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| 1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. |
Spiritual gifts – The "gifts" were miracles, tongues, interpretations, etc. SM572:T; R5093:3, 3153:1
Conferred upon the early Church for its establishment and development. R3150:1, 1695:4
To draw and hold them together, making them mutually dependent upon one another. R2203:1, 5224:6
These gifts were for two purposes; for the benefit of the person himself, and also for a testimony to outsiders. Some effective and convincing methods were necessary to the start the infant Church. R5786:2, 5093:3, 1422:5
The gifts were given for a witness; because the Old Testament was heard only occasionally in the synagogues of the Jews, and the New Testament had not yet been written. R4732:1
The early Church could not walk by faith as we do. They needed the assistance of sight; for they had no Bibles. Their instruction from God came through the gifts. R5224:4,6, 5668:2, 4443:1, 3153:1, 1422:5
Such instruction is no longer necessary, and is therefore no longer given. We have the Bible. R5224:5, 3153:1; E179
We have no power to communicate such gifts today, nor have others this power. R3153:1
Ignorant – The meetings in the early Church were not all of the preaching kind. Preaching services have given rise to a division of clergy and laity. Let those who have ability to preach do so in moderation; let them also help others to various shares in the service of the truth. R3014:5, 836:2
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| 2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. |
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| 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Spirit. |
No man can say – Understandingly, from a scriptural standpoint. R137:6*
Jesus is Lord – Hundreds who accept Jesus as Savior from sin have no real conception of him as the actual Master and Sovereign of the daily life. R2164:3
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| 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. |
Diversities – Divers operations. E178
Some of the gifts are departed, but the chief ones remain. We still have the apostles and prophets. These being dead, yet speak. R182:6, 3153:5
Gifts – These gifts three purposes: Proving that Jesus had been faithful; that God was with these people, for their message to be investigated; and an assurance to the disciples themselves that God was leading them. R5224:4
Not fruits of the Spirit in any sense of the word. The disciples at Pentecost were not prepared to manifest immediately rich, ripe fruitage of the holy Spirit. R5224:3
But the same spirit – The one holy influence. E179
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| 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. |
Differences – Our Lord has, to some extent, changed his administration, but he, as Head, is still ruling over his Body. R182:6
Of administrations – Of operations. E179
But the same Lord – The one holy influence shed forth by the one Lord. E179
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| 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. |
Diversities – These variations in the manifestations of the Spirit. R5224:6
Of operations – The Spirit does not now operate by the lower gifts of tongues, cures, etc., probably because the ignorance which made it expedient then, has now given place to knowledge. R182:6
It is the same God – Fountain of the one holy influence. E179
Worketh all in all – Worketh all things among all. E278
The one Spirit working in the entire Church, to build them all up as various members in the one Body of Christ. R5224:6
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| 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. |
The manifestation – A measure. E185; R2736:1; SM570:1; HG404:2
Not the same measure, for all do not have the full capacity. HG665:3
One or more of the "gifts." R1998:2
The gifts granted to the early Church. E179
A portion, at least one talent. R2764:3
Though the special "gifts" are not bestowed upon every member, they do benefit every member. R732:5
The measure will be according to the degree possible through infirmity of the flesh. R4641:6
Of the Spirit --The appointment of all the servants of the Church is of God (verse 28), by or through the manifestation of his holy Spirit. E278
It is the same gift to all, the same Spirit amongst all, working in all of this class, and the duty of each one is to use this gift of the Lord for its increase. R2736:1
Is given – Was given in apostolic times for the purpose of establishing the Church. R1998:2, 5786:2, 2764:5, 1998:2, 1422:5
Since the early Church, the natural gifts or talents which each person possesses through birth, education and training are accepted by the Lord, as being possessed by the man's new spirit, for his care. R2764:5; E180; F238
To every man – Member. R732:5
In the Church. E185, E179; R4641:6
In the true consecrated Church. R2736:1, 2764:4
Every man in Christ. E179, E185, E278; R2764:4, 732:5, 373:2
