see that God rejects fasting and prayer, when it is formal, empty and lacking in love, and does not meet people's real needs. We read in Ps.69v8,9., that Christ's love for people had driven Him to a life of fasting and prayer, so that He could be the perfect channel of His Fathers love and mercy, and He manifested the ultimate in mercy and healing gifts, and met the deep needs of all who came to Him. Jesus came to make people whole, and release them from physical, emotional and spiritual problems, and the evil forces that injure, oppress and destroy mankind. Lk.4v16-21. Paul writes in 2Cor.10v4,5., that the weapons of our warfare and campaign, "strateias," are not of the flesh, "sarkika," that is, fleshly ability such as craft, worldly power, wisdom, and oratory. Paul states in 2Cor.1v12., that we fight with Divine weapons, which are "mighty before God;" God's spiritual gifts "tear down fortresses," and "cast down reasonings and imaginations." Even the most entrenched and seemingly impregnable citadels of Satan, that keep people from a knowledge of God, can be destroyed by the mighty gifts and ministries of the Holy Spirit. Paul recognised that the battle for people's souls was in their minds and thoughts, but he did not fight with carnal reasonings, but with God's power and gifts, and by these he could bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

Both Lk.4v18. and 2Cor.10v5., have "aichmalotos," which mean "captured prisoners of war at spear point." By the power of the spirit, Satan's dominion over people's thoughts and minds, can be brought as a captive in war to Christ. God can heal the whole personality of people with broken hearts, minds and spirits, through spiritual gifts, which outpour the love, faith and power of God. A spiritual ministry is never mere talk, a person can say exactly the same words and prayers, but without a living contact with God, they will minister no spiritual blessing, and no bring no blessing, healing and release to people. 1Cor.2v4. 4v20. 1Thes.1v5. Bringing people into a living, transforming, and liberating relationship with God, is the most important function of prophetic ministry.

In the Old Testament God gave prophetic ministries to young men, like Jeremiah, Daniel, Samuel, and the young prophets of 2Kings.2v3,5., to mention but a few. The apostles of Christ, developed and manifested some of the miraculous aspects of prophetic ministry under the guidance of Christ, and these were young men. We are told in Acts.2v17,18., that God has promised to pour out His Spirit upon all flesh, and that He will give prophecy and visions to His dear sons and daughters. Through prophetic ministry God can reveal when a timid Christian has a prophecy, and even the details of that prophecy, to encourage them to manifest spiritual gifts. If this kind of prophetic ministry is lacking in churches, the manifestation and development of spiritual gifts and spiritual ministries will be hindered.

N. B. Prophetic ministry in the last days.

In this age of grace the emphasis has been upon mercy, not Law or judgement, and so we see few acts of judgement by God through spiritual gifts, however, as this age nears its end, we will see a great increase in wickedness, and as a result more acts of judgement by spiritual gifts. We read in Rev.11v5,6., that the two witnesses at Jerusalem will have the authority and power to destroy their enemies with fire, and to smite the earth with plagues, "AS OFT AS THEY DESIRE." Prophetic ministries like Moses and Elijah will be again restored to certain chosen and anointed children of God. 2Kings1v1-18. It needs gifts like these to evangelise the militant godless countries of today, in a truly effective way. In 2Kings.13v14-19., we see that we get what we believe for, a statement which is confirmed by our Saviour in Mk.11v22-24., so let us set our faith as high and wide as the Scriptures, and we will see God do wonderful things. We already have some reliable reports of miraculous transportation as in 1Kings.18v12. and Acts.8v38-40., and miraculous protection as in Lk.4v29,30. Jn.8v59. 10v39.. Let us look to God in these last dark days to show forth His glory through mighty prophetic ministry. Mt.11v25,26. Lk.10v21.


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