The apostle Paul’s farewell speech to the Ephesian elders was described by F. F. Bruce as “his last will and testament.” These are the last things Paul wanted to say to the church he was leaving.

One of the most common questions brought up by skeptics is how can God be so cruel as to ask Abraham to think he had to sacrifice his own son. The answer is in this text.

Paul sums up everything he wanted to say to the Corinthians as we look at the whole letter in overview.

The Corinthians are still asking the logical questions about the resurrection. How can a physical body enter the afterlife? After all, the body is sown natural and raised spiritual, so what sort of body will we have at the resurrection?

The Lord again he proves that he can be trusted as he fights for his people. As we face the greater enemies of sin, Satan and death, this passage demonstrates the absolute confidence we can have in the Lord who fights for us.

The apostle is so fervent on the importance of the resurrection he continues on what becomes the longest explanation of the resurrection and how this relates to the consumption of all things and how that should drive our lives now.

The apostle addresses the confusion the Corinthians had about the resurrection and shows how crucial this is to the Christian faith.

The apostle starts to wind up the letter with the same theme that he began with. Jesus Christ and him crucified… and risen. This has been his answer to all the problems the Corinthians have and is the answer to all our problems. Putting in the centre of our belief the cross and resurrection of Jesus.

The apostle continues on the topic of speaking in tongues but comes to his real point and rebuke to the Corinthians, their style of worship. That makes this text as relevant as ever.

Last week we examined the correct use of speaking in tongues according to the Scriptures. This week we look at the more controversial and disputed subject of whether tongue speaking is a gift given into the church today.