SOPHIAS (sof-ee'-ahs), Human wisdom in Spiritual things; The ability to see into the true nature of things, the theoretical, over-all concepts; The exposition of truths dealing with the being and nature of God which promotes sound theology. Some biblical examples can be found in the following passages:

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (KJV), "Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ."

2 Corinthians 1:12 (KJV), "For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward."

GINOSIS (gno'-sis), denotes in the New Testament knowledge, especially of spiritual truth; The experiential and personal knowledge of God which promotes sound living; Often this knowledge may come from practical experience. Some biblical examples are found in the following passages:

Romans 15:4 (KJV), "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."

2 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV), "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place."

2 Corinthians 4:6 (KJV), "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

2 Corinthians 8:7 (KJV), "Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also."

2 Corinthians 11:6 (KJV), "But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been thoroughly made manifest among you in all things."

PISTIS (pis'-tis), This is not saving faith, but the wonder working faith to move mountains; A spiritual gift is probably an unusual measure of trust in God beyond that exercised by most Christians; A trust in God to do some special deed. Some biblical examples are found in the following Scriptures (also see Hebrews chapter 11):

Acts 6:5 (KJV), "And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:"

1 Corinthians 13:2 (KJV), "And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing."

IAMA (i'-am-ah), The ability to restore health; Also to hold off death temporarily; Can also mean both physical and spiritual healings. There are two import facts to remember when this word is used in the plural (i.e., gifts and healing). 1) This indicates that a special gift is necessary every time a healing occurs. 2) The stress is on the results, not on the process. The gift does not produce divine "healers," but divine "healing." Some biblical examples of this are found in the following Scriptures:

Matthew 10:5-8 (KJV), "These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give."

Acts 3:1-10 (KJV), "Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him."

Acts 9:11-12 (KJV), "And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight."

Problem Areas:

     Since there are those who use these passages incorrectly, let's look at what the Scriptures say to see if there is a problem. It's asserted that healing is guaranteed in the Atonement. Based on Isaiah 53:5 & 1 Peter 2:24-25, the context of this passage is not physical infirmities, but spiritual ones.

• Isaiah 53:5: RAPHA (raw-faw'), lit., healed to us, a moral sense, to cure the mind, to pardon the soul.

• 1 Peter 2:24: IATHETE (i-ah'-thee-ta), To make whole (i.e., to free from errors and sins, to bring about (one's) salvation; Figuratively of spiritual healing.

• Hebrews 12:13:IATHE (i-ah'-thee), To heal spiritually, restore from a state of sin, and condemnation; To make whole, to free from errors and sins, to bring about (one's) salvation.

• James 5:16: IATHETE (i-ah'-thee-ta), Possibly includes both spiritual healing & physical healing; To make whole, to free from errors and sins, to bring about (one's) salvation.

     Another area of trouble is that it is asserted that it is God's will for every sick person to be healed. But when you look at in the New Testament you do not find this is true: examples, Paul in 2 Cor.12:1-10; Trophimus in 2 Timothy 4:20; Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:26-30; and Gaius in 3 John 3. It is also asserted by some that physical illness is the result of personal sin (1 Cor. 11:28-30) or demonic activity (Matt. 9:32-33), but again the Scriptures do not bare this out in every case as pointed out by the examples given above.

DYNAMEON (doo'-nam-on), A mighty work; Supernatural origin and character, such as could not be produced by a natural agents and means; It's a supernatural ability to alter the laws of nature. Some biblical examples are found in the following Scriptures:

John 14:12 (KJV), "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."

Acts 3:1-11 (KJV), "Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering."

NOTE: It may refer to exorcising demons (Acts 19:12) or inducing physical disability (Acts 13:11) or even death (Acts 5:5, 9).

     There are at least three Observations that we must be aware of when dealing with miracles:

1. God's great eras each began with a great display of Miracles; Exodus, 40 yrs in wilderness, the Age of Grace (the day of Pentecost), Revelation 11, and with prophets whose authority is validated with display of miracles.

2. Once the era was underway, the miracles faded (Heb.2:3b-4 gives chronology of events).

3. Cessation of the gift of miracles does not mean God has ceased giving Miracles. We must remember that God doesn't change (Heb.1:10-11) Although His methods may change.

