1 Corinthians 12:28

Translations

Modern

And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.

Traditional

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.

Literal

And some indeed God placed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helping, administrating, various kinds of tongues.

Latin

Et quosdam quidem posuit Deus in ecclesia primum apostolos, secundo prophetas, exinde doctores, deinde virtutes, exinde gratias curationum, opitulationes, gubernationes, genera linguarum, interpretationes sermonum.

Original

Greek

English

And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.

Notes

1 Corinthians 12:28

Apostles are special messengers of Christ in the world (see also Ephesians 4:11).
Prophets deliver messages from God (see 1 Corinthians 12:10 and related study note; Ephesians 4:11; compare Acts 13:1–2).
Teachers educate others about the faith (Romans 12:7; Ephesians 4:11; compare Acts 13:1).
various tongues: See study note on 1 Corinthians 12:10.

1 Corinthians 12:28–31

Paul describes various roles assigned to individuals in the church (see also the list in 12:8–10; compare Romans 12:6–8; Ephesians 4:11).

1 Corinthians 12:12–31

The church is like a body (see 12:27) made up of many different parts. Each part has its own role, as determined by God (see 12:11, 18, 28; Romans 12:4–5).

1 Corinthians 12:1–14:40

The church in Corinth focused too much on the gift of speaking in tongues (see 14:1–25, 27; compare the lists in 12:8–10, 28, where Paul lists tongues last). Paul offers advice to correct their understanding of the value and use of spiritual gifts.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Church Leaders Paul’s Role as an Apostle Spirit Empowerment The Church The Church as a Living, Active Body The Holy Spirit’s Work

Related verses

Ephesians 4:11–13
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,
Romans 12:6–8
We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith;
1 Corinthians 12:18
But in fact, God has arranged the members of the body, every one of them, according to His design.
1 Corinthians 12:7–11
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
1 Timothy 5:17
Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
Ephesians 2:20
…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.
Ephesians 3:5
…which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.
Hebrews 13:24
Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy send you greetings.
Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Numbers 11:17
And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.
Acts 20:28
Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
1 Peter 5:1–4
As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you:

Glossary

Apostle, Apostleship Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Charismata First Letter to the Corinthians Gift of Healing Gift of Helping Heal, Healing Love Mystery Ordain, Ordination Prophecy Spirit of God Spiritual Gifts Teacher

Topics

Administration Charisma Church: Government of, Mosaic and Christian Church: Membership In Church: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Deacon Duties Gifts of Healing Instruction: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Miracles of the Holy Spirit Miracles: Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Enumerated Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Enumerated Spiritual Gifts The Apostles: Called by God Tongue: Gift of Tongues (The Gift): The Miraculous Gift Granted to some Early Christians

1 Corinthians 12:28

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Translations

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Notes

Related verses

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