Each had a responsibility in proportion as he had talents or gifts of the spirit. R2764:4, 5225:1
In the early Church, following the Pentecostal outpouring of the holy Spirit, every consecrated believer received a gift or talent, and some received many of these. R2764:3, 1998:2
Any one lacking some special gift at that time would thus manifest that he had not become a member of the Church of Christ. R5668:2
To profit withal – Thereby. R732:5
For his profit and for the general advantage of the establishment of the Church. SM570:1; HG404:2
For the benefit of all the members. R365:2
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| 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; |
By the same Spirit – Spiritual gifts to be exercised in the Church. R781:3
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| 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; |
Faith – The Apostle Peter, strong in the assurance that the Lord would work with him in healing the lame man, boldly commanded him to rise up and walk. R1421:3, 4732:1
To another the gifts – Which, however, a man might receive and yet be sounding brass. F213
The gifts of the Spirit died out with the death of the apostles and of those upon whom they had conferred the gifts, but the fruits of the spirit were to abide. R5093:3, 1998:3; F213
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| 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: |
Working of miracles – Power to work other miracles. R5224:4
Prophecy – "Speaking to edification, exhortation and comfort." (1 Cor. 14:3) R1549:2
Discerning of spirits – Reading the thoughts and intents of the hearts. R1695:4
This gift was exercised by Peter in the case of Ananias and Sapphira, as an evidence or proof of his apostleship. R2943:6, 372:4
Divers kinds of tongues – Unknown tongues. R1422:5
Some spoke one language and some another, of which they previously had no knowledge. R5224:4
The interpretation – The gift of interpreting the foreign languages which the others spoke. R5224:4
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| 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. |
Dividing – No one had all the help the Spirit gave, but God divided according to his will. R67:4*
The apostles enjoyed all of the gifts. SM570:1; HG404:2
To every man – Each should study how best to use his talents for the edification of his hearers. R1638:2, 5225:4, 1998:2
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| 12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. |
The body is one – The Christ of God is Jesus and the redeemed Church. R751:3
For Christ and the Church have but one name, one body, one spirit. R1130:5*
Hath many members – On the spirit plane. SM505:T
All under the control of the Head, Jesus. R5224:6, 2122:4
Unitedly constituting one body and each member dependent largely upon each other member. R732:1, 733:5
We are bound together by love and common interest. R1575:1
Let not the least member despise his office. R1574:6
That during the Gospel age God has been selecting a Church is admitted by all Christians except Universalists; and that a membership in that one Church can be secured only during the present life. R1570:3
But while we and other Christians agree that the Church triumphant is to be one Church and not many churches, there are parts and bearings of the subject regarding which we are not agreed. R1570:6, 1571-1573, 1579:1
Being many – From the divine standpoint, a composite Body. R5871:3
Are one body – Unity; the oneness of the Church, with each other and with the Lord. R3880:6, 868:5; F236
The only union of the early Church was of the spirit; their law for the government of each was love; and all, as a whole, were put under obedience to the "law of the spirit," as expressed in our Lord's life. R1574:4
The true Church are fully consecrated to the doing of our Father's will; one in aim, hope and suffering. R1574:5
If the entire Body could recognize its oneness and each use the gifts possessed, remembering that they are bestowed not for itself, but for the Body, how great would be the strength and vigor and present power. R733:1
Our standing before Jehovah is not so much as units, but as parts of a unit, which is Christ. E215
The gifts enabled the different body members to cooperate for their mutual welfare, edification and upbuilding in preparation for the glories of service in the coming Kingdom. R5224:6
The head of the priest represented Jesus; the body of the priest represented the Church. R5532:5, 270:6
So also – One body or company of many members. F236, F444; R5213:1, 4841:3, 2479:3
Is Christ – The Anointed. In olden times the priests were anointed with oil, as were also the kings of Israel. This ceremony seems to typify the anointing of the antitypical kings and priests. R4841:3, 5235:6, 5227:3; F443
As the anointing oil was poured upon the head and ran down the High Priest's beard, to the skirts of his garment, it anointed the entire body, (Psa. 133:2) typifying the anointing th R5235:6, 270:6, 134:1