PROPHETEIA (prof-ay-ti'-ah), The exposition of divine truth; Signifies the speaking forth of the mind and counsel of God; The communications of special revelation from God. It could have been in the sense of "foretelling" (Acts 11:28) or simply "forth telling."; Used of fore-telling or the giving forth of direct revelation from God. A spokesman for God and is usually exercised before groups or crowds of people. Some biblical examples of this gift are found in the following Scriptures:

Acts 2:17 (KJV), "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:"

Acts 13:1 (KJV), "Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul."

Acts 15:32 (KJV), "And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them."

1 Corinthians 14:26-40 (KJV), "How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order."

     As with some of these Spiritual gifts, today's Christians disagree on the validity of this gift today based upon 1 Corinthians.13:8, which states "prophecy will be done away". The Greek term KATARGETHESONTAI (kat-arg-eh'-the-so-ee-ta-i), is a rare in the old Greek, and it means to make idle (argos), inoperative. This spiritual gift shall pass. Some of the gifts were foundational (i.e., prophecies and knowledge; (Eph.2:20). Every gift is linked in some way to building up the church to maturity, some (prophecy, knowledge, tongues) functioning in the early years of the Church Age and others continuing on till the church is perfected. When that perfection is achieved, the gifts will have served their purposes and will be rendered obsolete. I'll address this more in the area dealing with the gift of tongues.

DIKRISEIS (dee-ak'-ree-sis), A gift to tell whether the gifts were really of the Holy Spirit & supernatural or merely through natural or diabolical means (1 Tim.4:1; 1 John 4:1); To discern or judge whether the prompting of a spirit is of God or not. This gift enabled one to judge its authenticity. Today, there is the completed Bible to aid in judging a message. Dr. Walter Martin, when speaking on the subject of Spiritual gifts, stated that he believed that this is one gift that really needs to be exercised in many churches today. Because it is not, there have been many problems with people misusing Spiritual gifts. Some biblical examples are found in the following Scriptures:

1 Corinthians 14:29 (KJV), "Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge."

1 John 4:1 (KJV), "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

GLOSSA (gloce'-sah), The gift of being able to speak in a language without having to learn it; The supernatural gift of speaking in another language without its having been taught. Some biblical examples are found in the following Scriptures:

Acts 2:4-13 (KJV), "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine."

Acts 10:45-46 (KJV), "And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,"

Acts 19:6 (KJV), "And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."

     In the Acts 2:4-13 passage, we have the first occurrence of the gift of tongues where the Holy Spirit enables the Apostles to speak in languages they did not know (there is no evidence that the 120 disciples that were present all spoke in tongues, but only the Apostles; 2:2-3, 7, 14).

     In the Acts 10:44-47 passage is the second occurrence of tongues in the book of Acts. Cornelius and his house were endowed with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues, similar to the day of Pentecost. The giving of the Spirit to Cornelius and his household was extraordinary and the Jewish men who were with Peter were astonished (10:45). This convinced the Jews and Peter that God's new creation, the Church, was not restricted to Jews.

      And in Acts 19:1-6 we have the third encounter of tongues in the book of Acts. Here the disciples of John the Baptist (Old Testament Saints) who had an understanding that the Messiah was coming, did not have information regarding Christian baptism, nor the coming of the Holy Spirit.

     It must be noted that none of these examples from Acts points to a universal experience of tongues for all Christians (If fact in Acts 2:41; 4:4, we have examples of conversions among Jewish believers where tongues were not mentioned). Some say this word also mean ecstatic speech, but it is only used elsewhere in the New Testament as a literal physical organ or figuratively of human languages. Nowhere else in the New Testament is this word referred to as ecstatic. We must also keep in mind what the purpose of this gift was for the building up of the body of Christ (1 Cor.12:7; 14:3, 26), and it served to signal the shift of God's favor from the nation of Israel to the Church (1 Cor.14:21-23; "this people" refers to the nation of Israel, Paul quoted Isaiah 28:11-12 to show that tongues are a sign of rebuke to unbelieving Jews). Miracles of the Old and New Testament served to validate the initiation of new revelation, not evangelism or some other purpose. Throughout biblical history, miracles have served primarily to usher in a new revelation of God. Series of miracles occurred at Israel's initiation as a nation (also at the beginning of Elijah and Elisha's ministries and the beginning of Jesus' ministry, etc..). When God's revelation was firmly established in each era then the miraculous passed away.

