Key Scripture "How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery... Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ" (Ephesians 3:3-4 KJV)
Introduction Paul's letters show a progressive unfolding of truth from the risen Christ, moving from external signs to inner transformation, and ultimately emphasizing the written word as God's complete revelation for today.
1. Early Letters - Initial Grace Truth and External Signs
A. Galatians
Basic grace message: "A man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ" (Galatians 2:16 KJV)
External signs still present: "He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you" (Galatians 3:5 KJV)
Direct revelation emphasized: "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man... but by the revelation of Jesus Christ" (Galatians 1:11-12 KJV)
2. Developing Understanding - Transition to Inner Work
A. 1 & 2 Corinthians
Signs diminishing: "Whether there be tongues, they shall cease" (1 Corinthians 13:8 KJV)
Inner transformation beginning: "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image" (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV)
New creation emphasized: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature" (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV)
B. Gifts Diminishing and Ceasing
Prophecies ending: "Whether there be prophecies, they shall fail" (1 Corinthians 13:8 KJV)
Knowledge gifts ceasing: "Whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away" (1 Corinthians 13:8 KJV)
Perfect revelation coming: "But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away" (1 Corinthians 13:10 KJV)
Evidence shows gifts ceased with completed revelation through Paul
Paul's later epistles focus on written word rather than gifts
C. Purpose of Early Grace Gifts
Initial Need: Paul's letters not yet complete, churches needed God's word to function in Paul's absence
Gifts Supplied Scripture's Function: "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal" (1 Corinthians 12:7 KJV)
Required Paul's Touch: "Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands" (2 Timothy 1:6 KJV)
Romans Need Gifts: "For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established" (Romans 1:11 KJV)
Local Church Operation: "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant" (1 Corinthians 12:1 KJV)
Temporary Until Scripture Complete: "For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away" (1 Corinthians 13:9-10 KJV)
Note on Romans vs Other Letters: Romans uniquely written before Paul visited: "For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established" (Romans 1:11 KJV). All other epistles were written to churches Paul had already visited, where he had laid hands on believers and established them with spiritual gifts. This explains his urgency to visit Rome - they needed his physical presence to receive these gifts necessary for church function until his written revelation was complete.
D. Evidence of Cessation
Paul couldn't heal: "Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick" (2 Timothy 4:20 KJV)
Timothy's illness: "Use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities" (1 Timothy 5:23 KJV)
Natural remedies advised instead of gifts
3. Prison Epistles - Full Inner Work Revealed
A. Ephesians
Inner strengthening: "To be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man" (Ephesians 3:16 KJV)
Christ dwelling within: "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith" (Ephesians 3:17 KJV)
Spirit-filled walk: "And be not drunk with wine... but be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18 KJV)
B. Colossians
Complete in Christ internally: "And ye are complete in him" (Colossians 2:10 KJV)
Christ in you: "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27 KJV)
Inner renewal: "And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge" (Colossians 3:10 KJV)
4. Pastoral Epistles - Focus on Written Word
A. Final Instructions
Scripture emphasis: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine" (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV)
Written pattern: "Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me" (2 Timothy 1:13 KJV)
Reading emphasized: "Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine" (1 Timothy 4:13 KJV)
5. The Complete Progression
A. From External to Internal
Signs and wonders → Inner transformation
Physical manifestations → Spiritual growth
Outward displays → Inward renewal
B. From Direct Revelation to Written Word
Personal visions → Complete scripture
Miraculous gifts → Sound doctrine
Direct revelations → Written instructions
Conclusion Paul's Letters Show:
Movement from external to internal operation
Transition from signs to written word
Complete revelation for today
Pattern for spiritual growth
Remember
Signs diminished progressively
Inner work increased
Written word became supreme
Pattern complete in Paul's final epistles
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