I will send unto you (the Father will send in my name) the Comforter. Acts 26:16. Comp. § 9, 10.

66

V. All spiritual gifts come from Christ. In the New Repert. for Biblical and Oriental literature," the phrase λογος σοφιας the word of wisdom (2 Cor. 12:8), in comparison with the expression ειδέναι μυστηρια to comprehend mysteries, (13:2) is explained as meaning a communication of unknown truths, made under the guidance of the Holy Spirit;" and λογος γνωσεως, "a prudent communication, well adapted to the circumstances of the case." Compare γνωσις 1 Pet. 3: 7 and 2 Pet. 1: 5. Both these phrases are embraced in the word προφητεύειν to prophecy, taken in its more extensive sense (1 Cor. 14:1-5, 6), for in this sense it includes, in general, every communication of truth, which presupposes a special influence of the Holy Ghost. Both of these, as well as the other spiritual gifts specified (12:8-10), were of supernatural origin.

VI. Subject continued.--Eph. 4:7-11, having ascended on high, he gave gifts unto men-and he appointed some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors, and some teachers.

VII. He substantiated the doctrines of the apostles, by miracles. John 14:13 &c. Acts 14:7-10.3:6. 9:34. 16:18. Rom. 15:18. Comp. supra $ 10. Ill. 26, 27.

§ 101.

Multiplication of christian churches, and the care of the apostles over them.

The very nature of the christian religion led (1) those who first embraced it to form themselves into an associate body. But as an intimate social connexion can exist only among persons of contiguous residence, the natural consequence was that distinct churches were formed in the different sections of the country (2). And the apostles by divine authority (3), sanctioned these societies, and superintended the administration of their affairs (4).

ILLUSTRATIONS.

I. The nature of Christianity social. Christianity requires love and unity among her children (John 13: 34 &c. Eph. 4:3-6, 16); social edification by conversing together on the things of the kingdom (5: 19. Col. 3: 16.), by good works (Matth. 5: 13-16), and finally also by a public profession of religion (Matth. 10: 32. Mark 8:38). Hence, the natural consequences of these requisitions were, separation from those who rejected christianity, and a more intimate connexion among the christians themselves. See $108 inf. See Reinhard's system of Practical theology, $306, p. 311, 313.

II. Individual churches formed.-Acts 2: 41-47. Description of the church at Jerusalem. 8: 1. Other particular churches are mentioned, with or without their location. 1 Thess. 2:14. Gal. 1: 22.1 Cor. 1: 2. 4:17. 11:16. 16: 1, 19.

III. Matth. 16:19. Comp. $90. Ill. 19 supra.
IV. The apostles superintended the Churches.-Acts 2:

38-42.4:32-35.6:2-4. 15:22. It is evident from all these passages, that in the church at Jerusalem, every thing was conducted under the direction of the apostles. Acts 15:41. 16:4 &c. Paul travelled through several churches, taught in them, and made various arrangements. Ch. 19:9. Paul collected the new converts and gave them instructions. 1 Cor. 7: 17, ούτως εν ταις εκκλησιαις πασαις διατασσομαι thus do I ordain (direct) in all the churches. 2 Cor. 11:28, ἡ μεριμνα πασων των εκκλησιων anxiety for all the churches. Comp. Heb. 10: 24 &c.

§ 102.

Institution of the ministerial office.

As it was the design of our Lord that christianity should be preserved on earth until the end of the world (1), and be gradually (3) extended by means of instruction (2); the apostles, in obedience to this divine purpose (4), issued their general injunction, that the first teachers should qualify others for the duties of that station (5), and that the ministerial office should be of perpetual standing (6). They moreover made specific declarations by which they promoted the settlement of ministers in particular congregations (7).

ILLUSTRATIONS.

I. Perpetuity of the church. --Matth. 13: 30, until the harvest, v. 39-43, 47-49. Until the separation of the good and evil at the end of the world, there shall be a church of Christ, consisting of good and bad. Matth. 28:20. Compare $99.

III. 9.

II. The church to be extended by instruction.----Matth. 28: 20. διδασκοντες αυτους κ. τ. λ, teaching them. John 17:20, περι των πιστευοντων δια του λογου αυτων ερωτω I pray for those who shall believe through their word (doctrine or preaching). Luke 8: 11, the seed is the word of God, ὁ λογος θεου. Eph. 4 : 12, εδωκε (Χριστος) διδασκαλους-εις οικοδομην του σωματος Χριστου Christ appointed some teachers for the edification of the body of Christ. 1 Pet. 1: 23 &c 2: 2.

III. Matth. 13: 31-33, the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven.

IV. Bishops or ministers appointed by the apostles. -Eph. 4: 10 &c. see Ill. 2. and $ 100. Ill. 6. Acts 20:28, ύμας το πνευμα το άγιον εθετο επισκοπους, ποιμανειν την εκκλησιαν του θεου the Holy Ghost hath appointed you overseers (bishops) to feed the church of God.

V. These are commanded to ordain others. -2 Tim. 2: 2, ἃ ηκουσας παρ' εμου, ταυτα παραθου πιστοις ανθρωποις, οἱτινες ἱκανοι εσονται και έτερους διδάξαι the things which you have heard of me, commit to faithful men, who shall be able also to instruct others.

Eph. 4: 11, 12, εδωκε (Χριστος) διδασκαλους, προς τον καταρτισμον των άγιων, εις εργον διακονιας Christ appointed teachers, for the perfecting (improvement) of the saints, for the work of the ministry.

VI. Perpetuity of the ministerial office. Eph. 4: 12, 13. In this passage, the phrase, εργον διακονιας the work of the ministry, for which certain christians were from time to time to be prepared; is mentioned as the means to be used εις οικοδομην του σωματος του Χριστου for the edification of the body of Christ, until the church of God shall have attained a state of perfection in the future world. See § 62. Ill. 18.

VII. The apostles directed that ministers should be located.--Acts 20:17. (comp. with v. 28) πρεσβυτεροι-επισκοποι, Comp. Ill. 4. 14: 23, χειροτονησαντες (Παυλος και Βαρναβας) πρεσβυτερους κατ' εκκλησιαν Paul and Barnabas, ordained them elders in every church. Tit. 1:5, Paul directs Titus to ordain elders or presbyters in the towns of Crete. 1 Tim. 3:1-5. 5:17. 1 Thess. 5:12. &c. Gal. 6: 6, 7. Heb. 13: 17. These passages enjoin respect and obedience to the elders or ministers of the churches.

§ 103.

Even in those instances, in which the agency of Christ in the government of his church, is not manifested by any extraordinary acts, that agency nevertheless is exerted.

By these arrangements (§ 100 and seq.), provision was made for the preservation and extension of christianity, so that such extraordinary and striking acts of Christ (§ 100), as were required for the formation of christian societies (1) and the establishment of the ministerial office, (Eph. 4: 11) should no longer be necessary; but that christianity should of itself (2), make a progress (3) which, though not so strikingly apparent (4) to its teachers and friends, should nevertheless be uninterruptedly advancing. Yet (5) Christ does not leave the church to herself, even in our days (6); but carries on his work in the hearts of men (§114), and by virtue of his government over all things (Matth. 28: 18. § 96), overrules also external circumstances (7) for the good of his church; even those which seem detrimental to her interests.