1 Corinthians 12:29

29 Not all are emissaries, are they? Not all are prophets, are they? or teachers? or miracle-workers?

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 together constitute the body of the Messiah, and individually you are parts of it.

28 And God has placed in the Messianic Community first, emissaries; second, prophets; third, teachers; then those who work miracles; then those with gifts of healing; those with ability to help; those skilled in administration; and those who speak in various tongues.

29 Not all are emissaries, are they? Not all are prophets, are they? or teachers? or miracle-workers?

30 Not all have gifts of healing, not all speak in tongues, not all interpret, do they?

31 Eagerly seek the better gifts. But now I will show you the best way of all.