     With all this said, the Scriptures record what the Apostle Paul taught about this gift (I found at least 14 things):

1. There is a gift of tongues (unlearned languages; 1 Cor. 12:10, 28).

2. Not everyone has the gift of Tongues. Therefore, not having the gift of tongues could not be a sign that a person has or has not salvation (1 Cor. 12:29-30)

3. Tongues of Angels (1 Cor.13:1, this is a hyperbole: like saying, "I'm so hungry that I can eat a horse"), Paul could not be promoting the use of Angelic Language because he says that these are inexpressible words that man is not permitted to speak (2 Cor.12:4; Rev.14:2).

4. The grammar and context of 1 Corinthians 13:8-12, seem to support the teaching that tongues ceased by the end of the first century. This is consistent with the purpose of tongues as a sign of a new era. The text says that the gifts "in part" will be stopped by the "perfect" thing. This is where the argument comes in from both camps.

        The Charismatics believe that the term "perfect" refers to the coming of Christ, therefore the gift has not ceased and is still valid today. The other camp holds that prophecy and knowledge (v.9) are intended to build up the body of Christ, so their purpose relates to the completion of God's revelation to the Church and the establishment of the Church's foundation.

        They will continue until the "perfect," that is, the Church's adulthood has come. Once the Church has the tools (including the completed Scriptures) and maturity to carry on apart from these miraculous gift they will pass away (v.11). Tongues, on the other hand, are a sign to unbelieving Jews of a new revelation. The Greek uses the same verb and voice (passive) with prophecy and knowledge. They are both stopped by the coming of the "complete" or "perfect." The verb used with tongues, on the other hand, is in the middle voice which should be translated, "cease in and of themselves." Nothing has to stop tongues, they stop when they are no longer needed. I think that it is worth noting what others who lived closer to the writings of the New Testament had to say about this issue:

   EUSEBIUS - This church father writes about an ascetic, Montanus (126-180 AD), whom some label as a demon-possessed heretic: A recent convert, Montanus by name, through his unquenchable desire for leadership, gave the adversary opportunity against him. And he became beside himself, and being suddenly in a sort of frenzy and ecstasy, he raved, and began to babble and utter strange things, prophesying in a manner contrary to the constant custom of the Church handed down by tradition from the beginning. Some of those who heard his spurious utterances at that time were indignant, and they rebuked him as one that was possessed...And he stirred up besides two women, and filled them with the false spirit, so that they talked wildly and unreasonably and strangely. (CHURCH HISTORY, Vol. 1)

   IRENAEUS (120-202 AD) - The church father Irenaeus wrote, shortly after the New Testament period, these comments on 1 Corinthians: [Paul] calling these people "mature" who have received the Spirit of God, and who through the Spirit of God do speak in all languages, as he himself also used to speak. In like manner we do also hear [now of] many brothers in the church, who possess prophetic gifts, and who through the Spirit speak all kinds of languages, ...(AGAINST HERESIES, Vol. 1)

   CHRYSOSTOM (345-407 AD) - On 1 Corinthians 12 he writes: This entire passage is very obscure: but the obscurity is produced by our ignorance of the facts referred to and by their cessation, being such as then used to occur but now no longer take place. (HOMILIES ON FIRST CORINTHIANS, Vol. XII.)

   AUGUSTINE (354-430 AD) - In the earliest time, "the Holy Spirit fell upon them that believed; and they spake with tongues," which they had not learned, "as the Spirit gave them utterance." These were signs adapted to the time. For there behooved to be that betokening of the Holy Spirit in all tongues, to shew that the Gospel of God was to run through all tongues over the whole earth. That thing was done for a sign, and it passed away. (TEN HOMILIES ON THE FIRST EPISTLE OF JOHN, Vol. VII)

5. Paul taught that tongues are to be addressed to God (1 Cor.14:2).

6. Tongues tend to build up the believer, rather than the Church body, especially when no one is there to interpret which goes against its purpose (1 Cor.14:3-13; 12:7, 26).

