What do we do with 1 Corinthians 14?
This fall I am planning to take a seminar in NT Greek Linguistics. For one of the requirements for this seminar, I hope to examine the structure of 1 Corinthians chapters 12 through 14. Recently, in a discussion in Steve Sensenig’s blog (“Theological Musings“), a discussion about music turned to the question of 1 Corinthians 14 (see “I’ve been interviewed by the iMonk“).
I see 1 Corinthians 14 as very important for the church – both for the church in the first century and for the church in the twenty-first century. In fact, this is the only glimpse that Scripture gives us into the meeting of the early church. Were there problems at Corinth? Certainly. Was Paul correcting problems? Probably. However, it also seems that he was laying down some foundational concepts for a church gathering.
For example, consider the following commands from 1 Corinthians 14 (ESV) – imperatives are highlighted:
Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. (vs. 1)
So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. (vs. 12)
Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. (vs. 20)
What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. (vs. 26)
If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. (vs. 27)
But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. (vs. 28)
Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. (vs. 29)
If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. (vs. 30)
… the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. (vs. 34)
If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. (vs. 35)
If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. (vs. 37)
So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. (vs. 39)
But all things should be done decently and in order. (vs. 40)
Now, many of these commands are conditional: i.e. the prophet who is speaking should be silent IF a revelation is made to another (vs. 30). For now, let’s only consider those commands that are not conditional. How do we deal with these commands? At this point, many people point to the difference between the “regulative principle of worship” and the “normative principle of worship”. Let’s look at each of these principles. (By the way, I do not understand “worship” here in the sense of “worship service”, but in the sense of living a life in obedience to God. In other words, these principles answer the question, “What should we do to please God in our lives?”)
According to the “regulative principle of worship“, “only those elements that are instituted or appointed by command or example in the Bible are permissible in worship”. If God commands something in Scripture, then this command should be obeyed. If God does not command something, then that is prohibited.
According to the “normative principle of worship“, anything that is not prohibited by Scripture is allowed. Only things that God prohibits in Scripture is prohibited. Thus, according to the normative principle, there are more things allowed than using the regulative principle.
Apparently, there is a new (to me) principle called the “informed principle of worship”. According to this principle, “what is commanded in Scripture regarding worship is required, what is prohibited in Scripture regarding worship is forbidden, what is not prohibited in Scripture regarding worship is permissible, but only if properly deduced from proper application of Scripture using good and necessary consequence”. This seems to be a position that is somewhere between the regulative principle and the normative principle.
There is something common to each of these three “principles”: if something is commanded by God through Scripture, then believers are required to obey those commands. This is true for those who hold to the “regulative principle”, the “normative principle”, and the “informed principle”.
So, that brings us back to 1 Corinthians 14. What do we do with these unconditional commands (not an complete list)? “Strive to excel at building up (edifying) the church” (vs. 12). “Let all things be done for building up (edification)” (vs. 26). “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said” (vs. 29). “So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues” (vs. 39). According to the regulative principle, the normative principle, and the informed principle, these commands should be obeyed by believers.
It would seem, in fact, from the context of this passage, that in order for church gatherings to be “decent and in order” (vs. 40), we should obey all of these commands, since this is how Paul described “decently and in order”. So, what do we do with 1 Corinthians 14?
Series on 1 Corinthians 14:
Prologue 1 – What do we do with 1 Corinthians 14?
Prologue 2 – 1 Corinthians 14 and the Leadership
Context & Verses 1-5 – Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 1
Verses 6-25 – Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 2
Verses 26-40 – Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 3
Concluding Remarks – Summary of 1 Corinthians 14 – Part 4
Overflowing…
I am writing this post late Saturday evening. As I have been thinking about the activities of today, and trying to come up with a title for this post, the word that keeps popping into my head is “Overflowing”. I wanted to share some of the things that God taught me today, some of the ways that God used me today, some of the ways that God used other people in my life today… but, I realize that there are some things that I just cannot share. In some ways, sharing these things would cheapen them… or else the telling itself would somehow lessen the reality. So, as you read through this post, please understand that you are not hearing the entire story. I am not going to tell you about all the prayers that have been prayed previously and answered today, or the conversations that have previously taken place, or the concerns that have been voiced in past days. Instead, I want to share a small part of why the only word that I can think of to describe today is “Overflowing”.
A couple of weeks ago, my friend Cindy (from “The Adventures of Maël & Cindy“) met a lady who was moving to Wake Forest, NC. This lady – a stranger to Cindy – mentioned that she could use some help moving. Cindy told some of her friends about this opportunity to serve a stranger. So today – moving day – several of us helped a stranger move into her new house. I couldn’t help thinking about how God has been teaching me about hospitality and “loving strangers”. In fact, it turns out that another church of a different denomination also helped the lady move. The lady said that she wanted to invite us all to dinner some time in the future. Wouldn’t it be like God to use a stranger to bring together two churches from two denominations at the same table?
When I returned home from helping this family move, I heard some very encouraging news. My son is an assistant coach for a five year old soccer team. His job is to let the boys and girls chase him around the field during practice without stealing the ball from him. Apparently, today the coach honored my son because of his attitude and service to the team. I couldn’t help but think back to our conversation last week about what God is doing in our lives. If you remember, my son said that God was teaching him how to help and care about people in need.
Later that morning, we rode to Dave and Becky Lynn Black’s farm (from “Dave Black Online“) for his “Student Day”. I was expecting to have some good food and good times at the farm. I was not expecting the tremendous fellowship that our family shared with another couple during the ride to and from the farm. My son and daughter look up to this young man and woman, and we are excited about the time that we were able to spend with them.
When we got to the farm – a little late, but just in time to eat – we heard Mrs. Black talk about missions. I was not expecting to learn more about being missional today. She talked about Moses and how he had to lay everything at the Lord’s feet – even his staff – before God could use him. She also talked about “the greatest missionary” – Jesus Christ. Perhaps, if we want to know what it means to be a missionary, or what it means to be missional, we should look no further than Jesus himself.
Also at the farm, I was not expecting to meet a family who plans to move into our neighborhood next week. This was a very special surprise, because they have a son just one year older than my son. It has been difficult for my son to make friends in our neighborhood for various reasons, and we were excited to hear this news. In fact, when we met this couple and heard that they plan to move into our neighborhood, our two sons were throwing a frisbee around the yard. They had already met one another.
On the way home, I was not expecting to get a call from a good friend saying that his grandfather had taken a turn for the worse. The couple who road with us to the Black’s farm asked if our children could stay with them while we went to the hospital. Because of their generosity and concern, we were able to spend some time with our friend whose grandfather was in ICU. We pray that we were a comfort and encouragement to them.
Now, as I look back over today – and this entire week – I am also thinking about tomorrow. You see, tomorrow I am planning to teach from Titus 2 –
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. (Titus 2:11-14 NKJV)
Today, and this week, God has revealed his grace to teach me how to live for today. Jesus gave himself to redeem me and purify me so that I could be zealous for good works. I wonder what has prepared me most to teach this Scripture: the time I spent studying the words of the text, or the time I spent living the words of the text. I believe God has used both in my life. I pray that he will continue to give me grace that teaches me how to live. And, as I learn to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, I know that Jesus will continue to overflow through me as I live.
That’s not my responsibility…
Monday afternoon, my good friend Theron (from “Sharing in the Life“) posted a blog called “Unstructured (Fluid? Spirit Led?) Gatherings – My Responsibility“. This post was a response to meeting with a group of believers in my home last Saturday evening (see “Saturday Night…“). In the post, Theron concludes that it is his responsibility (and, by extension, the responsibility of every believer) to be prepared to encourage other believers when they gather together. Now, there will certainly be times when God keeps us silent in order to listen to others, or “dry” times when we have nothing to share. We should expect these to be exceptions, not the rule. But, if we are honest with ourselves, we would admit that most of the time we have nothing to say to other believers simply (as Theron says) because we have not spent time listening to God ourselves, or, perhaps even more likely, because we do not think it is our responsibility to bring a teaching or word or encouragement to other believers.
In his post, Theron also suggests that we may not be concerned about encouraging others because we do not believe this is our responsibility. Instead, Theron says that we hide behind structures that place that responsibility on other’s shoulders:
Second, I realized that it is real easy to hide behind structure. A common example of this might be having one teacher who teaches the entire time a group gathers. Since the responsibility to speak, share, or teach is placed on only one person. The others who are there can either study up beforehand and listen actively or they can just show up and not really listen. It is very difficult to tell the difference between the two since there is no interaction during the gathering.
In a previous post (“Representative Obedience?“), I dealt briefly with this concept by asking a few questions. Who is responsible for teaching? Who is responsible for admonishing? Who is responsible for discipling? Who is responsible for edifying the church?
I believe the numerous “one another” statements of Scripture show us that all of us bear the responsibility for teaching, admonishing, discipling, edifying, etc. each other. This responsibility cannot be abdicated nor can it be delegated. “Religion” always teaches vicarious obedience: i.e., the normal person is “obedient” when the priest makes a sacrifice in his or her place. However, we must never assume that Christianity is a religion, nor that we can obey God vicariously through others.
Thinking through my posts for this week, I recognize that God is teaching me about my responsibility in obedience. Showing hospitality (“Hospitality – vacancy or no vacancy?“) toward other believers and strangers is my responsibility to God. I do not obey when others in my group or others within an organization show hospitality, but I do not. Similarly, examining my life to see what God is doing is my responsibility (“What is God doing in your life?“). Others can help me understand what God is teaching me, or how God is using me, or even where God is using me; but, it is my responsibility to listen to God myself. I am not being obedient just because others in my Christian group are spending time with and listening to God. It is also my responsibility to encourage other believers (“Hebrews and Encouragement…“). I am not being obedient to encourage other believers when I sit with a group of people and only listen to someone else teach. Finally, it is also my responsibility “to show vigilant concern” for other believers (“What does a non-bishop oversee?“). I am not obedient when I leave this to others (even leaders) to carry out.
