34. “Ε. P. F.,” Halifax. The gifts named in Rom. 12 differ from those in 1 Cor. 12 and Eph. 4 In 1 Cor. 12 it is more a question of divine power displayed in man, as a testimony to the world. In Eph. 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 Rom. 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 seizing the main points of distinction. Oh I the moral glories of the volume!
35. “Ε. H.,” Southsea. It was sin that gave Satan the power of death, a power which he brought to bear upon the soul of man, to terrify him. But Christ, by dying, wrested this power out of Satan’s hand, and has so completely changed the character of death, that it is actually part of the believer’s property. (1 Cor. 3) Wondrous fact!
36. “J. F.,” Basingstoke. We vastly prefer the reading in our Authorized Version.
37. “P. R.,” Selkirk. In volume xv. of this publication, page 145, you will find a paper on the subject of your note.
38. “W., an Invalid.” Your answer to such curious questions is truly admirable. You could not give a better one.