The will resides not in the members, but in the Head. R2479:3, 1574:4
The Christ, which Jesus the Head controls, and for which he thinks, plans and provides, using the various members to help each other. F73
The body of believers, the corporate whole. R1992:6, 1010:1, 48:4*
We have come back to the primitive simplicity of the early Church. The Lord Jesus is our Head or Law-giver; his Word is our rule of faith or practice; the holy Spirit is our interpreter and guide into truth. R1575:1, 4136:1
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| 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. |
For – Linking the Pentecostal baptism with our individual baptism, and showing the relationship of the two. E443
By one spirit – At Pentecost. F443; R5235:6, 5224:6, 1422:5
All received a begetting of the holy Spirit. R5213:1; CR230:2
Christian unity on the Bible basis. R5156:5; HG569:4
All who are begotten of the one spirit, the holy Spirit, are desirous of knowing and doing that which is right--that which is pleasing and acceptable to God and for the best interests of his cause. R5348:1; CR230:3
God's people are all one, whatever denomination they are found in. R5615:1
Are we all – Both Jews and Gentiles. E214; R5212:6
Baptized – The baptism of the holy Spirit was one baptism for the entire Church. F442
Throughout this Gospel age the anointing of the holy Spirit, which came to the Church at Pentecost, has continued, and gives an unction to all. R5235:6, 3712:6; F442
All that the world can see is the fact of this baptism. They recognize a difference between our spirit and the worldly spirit. R3712:6
One body – As the human body has many members under control of the head, except when diseased, so the Church, as members of the Body of Christ, are all to be subject to the Lord as their Head. CR68:4, 5; 463:3; 464:3; R5348:4; OV234:3
By the anointing the members may be recognized as one with Christ. R5235:6
The figure of a human body of many members, operating together for the accomplishment of one work, is a mental picture that is very generally made use of by the whole world; such as in the government. R5212:3; CR229:2
Into one spirit – The spirit of devotion to God. CR464:2; R81:4*
Find the members of that one Body where we may we find them of that one Spirit. It is always beautiful. It is always separate from the world. It is always showing forth the praises of him who called us. R5316:2, 5213:1
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| 14 For the body is not one member, but many. |
For the body – Of the Christ, the anointed company. A82; R5871:3
We should have missed much had the illustration of the Lord as the Head, and the Church as his Body, been omitted. R1387:5, 732:1
The figure of a vine and its branches conveys the same thought. R5227:2; Q810:3
Is not one member – Not merely Jesus the Head. A82
But many – This figure of a man refers to the Church, Jesus the Head, and the Church, his Body. Q531:2; R5871:3; F236
The Head has been present representatively through members of the Body upon whom he, in his absence, confers certain gifts representing his qualities and office as the head--the eye, the mouth, the ear members. R1387:5; NS341:1
Every member of the Body of Christ is necessary; none to be despised. R4207:1, 732:3; F238
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| 15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? |
Foot – The foot is an important member of great value in the service of the Body. R732:3
The feet make progress and represent the mission work of evangelists. R365:2
Hand – It can execute what the eye could not do, yet without the eye, how slow would be its work, and how much of it useless. R732:3
The hands care for, protect, assist, and feed the body, and thus answer to the work of pastors. R365:2,5
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| 16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? |
Ear – The ear is useful to the body advising it of the harmony or discord of the immediate present. R732:3
Representing members specially used to unfold prophecies and dark sayings, and to direct to the "meat in due season." R365:5, 1
Eye – The eye discerns; and by it, we mostly judge. R732:3
Representing members who look through the eyes of the apostles at the plans and works of God, and have not left these for the traditions of men. R365:5
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| 17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? |
Whole body – The Church at any particular time is recognized as complete, having in it the representatives of the various functions of the body. R3668:6, 2845:6
Some at the first advent were more important members, representing the quality of eye, ear or tongue, hands, etc., while others were less important functions of feet, legs, etc.; this has continued to today. R3668:6
Eye – Scripturally, representing understanding or knowledge; in the world, it is the symbol of intelligence. R732:4
