The Holy Spirit's Role in the Life of First Century Christians (Ephesians 4)

This episode gives an overview of the role of the Spirit in the first century among disciples of Christ who had repented and were baptized. Such were given the promise of the Holy Spirit and this truth is confirmed by many passages. However, it was through the laying on of the apostles' hands that this promise was received. The only exception were the apostles who had been given the Holy Spirit (the other comforter) to guide them into all truth and the household of Cornelius, the first Gentile convert.

The purpose of the teaching in 1 Corinthians 12-14 is reviewed to contrast the miraculous endowment from the text of Scripture that we read, today.

Ephesians 4 is not that same as the gifts of the Spirit, whereby each member of the body receives at least one gift as the Spirit wills. This emphasizes the intent of every member of this living organism functioning for the benefit of the body. It stands in contrast to the clergy/laity distinctions today and certainly separates itself from the hired professional pastor.