Help put gospel into action

Paul’s overlooked gift of ‘helps’ reveals something profound about the character of God and the life of the church, says Michelle Nunn.

Nestled in Paul’s list of gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 is a brief mention of the gift of helps (12:28). This being one of the less dramatic gifts, it is easy to pass over, thinking we understand and have practised it – hopefully often – by helping others in our church or community with a physical or spiritual need.

However, ‘helps’ or ‘antilémpsis’ in Greek, is referenced again in Romans 12:8, where it is translated ‘assistance’, ‘support’ or ‘aid’. It certainly requires greater reflection.

‘Anti lémpsis’ is a truly beautiful word, describing support that takes a burden from another and places it upon themselves. A reminder of what Christ has done for us, in bearing the weight of our sin to reconcile us to God (Colossians 1:22).

Here in 1 Corinthians 12:28 ‘antilémpsis’ precedes the mention of the gift of administration or government, which I would suggest is not a random association but another reminder of God’s intention that believers would be gifts to one another, and co-labour or lead together in mutual submission to Christ, the head of the church, in their endeavours to fulfil the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

This is especially pertinent when considered in the context of Paul’s own example and ministry to the divided and fractious community of Corinth.

For Paul, all believers, gifted by the Spirit in various ways with a diversity of gifts, are to be a gift to one another – the Spirit empowering them in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) and through love to meet the lack of both the individual and community.

story continues…