The fact that some are able to discern points of truth, by the aid of the eye, should be considered a proof that such are fellow members of the same body, but not an eye member. R733:5
John and Paul had this quality through visions and revelations. R364:6
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| 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. |
God set the members – Divided or established the various members and gifts. R2203:1
The helps and counsels necessary the Lord provides. F147; R5508:3, 3153:5
Not by apostolic power, nor laying on of hands. OV160:2
Through the voice of the Church. R5305:5
God, through his faithful, still sets in the Church the various members, in proportion as they conform to his will and Word. R2985:5
The principle expressed in Psa. 75:6,7 is now operating in the Cr. R5711:2
Teaching is not within the province of all the brethren, but only for those specially indicated by divine providence. R4122:4
At first, the apostles appointed elders and deacons in each city; but afterward the body members at each place, guided by the spirit of truth, elected successors to the offices. R836:3
Some have felt distress if not elected an elder or deacon; but they should remember that the Lord has the supervision of the affairs of his Church, and prominence, promotion, and control, are in his hands. R5711:3
The choice of elders would not be according to earthly preference or family kinship or selfish ambition, but the Lord's preference. R3276:6, 2985:4
A place and an office in the Body to which God himself has wisely appointed him, and which belongs to no one else. R2157:6*
We are not to think of the Lord's cause as being wholly dependent on us. We are to remember the mistake of Uzzah in steadying the Ark. Only the priest might touch it. R4207:1, 4376:2
We should not be ambitious for a high station, but humbly desire to be and do those things acceptable to the Lord. HG751:5
This is the only kind of organization or union recognized in Scripture. In this organization God can and does makes choice of some more than others for the good of all. R836:2
Both the setting, or apportioning, and the bringing forth of the different degrees of fruitage are manifestations of God's grace in our hearts. R5284:2
To be a member of the Church militant will not prove that we shall be in the Church triumphant. R5245:6; Q119:2
The Lord will come to make up his jewels. There will be a setting in the end of this age, when the Church is completed. This began when the first resurrection began. R4913:6
Every one of them – Even the Head. Our Lord Jesus did not appoint himself high priest. "No man taketh this honor unto himself." (Heb. 5:4) "God hath given him to be the head over the church which is his body." (Eph. 1:22, 23) R3276:5
There is plenty of service for each member of the Body, but not all the same service. R4047:3; 3152:2; 3006:3
The body would not be complete without every one of them, unless one should fail to make his calling and election sure. R5213:2
In the body – All the parts are represented in any assemblage of the Church, the hand and foot, etc., as well as the various qualities which belong to the head--hearing, seeing and expression. R757:1, 1891:2, 287:1; NS341:1
Thus the Head of the Church is present with the members of his Body whenever two or three or more of them meet in his name; and the Body is complete and as effective for growth in grace, knowledge and love. R757:1, 287:1
Hath pleased him – Each should seek to recognize the Lord's appointments in his own case, as well as in that of others: and each should endeavor to serve according to the Lord's recognized arrangement, only. R1894:2, 3276:6, 3005:4; Q844:2
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| 19 And if they were all one member, where would be the body? |
Where were the body – Where would be the symmetry? R1935:4, 1894:2
Where would be its perfection and completeness; and how could the Body edify itself in love? R733:5
Where would be the mutual dependence of one member upon another, which cements and unifies all the members as one Body in which every member is needful and appreciated. R733:2
There are eye, ear, foot, hand, and tongue members who have unlike services to perform for the welfare of the whole Body. R5321:6, 2827:1
Each member should find his true position of usefulness in the Body and fill what position he is best qualified for. R732:5
Let not the least member despise his office. R1574:6
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| 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body. |
Many members – No one could serve in the typical High Priest's office who had a superfluous finger or toe, or one missing; indicating the antitypical priesthood is composed of a definite, fixed number. R5532:5; Q231:T
But one body – Every member is to be nourished and exercised that the Body may be symmetrical, perfect. R1894:2
There is no evidence in the early Church that the elders monopolized all the time or authority of teaching the brethren and fellow members. R836:4
