Prophets and Teachers at Antioch

I Corinthians 12:

27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

When God sent to me to Plano and instructed me to speak to the people of Plano I asked, “What do I say to them?” He replied, “Read where Paul went to Antioch and you will understand.” I read in Acts 11:

19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

Notice these people that were at Antioch received Christ and were born again, but they had not yet been taught by a prophet and a teacher.

Now let’s look at Acts 13:1

Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

We see that prophets and teachers joined Barnabas and Saul, who in chapter 11:25 &26 Barnabas went and found then brought him to Antioch. In Chapter 13: 1 we see that Barnabas, Saul and three others; Simeon, Lucius, and Manaen were called prophets and teachers at Antioch.

Continue on in Acts 13:2,

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

Barnabas and Saul were sent to a work that they had previously been called to. They were in preparation before they were called and sent to do the work of an apostle. I have also been called and then sent to do the work of an apostle.

In Romans 1:1 the Apostle Paul introduces himself to the Romans as a servant and an apostle separated unto the gospel to preach to them.

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Although one has been called as an apostle he will have served as a prophet and teacher prior to his being sent. He will not be sent as an apostle until he has been prepared by the Father. During that preparation period one may make many mistakes and will be corrected by the Spirit of God. Either by God directly or through God’s apostle that He set first in the church.

God bless,
Doyle Davidson
Servant and apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ

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