1 Corinthians 12:28 Commentary and Bible Study

So the body has many members and the Spirit has given gifts to each of these members (verse 7), but not the same gift to all, for there are diversities of gifts (verse 4). It is God who has decided what gifts to give and he has set them in the church according to his will. Paul has dealt with the principles by which the body functions with its many members and returns to the subject of the gifts of the Spirit. This list now includes more than just the revelatory gifts. He adds other gifts which are ongoing throughout the New Testament period. The first three are all to do with the word of God and are given in order of importance, according to how they edify the church. First were the apostles who were vehicles of revelation, and witnesses to the resurrection, and in come cases penmen of Scripture. Secondly were prophets, who did not speak abiding doctrine to be recorded, but exhorted the people and were also authenticated. There is no instruction in the New Testament for the appointment of either apostles or prophets. There remains the office of teacher which is abiding. Then there are the beneficial gifts – miracle, healing – authenticating signs of apostles, and betokenings which were only given to the apostolic band and enabled people to recognise who were inspired teachers and penmen. Then there are two benefits which continue: helps and governments. Lastly is the lowest gift of all, the gift of tongues, given to convince the Jews. So the ongoing gifts in the list are teachers, helps and governments.The word for governments means pilotage, steerage and refers to office bearers and shepherds in the church. They are rescuers and almoners. The are recognised and asked to carry out these tasks. There is a sense in which all act as pastors, and yet we tread carefully: God has set some in the church. Sometimes believers are tempted to pride and take on very hard tasks and create pastoral problems. All should give pastoral care to each other, and yet God has appointed pastors who are to handle significant issues in the church.What does ‘helps’ say to Christians? This person does not just comfort but gives the right kind of gentle admonition – sympathetic but firm. We always need to ask, am I qualified to help? Help should be offered by someone who is on good footing, and sometimes those who offer help are not. They may only just have escaped from the same problem themselves. Close friends can often be the best to provide help, and yet there are some things which must be deferred to those who are appointed.‘Are all apostles?’ The question does not need to be answered because it is obvious that the apostolic office is limited to the Twelve, plus one born out of due time: Paul. The key word is ‘some’, and so not all – and the same answer is assumed throughout.‘But covet earnestly the best gifts’ – the Charismatics get this wrong. They address these words to individuals, but Paul is addressing the whole body, the church. If you apply it to an individual, then you create a situation where you want to be an apostle. But Corinth was to covet the benefit brought by apostles. Not all can be apostles, so he cannot mean covet this gift personally. In our age we are to covet teachers, shepherds, helps, governments. The church should pray that the Lord will give the officers needed, and that they will be kept. If an officer goes off the rails it is a personal failure, but may also be a church failure – has the church been praying?