Ephesians 4:11
Verse
Context
Unity in the Body
10He who descended is the very One who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things.11And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,12to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,
Sermons
David Wilkerson
Martyn-Lloyd Jones
Warren WiersbeDavid Wilkerson
J. Vernon McGee
Dwight PentecostSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He gave some, apostles - He established several offices in his Church; furnished these with the proper officers; and, to qualify them for their work, gave them the proper gifts. For a full illustration of this verse, the reader is requested to refer to the notes on Co1 12:6-10 (note), Co1 12:28-30 (note); and to the concluding observations at the end of that chapter.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Greek, emphatical. "Himself" by His supreme power. "It is HE that gave," &c. gave some, apostles--Translate, "some to be apostles, and some to be prophets," &c. The men who filled the office, no less than the office itself, were a divine gift [EADIE]. Ministers did not give themselves. Compare with the list here, Co1 12:10, Co1 12:28. As the apostles, prophets, and evangelists were special and extraordinary ministers, so "pastors and teachers" are the ordinary stated ministers of a particular flock, including, probably, the bishops, presbyters, and deacons. Evangelists were itinerant preachers like our missionaries, as Philip the deacon (Act 21:8); as contrasted with stationary "pastors and teachers" (Ti2 4:5). The evangelist founded the Church; the teacher built it up in the faith already received. The "pastor" had the outward rule and guidance of the Church: the bishop. As to revelation, the "evangelist" testified infallibly of the past; the "prophet," infallibly of the future. The prophet derived all from the Spirit; the evangelist, in the special case of the Four, recorded matter of fact, cognizable to the senses, under the Spirit's guidance. No one form of Church polity as permanently unalterable is laid down in the New Testament though the apostolical order of bishops, or presbyters, and deacons, superintended by higher overseers (called bishops after the apostolic times), has the highest sanction of primitive usage. In the case of the Jews, a fixed model of hierarchy and ceremonial unalterably bound the people, most minutely detailed in the law. In the New Testament, the absence of minute directions for Church government and ceremonies, shows that a fixed model was not designed; the general rule is obligatory as to ceremonies, "Let all things be done decently and in order" (compare Article XXXIV, Church of England); and that a succession of ministers be provided, not self-called, but "called to the work by men who have public authority given unto them in the congregation, to call and send ministers into the Lord's vineyard" [Article XXIII]. That the "pastors" here were the bishops and presbyters of the Church, is evident from Act 20:28; Pe1 5:1-2, where the bishops' and presbyters' office is said to be "to feed" the flock. The term, "shepherd" or "pastor," is used of guiding and governing and not merely instructing, whence it is applied to kings, rather than prophets or priests (Eze 34:23; Jer 23:4). Compare the names of princes compounded of "pharnas," Hebrew, "pastor," Holophernes, Tis-saphernes (compare Isa 44:28).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he gave some apostles,.... That is, he gave them gifts by which they were qualified to be apostles; who were such as were immediately called by Christ, and had their doctrine from him, and their commission to preach it; and were peculiarly and infallibly guided by the Spirit of God, and had a power to work miracles for the confirmation of their doctrine; and had authority to go everywhere and preach the Gospel, and plant churches, and were not confined to anyone particular place or church; this was the first and chief office in the church, and of an extraordinary kind, and is now ceased; and though the apostles were before Christ's ascension, yet they had not received till then the fulness of the Spirit, and his extraordinary gifts to fit them for their office; nor did they enter upon the discharge of it in its large extent till that time; for they were not only to bear witness of Christ in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria, but in the uttermost parts of the earth: and some prophets; by whom are meant, not private members of churches, who may all prophesy or teach in a private way; nor ordinary ministers of the word; but extraordinary ones, who had a peculiar gift of interpreting the Scriptures, the prophecies of the Old Testament, and of foretelling things to come; such were Agabus and others in the church of Antioch, Act 11:27 and some evangelists; by whom are designed, not so much the writers of the Gospels, as Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, some of which were also apostles; as preachers of the Gospel, and who yet were distinct from the ordinary ministers of it; they were below the apostles, and yet above pastors and teachers; they were the companions of the apostles, and assistants to them, and subserved them in their work; such were Philip, Luke, Titus, Timothy, and others; these were not fixed and stated ministers in anyone place, as the following officers be, but were sent here and there as the apostles thought fit: and some pastors and teachers, or doctors; these may be thought to differ, but not so much on account of the place where they perform their work, the one in the church, the other in the school; nor on account of the different subject of their ministry, the one attending to practical, the other to doctrinal points; but whereas the pastors are the shepherds of the flock, the overseers of it, and the same with the bishops and elders, and the teachers may be the gifted brethren in the church, assistants to the pastors, bare ministers of the word; so the difference lies here, that the one has the oversight, and care, and charge of the church, and the other not; the one can administer all ordinances, the other not; the one is fixed and tied to some certain church, the other not: though I rather think they intend one and the same office, and that the word "teachers" is only explanative of the figurative word "pastors" or shepherds; and the rather because if the apostle had designed distinct officers, he would have used the same form of speaking as before; and have expressed himself thus, "and some pastors, and