(vv.7-8)
This passage talks about not Church
…he has given each one of us a special gift (charis)… – Ephesians 4:7 (NLT)
These were given when (v.8)
When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” – Ephesians 4:8 (ESV)
These gifts will be in operation till (v.13)
(v.11) Apostles: apostolos – one sent forth (FBD, Vine’s, ISBE, SBD)
Prophet: an interpreter or spokesman for God; one through whom God speaks (Thayer’s)
For most in the New Testament, prophecy (not the gift) is
more the heart of God more than
But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.
– 1 Corinthians 14:3 (NIV)
Pursue love, yet earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy – 1 Corinthians 14:1 (NASB)
All are not prophets, are they? – 1 Corinthians 12:29 (NASB)
The Only Example of the “Gift” of Prophecy in the NT:
…some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus (Locust), stood up and indicated by the Spirit that there would definitely be a severe famine all over the world. And this took place in the reign of Claudius. And to the extent that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brothers and sisters living in Judea. And they did this, sending it with Barnabas and Saul to the elders. – Acts 11:27-30 (NASB)
…a prophet named Agabus (Locust) came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. – Acts 21:10-11 (NASU)
The Agabus Example:
They speak by the
Will always be
They will never
But realize this, that in the last days difficult (violent GWT, perilous YLT) times will come. – 2 Timothy 3:1 (NASU)
Allows others to if it’s the Lord
Have two or three prophets speak, and have the others pass judgment – 1 Corinthians 14:29 (NASB)
If someone says they have a prophecy for me:
Let the
Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.
– 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (ESV)
As Christians we are by prophets, we are led by
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God. – Romans 8:14 (NASB)
For some real fun this week search: Didache PDF