1 Corinthians 12:28

“And God hath set some in the church, etc.] As before the apostle gives an account of the various different gifts of the Spirit, qualifying men for service in the church of Christ, here he enumerates the several offices and officers: first apostles; as were the twelve disciples, and Paul the apostle; men that were immediately sent by Christ himself, and had their commission and doctrine directly from him; and a power of working miracles, to confirm the truth of their mission and ministry; they were sent into all the world to preach the Gospel, to plant churches everywhere, and to ordain officers in them; they were not confined to any particular church, but had power and authority in all the…”

“set . . . in the church--as He has "set the members . . . in the body" (Co1 12:18). first apostles--above even the prophets. Not merely the Twelve, but others are so called, for example, Barnabas, &c. (Rom 16:7). teachers--who taught, for the most part, truths already revealed; whereas the prophets made new revelations and spoke all their prophesyings under the Spirit's influence. As the teachers had the "word of knowledge," so the prophets "the word of wisdom" (Co1 12:8). Under "teachers" are included "evangelists and pastors." miracles--literally, "powers" (Co1 12:10): ranked below "teachers," as the function of teaching is more edifying, though less dazzling than working miracles. helps,…”

“And God hath set - That is, has appointed, constituted, ordained. He has established these various orders or ranks in the church. The apostle, having illustrated the main idea that God had conferred various endowments on the members of the church, proceeds here to specify particularly what he meant, and to refer more directly to the various ranks which existed in the church. Some in the church - The word “some,” in this place ὅυς hous, seems to mean rather whom, “and whom God hath placed in the church,” or, they whom God hath constituted in the church in the manner above mentioned are, first, apostles, etc. First, apostles - In the first rank or order; or as superior in honor and in…”

“First apostles - Who plant the gospel in the heathen nations. Secondly prophets - Who either foretel things to come, or speak by extra - ordinary inspiration, for the edification of the church. Thirdly teachers - Who precede even those that work miracles. Under prophets and teachers are comprised evangelists and pastors, Eph 4:11. Helps, governments - It does not appear that these mean distinct offices: rather, any persons might be called helps, from a peculiar dexterity in helping the distressed; and governments, from a peculiar talent for governing or presiding in assemblies. 1 Corinthians 12:31”

“12:28-31 Paul lists some of the different individual roles given to people in the church (see also the list in 12:8-10; cp. Rom 12:6-8; Eph 4:11). 12:28 Apostles are specially commissioned emissaries of Christ in the world (see also Eph 4:11). • Prophets speak a word from God (see 12:10 and corresponding study note; Eph 4:11; cp. Acts 13:1-2). • Teachers instruct others in the faith (Rom 12:7; Eph 4:11; cp. Acts 13:1). • those who speak in unknown languages: See study note on 12:10.”

“God: Co1 12:7-11; Luk 6:14; Act 13:1-3, Act 20:28; Rom 12:6-8; Eph 2:20, Eph 3:5, Eph 4:11-13; Heb 13:17, Heb 13:24; Pe1 5:1-4 helps: Num 11:17 governments: Rom 12:8; Ti1 5:17; Heb 13:17, Heb 13:24 diversities: or, kinds, Co1 12:10; Act 2:8-11 1 Corinthians 12:29”