Ephesians 4 11

Ephesians 4:11 kjv

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Ephesians 4:11 nkjv

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,

Ephesians 4:11 niv

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,

Ephesians 4:11 esv

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,

Ephesians 4:11 nlt

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.

Ephesians 4 verses

Ephesians 4 11 Meaning

Christ gave specific gifts to the church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers. These gifts are for the equipping of the saints for ministry. The purpose is the building up of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 4 11 Context

This verse is part of Ephesians chapter 4, which focuses on the unity of the church and the proper conduct of believers within that unity. Paul begins by exhorting believers to live lives worthy of their calling (Eph 4:1) and to maintain the unity of the Spirit (Eph 4:3). He then explains that Christ, as the ascended Head of the Church, has given specific gifts to the church. These gifts are not for individual exaltation but for the collective growth and maturity of the body of Christ. The context establishes the foundational, divinely-appointed leadership and teaching ministries established by Christ for the building up of His Church until its full maturity.

Ephesians 4 11 Word analysis

• And (Greek: και - kai): A conjunctive particle used to connect words, phrases, or clauses. Here, it connects the various gifts Christ gives.
• He (Greek: αὐτός - autos): Refers back to Christ, emphasizing that these gifts originate from Him.
• Gave (Greek: ἔδωκεν - edōken): Aorist tense of δίδωμι (didōmi), meaning "to give." Indicates a completed action by Christ, referring to His bestowal of these gifts at His ascension and continuing impartation.
• Some (Greek: τοὺς μὲν - tous men): Introduces one part of a pair or series. "Some...others" (omitted but implied) structure, showing diversity within the church.
• To be (Greek: εἶναι - einai): Infinitive form of εἰμί (eimi), "to be." Indicates the purpose or designation of the individuals given.
• Apostles (Greek: ἀποστόλους - apostolous): Plural accusative of ἀπόστολος (apostolos), meaning "one who is sent forth," an ambassador, or a messenger. In this context, it refers to those directly commissioned by Christ with His authority, foundational leaders who established the early church.
• Prophets (Greek: προφήτας - prophētas): Plural accusative of προφήτης (prophētēs), meaning "one who speaks forth," a spokesperson, or a seer. Those who speak God's message, often with divine insight and foreknowledge, for the church's edification.
• Evangelists (Greek: εὐαγγελιστὰς - euangelistas): Plural accusative of εὐαγγελιστής (euangelistes), meaning "a messenger of good news," one who preaches the gospel. Those who proclaim the good news of salvation, often with a focus on bringing people to faith.
• And (Greek: καὶ - kai): Conjunction.
• Some (Greek: τοὺς δὲ - tous de): "But others," continuing the distributive construction.
• Pastors (Greek: ποιμένας - poimenas): Plural accusative of ποιμήν (poimēn), meaning "shepherd." Leaders who care for, guide, feed, and protect the flock (the church).
• Teachers (Greek: διδασκάλους - didaskalous): Plural accusative of διδάσκαλος (didaskalos), meaning "teacher." Those who instruct, train, and explain God's truth, equipping believers. This gift is often seen as distinct yet closely associated with the pastor.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Some...others" (τοὺς μὲν...τοὺς δὲ - tous men...tous de): This indicates a divine selection and distribution of different types of gifted individuals within the corporate body of the church. It speaks to the organic nature and functional diversity of the body, as established by Christ.
• "Apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors, teachers": This list enumerates key leadership and ministry functions. Apostles and prophets often held foundational roles in establishing the early church, with apostles having unique authority and testimony. Evangelists focus on proclamation and conversion. Pastor-teachers provide ongoing spiritual care and doctrinal instruction. The grouping "pastors and teachers" suggests a close working relationship or an overlap in function between shepherding and teaching within a singular office for some.

Ephesians 4 11 Bonus section

The order in which the gifts are listed is significant. Apostles and prophets, often associated with the foundational period of the church and direct revelation, are mentioned first. Evangelists are focused on reaching the lost. Pastor-teachers represent the ongoing ministry of spiritual nurture and instruction for those within the church. This progression suggests a pattern from foundational establishment to continued growth and care. The pairing of "pastors and teachers" implies that these functions can be embodied in one person or represent a synergistic ministry within the church leadership. Some interpret "prophets" in a broader sense for the present day as those who can forth-tell God's truth accurately and powerfully, even without the foundational apostolic commissioning. The equipping provided by these gifted individuals serves to build up the body until all reach unity in faith and knowledge, a maturity that makes the church immovable by false teaching.

Ephesians 4 11 Commentary

Christ personally instituted specific ministry roles within His church for the purpose of equipping believers. These roles—apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers—are divinely appointed. They are not to be sought for personal status but received as Christ's provision for building up the church. The gifts are distributed as He wills for the maturity and unity of believers, ensuring sound doctrine and effective ministry until the church reaches its ultimate perfected state in Christ. The ultimate aim is the strengthening and equipping of every saint for active participation in ministry, rather than passive reception.

• Practical Usage Example: When a church is led by individuals who faithfully teach the Word, evangelize the lost, and shepherd the flock with care, it reflects Christ's gifting. When individuals within the church are being equipped to serve in various capacities, they are experiencing the impact of these gifts.