Gift

This word is used in two ways in Scripture. Eternal life, righteousness, and other blessings are said to be gifts, but the word is currently used in its second sense that as, the direct gift conferred by Christ on men to Himself, for the blessing of others, some being prophets, some pastors, some Evangelists, &c. (Eph. 4:7-137But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13Till 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: (Ephesians 4:7‑13)). What is to be particularly noticed is the difference between office and gift, the former being local and conferred by the apostles, the other general and unrestricted in its exercise in the church, being conferred by Christ Himself.