02.07. Introduction

Introduction

We have previously seen that Christ is the head of the Church and the only head allowed in Scripture and that He directs the various members of His body, which is the Church. Now as we come to consider the particular ministry of the Church, that of teaching, preaching, and caring for souls, we find that this work was in the beginning and is now to be carried on especially by gifts which He, the ascended and glorified Head, has given to His Church. From Ephesians 4:7-8; Ephesians 4:11-13 we learn, that "unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. . . And he gave some, apostles; and some prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ."