1 Corinthians 12:29

29 Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all teachers?

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 As for you, you are the body of Christ, and individually you are members of it.

28 And by God's appointment there are in the Church--first Apostles, secondly Prophets, thirdly teachers. Then come miraculous powers, and then ability to cure diseases or render loving service, or powers of organization, or varieties of the gift of `tongues.'

29 Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all teachers?

30 Have all miraculous powers? Have all ability to cure diseases? Do all speak in `tongues'? Do all interpret?

31 But always seek to excel in the greater gifts. And now I will point out to you a way of life which transcends all others.