What does 1 Corinthians 12:28 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 12:28 lists a variety of roles and gifts that God has given to members within the Christian church.

This verse emphasizes the diversity and harmony of the spiritual gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Corinth, outlines an order of gifts and offices that reflect their importance and function within the early Christian community.

The list begins with "first apostles," highlighting the foundational role of the apostles, who were chosen directly by Christ or the Holy Spirit to spread the Christian faith.

"Secondarily prophets" refers to those inspired to deliver messages from God, typically concerning edification, comfort, and sometimes future events.

"Thirdly teachers" points to the role of instructing believers in the faith and interpreting scripture.

"Miracles" suggests acts that are supernatural in nature, demonstrating God’s power and confirming the message of the gospel.

"Gifts of healings" indicates the ability to cure illnesses or disabilities through divine intervention.

"Helps" refers to a broad category of service within the church, aiding those in need.

"Governments" could be understood as those with administrative or leadership roles within the church.

"Diversities of tongues" points to the ability to speak in languages not previously known to the speaker, as a sign for unbelievers and as a way to edify the church.

It's important to note that Paul ranks these gifts not necessarily in terms of importance, but more likely in relation to their function and contribution to the overall mission of the church.

Historical Context

1 Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 55 to the church at Corinth.

This was a diverse church within a cosmopolitan Greek city known for its wealth, intellectual pride, and moral issues.

The church faced internal divisions, immorality, and confusion over spiritual gifts, especially the manifestation of speaking in tongues.

In Chapter 12, Paul addresses issues related to spiritual gifts, emphasizing the importance of different gifts working together within the body of Christ.

Theological Insights

Theologically, 1 Corinthians 12:28 underscores the concept of the Church as a unified body with many parts, each with diverse functions but of equal value.

There's a suggestion of a divinely ordained structure within the church with apostles and prophets as the foundation and teachers solidifying the structure with sound doctrine.

Charismatic gifts, like miracles and healings, are not intended to be ends in themselves, but a means to build up the body.

Various denominations interpret the continuation or cessation of certain gifts differently.

Some believe that apostolic and prophetic offices ceased with the first-century church, while others maintain that all gifts continue today.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages modern believers to value diversity within their local church communities, recognizing that each person has a unique contribution to make.

It also encourages individuals to seek and use their spiritual gifts to serve the body of Christ.

Regardless of the type of gift, the goal is the same: to edify the church and glorify God.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 4:11-12 - "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."
• Romans 12:6-8 - "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness."

Language Study

Key Greek words in this verse and their meanings include:

• Apostolos (ἀπόστολο��) - apostle, one who is sent, messenger.
• Prophetai (προφῆται) - prophet, one who speaks forth or openly, a proclaimer of a divine message.
• Didaskaloi (διδάσκαλοι) - teacher, instructor.
• Dunamis (δυνάμεις) - miracles, powers, mighty works.
• Charismata (χαρίσματα) - gifts, grace gifts.
• Iamaton (ἰαμάτων) - healings, cures.
• Antilempseis (ἀντιλήμψεις) - helps, assistance.
• Kybernesis (κυβερνήσεις) - governments, guidance, steering (like the piloting of a ship).
• Glosson (γλωσσῶν) - tongues, languages.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient religions, a hierarchy of gods often paralleled the social hierarchies of earthly societies.

In contrast, the Christian ethos presented in 1 Corinthians 12:28 reflects a spiritual hierarchy based on divine gifting rather than social class or natural ability. Early Christianity largely differed from these religions by emphasizing unity in diversity.

Scientific Perspectives

While 1 Corinthians 12:28 doesn't directly intersect with scientific disciplines, it does relate to fields like psychology and sociology by acknowledging the variety of roles and their importance to the community's health.

The reference to miracles and healings can be a point of intersection with medical science, although these acts are considered supernatural and outside the realm of scientific explanation.

Commentaries

Commentaries on 1 Corinthians 12:28 vary in their interpretations of the passage:

• Some interpret the passage as descriptive of the early church, not prescriptive for all time, and use it to justify the cessation of certain gifts.
• Others see the passage as outlaying a template for church order that is still relevant and applicable today, including the continuation of spiritual gifts.
• Commentators often diverge on the interpretation of "governments," with some seeing it as a reference to spiritual oversight and others as practical church administration.
• The "diversities of tongues" has been a point of debate, as it is seen by some as a sign gift for the apostolic era, while others assert its continuing presence in the church.

In general, commentators agree on the overall message of the verse: the unity of the church and the importance of each member exercising their gifts for the common good.