1 Corinthians 12 28

1 Corinthians 12:28 kjv

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.

1 Corinthians 12:28 nkjv

And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:28 niv

And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:28 esv

And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:28 nlt

Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles,
second are prophets,
third are teachers,
then those who do miracles,
those who have the gift of healing,
those who can help others,
those who have the gift of leadership,
those who speak in unknown languages.

1 Corinthians 12 verses

1 Corinthians 12 28 Meaning

God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and diversities of tongues.

1 Corinthians 12 28 Context

First Corinthians chapter 12 addresses the topic of spiritual gifts within the church at Corinth. The Corinthian believers were experiencing significant divisions and misuses of these gifts, particularly concerning the more charismatic manifestations. Paul’s instruction in verse 28 provides an ordered list of gifts and ministries God has established within the church. This order reflects a hierarchy of function and importance, intended to guide the Corinthians in understanding and utilizing their gifts for the common good and the edification of the body of Christ. The chapter contrasts these diverse gifts with the unity of the Spirit, emphasizing that all gifts originate from the same source and are given for specific purposes. The verse immediately following, 1 Corinthians 12:29-30, asks rhetorical questions that highlight the absurdity of everyone being an apostle or a prophet, further underscoring the intended order and the complementary nature of the gifts.

1 Corinthians 12 28 Word Analysis

• God (θεός, theos): The supreme Being, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. In this context, it signifies the divine originator and appointer of these various ministries.
• has appointed (ἔθετο, etheto): Aorist middle indicative of τίθημι (tithēmi), meaning to place, set, or appoint. It denotes a decisive action of setting in place, indicating divine institution and order.
• in the church (ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, en tē ekklēsia): Literally, "in the called-out assembly." Refers to the community of believers, the body of Christ. The gifts are given and operate within this ecclesial context.
• first (πρῶτον, prōton): An adverb indicating the primary or foremost position. It signifies the foundational and most authoritative level of ministry, followed by others in descending order of establishment or broad foundational impact.
• apostles (ἀποστόλους, apostolous): From ἀπόστολος (apostolos), meaning "one sent forth." In the New Testament, this term primarily refers to the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus and Paul, who were eyewitnesses and authoritative witnesses to Christ, foundational to the early church.
• second (δεύτερον, deuteron): Indicating the next in order.
• prophets (προφήτας, prophētas): From προφήτης (prophētēs), meaning "one who speaks forth." Those who spoke God's message, often conveying future events but also forth-telling truth and edification.
• third (τρίτον, triton): Indicating the third in order.
• teachers (διδασκάλους, didaskalous): From διδάσκαλος (didaskalos), meaning "teacher." Those who expound and explain divine truth.
• after that (εἶτα, eita): Then, afterward; indicating a subsequent order.
• miracles (ἐνεργήματα δυνάμεων, energeimata dynameōn): Literally, "workings of powers." Gifts that demonstrated supernatural power, often involving acts beyond natural capabilities. This signifies the active manifestation of divine power.
• gifts of healings (χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων, charismata iamatōn): From χάρισμα (charisma), "grace gift," and ἴαμα (iama), "a healing, a cure." Specifically designates the supernatural ability to restore health.
• helps (ἀντιλήψεις, antilēpseis): From ἀντίληψις (antilēpsis), meaning "a helping, succor, aid." Refers to ministering assistance, often in practical needs and support within the church community.
• governments (κυβερνήσεις, kybernēseis): From κυβέρνησις (kybernēsis), meaning "guidance, governance, administration." Pertains to leadership, management, and directing the affairs of the church.
• diversities (γένη, geni): From γένος (genos), meaning "kind, sort, variety." Highlights the different types or categories of tongues.
• tongues (γλωσσῶν, glōssōn): From γλῶσσα (glōssa), meaning "tongue" or "language." In this context, it refers to the supernatural utterance of languages unknown to the speaker.

Words-Group Analysis:

• The first three items—apostles, prophets, teachers—are presented as foundational ministries involving authoritative leadership and the clear proclamation and transmission of God's word.
• The subsequent categories (miracles, healings, helps, governments, tongues) represent different manifestations of spiritual power and service within the body, serving and complementing the foundational ministries.
• The ordering from "first" to "third" and "after that" suggests a functional priority or distinct role in the church's establishment and ongoing operation.

1 Corinthians 12 28 Bonus Section

The enumeration of gifts here highlights that "apostles," "prophets," and "teachers" are understood as specific offices or stable ministry functions within the church, distinct from the more situational or "manifestation" gifts that follow. This prioritization likely reflects their crucial role in establishing the church's doctrinal foundation and transmitting the core message of the Gospel. The phrase "gifts of healings" (plural) suggests that healing is not a single monolithic gift but encompasses various ways and types of restoration provided by the Spirit. The terms "helps" and "governments" emphasize the vital, often overlooked, practical and administrative roles necessary for the healthy functioning of the church community, reflecting that even the most public manifestations of the Spirit are supported by essential practical work and wise leadership.

1 Corinthians 12 28 Commentary

This verse establishes a divinely ordered structure for ministries within the church. It is not a rigid hierarchy that diminishes other gifts, but rather a recognition of primary roles in founding and functioning the body of Christ. Apostles served as the original witnesses and foundation-layers, prophets conveyed direct divine messages, and teachers expounded the received truth. The subsequent gifts of power, healing, assistance, leadership, and speaking in tongues are diverse manifestations of the Spirit that serve to empower, edify, and govern the church under the direction of those foundational ministries. The intention is not for all to be apostles or prophets, but for each to function according to the gift God has bestowed for the collective building up of the church. This list guides believers to understand their place and contribution within the unified body, moving away from the disorder that the Corinthian church was experiencing.