Q.-Are “lectures” so-called scriptural? Is it not true that in apostolic days the gifted members spoke in the assembly? S. V.
A.-Undoubtedly there was the free exercise of gift in the assembly, as is laid down in 1 Cor. 14, based on the great fact and principle developed in chap. 12. But much more appears elsewhere. Take especially Acts 19 where we hear of Paul, first in the synagogue at Ephesus “discoursing” for three months with boldness, and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God; then, when evil speaking ensued, separating the disciples, and carrying on the same work of “discourse,” or “lecture” as we call it, day by day in the school of Tyrannus for two years more. This was more than evangelizing, and both are quite distinct from action in the assembly, though it may have been in the same meeting-room. But the principle was the different and individual responsibility of trading with the Lord's gift, conferred for the purpose of testimony, both “without,” and “within.” Scripture is equally plain for the free action of the Spirit in the assembly, and for the individual responsibility of a teacher or a preacher. The danger is of mixing up the two to the enfeebling and falsifying of both. We owe it to the Lord to value and leave room for each. In Acts 15 we read of Paul refusing Mark and choosing Silas for united testimony; which could not apply to the assembly. Are not these things for us now?