Topical Encyclopedia In the New Testament, the role of ministers as being sent by the Holy Spirit is a significant theme, highlighting the divine guidance and empowerment in the spread of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit's involvement in commissioning and directing ministers underscores the belief that the work of ministry is not merely a human endeavor but a divine mission.Biblical Foundation The Book of Acts provides a foundational narrative for understanding how the Holy Spirit sends ministers. In Acts 13:2-4, we read about the commissioning of Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for missionary work: "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off. The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus" . This passage illustrates the direct involvement of the Holy Spirit in selecting and sending individuals for specific tasks in the early church. Role and Function Ministers sent by the Holy Spirit are tasked with preaching the Gospel, establishing churches, and nurturing believers. The Holy Spirit equips them with spiritual gifts necessary for their mission, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, where various gifts are distributed by the Spirit for the common good. The Spirit's guidance ensures that ministers are not acting on their own authority but are aligned with God's will and purpose. Examples in Scripture Apart from Barnabas and Saul, other examples include Philip, who was directed by the Spirit to meet the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:29), and Peter, who was led by the Spirit to preach to the Gentiles at Cornelius's house (Acts 10:19-20). These instances demonstrate the Spirit's role in expanding the reach of the Gospel beyond Jewish communities to include Gentiles, fulfilling the Great Commission. Theological Implications The sending of ministers by the Holy Spirit emphasizes the sovereignty of God in the mission of the church. It affirms that the spread of the Gospel is not dependent solely on human effort but is orchestrated by divine initiative. This understanding encourages reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance, wisdom, and power in ministry. Practical Application For contemporary ministers, being sent by the Holy Spirit involves a commitment to prayer, discernment, and obedience. It requires sensitivity to the Spirit's leading and a willingness to go where He directs, trusting in His provision and empowerment. This reliance on the Holy Spirit fosters a ministry that is dynamic, effective, and aligned with God's purposes. In summary, the concept of ministers being sent by the Holy Spirit is integral to the New Testament narrative and continues to be a vital aspect of Christian ministry today. Through the Spirit's guidance, ministers are equipped and directed to fulfill their calling in advancing the Kingdom of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 13:2,4As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Holy Spirit is not a Creature, Seeing that He is Infinite... Directions How to Hear Sermons The Ministry of the New Covenant How the Word is the Maker of all Things, and Even the Holy Spirit ... The Ministration of the Spirit and Prayer The New Covenant: a Ministration of the Spirit Of the Teachers and Ministers of the Church. Their Election and ... The Service Common to the Holy Angels and Other Bodiless Ones. The Holy Catholic Church. The Personality of the Holy Spirit. Resources What is Unitarianism? | GotQuestions.orgContemporary Christian music - is it honoring to God? Should it be used in church services? | GotQuestions.org Who are the Two by Twos and the Cooneyites, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ministers are Bound to Build up the Church Ministers are Bound to Comfort Ministers are Bound to Convince Gainsayers Ministers are Bound to Endure Hardness Ministers are Bound to Feed the Church Ministers are Bound to Pray for Their People Ministers are Bound to Preach the Gospel to All Ministers are Bound to Strengthen the Faith of Their People Ministers are Bound to War a Good Warfare Ministers are Bound to Warn Affectionately Ministers are Bound to Watch for Souls Ministers: Ambassadors for Christ Ministers: Authority of, is for Edification Ministers: Commissioned by Christ Ministers: Compared to Earthen Vessels Ministers: Defenders of the Faith Ministers: Entrusted With the Gospel Ministers: Faithful: Archippus Ministers: Faithful: Epaphroditus Ministers: Faithful: The Eleven Apostles Ministers: Faithful: The Seventy Ministers: Have Authority from God Ministers: Labours of, Vain, Without God's Blessing Ministers: Ministers of Christ Ministers: Pray for the Increase of Ministers: Sent by the Holy Spirit Ministers: Separated to the Gospel Ministers: should Avoid Giving Unnecessary Offense Ministers: should be Affectionate to Their People Ministers: should be Apt to Teach Ministers: should be Blameless Ministers: should be Disinterested Ministers: should be Ensample to the Flock Ministers: should be Hospitable Ministers: should be Impartial Ministers: should be Prayerful Ministers: should be Self-Denying Ministers: should be Sober, Just, and Temperate Ministers: should be Strict in Ruling Their own Families Ministers: should be Strong in Grace Ministers: should be Studious and Meditative Ministers: should Make Full Proof of Their Ministry Ministers: should not Be: Contentious Ministers: should not Be: Crafty Ministers: should not Be: Easily Dispirited Ministers: should not Be: Entangled by Cares Ministers: should not Be: Given to Wine Ministers: should not Be: Greedy of Filthy Lucre Ministers: should not Be: Lords Over God's Heritage Ministers: should not Be: Men-Pleasers Ministers: should Preach with Boldness Ministers: should Preach with Consistency Ministers: should Preach with Constancy Ministers: should Preach with Faithfulness Ministers: should Preach with Good Will and Love Ministers: should Preach with Heedfulness Ministers: should Preach with Plainness of Speech Ministers: should Preach with Zeal Ministers: should Preach without Charge, If Possible Ministers: should Preach without Deceitfulness Ministers: should Preach: According to the Oracles of God Ministers: should Preach: Christ Crucified Ministers: should Preach: Everywhere Ministers: should Preach: Fully, and Without Reserve Ministers: should Preach: Not Setting Forth Themselves Ministers: should Preach: Not With Enticing Words of Man's Wisdom Ministers: should Preach: Repentance and Faith Ministers: should Seek the Salvation of Their Flock Ministers: Specially Protected by God Ministers: Stewards of the Mysteries of God Ministers: The Servants of Christ's People Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Attend to Their Instructions Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Follow Their Holy Example Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Give Them Joy Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Help Them Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Hold Them in Reputation Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Imitate Their Faith Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Love Them Ministers: Their People are Bound, to not to Despise Them Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Obey Them Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Pray for Them Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Regard Them As God's Messengers Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Support Them Ministers: when Faithful are Rewarded Ministers: when Faithful: Approve Themselves As the Ministers of God Ministers: when Faithful: Commend Themselves to the Consciences of Men Ministers: when Faithful: Glory in Their People Ministers: when Faithful: Rejoice in the Faith and Holiness of Their People Ministers: when Faithful: Thank God for his Gifts to Their People Ministers: when Unfaithful: Deal Treacherously With Their People Ministers: when Unfaithful: Delude Men Ministers: when Unfaithful: Described Ministers: when Unfaithful: Seek Gain Ministers: when Unfaithful: Shall be Punished Ministers: Woe to Those Who do not Preach the Gospel Related Terms Drink-offering (33 Occurrences) Incense-burners (1 Occurrence) |
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