To put this in more concrete terms, I am not obeying God in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ simply because a church organization has an evangelism program. I am not obeying God in fellowshiping and encouraging other believers simply because I am attending a planned event – even if that event happens on a Sunday morning. I am not obeying God in loving others simply because I give money to a missions organization. I am not obeying God in caring for those in need simply because I put money in an offering plate. I am personally responsible for obeying God in each of these areas, and many, many more.
So, whether we are hiding behind structures (as Theron suggests), or we are hiding behind leaders, or we are hiding by Christian celebrities, or… whatever we are hiding behind… we should understand that God holds each of us responsible for obeying him. And, just as Adam and Eve were not able to hide their disobedience behind fig leaves, our excuses will not hide our disobedience from God.
You are my responsibility, and I am your responsibility. The poor and the lost are my responsibility. The widows and orphans are my responsibility. The immature are my responsibility. The hurting and grieving are my responsibility. The haughty and arrogant are my responsibility. I cannot handle all of these responsibilities – in fact, I cannot handle any of these responsibilities. However, God can miraculously work through me by the guidance and empowerment of His Spirit. Will he find a willing vessel? Or, will I once again tell God, “That’s not my responsibility?”
Just Do It!
A famous shoe company used the phrase “Just Do It!” as their slogan a few years ago. I thought about this slogan earlier today when I read Dave Black’s essay “Ride That Horse!” Dave says that constantly discussing Christianity without putting it into practice is like reading a book about horses, but never riding a horse. Consider this paragraph:
This is a day when we are so incredibly busy discussing and disagreeing and interpreting and debating that we never do anything for the kingdom. It’s so easy to spend all our time listening to lectures or reading books on the Christian life – homeschooling versus government education, elder-led versus elder-rule polity, age-integrated versus age-segregated church – that we never do any real service for the Lord. Discussing has become a substitute for doing and we have failed to do those good works that God planned for us to do before the creation of the world.
I confess that I have fallen into this trap before. I love to discuss theology, especially ecclesiology. I love to discuss Scripture. But, recently I have been convicted of exactly what Dave is talking about here. While it is good to discuss and learn, we must be put into practice what we learn!
One of the things that I have specifically attempted to do in the last few months is to truly live what I believe about the church. I have noticed many times recently that people have disagreed with my view of the church, and have argued with me in order to convince me that their view is correct, but, all the while, they were not living out their own view of the church. Perhaps my view is faulty in places (and, I’m sure it is), but by God’s power and grace I am trying to live what I believe.
For example, I now put much more emphasis on people instead of an organization. I also spend much more time discipling people than I spend making organizational decisions. I also try to encourage other believers when I’m with them, and I try to give them an opportunity to encourage me and others.
What about you? Are you riding the horse, or only reading the book? Are you only discussing the church, or are you also living as the church?
What does a non-bishop oversee?
A few weeks ago, I posted a blog called “What does a bishop oversee?” In this post, I suggested that the επίσκοπος (episkopos) / επισκοπÎω (episkopeo) word group, when used in Scripture for Christian leaders, should be translated “looking after people” or “being concerned about people” as opposed to “overseeing an organization”. I followed this blog with an example (a negative example, from my point of view) in a post called “The Church or the Organization?” I was surprised at the response to this blog post (three times the page views and comments of the next most viewed/commented post). I did not originally intend to discuss the church / organization dichotomy. Instead, I was heading in another direction, which began in a post called “Leadership, Obedience, and Authority…” I will continue in the original direction in this post, which is looking at Christian leaders and their function and operation among the church.
In this post, I would like to continue to examine the επίσκοπος (episkopos) / επισκοπÎω (episkopeo) word group. Specifically, what does this word group mean for those who are not elders/bishops? Or, does it apply to non-elders/non-bishops at all?
Apparently, the author of Hebrews believes that this function does apply to all believers. For example, consider this passage:
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it [from επισκοπÎω] that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. (Hebrews 12:14-16 ESV)
If you need to check the context, read from Hebrews 12:1. It is clear from this context that all believers are in view, and all believers should be “looking carefully” (as the NKJV translates the participle επισκοπÎω in 12:15).
Commenting on the word επισκοπÎω in 12:15, William Lane says in the Word Biblical Commentary:
The call to vigilance expressed in επισκοπουντες [that is, the participle of επισκοπÎω] refers not to some official expression of ministry but rather to the engagement of the community as a whole in the extension of mutual care (cf. 3:12-13; 4:1; 10:24-25). Christian vigilance is the proper response to a peril that poses an imminent threat to the entire community… In view of this very real danger, the members of the house church are urged to vigilant concern for one another. [451-52]
Thus, Lane understands the verb επισκοπÎω to mean “to show vigilant concern”. This is very similar to the definitions that I suggested in my previous post (“What does a bishop oversee?“): “to look after” or “be concerned about”. In this case, it is clear that the object of concern is not an organization, but the people (that is, the church) themselves. Believers are to show concern for other believers so that they do not fail to obtain the grace of God, so that no root of bitterness springs up, and so that they are not sexually immoral or unholy.