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| 21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. |
Eye – A prophet, expounder; special teacher, a see-er through whom hidden things may be manifested. R732:6
Hand – Teachers, instructors, who carry the bread and water and feed the flock. R732:6
Head – The more able and intelligent are mentioned in contrast with the less able, by calling one class head members, (eye, ear, etc.) and the other class feet. R757:1, 364:6, 287:1
There is a work for every part of the body to do. The hand and the foot are connected through the head. The brain is in touch with all parts of the body through the nerves. R5213:2, 4047:3
Because Jesus is on the spiritual plane, the various qualities of the head are delegated to some members of the Body. R364:4, 365:2
Feet – The lowest members which require the especial assistance of the others. R757:1, 287:2
Those who bear much of the weight and carry the Body forward over obstacles; the member possessed of money talent which uses it thus. R733:1, 2827:1
In the human body the eye, ear, hand, and foot represent the principal serving members. R732:2
To recognize that the Lord's people in every part of this age have been "feet" members of the Body, does not contradict the application of Isa. 52:7 representing the "feet" mem R2827:2, 757:1, 287:2
No need of you – All the consecrated; not differentiating between the Little Flock and the Great Company. R4655:5
The various members of the congregation should be in positions where they can render the most efficient service. R5322:1, 3006:3, 733:4
Every member is to be considered, and no one is to assume a position over others. R4928:4
When the time for rewards will come, who knows how much of the usefulness of Paul and Apollos may be accredited in some of the humble ones such as Aquila and Priscilla, who supported their abler brethren. R3152:3
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| 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: |
To be more feeble – Most feeble. R850:5
And less important. R1935:4
The humblest. R3929:4
By far the larger proportion of the members are such; and their office in the Body is just as necessary as that of the more notable members. R2157:6*
Are necessary – To the prosperity of the Body as a whole. OV234:4
And none to be despised. F238
And may be something in the service. R1935:4
And has a duty to perform toward other members, as well as blessing to receive by its fellowship with them. R732:2
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| 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. |
Less honorable – Ungainly. R4269:5
More abundant honor – The most blemished members should have special care as well as the covering of charity--love. F236; R4269:5, 3929:5
"We that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak." (Rom. 15:1) R4269:5
As in our natural bodies we take the greatest care of the least pleasing members, so in the spiritual family those which are least attractive of themselves need our attention and sympathy. R3929:5
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| 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: |
God hath tempered – Seek to know the service God has evidently prepared each individual to perform. R5322:1, 3006:3, 733:4
Part which lacked – If the congregation lays too much on the feet members, it is depriving the hand members of their use. R5322:1
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| 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. |
No schism – No division. F236; R5225:1, 4252:1, 1577:1, 732:2, 589:5
No split. R4252:1
No sectarianism. R5225:1, 2845:5, 538:2, 732:2, 589:5
No denomination. R1130:4*
Divisions were objected to in the one true Church, and all the apostles taught that there is one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. There is one fold and one Shepherd. R1577:1, 2080:4, 538:2
Sectarian love and sectarian pride should be unknown. R5225:1
Body – Christians are a separated class--separated from the world, separate from sinners, separate from all others. R1577:1, 538:2
Have the same care – The same love. R5225:1
For the most humble as well as the most highly favored member. F236
A mutual care and love which seeks to encourage and strengthen all that is good and discourage, by example and sometimes by a kindly word, all that is unbecoming; and conceals faults. R5557:4, 3647:4
Cooperate with each other, off-setting each other's imperfections, compensating for each other's shortcomings and weaknesses, seeking only the welfare of the whole Body. R5225:1
None is to be despised or hindered from having his part in the general work of building up the Body in the most holy faith. R4207:1, 732:2
Each doing the part designed by our Head, shall thus accomplish his will--the edifying and building up of the Body. R732:5
One for another – Seeking to encourage and strengthen all that is good, to discourage all that is unbecoming, and to throw the mantle of love over deformities and faults. R3647:4, 5557:4
