Ephesians 4:11-16

Last night we entered into the controversy surrounding this passage. Verses 7 and 8 refer to gifts given by Christ in contrast to the other spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit. cf. 1 Corinthians 12 two places and Romans 12. After a segue in verses 9 and 10 Paul lists these gifts in verse 11. The first question is whether these are five or only four distinct gifts. Wayne Grudem maintains that pastors and teachers reflect one gift. The larger question is whether all of these gifts still function post New Testament. Those who deny present day apostles and prophets point to verses like Ephesians 2:20 saying that God used the OT prophets to give us the OT scripture and the apostles or very close associates like Mark or Luke for the NT. Thus because the Canon of Scripture is complete (note Revelation 22:18-19 in this regard) there cannot be any more apostles or prophets. While agreeing whole heartedly that the Scripture is complete the other side can point to the key, future tense word "until" starting verse 13. There follows four separate things which have not been fulfilled. This says that verse 11 can't be cut in half. In the end this is not a salvation issue. We also spoke of the need for a healthy balance between truth and love in verse 15, not veering too far in either direction. Finally in verse 16 the idea that the body builds itself up in love. Whether or not we have one of the Ephesian 4:11 gifts we all have a part to play.