If all believers are “to show vigilant concern” for other people, could it not also be that bishops and elders are “to show vigilant concern” for other people (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-2)? Once again, I suggest that this is quite different than “overseeing an organization”; yet, this is the way the verb επισκοπÎω is often presented when it comes to Christian leaders. Perhaps, elders are supposed “to show vigilant concern” for other people not because they are elders, but because they are believers. In fact, they should be more likely “to show vigilant concern” for others because they are supposed to be good examples of what it means to follow Christ and obey Him.
The important thing to realize in Hebrews 12:14-15 is that it is our responsibility to be concerned about one another. This is not only the responsibility of Christian leaders. However, we all realize that there are occasionally hindrances and obstacles that prevent us from showing proper concern for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Sometimes, those hindrances and obstacles are in our lives; sometimes, they are in the lives of others.
What are some of the hindrances or obstacles to showing vigilant concern for other believers? How can we overcome some of these hindrances and obstacles?
Hebrews and Encouragement…
The author of the Book of Hebrews encourages (exhorts) his readers to encourage (exhort) each other several times. For example, consider these passages:
Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (Hebrews 3:12-13 ESV)
So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. (Hebrews 6:17-18 ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)
I appeal to [encourage, exhort] you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. (Hebrews 13:22 ESV)
Encouragement and exhortation are translations of the same Greek words: the verb παÏακαλÎω (parakaleo) and the noun παÏάκλησις (paraklÄ“sis). Encouragement/exhortation is very important to the author of Hebrews. In fact, he recognizes his own writing as “my word of exhortation” (13:22). He also recognizes that each believer should serve other believers through exhortation and encouragement.
I appreciate what Craig Koester said about this in his commentary on Hebrews for the Anchor Bible:
To “exhort†(parakalein) and to give “exhortation†(paraklÄ“sis) is integral to Hebrews. Through his “word of exhortation†(13:22), the author does in written form what he wants listeners to do for each other. He is concerned about individuals (i.e., “any one of youâ€,†3:12), but gives members of the community responsibility to exhort “one another†against sin. Later, exhortation will mean “strong encouragement†(6:18) to hold fast to the promise (cf. 12:5). Exhortation to pursue virtue and to avoid vice was part of Greco-Roman philosophical tradition. Although exhortation could be sharp, its goal was to benefit the hearer. The author of Hebrews models the kind of exhortation that listeners might use with each other, coupling blunt admonitions and warnings with more comforting and encouraging words (e.g., 5:11-14; 6:4-12). The aim of such exhortation is to promote perseverance in faith and to guard against sin.
According to Koester, the author of Hebrews recognizes that his letter will help believers persevere in faith and guard against sin. However, he also recognizes that his letter is not enough. The believers need to encourage/exhort one another to persevere in faith and guard against sin.
Notice in the Scriptures above the amount of interaction that is necessary between believers for them to be capable of encouraging one another. We should know if someone has an evil or unbelieving heart, or if someone is being hardened by sin (3:12-13). We should know if a brother or sister is “holding fast to the hope” that only comes from a relationship with God (6:18). We should be able to stir up or provoke one another toward actions that demonstrate our love for God and one another (10:24). In other words, in order to encourage one another, we must know one another. We cannot encourage one another (at least, not the way that is necessary) if we are only acquainted with one another.
We must be willing to ask difficult questions, and not accept pat or canned answers. We must be able to recognize when a brother or sister is hurting or in need, and we must then be willing to respond to that hurt or need. We must live alongside brothers and sisters and remind them, “Yes, I am my brother’s or sister’s keeper.”
It is wrong for us to refuse to speak words of encouragment to our brothers and sisters. However, it is just as wrong to refuse to spend time getting to know brothers and sisters; because without knowing them, we cannot encourage them as we should.
What is God doing in your life?
Last Saturday evening, as several friends gathered in our home (see “Saturday Night…“), Maël (from “The Adventures of Maël & Cindy“) asked the question, “What is God doing in your life?” He told the group that he had recently been asking brothers and sisters this question. Over the last several weeks, he said he had even asked a ten year old believer this question several times.
I love this question. It reminds me that God is alive and that God is working. It reminds me that the Spirit that indwells me and other believers does not leave us as we are, but He works in us to mature us toward Christ-likeness. The theological name for this is sanctification – the Spirit makes us more holy, that is, more different from the world and more like Christ. I know that God is working, but do I always ask myself and others, “What is God doing in your life?” No. As a matter of fact, while my wife and I talk about this occasionally, I had never asked my children what God was doing in their lives.
