What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 12:28? In the church God has appointed “And in the church God has appointed…” (1 Corinthians 12:28) • God Himself arranges the body, not human committees (compare 1 Corinthians 12:18). • His appointments are purposeful, so each member depends on the others (Romans 12:4-6). • Because the Lord does the placing, every role carries dignity and accountability (Colossians 3:23-24). first of all apostles • The apostles were eyewitnesses of the risen Christ and were sent out with His authority (Acts 1:21-22; Matthew 28:18-20). • They laid the doctrinal foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20) and validated it by “many signs and wonders” (Acts 2:43). • Though the original apostolic office was unique, their written testimony—our New Testament—continues to govern the church (2 Peter 3:2). second prophets • Prophets speak God’s immediate message to strengthen, encourage, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). • In Acts 11:27-28, prophets warned of famine, prompting practical care among believers. • Paul urges believers, “Do not treat prophecies with contempt” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21), yet all prophetic words must align with Scripture (Galatians 1:8). third teachers • Teachers explain and apply God’s Word so the body grows in truth (Ephesians 4:11-14). • They guard against error (2 Timothy 2:15) and help believers become mature disciples (Acts 13:1). • Because of their influence, teachers will “incur a stricter judgment” (James 3:1). then workers of miracles • Miracles display God’s power to authenticate the gospel (Hebrews 2:4). • Examples include Peter healing the lame man (Acts 3:6-9) and Paul confronting Elymas (Acts 13:9-12). • Such works remind the church that the Lord remains sovereign over creation (Psalm 115:3). and those with gifts of healing • Distinct from general prayer for the sick, this gift channels God’s compassion in notable ways (Acts 5:15-16). • James 5:14-16 shows that divine healing also involves elders, prayer, confession, and faith. • Every healing foreshadows the final wholeness promised in resurrection (Revelation 21:4). helping • The gift of helps meets practical needs so others can flourish (Acts 6:1-4). • Phoebe’s service illustrates this grace: “She has been a patron of many” (Romans 16:1-2). • Helping reflects Christ, who “came not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). administration • Literally “steering,” it guides the church’s direction with wisdom and order (Titus 1:5). • Good administration protects the flock, as elders “manage” God’s household (1 Timothy 3:4-5). • Moses’ appointment of capable leaders to share oversight (Exodus 18:21-23) models this gift. and various tongues • Speaking in tongues is Spirit-enabled speech in languages not learned by the speaker (Acts 2:4-11). • Paul calls tongues a sign for unbelievers when interpreted (1 Corinthians 14:22-27). • Love and edification, not spectacle, must govern this gift (1 Corinthians 13:1; 14:12). summary God Himself orders the church, gifting believers so each role—apostle, prophet, teacher, miracle-worker, healer, helper, administrator, tongues-speaker—supplies what the body needs. No function is self-assigned, and none is superfluous. Embracing our appointed place with humility and zeal lets Christ’s fullness be displayed through His people, just as Scripture affirms. |
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