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| lornewel Member Joined May 11, 2004 553 posts Location: Abbotsford |
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Posted Nov 7, 2006; 10:18 am |
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Before leaving this chapter, I thought I'd like to comment on your sixth discussion question.
How does the list in verse 28 relate to the earlier list of gifts?
Let's assume that this "list" does relate to the one in verses 8 - 10, because, first, it appears in the same passage and seems to be on the same theme; and second, there is some overlap or repetition.
I put "list" in quotes, because there are differing views among Bible believers about whether the "lists" of gifts and offices found here, in 1 Peter 4 and in Ephesians 4 are complete and there are no other gifts or offices, or whether the "lists" are more open-ended with these passages giving some examples.
I note that verses 8 -10 seem to describe the supernatural manifestations or gifts which may operate in individuals in the body at times, whereas verse 27 - 30 discusses and "labels" those who "possess", use or administer those manifestations or gifts habitually. For example, the earlier list mentions "prophecy" and the second one mentions the prophet. 1 Cor 14 urges us all to seek to prophesy and says every one of us may, but verses 28 and 29 here as well as Ephesians 4 seem to describe an "office" of prophet - a person who functions with the gifting or role habitually and is somehow, apparently, recognized as such. That person even seems to be "ranked" by Paul as being in second spot in the church. He lists apostles, prophets and teachers in this same order in Ephesians 4, but here he actually puts the words "first," "second" and "third" on them. I am not sure what that signifies, but it intrigues me. |
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