My wife’s birthday is soon… very, very soon. So, last Monday evening, I took my son and daughter shopping. Since we were in the van for a long time, I knew this was a perfect opportunity to continue our “discipleship program” (See “A Van-based discipleship program…“). At one point in our conversation, I asked them, “What is God doing in your life?” I was very excited about how they both recognized God working in their lives.
Just as an example, my son said that God had been leading him to love and care more for people in need. I asked him what he meant. He explained that last summer we had several opportunities to help people move – and my son took part in this. However, since then, he said he had not had as many opportunities to help people. We talked about some opportunities that God had provided for us to help people, and how we could take better advantage of these opportunities.
Similarly, I talked about how God was teaching me about hospitality through Scripture, as well as through examples in my life and through several comments to my post “Hospitality – vacancy or no vacancy?” I was surprised at how much they understood hospitality, especially the cost involved with showing hospitality. I don’t know why I am always so surprised what my son and daughter are learning. And, I don’t know why I am surprised that they can recognize God working in their lives.
Still, it is good to remind ourselves and others to look for ways that God is working in our lives. God may be teaching us, or He may be convicting us. He may be comforting us, or He may stretching us. He can use Scripture, prayer, other believers, circumstances and situations, and, certainly, His presence.
Perhaps asking questions like, “What is God doing in your life?” is part of the process of “considering how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). Perhaps this is one way that we can encourage, admonish, and teach one another. Perhaps, when someone asks us what God is doing in our lives, it is one thing that God uses to keep our eyes off of distractions and fixed on Jesus, “the author and perfector of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Perhaps, questions like this remind us that we are not our own, but that we have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23).
So, I ask you: What is God doing in your life?
Saturday Night…
Apparently, “Saturday Night” is the name of a song by the Eagles. I thought that I knew all of the Eagles’ songs… apparently not, because I do not know this song.
Anyway, we were able to get together in our home with some friends again last Saturday night. When we started getting together on Saturday nights a few weeks ago (see the post “Fellowship of Faith…“), we told people that we did not want to consider this an obligation, nor did we want others to consider it an obligation. So, when we have not been able to host our friends on Saturday night (such as a week ago), we let them know – without pressure or guilt. In the same way, when someone can’t get together with us on Saturday nights, we do not pressure them, nor do we make them feel guilty. It has been amazing to see what happens when God brings together people who want to come together in order to encourage one another. It is different than what generally happens when people get together because they feel obligated to get together.
This Saturday night was very special! Several months ago, some close friends of ours left this country for south Asia. After several months in south Asia, they found out that their young son had cancer, so they returned to this country, but to another state. We have been able to keep in touch with them through email and Skype and by phone, but we had not seen them in several months. The husband surprised us by coming to visit this weekend. So, he was able to join us last Saturday night.
He began to tell us what God had been teaching them during their time in Asia and through the cancer treatments for their son. It is one thing to read a book about dealing with suffering; it is something quite different to hear from someone who is in the middle of it. He talked about the spiritual darkness that they felt in South Asia. He also talked about the physical and emotional trials that they are going through now. It was so encouraging and challenging to hear him talk about God’s sovereignty throughout the entire process -so far. This family may not have a job. They are living in a borrowed house. They are driving a borrowed vehicle. Their son has cancer. But, he (and his wife) state with conviction, “God is good. God is in control. We have hope because of God.”
Listening to my brother talk about their time in South Asia (my son liked the monkey stories), and about their struggles with hospital stays and cancer treatments, I couldn’t help but think about Acts 20, where Luke records that the church in Troas gathered together to listen to Paul speak as he was passing through their area. I am not comparing my friend to Paul, but I do understand why people would want to listen to Paul speak past midnight (we didn’t meet that long – not quite).
As he talked about the spiritual darkness in south Asia, we began to discuss the spiritual realm. Specifically, we talked about why people in the West generally are not as aware of spiritual forces as people in other areas of the world. We talked about comforts, distractions, independence, etc.
We also talked about maturity. This discussion was from a question that I brought to the group: “How do we help one another mature in Christ?” This was a great conversation with several suggestions. We agreed that formal teaching was important, but that formal teaching could not be the extent of discipleship. Discipleship requires living life together, not just formal teaching. Interestingly, while we were talking, a couple of people pointed to things that happened during that evening meeting that exhorted them toward maturity in Christ (small things to some – very meaningful to others).
If you are reading this, and your only contact with other believers is in a formal setting with large groups of people, I encourage you to seek brothers and sisters that you can meet with in a more intimate setting as well. I have been surprised how others have taught me, and how God has used me to teach others, without “teaching” at all.
