1 Corinthians 12:29

29 Are all Apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? have all the power of working wonders?

1 Corinthians 12:29 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 12:29

Are all apostles?
&c.] No some are prophets, as distinct from apostles; and some are teachers, as distinct from them both, and some are neither: are all prophets?
no; some are apostles, above them, and some are teachers, inferior to them; and but very few there were who had that peculiar character and gift: are all teachers?
no; the far greater part of the members of churches are hearers, or persons that are taught in the word; are neither in the office of teaching, nor have they the qualifications for it. Are all workers of miracles?
no; in those early times, when the gift of doing miracles was bestowed, it was not given to all, only to some; and now there are none that are possessed of it.

1 Corinthians 12:29 In-Context

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and every one of you the separate parts of it.

28 And God has put some in the church, first, Apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then those with wonder-working powers, then those with the power of taking away disease, helpers, wise guides, users of strange tongues.

29 Are all Apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? have all the power of working wonders?

30 Are all able to take away disease? have all the power of tongues? are all able to give their sense?

31 But let your desires be turned to the more important things given by the Spirit. And now I am pointing out to you an even better way.