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"Of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power."

Text: Ephesians 3:7

A GLORIOUS MESSAGE REVIEWED

Paul’s theology of being partakers of God’s promise in Christ was staggeringly bold. Nevertheless, he ably defended his message as something revealed by the Lord Jesus Himself. And what a glorious message he preached with all his might. Three significant points may be raised up for review:-

1. It was nothing less than a mystery revealed by the Spirit of God (Ephesians 3:5).

2. It was a mystery that had lain hidden in Christ through the ages (Ephesians 3:4-5).

3. It was a breath-taking message that spoke of full oneness between Jews and Gentile (Ephesians 3:6).

MINISTERS OF THIS GLORIOUS MESSAGE

Who would be the bearers chosen to bear such a powerful life-changing message? Paul identified the sets of people God used in the New Testament era.

It has now been revealed by the Spirit
to His holy apostles and prophets.
EPHESIANS 3:5

1. Apostles- God’s new messengers

In the Old Testament, the word “apostle” was never used. The approved ministers were the priests, the prophets (writing and non-writing ones) and kings, (insofar as they were used by the Lord especially, e.g. King David).

The following observations may be made concerning the apostles in the New Testament era:-

a) There was the Original Twelve (Matthew 10:1-4)

b) Matthias was elected by the founding members of the Jerusalem Church (Acts 1:23-26)

c) Paul was called an apostle (Acts 14:14)

d) Barnabas was also listed as an apostle (Acts 14:14)

2. Prophets of the New Testaments

There were a few prophets, but their ministry was largely overshadowed by the apostles.

a) Prophets from Jerusalem (Acts 11:27)

b) Agabus was singled out for special mention (Acts 11:28)

c) Prophets found in the Church at Antioch, Syria (Acts 13:1)

d) Judas and Silas were also known as prophets (Acts 15:32)