Daily Reading

QUESTION: For what purpose did the apostles impart gifts to others?
ANSWER: To confirm the word (Mark 16:20; Acts 14:3). The word had not yet come in its fullness. It was necessary, in order for the gospel to be proclaimed in all the world (Colossians 1:6) to every creature (Colossians 1:23), that others beside the apostles be involved in it’s proclamation! We see an example of this in Acts the eighth chapter when the disciples were scattered abroad and went everywhere preaching the word. Philip at that time went down to Samaria and preached Christ unto them, and the people gave heed unto those things which he spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did (vss. 5-6)! As an aside, it is also interesting to note that since Philip was not an apostle he could not impart gifts that he performed to the Samaritans. It was necessary that Peter and John be sent to do so (vss.14-17). It is clear then that only the apostles had this ability, which should raise some questions as follows: Why did God not send the Holy Spirit directly to the Samaritans, as some claim is sent to them today? What happened when the last apostle died, if only they could impart spiritual gifts? What happened when the last person died upon whom an apostle had laid his hands? The answers are obvious! Since the purposes for Holy Spirit baptism were totally fulfilled and the apostles no longer live, it is quite evident that there can be no gifts today. These means of conveyance to man no longer exists by the will of God! Neither is there a reason for gifts today, since the word has already been confirmed!
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