The Eleven Disciples who had followed Jesus for around three years weren't the only people in leadership positions in the early Church. Other members of our spiritual family at that time included men, women, older people, younger people, people who grew up as Jews and those who were Gentiles. Some of their names might be hard to say today in our culture, but we are definitely part of the same family.

To one person in particular then and to all of us now, the Apostle  Paul encouraged them to fan into the flame the gifts that God had given them. Let us all actively fan into flame our own free gifts from God for the good of others, as well as encouraging others to do the same. The gifts we have from God are wonderful.