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
Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of …
And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the …
Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto …
Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of …
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be …
And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Cesarea: and we entered into the …