1 Corinthians 12:28

God hath set. Literally, “God hath set for Himself.” In v. 11 the Holy Spirit is represented as dispensing the gifts; here it is God. The members of the Godhead work together in unity.

Some. Paul means, some apostles, some prophets, etc.

First. Doubtless first not only in point of time (see Matt. 10:1-8; DA 290, 291) but also in rank, as being one of the most important offices in the church.

Apostles. Literally, “ones sent forth.” The term must not be limited to the Twelve. Others, too, were called apostles (see 1 Cor. 15:7; Gal. 1:19). The apostles seem to have had general jurisdiction over the churches.

Prophets. See on v. 10.

Teachers. Those endowed with special ability to expound the Scriptures. They are probably the same as those possessing the “word of knowledge,” who know how to unfold the mysteries of the kingdom of God to inquiring minds (v. 8). Preaching and teaching are closely allied; the preacher proclaims truth in a way that reaches the heart of the hearer and incites him to action in favor of what he has heard; the teacher takes truth and analyzes and synthesizes it with such clarity and logic that those who listen truly understand the message. They are thus enabled to give a reason for the hope that has been implanted in their hearts by the preacher.

Miracles. The working of miracles was one of the more spectacular gifts of the Spirit. Miracles played a definite part in Christ’s ministry on earth, and He gave to His disciples the power to work miracles (see Matt. 10:8; DA 350, 351; EW 189). It was His plan that His followers should have power to perform miracles to advance His work on earth (see Mark 16:15-18; DA 823). See on 1 Cor. 12:10.

Healings. See on v. 9.

Helps. Gr. antilepsis, derived from a verb meaning, literally, “to lay hold of.” The word occurs only here in the NT, but is frequent in the papyri, with the idea of “assistance,” “succor.” This gift is generally understood to be the ability conferred on those who perform the office of a deacon in the church, particularly as that office calls for ministering to the needs of the poor and the sick. This is a work that may not be given as much publicity as some of the other gifts, but it is nonetheless an important phase of church life. To be able to visit the sick and give them real sympathetic, understanding help, both physically and spiritually, is a powerful means of turning hearts to the Saviour. Caring for the poor and needy by relieving their material lack can be done satisfactorily only by those who are led by the Spirit. This is a most fruitful ministry (see Isa. 58:7; 5T 612, 613; 6T 282, 306, 307; MH 147, 148).

Governments. Gr. kubemeseis, derived from a verb meaning “to steer,” “to act as a helmsman,” hence, “to guide,” “to govern.” Kubemeseis probably refers to the gifts of administration in the church.

Tongues. For a definition of this gift see on ch. 14; see Additional Note on Chapter 14.