5/7/19 

Ephesians 4:11-12  

¹¹ And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

¹² For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Continuing in an examination of the transition of the Church from its character in the Old Testament to its character in the New Testament, there are three distinguishable features to be noted.  The first was the coming of the Holy Spirit in the sense which Joel described, a Church-wide freedom and with an empowered witness.

The second was an inspired teaching leadership.  This leadership had a twofold responsibility.  One was to witness to the resurrection of Christ.  The second was to teach the Church.  This again was a twofold task.  They were to set out plainly the doctrine of Christ and the Church, and secondly they were to organize the Church’s government.

In Hebrews 2:4 NKJV, this leadership is described with how it was accredited.

⁴ God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will

The third factor of the transition was “gifts of the Holy Spirit” according to His will.  In this transition period, while the Church was without a canon, there was the Holy Spirit ever present to instruct and enlighten, there was the inspired prophets and Apostles, and there were the gifts of the Spirit that are named and described in different places in the New Testament.

But a transition at some point is complete and when the transition is complete the temporary measures cease. When the active exercise of the transition team’s activity ceases it does not mean that leaves no permanent fruit.

The permanent results which remain are:

1.       The New Covenant work of the Holy Spirit. This continues in His work of convicting the world of sin, righteousness and the world to come.

2.      The inspired leaders have left us an inspired canon.  This canon requires no additions or deletions.  It is perfect for its task.

3.      The Church should continue to function by the gifts of the Holy Spirit which are given for the Church’s need in its present dispensation.

Ephesians 4:11-12 and following give the purpose of what gifted leadership means to the Church.  But these gifts must be desired, nurtured, and respected by the person who receives them. And they are to be used by the Church in its witness and sanctification.