Ephesians 4:11
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Study Note
Study Note
The list of gifts given by the ascended Christ — apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers — is the most influential ecclesiological text in the New Testament for defining leadership structures and their purpose. The purpose of these gifts is explicitly equipping-oriented: 'to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ' (verse 12), which means the leaders are not ends in themselves but means of releasing the whole community. Whether the list is historically descriptive (apostolic-age offices) or perpetually normative has been extensively debated across Catholic, Protestant, and Charismatic traditions. The verse is foundational for both hierarchical and charismatic ecclesiologies, each emphasizing different aspects of the gift-for-community logic.
Other Translations
And he gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
and He gave some <FI>as<Fi> apostles, and some <FI>as<Fi> prophets, and some <FI>as<Fi> proclaimers of good news, and some <FI>as<Fi> shepherds and teachers,
And he gave some as Apostles, and some, prophets; and some, preachers of the good news; and some to give care and teaching;
Cross References
Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.
And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto …
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was …
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, …
And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Cesarea: and we entered into the …
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him …
And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them …
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of …