Ephesians 4:7-16 and Consistency…
In my three previous posts, I have been discussing Ephesians 4:7-16 (“Ephesians 4:11 and the Five-Fold Ministry“, “Ephesians 4:12 and Equipping Ministries“, and “Ephesians 4:7-16 and the Growing Church“). In this post, I am going to examine some of my previous statements concerning Ephesians 4:7-16 with reference to other passages of Scripture. In other words, I am going to ask this question: Are my conclusions consistent with other passages of Scripture?
First, based on Ephesians 4:7, I stated, “God works through different people in different ways according to his grace and Christ’s measure”. This is straightforward, and few disagree with this statement. But, there are a few parallel passages that teach the same thing. For example, the first part of Romans 12:6 says, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us…” (Romans 12:6a ESV) Once again, we see that different people are given different gifts according to God’s grace. Similarly, 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 state in three different ways that there are “varieties” of gifts all given by the same Triune God.
Second, based on the emphasis beginning in Ephesians 4:8 and continuing through 4:16, I concluded that Paul was emphasizing Jesus’ giving instead of emphasizing specific gifts. I said, “The emphasis is firmly placed on Christ and the affects of his giving”. This can also be seen in 1 Corinthians 12, specifically in the passage I mentioned earlier:
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 ESV)
While volumes have been written identifying the various gifts listed in verses 8-10 and how people with those gifts should function, this is not the author’s purpose. In fact, Paul does not identify how each gift functions. Instead, he emphasizes that it is God Himself (through the Spirit) who gives the gifts. In these eight verses, Paul states that God gives the gifts for His purposes nine distinct times. Once again, we see that the emphasis is not on the gifted individuals nor on the functioning of those individuals. Instead, Paul consistently emphasizes that gifts and gifted individuals are given by Christ or the Spirit in order to carry out His will and His purposes.
Third, I suggested that the individuals listed in Ephesians 4:11 do not represent offices or positions in the church, but instead represent examples of gifted individuals. This is probably the most controversial point of my interpretation of Ephesians 4:7-16. I do not expect to convert anyone to my position, but I will attempt to explain my position. My request to those who disagree: Please try to understand what I am saying before you begin arguing against me.
Notice that in 1 Corinthians 12:28-30, Paul easily transitions from gifted individuals to the gifts themselves:
And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? (1 Corinthians 12:28-30 ESV)
Why do we see some of these as offices or positions, but not others? If we have an office of apostle, why not an office of helping? If teachers represent a certain position in the church, why not a position of interpreter?
Consider, instead, the possibility that God worked through individual believers according to His will and for His purposes (as we have seen previously, and as Paul emphasized in an earlier passage in 1 Corinthians 12). It is the working of God (manifestation of the Spirit) that is recognized as specific giftings, not particular inate abilities within the individuals themselves. God could use some as apostles, others through gifts of healing, others with gifts of teachings, and others as interpreters. This says nothing about the individuals themselves; instead, it speaks about the working of God. Thus, a “teacher” is simply a believer through whom the Spirit normally teaches other believers. An “interpreter” is simply a believer through whom the Spirit normally manifests Himself through interpreting tongues. This does not require a special office or position. It does, however, require God to work through individuals as He Himself chooses.
This also helps explain why (in just a few paragraphs) Paul instructs the believers in Corinth that they all have the ability to prophesy: “For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged.” (1 Corinthians 14:31 ESV) The gift of prophecy is not relegated to those who hold an office or position of prophet. All believers have the potential of prophesying, if God wills to prophesy through them. (By the way, in case someone wants to make a distinction between “prophet” and “prophecy”, please notice that Paul does not make the same distinction. Instead, he closely connects “prophet”, “prophecy”, and “revelation” in 1 Corinthians 14:29-32.) The prophet is the one who prophesies, not the one who holds a particular office or position. The same could be said for apostles, evangelists, pastors, teachers, etc.
Finally, based on Ephesians 4:16, I concluded that the body will only grow (as Christ desires it to grow) if each believer functions as he or she is gifted by Christ. I said, “In fact, the last verse emphasizes and double emphasizes that it is the proper working of each part of the body that is necessary for the body to grow”. Most would agree with this point as well, but I want to empahsize one thing in particular. According to Scripture no gift or grouping of gifts are more important than any other gift or grouping of gifts. Instead, every individual (as gifted by God) is necessary for the proper functioning and growth of the body.
Again, 1 Corinthians 12 is the best parallel for this (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Not only does Paul recognize the importance of each “member” of the body of Christ (foot, hand, ear, eye metaphorically), he also teaches us that those gifts that seem less important – from a human viewpoint – are actually more important from God’s viewpoint:
On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. (1 Corinthians 12:22-25 ESV)
Notice specifically that God Himself deems of greater honor those parts of the body that seem to be weaker, dispensable, and less honorable to us. This turns human thinking about importance and leadership on its head.