7. Paul teaches that praying in tongues is unfruitful unless you know what you are praying for, and those around you cannot agree with you (amen) in giving thanks to God. Notice that Paul did not say he prayed in tongues, but stressed how useless it was to do so if you could not understand what you were praying for or about (1 Cor.14:14-17).

8. Paul taught that it was better to speak five words in plain language than to speak 10,000 words in an unknown language that no one can understand (1 Cor.14:18-19).

9. The Corinthian's infatuation with tongues was for Paul another manifestation of their Spiritual immaturity and worldliness and his hope was they would mature (1 Cor.14:20).

10. Because Israel rejected the Messiah and His message, Isaiah predicted that another message would come by a foreign tongue to the Israelites (1 Cor.14:21-22). This foreign tongue symbolized God's rejection (Deut. 28:49; Isa. 33:19). Foreigners instead of Israel became the temporary servants of God (Isa.5:26; Hab.1:6; Matt.21:43; Rom.10:19-21), and their foreign tongue was a punitive sign to Israel of what had taken place.

11. If the whole Church spoke in tongues it would only make unbelievers think we are crazy, but the gift of prophecy reveals God to the unsaved (1 Cor.14:23-25).

12. If the gift of tongues were to be exercised, then someone must interpret and only two at most at one service may exercise the gift. Also the women were to keep silent in the Church services (1 Cor.14:26-28, 34).

13. God is not a God of confusion and any gift that He has given us should not create confusion (1 Cor.14:33).

14. And tongues were not to be forbid in the Church if they were used properly (1 Cor.14:40). It is plain that many Churches today who use tongues in their services do not come close to following what the Scriptures plainly teach.

HERMENEIA GLOSSON (her-may-ni'-ah gloce'-son), To explain the meaning of words in another language (an interpreter). An biblical example is found in the following passage of Scripture:

1 Corinthians 14:26-40 (KJV), "How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order."

APOSTOLOS (ap-os'-tol-os), A delegate, an ambassador of the Gospel; Officially a commissioner of Christ (with miraculous powers); apostle, messenger, he that is sent. There seems to be two classes of Apostles in the New Testament. The first group is what we normally think of as the office of Apostle as those who where chosen by Jesus (Matt.4:18-22; 10:2-4; Mark 1:16-20; 3:14-19; Luke 5:2-11; 6:13-16; John 1:40-42; Acts 1:13, 26). The qualifications for this type of Apostle in found in Acts 1:16-26 (based upon these qualifications, we could not have this type of Apostle today). They are promised a special place in God's kingdom, they will rule over the twelve tribes of Israel (Matt.19:28), and their names are placed upon the wall of the New Jerusalem (Rev.21:14). The other type of Apostle has numerous examples of in the New Testament: Jesus (Heb.3:1), Paul (Acts 9:1-9; he was called to be the Apostle to the Gentiles, to preach the Word of God, and to establish Churches), Barnabas (Acts 13:3; 14:4, 14: he was sent out as a missionary), Silas or Silvanus, and Timothy (1 Thess.1:1; 2:6: they where missionaries with Paul), Andronicus and Junias (Rom.16:7), Two Unnamed brethren (2 Cor.8:18-23: they helped in the collection and delivery of the love offering), and Epaphroditus (Phil.2:25: was sent to minister to Paul). These passages show the gift of "Apostle" as the concept of being given a special project to do. It might be to minister to someone, to collect and to carry money, to establish Churches, to preach the gospel, to provide salvation, or some other task.

DIDASKALOUS (did-as'-kal-os), To teach. A teacher has a thirst for knowledge, and will always be learning and to share this knowledge with others. They must be able to communicate truth to others, and have the ability to take a complex subject and make it simple. Biblical Examples are found in the following Scriptures:

Luke 3:12 (KJV), "Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?"

John 3:10 (KJV), "Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?"

John 13:13 (KJV), "Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am."

1 Timothy 2:7 (KJV) "Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity."

EUAGGELISTES (yoo-ang-ghel-is-tace'), A preacher of the Gospel, evangelist; A messenger of good news; The ability to be used of God to bring the message of the cross to the unsaved; Only used three times in the New Testament. All Christians are called to evangelize or witness, even Paul told Timothy, "do the work of an evangelist." also see Romans 10:14. While some will be called to devote their full time to evangelism, all Christians can participate in this ministry and share the gospel on a one-to-one basis. Some biblical examples of gift of evangelism are found in the following Scriptures:

Acts 21:8 (KJV), "And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him."