The whole living Church scattered worldwide should be knit together as one. Whenever there was opportunity the Churches sent Christian greetings and benedictions to each other. R1895:4
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| 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. |
And – Thus, in the true Church of Christ, which is knit together in love. R5557:4, 3647:4
One member suffer – Pain, degradation or disgrace. F236
Is injured or not as perfect as others. CR41:4
The complete glorification of the Church will not occur until the completion of the sufferings of Christ. R4398:4
All the members – Willingly, or unwillingly, are affected. F236
All the other members come to its relief. R5213:4, 4965:6
In proportion as they are more or less directly associated with him. R3647:4
Others share the injury. R2845:5
There is such a sympathy and union and fellowship in the Body of Christ that each is intimately and deeply interested in each other member, both within a class and worldwide. R4965:6, 5225:1, 3929:5; Q68:1
Fellow-sharers in the suffering of the present time; to be fellow-sharers in the glories that are to follow. R5213:2
No member can be in ill condition without the knowledge and sympathy of the Head member, Christ. R5213:4
Special trials may be expected in the Church, amongst the brethren. R5118:3
Member be honored – Rejoices. R2845:5
Is specially blessed, comforted or refreshed. F236
The honor and glory of one are the honor and glory of all. R5213:5
Just as when in an earthly family one member rises to honorable distinction all the members partake of the honor and joy. R3647:4, 5557:4
Rejoice – Proportionately share the blessings. F236
Other members are comforted. R2845:5
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| 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. |
Body of Christ – The Church. SM45:T; R2859:5, 2080:4, 364:6; CR269:6
The Body of a company of anointed. CR346:2; R5227:3
"So many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ." (Rom. 6:3) F235, F436
In illustrating the complete subjection of the now crucified, will-dead Little Flock, to their Lord, it is difficult to find a more perfect figure than the human form. R962:1,5, 732:1
Members in particular – With various functions. R962:1
This is the mystery which has been kept secret in ages past and is still a secret to all except the saints. A81; NS740:6
We shall know the different members in the same manner that we can decide whether we are right or left-handed; by the adaption to the work, by the relative ability to perform any particular service. R733:3
Every member must be in perfect accord with the Head, that the great work of The Christ in the coming age may be accomplished. R962:1
144,000. The Church of the firstborns, whose names are written in heaven. (Heb. 12:23) SM14:2; R962:4; NS341:1, 534:4
These alone will have part in the first resurrection, these alone will reign with Christ a thousand years. R4914:6; Q116:3
When all the members pass beyond the veil, that will be the completion of "his resurrection;" the first resurrection. R4494:2, 1855:1, 962:1
Pictured both by Aaron's sons and by the body of Aaron, he being the head. R5873:4, 5532:5, 1008:3
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| 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. |
God hath set – Placed in position. R2224:5, 5321:6, 1524:2
Placed or appointed. R732:6
Set apart or raised up. R364:5
For the Church's instruction and edification. R1524:2, 373:2; E245
God superintends; he does not leave the result to human wire-pulling. F237; R2141:5, 1822:5, 732:6
God places the various servants and we note the placement and bow to his wisdom. R732:6
We look for the Lord to set every member; and recognize character and consecration as essential prerequisites to a believer, before he could be "apt to teach." R1822:5
Some in the church – Greek, ecclesia, the Body of Christ. F237
Congregation. (Diaglott) R182:6
As an aid to all who forsake not the assembling of themselves together. E245
The Lord's personal supervision and appointment of the various orders and grades of teachers and helps is clearly indicated. R1524:2, 5508:2
Many of the early gifts to the Church passed away but some were intended not to pass away until the Church should be complete. See Eph. 4:8, 11-16. R2224:5, 1524:2, 371:6; F239
First apostles – Twelve; Paul being God's appointment to Judas' place. R732:6, 435:5; NS657:5
First, or chief, in the Church, as rulers and teachers of all. R1419:2, 435:5; HG311:4
The prominent and leading position of the apostles, as those specially empowered to minister to us in spiritual things, is clearly indicated. R1524:2
Paul was one of those twelve specially commissioned of God and recognized of the Church as God's representatives. R1419:3; HG311:5
Though every member of the Body may declare the unsearchable riches of Christ. R1524:2
Secondarily prophets – Orators. E283; R836:4; Q115:3
A discerner and expounder of truth. R733:3