All members of the body of Christ should recognize that they were placed in the body and gifted by God Himself to carry out His will. No one is indispensable; no one is less important. Instead, every believer should function as gifted by God. If those gifted as apostles and evangelists are functioning, but those gifted as healers and interpreters are not, then the body will not grow as God planned. If those gifted as prophets and pastors and teachers are functioning, but those gifted as helpers, tongues speakers, and miracle workers are not, then the body will not be edificed toward maturity in Christ. Every member of the body is placed in the body by God to function as the Spirit gifts, enables, and empowers.
Hopefully, even those who disagree with me at certain points will recognize that I have attempted to be consistent in my understanding of Scripture. More importantly, this is not an academic exercise for me. Because of these teachings and others, I treat everyone within the body of Christ (regardless of abilities, talents, or gifts) as equally important and necessary. I have been chosen as an elder, but I do not see myself, my gifts, my abilities, or even my opinions as more important or more correct that anyone else’s. God can use my nine year old daughter and sister in Christ to edify me and others just as He can use me.
As always, I know that I am fallible, and I know that I am still learning. I welcome any questions or comments.
Ephesians 4:7-16 Series:
1. Ephesians 4:11 and the Five-Fold Ministry
2. Ephesians 4:12 and Equipping Ministry
3. Ephesians 4:7-16 and the Growing Church
4. Ephesians 4:7-16 and Consistency
Ephesians 4:7-16 and the Growing Church…
In my last two posts (“Ephesians 4:11 and the Five-Fold Ministry” and “Ephesians 4:12 and Equipping Ministries“) I argued from the basic structure of the Greek sentence that Paul was not specifying a special group of five leaders who job was to equip the church. Because of these posts, several have asked me to post my interpretation of Ephesians 4:11-12. In order to do so, I believe we must look at the passage in context.
Paul begins this section of Ephesians (that we call chapter 4), by encouraging believers to deal with one another in humility and gentleness and patience in order to “maintain the unity”. What unity is Paul talking about? He explains that we are united in one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God. This is the foundation of our unity. From this starting point of unity, Paul writes:
But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” ( In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:7-16 ESV)
Beginning in verse 7, Paul recognizes that unity is not the same as uniformity. God works through different people in different ways according to his grace and Christ’s measure. “Measure” is an important word in this passage (μÎÏ„Ïον – metron), showing up in three important verses: 4:7, 13, 16. Also, the phrase “to each one of us” is important: it is fronted in the Greek text, showing the author’s emphasis.
Next, in verse 8, Paul quotes Psalm 68:18 in order to demonstrate Christ’s right to distribute gifts. In this quote (and in the explanation that follows in the next two verses), Christ is described as a victorious conqueror. As a conqueror, he has the right to the spoils and to distribute those spoils as he sees fit. Thus, Christ (the one who descended and ascended) has the right to distribute gifts according to his measure.
In the next two verses, Paul connects the “ascending” in verse 8 to Jesus’ incarnation (descension) and ascension. In verse 10 especially, the subject changes to focus on the work of Jesus. Christ is “He who descended” and “who also ascended”, and he does this for a particular purpose: “that he might fill all things”. This is very important: Christ does not give gifts so that the gifts might fill all things, or that the gifted individuals might fill all things. Instead, Christ ascended and gives gifts so that he himself might fill all things.
Paul continues to focus on the work of Christ in verse 11. This verse begins a sentence that continues through the end of verse 16. Specifically, the verse and sentence begins with the (unnecessary) nominative third person pronoun “he” (αυτος). This pronoun is unnecessary (and rarely used in Ephesians) because the pronoun is already built into the verb “gave” (εδωκεν – aorist active indicative 3rd person singular from διδωμι). Because of this, some English translations begin the verse “he himself gave” (NKJV) or “it was he who gave” (NET, NIV) in order to show the emphasis. Paul lists four groups gifted individuals (apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors and teachers) whom Christ gives. (I will discuss this gifted individuals after I finish interpreting this passage.)
Why does Christ give? In verse 12, Paul says that Christ gives for the purpose or result of the equipment, training, or preparation of the saints. Similarly, the following two prepositional phrases (“for the work of ministry/service” and “for building up/edification of the body of Christ”) could demonstrate the purpose or result of Christ’s giving. However, since these two phrases begin with a different prepostion than the phrase “to equip the saints”, this preposition could indicate a frame of reference. Thus, Paul could be saying that Christ gives for the purpose or result of the work of service and the edification of the body, or he could be saying that Christ gives with reference to the work of service and the edification of the body. Either way, any “work of service” or “edification of the body” is carried out only because of Christ’s giving, not because of the people themselves.
Verse 13 begins with a conjunction: “until”. From this we see that the author continues to point back to the beginning of this sentence: “And he gave… until”. There is a point at which Christ will stop giving. What is that point? Notice there is a change of subject for this clause. Now the subject is Paul and other believers: “we all”. Christ will stop giving when “we all” reach (“attain to”) at least three things: 1) unity, 2) perfection/completion, and 3) the measure of Christ himself. (This is the second use of the term μÎÏ„Ïον (metron – “measure”). Christ not only “measures” the gifts that he gives (vs. 7), he is also the “measure” of the perfection to which we are being changed.)