Ephesians 4:11 (KJV), "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;"

2 Timothy 4:5 (KJV) "But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."

POIMEN/DIDASKALOS (poy-mane' did-as'-kal-os), A Shepherd, Pastor; An instructor, master, teacher; The structure of the Greek text in this passage ties the pastor and teacher together; A shepherd, with tender love, cares for his flock by feeding it, guiding it, and if necessary, protecting it. He has the ability and desire to assume the responsibility for the spiritual welfare of a group of believers (Heb.13:17). The qualifications are set forth in the Scriptures (1 Tim.3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Some biblical examples are found in the following Scriptures:

Acts 20:28-29 (KJV) "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock."

1 Peter 5:1-8 (KJV), "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"

ANTILEMPSEIS (an-til'-ape-sis), To lay hold of or support. This could also refer to the support of the weak or poor, to help another worker, or help or support a leader as a team member. This is similar to "Serving." Some biblical examples are found in the following Scriptures:

Acts 20:35 (KJV), "I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Romans 16:1 (KJV), "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:"

2 Timothy 1:16 (KJV), "The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:"

KUBERNESEIS (koo-ber'-nay-sis), To govern; To direct, guide or steer as a pilot. This seems to be another aspect of "Leading" as given in Romans 12:8. The person with this gift should be able to understand the long range goals for a group, to devise, and to execute plans to reach them. He is able to delegate responsibility and encourage others to complete tasks. All ministries need this gift. Some biblical examples are found in the following Scriptures:

Romans 12:8 (KJV), "Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness."

1 Timothy 5:17 (KJV), "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine."

DIAKONEO (dee-ak-on-eh'-o), To minister or to serve; to render any kind of service; Is related to a bond servant (1 Cor.9:19); This gift could also be related to the office of deacon. Some biblical examples are found in the following Scriptures:

Matthew 4:11 (KJV), "Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him."

Luke 10:40 (KJV), "But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me."

Acts 19:22 (KJV), "So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season."

Philemon 1:13 (KJV), "Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:"

Hebrews 6:10 (KJV), "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister."

LALEO (lal-eh'-o), To talk, preach, say, speak the utterances of God; Used in the New Testament of teachers (i.e., Jesus, Apostles, and others). Some biblical examples are found in the following Scriptures:

1 Thessalonians 2:4 (KJV), "But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts."

Titus 2:1, 15 (KJV), "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:..These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee."

Hebrews 13:7 (KJV), "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation."

PARAKLESIS (par-ak'-lay-sis), To be called to one's side for the purpose of aiding. Examples: encouragement for someone who is discouraged; consolation for someone who has been disappointed; comfort for someone who is in sorrow. Some biblical examples are found in the following Scriptures:

John 14:16 (KJV), "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;"

Acts 4:36 (KJV), "And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,"

Romans 15:4 (KJV), "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."

METADIDOMI (met-ad-id'-o-mee), To share (used with both material and immaterial things). Some biblical examples are found in the following Scriptures:

Romans 1:11 (KJV), "For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;" used to speak of sharing spiritual things

Ephesians 4:28 (KJV), "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth." used for sharing with those who have a need

1 Thessalonians 2:8 (KJV), "So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us." (used as sharing the gospel and their own souls)

PROISTEMI (pro-is'-tay-mee), To stand before or to lead. It is to be exercised with diligence. A good leader is not someone who "lords" it over others and require them to serve him, but he serves them by leading. Some biblical examples are found in the following Scriptures:

1 Timothy 3:4-5 (KJV), "One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)"

1 Timothy 3:12 (KJV), "Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well."

ELEOS (el-eh'-os), The act or outward manifestation of pity, compassion, or sympathy towards the misery of another. The person ministered to should feel better after being ministered to. Some biblical examples are found in the following Scriptures:

Luke 10:37 (KJV), "And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise."

Ephesians 2:4 (KJV), "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,"

2 Timothy 1:16 (KJV), "The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:"

James 2:13 (KJV), "For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment."

Jude 1:21 (KJV), "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."