Expounders are those who are used of the Lord in bringing forth from the Scriptures things new and old to the Church. This seems to be the "eye" quality. A see-er through whom hidden things may be manifested. R732:6, 733:3
Thirdly teachers – Expounding and harmonizing the Scriptures. R1136:2, 732:6, 365:5
With the ability to make clear to others the plan of our Father from his Word of truth. R825:1, 733:3
The entire Church or priesthood is blessed of God through such teachers. R1136:3, 2
Instructors might be termed the "hands" of the Body who carry the bread and water and feed the flock--either publicly or privately. R732:6
Jesus was a teacher sent of God. R364:6
The teachers or elders are specially chosen, though always from among the males. F272
God sets in the Body many more teachers than prophets, orators. R3005:4
The gifts of the apostles, the orators and the teachers, are still with the Church. E207; R371:6, 1136:2
Miracles – Powers. (Diaglott) R182:6
Healings – Cures. (Diaglott) R182:6
Helps – Assistants. (Diaglott) R182:6
Each should seek to occupy a place of helpfulness, helping one another. F306
Not many special teachers are necessary; helps, pastors, etc., are more numerous. R1136:2
Governments – Directors. (Diaglott) R182:6, 1524:2
Governmental rule, order or law. Q103:2
God is the one we are to recognize, the one who has established the order in the Church. Q103:2
Tongues – Unknown tongues. R732:6
Different languages. (Diaglott) R182:6
To supply their lack otherwise--the early Church had no Bible. R5265:2, 5224:4
Paul ranks the gift of tongues as the very last of all the gifts. SM277:T
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| 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? |
Are all – Implying that it will be generally conceded that this is not the case. E237; NS657:6
Teachers – There is a special responsibility resting on these as respects the feeding of the Lord's flock. R4122:4
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| 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? |
Healing – The apostles in exercising this gift did not practice mental healing, nor even prayer healing. R1998:1
Tongues – They were putting rather too high a value upon the gift of tongues. R4443:1
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| 31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way. |
But covet earnestly – Desire; prefer; exercise discrimination of mind as to which would be the best gift. R5265:2, 3046:4, 3006:4, 2203:1, 732:5; SM570:1
Be extremely careful to covet merely the Lord's favor and the gifts and talents by which we can best serve one another and not ourselves. R3046:4, 733:4
Earnestly desire or seek to cultivate. R386:2*
Urging all, without discrimination to sex. R1549:4
The New Creature cannot covet anything belonging to another. R4021:5, 3046:4
You earnestly desire. (Diaglott) All in the early Church aspired to be teachers and prophets, etc., hence the Apostle reproves them. R732:5, 182:6
The best gifts – The superior ones. R3150:1
The Apostle thus exhorted the brethren while the inferior gifts were still in the Church. F238
The more eminent gifts. (Diaglott) R732:5, 182:6
"Specially that ye may prophesy (publicly expound)." (1 Cor. 14:1) E180; F238
Seek to use the highest and noblest gifts where several were possessed. R2203:1, 836:4
Speaking of ambitions, Paul advised the Church that they should have the more profitable aspirations, that they might be instructors of the flock; for this is the most useful office in the Church. R5321:3
Intimating that the gift of public teaching, oratory, was the most valuable. R5786:2, 5321:6, 5265:3
These gifts were necessary for the establishment of the Church. R5831:2, 3153:1
Things on the higher plane, the spiritual, the things which God hath in reservation for them that love him. R4021:5
The Scriptures compliment Jacob upon his appreciation of the divine promise, and his willingness to sacrifice earthly interest to secure the best gifts, which his brother despised. R2863:2
Show – Point out. (Diaglott) R732:5
More excellent way – An evidence of divine favor far beyond that of the gifts. SM572:T; HG404:6
The fruits are more valuable than the gifts, because they represent character and nor merely powers. R5831:2, 5786:2, 5321:6, 2203:2, 1998:4
The fruits are far more to be desired than the merely mechanical gifts. R5265:4
Something still better than any of those gifts of the spirit. R3150:1, 5265:3, 5225:4, 2820:6, 2203:2; SM277:T
This evidence will not be by our speaking with tongues, etc., but by the appearance of the fruits and graces of the holy Spirit--meekness, patience, gentleness, long-suffering, brotherly-kindness, love. R5549:6, 5225:4, 5093:3, 4732:4, 3153:1, 2961:2; E180
The Apostle shows the super-excellence of the fruit of love. R5668:2, 5265:4, 3153:1, 182:6
Chapter 13 pertains to this more excellent ambition which should actuate every child of God; viz., the acquisition and development of the spirit of love, the spirit of the Lord. R3150:3, 2203:2, 732:5; F238
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