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Question 5

Bercot highlights the compiled quote (Apostolic Constitutions tradition) saying miracles are not necessary for every believer, are given for unbelievers’ salvation, and are no basis for exaltation; what would have to change in a church culture where the “spiritual” are implicitly ranked by dramatic gifts, and how would you recognize that ranking in subtle forms?

Another way to ask: If miracles are not for everyone and are not a reason to feel superior, what would need to change in a church where people with dramatic gifts are treated as more “spiritual”? What are some subtle signs that this ranking is happening?

Direct Answer A church culture that ranks people by dramatic gifts would need to repent of spiritual pride and re-center value on faithfulness and godliness, treating gifts as God’s choice for others’ benefit—not a badge of superiority. Subtle ranking shows up when “miracle” people are treated as the elite and ordinary believers are viewed as second-class.

Support from Transcript:

The compiled quote says it’s “not necessary that every one of the faithful should cast out demons, raise the dead, or speak with tongues,” but only those “given this gift” for the “salvation of the unbelievers.”
It warns: those with gifts “may not exalt themselves against those who have not received them.”
It broadens “spiritual gift” beyond miracles: “there is no man… who has not received some spiritual gift,” even faith itself is a gift.
It insists, “let none of you exalt himself against his brother, even though you may be a prophet or a worker of miracles.”
It separates character from power: “to be godly is from one’s own good disposition… but to work wonders is from the power of Him that works them.”

Discussion Follow-ups What would it look like for a church to publicly honor “longsuffering” and “teaching” the way it honors dramatic experiences?

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