We see, in the Great Commission, the emphasis on building up the saints.

The commission of the members of the Body is to make disciples of the people of the nations whom God has called. The evangelist has the task of introducing to Christ those whom God has called out of the world. After that there is a whole array of gifts and ministries that labor to present each man and woman perfect in Christ.

Being led by the Spirit. Notice how the ministry of Paul began.

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. (Acts 13:2)

Not every person who receives a gift or ministry has a Divine intervention as spectacular as that which happened to the Apostle Paul on the road to Damascus. Also, most of us do not experience a call as clear as that given to Barnabas and Saul as they ministered to the Lord and fasted.

Nevertheless the Holy Spirit is always sovereign in the work of the ministry. It is He who gives gifts and ministries and directs the use of them. How different Church history would have been if people had permitted the Holy Spirit to perform the work of ministry! How different things would be today if people would permit the Holy Spirit to perform the work of ministry!

As we go through the Book of Acts we can see how carefully the Holy Spirit guided the Apostles as they preached the Word.

So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. (Acts 13:4)

Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. (Acts 16:6,7)

Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. (Acts 18:10)

"I have much people in this city."

This verse is particularly significant because it reveals that, although the Gospel is to be preached to every person, God has particular people whom He has appointed to eternal life.

And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. (Acts 13:48)

The term church means "called out from." The purpose of the Church Age is to call the foreordained members of the Church out from the world and to build them into the perfect, complete Body of Christ.

Compare:

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: (I Corinthians 1:26)

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:47)

We are to preach the Gospel to every human being, as the Spirit directs. We must be careful to follow the Spirit because He is seeking those whom the Father has ordained to life.

To be continued.