Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Acts 13:1 WEB
In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul describes the Holy Spirit giving various gifts to the members of the church. He ties these words to service saying in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, “Now there are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord. There are various kinds of workings, but the same God, who works all things in all. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all. WEB”
The Body of Christ
Paul continues with emphasis on the uniqueness and desirability of each Spiritual gift. He writes in 1 Corinthians 12:27-29, “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. God has set some in the assembly: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and various kinds of languages. Are all apostles or are all prophets? Are all teachers or are all miracle workers? WEB” He finishes with these words of encouragement from 1 Corinthians 12:31, “But earnestly desire the best gifts. Moreover, I show a most excellent way to you. WEB”
As the men from Acts 13:1 assembled, the Holy Spirit inspired them to set Paul and Barnabus aside for a special task. The Holy Spirit planned to use the apostle Paul and Barnabus to spread the truth of the gospel in the face of strong opposition. Paul’s evangelism was immediately effective, drawing very large crowds. So large were the crowds, Jewish leaders in opposition began to incite women of high standing and the leading men of the city to persecute Paul and Barnabus.
Many Gifts but One God
At different points, Paul was a teacher,a prophet, and even a healer. But he is best known as an apostle. After his conversion, Paul’s main passion was the spreading of the gospel message of Christ. He understood that spiritual gifts come from God to serve God’s purpose. Whether it’s a title you carry for forty years, or a task that lasts four days, the Holy Spirit gives the faithful the gifts we need to accomplish the will of God.
Whether we are prophets and teachers, or workers and prayer warriors, we serve the same God. Like Paul, we share the benefit of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As Paul wrote in Acts 13:32, “We bring you good news of the promise made to the fathers, that God has fulfilled this to us, their children, in that he raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second psalm, ‘You are my Son. Today I have become your father.’ WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for prophets and teachers. Thank you for the gifts of the Holy Spirit and for your faithfulness. Guide me with your wisdom to do your will. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Ordained by God
