Preface
PDF Print Version
There are many books which helpfully clarify the controversy over the charismatic gifts. Most of them have adopted a topical approach, in which Bible passages are expounded only as they have a bearing on the subject under consideration. Others have used arguments from the perspective of biblical theology, showing that the gifts should be understood in the context of the unfolding will of God in history. Some have assessed the gifts from a historical point of view.
This writer has for a long while perceived that a direct and systematic exposition of 1 Corinthians 12-14 will be helpful towards settling the faith of many on the subject. It will complement the other books already published on the subject. A commentary on the whole book of 1 Corinthians, while possessing merits of its own, will tend to distract from the immediate objective. What is needed is an exposition of the relevant chapters so that the claims of the charismatic movement may be assessed in the light of them. This book is an attempt to fulfil this perceived need.
The substance of this book comes from a series of talks given at various places over the years. This accounts for its form and style. It is directed to the ordinary Christians, and not just to pastors and teachers. It is nevertheless meat, and not milk. Effort and concentration are needed to follow these studies. The reader who wishes to grow must be prepared to chew over God’s word and digest the truths it yields.
Unless otherwise indicated, the Bible quotations are from the New King James version (copyright 1994) published by Thomas Nelson, Inc.. Reference is made occasionally to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (copyright 1981 by Fleming H. Revell Company), published by World Bible Publishers.
The author would like to express his sincere thanks to Ms. Yeo Kim Eng, a retired school teacher, and Rev. Michael Harley, the pastor of West Woolwich Church, London, for their painstaking proof-reading of the manuscript.
B. S. Poh
Kuala Lumpur, 1997.