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after Acts 28:, we can say quite definitely that evidential miracles are characteristic
of the former, while their complete absence is equally characteristic of the latter.
The classical passage in connection with spiritual gifts is, of course, I Cor. 12: It is
important here that the thought of the "body" should be considered in relation to the
context, namely, as an illustration of the "diversity in unity", which the Apostle sought to
teach respecting the many and varied gifts that were given by the self-same Spirit. The
"gifts" mentioned in Eph. 4: are not miraculous gifts, but gifts of men specially
qualified as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. A comparison of
Eph. 4: 11 with I Cor. 12: 28-30 will show how fundamental in this respect is the
difference between the two dispensations.
Spiritual gifts such as healing the sick, raising the dead, immunity from the
fatal results of snake-bite or poison, continue through the story of the Acts right
up to the last chapter. They were in operation in the Churches founded by Paul,
and were so much in evidence that instructions had to be given as to their
regulation in the Church. Further, the possession by the Gentile believers of
these spiritual gifts was allowed in order to provoke Israel to emulation, and to
warn them of their approaching rejection. While Israel remained a people, and
while their repentance was humanly possible, evidential gifts remained, but
immediately Israel were set aside at Acts 28:, and the dispensation of the
Mystery was inaugurated, these gifts ceased, and have never been revived in
connection with this dispensation. The Apostle, in I Cor. 13:, compares
spiritual gifts with childish things, which will be "put away" when that which is
perfect is come. Without teaching that Paul had the Mystery in mind when he
wrote these words to the Corinthians, we can see now that they point to an
obvious truth. Spiritual gifts belong to childhood, while the Church of the One
Body has to do with the stature of the fullness of Christ and the perfect man.
Accordingly we affirm that spiritual gifts, such as tongues, healings and miracles,
have no place in the dispensation of the Mystery.
The interested reader will find fuller details in the following:
The Gifts of the Spirit (I Cor. 12:-14:) . . . . . Vol. 1: 20-27 (1: 19-25); 14: 102, 103.
Things that Differ (I Cor. 12: & Eph. 4:) . . . Vol. 18: 177-182; 15: 26; 12: 73.
The Apostle of the Reconciliation . . . . .
Pages 154-160.