After discussing 1 Corinthians 13, we want to look at another passage in which Paul makes it clear that the gifts and functions of the early phase of the ecclesia were only temporary and would cease. In 1 Corinthians 13, the emphasis is on gifts, in Ephesians 4 on functions.
Ephesians 4
11 And He gave both the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers…
Effects of grace
In 1 Corinthians 12:28, we find a similar list. The Greek word translated there as “gift of grace” (1 Cor. 12:28 and 30) is charismata. We saw earlier that charismata is the result or effect that grace produces in someone. In the early days of the ecclesia, God gave apostles, evangelists, prophets, etc. It was God’s grace (>charis) that wrought these functions in believers.
Ephesians 4
12 for the arranging of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ…
To prepare
These functions and gifts were given for the purpose of putting the saints (believers) in order and for the edification of the ecclesia, the body of Christ. This word “put in order” is elsewhere translated as “preparing fishing nets” (Matt. 4:21; Mark 1:19) and as “filling up what was lacking” (1 Thess. 3:10). The ecclesia was supplied with what was lacking through God’s gifts.
pieces
Israel was set aside, and a new, previously unknown part of God’s plan came into effect: the gathering of the ecclesia from the nations. However, the revelations concerning this period had not yet been committed to writing. Therefore, only partial and incomplete revelations were given through the gifts: one a psalm, another a teaching, yet another a revelation, and so on (1 Cor. 14:26). Everything was only in part (1 Cor. 13:9-10) and would eventually cease.
God gave these building blocks for the construction of the ecclesia, until He had revealed everything concerning the body of Christ and the Scripture was complete. We will see that this is confirmed in the next verse in the next blog post.