NOTES for Co1 12:12-31
Every country has certain authoritative instruments to sustain order – some kind of government, judicial system, police, council of elders etc. are always there. And at first Israel seems to fit into that pattern. The country has its leaders, judges, elders. But the people of God are more than just a state machine. They are a community – a pre-image of the Church. And the services in such a community are assigned by God who entrusts to the people his prerogatives such as justice, power and counsel – the same way as in the first times of the new-born Church the Holy Spirit appoints faithful to various ministries necessary for the life and growth of the community. What differs – both in those days and now ministry from a secular service is the need to fulfill your duties in constant contact with God, listening to his will and commandments. And those who mistake duties for serving, risk separating themselves from the people of God.