Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

Question 62:

“What are ‘Governments’ in 1 Corinthians 12:28?”

Answer 62:

This word is only found here in the New Testament. He is speaking of members of the body set in the assembly. Those thus designated are gifted to guide and direct the assembly, as a pilot does his ship in her dangers and difficulties. It might be by the word of wisdom in the application of divine intelligence to those things through which she had to pass; the word of knowledge, etc., as in verse 8. The thought is guidance rather than rule. The latter would be by office-bearers, i.e., elders. Here the thought is gifts, or spiritual manifestations in the body of Christ.

Question 63:

“How do you explain the apparent contradiction in Numbers 23:19, and Exodus 32:14?”

Answer 63:

The context decides the use of the word, and the meaning of the sentence. In the latter “Jehovah” moved at the touching intercession of Moses, “felt compassion for” the people who had merited His judgment.

In the former, “God” is not man that He should lie, or the son of man that He should repent. Here the meaning is simply as it stands. His unalterable counsels are as unchangeable as His own nature.

The word is similar in both cases, but bears the meanings given to it, and the context decides that which is most applicable. In the one case it is Jehovah in government, whose thought of cutting off part of the nation, and making of Moses (the faithful remnant) a great nation (Exodus 32:10), is turned aside at the intercession of Moses. In the other it is God in purpose, which is unchangeable.