The Gifts

The gifts named in Romans 12 differ from those in 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4 In 1 Corinthians 12 it is more a question of divine power displayed in man, as a testimony to the world. In Ephesians 4 gifts are the precious fruit of Christ's love to the Church - they are for the edifying of the body, and shall continue until that body is complete. In Romans 12 we have ministry flowing from the various members of the body, each acting in his own proper sphere according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith, and according to the grace given. It is not so much the power of God in testimony to the world, or the love of Christ in the edifying of the body, but rather the ordinary ministry of the members exercised in individual faith, from day to day, according to the grace bestowed. It presents ministry as an abiding institution in the Church of God, in its simplest and broadest features. It is hardly possible to read the three scriptures in connection without seeing the main points of distinction.