ACC ~ Mark 16 v17b

WHETHER ALL APOSTOLIC GIFTS ARE RECEIVED BY ALL BELIEVERS

AMBROSE: See, God sent apostles, and sent prophets and teachers, gave the gift of healings, which as we have found are given by the Holy Spirit, and God gave many kinds of tongues. But yet all are not apostles, all are not prophets, all are not teachers. Not all, says he, have the gift of healings, nor do all, says he, speak with tongues. [1] For the whole range of divine gifts cannot exist in each particular individual. Each, according to his capacity, receives that which he either desires or deserves. ON THE HOLY SPIRIT 2.13.150. [2]

[1] Cf. 1 Cor 12:30.

[2] Cetedoc 0151, 2.13.150.146.67; NPNF 2 10:134*. Each believer receives not all but some gifts according to his or her capacity to receive.

THE FATHER AND SON AS GIVER OF CHARISMATA

AMBROSE: As the Father gives the gift of healings, so too does the Son give; as the Father gives the gift of tongues, so too has the Son also granted it. ON THE HOLY SPIRIT 2.13.151. [1]

[1] Cetedoc 0151, 2.13.151.146.85; NPNF 2 10:134.

HOW THESE GIFTS ARE DISTRIBUTED IN THE CHURCH TODAY

GREGORY THE GREAT: There is something to be said of these signs and powers of a more veiled nature. [1] The holy church is even now doing spiritually, every day, what she then did through the apostles corporately. For when priests, by the grace of exorcism, lay hands on believers and forbid evil spirits to inhabit their minds, what are they doing but “casting out demons”? And any believers whatever who henceforth abandon the profanity of the old life, and utter holy mysteries, and rehearse, as best they can, the praise and power of their maker, what are they doing but “speaking in new tongues?” Moreover, when by their good exhortations they remove evil from the hearts of others, are they not “taking up serpents”? Aren’t these miracles the greater because they are spiritual, because they are the means not of raising up bodies but souls? These signs then, beloved, you do if you will. [2] HOMILIES 29. [3]

[1] He is poised to raise the question: In what sense do believers today speak in tongues and cast out demons?

[2] Cf. Ps 91:13; Jn 14:12-14; 1 Cor 13.

[3] Cetedoc 1711, 2.29.4.14; GMI 455*;