The Practice of Spiritual Gifts in the Local Church (1)

The Practice of Spiritual Gifts

in the Local Church (1)

The Rise of the Charismatic Movement and Its Influence

The Practice of Spiritual Gifts in the Local Church (1 Cor. 12)

Paul and the Corinthian Church

The Context of 1 Corinthians 12

● Thematically

● The Mystery Religions

● The Problem in Corinth

● The Problem in Corinth and the Mysteries

○ ekstasis (ecstasy) change of place; frenzy, a

delirium

Paul’s Argument in 1 Corinthians 12-14

1) The True Nature and Character of Spiritual Gifts (12:1-31)

2) The More Excellent Way: The True Nature and Character of Christian Love (13:1-13)

3) The Principle of Edification: The Design of Spiritual Gifts and the Goal of Christian

Love (14:1-40)

“his master conferred on him three benefits: knowledge of Greek customs, ability to read, and

initiation in mysteries.”

Background of Early Christianity by Everett Ferguson:

“a secret rite by which selected individuals were brought into a special relationship with a deity

and assured of certain benefits.”

“initiate was given the special protection of the divinity by means of the ceremonies themselves,

which worked automatically, and these ceremonies and their privileges were the exclusive

property of a small group.”