Verse 14 begins with another conjunction that relates back to the beginning of the sentence in verse 11: “And he gave… in order that”. We are not yet perfect, but we may no longer be children. Because Christ gives, we are being matured such that we no longer are affected by the storms of this world. The “storms” that concern Paul most are the “cunning, crafty, deceitful” teachings of other humans. As we mature through the gifts that Christ gives, we grow beyond being affected by this type of deceit.
In verse 15, Paul continues the clause that he began in verse 14. This is still part of the same sentence that started in verse 11: “And he gave… in order that we might no longer be children… but [in order that] we might grow…” In this verse, we begin to understand how Christ’s gift move us from being children to the perfection and maturity that is measured by Christ. We begin by being truthful in love. As we grow into the head – that is Christ – something else begins to happen that is further explained in verse 16.
In the final verse of this section (vs. 16), we see that our goal is to grow into the head (Christ) by working from the head (Christ). As each part of the body does its share (literally: “according to the working in the measure of each one’s part”), the body grows into Christ. Here is the third use of the term μÎÏ„Ïον (metron – “measure”). No only does Christ “measure” the gifts that he gives, and not only is Christ the “measure” of our growth, Christ also “measures” the part that each person plays in the growth of the body.
Specifically, each person has a part to play in order for the body to grow. In fact, this verse states this emphatically twice (double emphasis): “joined and held together by every joint” and “when each part is working properly”.
So, in this passage, the emphasis is firmly placed on Christ and the affects of his giving, not on the function of certain parts of the body of Christ. In fact, the last verse emphasizes and double emphasizes that it is the proper working of each part of the body that is necessary for the body to grow. Is it necessary for apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, etc. to function properly in order for the body to grow? Yes, absolutely! But, this is not because they are special parts of the body, but because that are parts of the body. Every part of the body must function properly in Christ in order for the body to grow. There are not any unnecessary parts nor are there any unimportant parts in the body of Christ.
Therefore, when I look at the list of gifted individuals (see, I told you I would get back to them!) in Ephesians 4:11, in the context of this entire passage and especially in the context of the long sentence that runs from 4:11-16, I do not see a list of special Christian leaders. In fact, seeing these gifted individuals as special leaders would be contrary to the entire passage. Instead, it seems to me that in Eph 4:11, Paul is simply listing examples of gifted individuals that Christ gives to the church. These individuals, and all other believers, must function as they are gifted in order for the church to be edified. 1 Corinthians 12 (especially 1 Cor. 12:28-30) shows that Paul can easily shift from gifts (as in Eph 4:7-10; 1 Cor 12:28b;30) to gifted individuals (as in Eph 4:11; 1 Cor 12:28a;29).
What do I make of the combination “pastors and teachers” in Eph. 4:11? I do not have to make anything of this. Simply, Paul is pointing to individuals who are gifted both with pastoring and teaching. Paul is not saying that all pastors are teachers; nor is he saying that all teachers are pastors. These arguments may be made based on other passages of Scripture, but that is not Paul’s point here. Instead, just as some people are gifted by Christ as apostles, others are gifted as prophets, others are gifted as evangelists, and still others are gifted as pastors and teachers.
What is important is that those who are gifted as apostles must function as apostles in order for the church to be edified. Those who are gifted as prophets must function as prophets in order for the church to grow. Those who are gifted as evangelists must function as evangelists as Christ himself has measured their part. Those who are gifted as pastors and teachers must function as pastors and teachers in order for the church to mature toward Christ-likeness. These gifted individuals and all gifted believers edify the church when they do their part – gifted, empowered, and enabled by Christ himself. Christ equips believers to edify the church.
Yes, I believe these giftings are still necessary today, but that belief has little to do with this passage (I have already mentioned something of this in 4:13 with the conjunction “until”). Instead, I do not see any indication elsewhere in Scripture that any gifting has stopped. I do believe that gifting will stop eventually, but that time (the time of perfection – Eph 4:13; 1 Cor 13:10) has not occurred yet.
I have tried to start with the text of Scripture and what the text actually says. I have based my interpretation on that text. Do I have preconceptions coming into this text? Certainly. Am I open to correction? Yes, I am open to correction as explained from the text itself. Do I believe that the Holy Spirit aids me in understanding these texts? Absolutely! As important, if not more important, I also rely on the Spirit to enable me and convict me to LIVE these texts. I have tried to live what I believe here and elsewhere in Scripture. Does that mean that I am always right? No, the Spirit is infallible, but I am not. I know that this interpretation will not satisfy everyone. I’m okay with that, and I would welcome any comments.
Ephesians 4:7-16 Series:
1. Ephesians 4:11 and the Five-Fold Ministry
2. Ephesians 4:12 and Equipping Ministry
3. Ephesians 4:7-16 and the Growing Church
4. Ephesians 4:7-16 and Consistency