Acts 11:19 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. 20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. 22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. 23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
If we were to compare Spiritual gifts, how would we rate them?
One of the ways we might look at it is this: What if the Holy Spirit had never given this (particular) gift – what would have been missed?
Obviously the lack of any one of the Spiritual gifts would be huge. The nature of how we are to minister one to another in the Body of Christ is comprehensive, and short of any one of the Spiritual gifts there would an obvious lack.
Given that all the Spiritual gifts are equally important, and that none can be spared, and that each would be greatly missed if not present, what does that tell us about the Church?
I have always found it fascinating how God builds His church. From the time this work began, (CCN,) there have been a wide diversity of Spiritual gifts present in this particular Body. What if God had not done it this way? What if most people attending this church had the same Spiritual gift? On the contrary God always arranges His church in a comprehensive fashion, and He moves His people around so that all the Spiritual gifts are present in each of His works within the Body of Christ. This way all needs can be ministered to by the Body of Christ, through the manifold diversity of the Spiritual gifts present.
Using his Spiritual gift of exhortation, (which is a wonderfully important gift,) Barnabas encourages the new believers at Antioch of Syria. What does he encourage them to - and why? Acts 11:23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. Barnabas knew there are no ‘lone ranger’ believers. He knew anyone who stood alone would likely fall. So he encouraged them to continue to be a part of the Body where there was no lack, where their needs may be met, and where they may meet the needs of others.
- Pastor Bill
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