1 Corinthians 12:29

29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? do all have faculties?

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 the body of Christ and members in particular.

28 And God did set certain ones in the congregation {Gr. ekklesia – called out ones}: first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that faculties, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? do all have faculties?

30 Do all have gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

31 But earnestly pursue the best gifts, and yet I show unto you a more excellent way.