1 Corinthians 12:28
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's enumeration of God-appointed functions in the church — apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, healings, helps, governments, tongues — is one of the New Testament's most influential ecclesiological texts. The ordering ('first... second... third...') for apostles, prophets, and teachers has generated extensive debate: whether it implies permanent hierarchical ranking or functional primacy in the church's foundation-laying phase. The inclusion of mundane administrative functions ('helps,' 'governments' / antilēmpsis, kubernēsis) alongside supernatural gifts democratises the category of Spirit-gifting to include practical service and organizational leadership. Ephesians 4:11's related list (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers) frames these gifts as equipping the whole body rather than constituting a priestly elite, grounding ministry in the community's shared vocation.
Other Translations
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, divers kinds of tongues.
And some, indeed, did God set in the assembly, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, afterwards powers, afterwards gifts of healings, helpings, governings, divers kinds of tongues;
And God has put some in the church, first, Apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then those with wonder-working powers, then those with the power of taking away disease, helpers, wise guides, users of strange tongues.
Cross References
And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon …
Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, …
And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was …
Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and …
And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of …