1 Corinthians 12:29

29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?

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 individually members of it.

28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, then healers, helpers, administrators, speakers in various kinds of tongues.

29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?

30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.