1 Corinthians 12:29

29 [Are] all apostles? [are] all prophets? [are] all teachers? [are] all [in possession of] miraculous powers?

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 *ye* are Christ's body, and members in particular.

28 And God has set certain in the assembly: first, apostles; secondly, prophets; thirdly, teachers; then miraculous powers; then gifts of healings; helps; governments; kinds of tongues.

29 [Are] all apostles? [are] all prophets? [are] all teachers? [are] all [in possession of] miraculous powers?

30 have all gifts of healings? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

31 But desire earnestly the greater gifts, and yet shew I unto you a way of more surpassing excellence.