some teachers"; whereas he does not make such a distribution here as there; though the Syriac version reads this clause distributively as the others; and among the Jews there were the singular men or wise men, and the disciples of the wise men, who were their companions and assistants; and it is asked (y), "who is a singular man? and who is a disciple? a singular man is everyone that is fit to be appointed a pastor or governor of a congregation; and a disciple is one, that when he is questioned about any point in his doctrine, gives an answer:'' wherefore if these two, pastors and teachers, are different, it might be thought there is some reference to this distinction, and that pastors answer to the wise men, and teachers to their disciples or assistants; and so Kimchi in Jer 3:15 interprets the pastors there of , "the pastors of Israel", which shall be with the King Messiah, as is said in Mic 5:5 and undoubtedly Gospel ministers are meant: from the whole it may be observed, that as there have been various officers and offices in the Gospel dispensation, various gifts have been bestowed; and these are the gifts of Christ, which he has received for men, and gives unto them; and hence it appears that the work of the ministry is not an human invention, but the appointment of Christ, for which he fits and qualifies, and therefore to be regarded; and that they only are the ministers of Christ, whom he makes ministers of the New Testament, and not whom men or themselves make and appoint. (y) T. Bab. Taanith, fol. 10. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:11 In his letters, Paul has four different lists of God’s gifts (see also Rom 12:4-8; 1 Cor 12:8-10, 28), none of which is comprehensive. Here the focus is on the gifts of leadership most needed for the growth of the church. • Apostles are divinely commissioned missionary evangelists. • Prophets speak messages from God for his people. • Evangelists proclaim the Good News. • Pastors (literally shepherds) care for God’s people (see 1 Tim 3:1-7). • Teachers expound Scripture and God’s truths to the church. • Pastors and teachers might refer to separate ministries or to two aspects of the same ministry.
Ephesians 4:11
Unity in the Body
10He who descended is the very One who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things.11And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,12to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Don't Judge Your Spiritual Condition by Feelings
By David Wilkerson6.9K1:00:29SpiritualityEPH 4:11In this sermon, the preacher focuses on 1 Thessalonians 4:1, urging the brethren to walk in a way that pleases God and to continue growing in their faith. The preacher uses the analogy of a child learning to walk to illustrate the process of spiritual growth. He emphasizes that Christians should be giving more of themselves, their resources, and their time to God. The sermon also references Ephesians 4:11, highlighting the importance of believers growing in grace and knowledge of God.
Full Salvation
By Martyn-Lloyd Jones6.2K51:00SalvationEPH 4:11In this sermon, the preacher highlights how people in the modern world are enslaved by various things. They are slaves to the world, being governed by what others do, think, and say. They are also slaves to money, possessions, and their own positions. Additionally, they are slaves to life itself, living in fear. The preacher emphasizes that turning away from God and seeking freedom in these things only leads to deception and chaos. However, the good news is that Jesus, the Son of God, came into the world to set people free and restore the entire cosmos. By believing in him and giving allegiance to him, individuals can become heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, sharing in his inheritance.
Meet Your Psychiatrist: He Makes You Rich
By Warren Wiersbe4.2K39:53ZEC 12:101CO 15:9EPH 2:8EPH 4:7EPH 4:11COL 3:16HEB 10:29In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of serving others with grace. He references First Corinthians 15:9-10, where Paul acknowledges his unworthiness but recognizes that it is by the grace of God that he is able to serve. The speaker encourages the congregation to use their unique gifts and abilities to serve others, even if they feel inadequate. He highlights the various ways in which members of the Moody Church are serving, such as visiting hospitals, jails, and homes, and emphasizes that serving others is done for the sake of Jesus, not for personal gain. The sermon also touches on the concept of singing with grace, even in difficult circumstances, and references the examples of Paul and Silas singing in prison and Jesus singing before going to the cross. The speaker concludes by reminding the congregation that God's grace is always available and abundant.
Don't Judge by Your Feelings - Part 1
By David Wilkerson4.1K35:37EPH 4:111TH 4:1
This sermon emphasizes the importance of not judging one's spiritual condition based on feelings but on faith and growth in grace. It highlights the need to understand that true growth in grace involves doing the same things with more love for Jesus and assurance in the heart. The speaker encourages believers to focus on learning to love Jesus more and not to be deceived by feelings of boredom or comparison to past emotional experiences.
One Body Many Members - Many Members One Body
By J. Vernon McGee3.0K44:54ROM 12:41CO 12:14EPH 4:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the resurrection of believers. He highlights that in the early church, every sermon preached was centered around the resurrection, not just on Easter. The preacher also discusses the concept of spiritual gifts, using the term "charismatone" to refer to these gifts. He emphasizes that each person has a unique gift and should use it for the glory of God. The sermon concludes with a call to understand and appreciate the gifts of the Spirit, as there is a lack of knowledge and understanding in this area within the church.
(Come Up Higher) Hearing and Seeing the Lord
By Zac Poonen2.6K59:08MAT 4:4EPH 4:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hearing God's voice like a trumpet and living by every word that proceeds from God's mouth. He encourages listeners to make it their goal to rid themselves of fleshly distractions in order to hear God clearly. The speaker emphasizes the need to not just preach the message, but to live it out in one's own life. He also highlights the significance of encountering the glory of Jesus and falling on one's face in reverence and awe.
(Gifts) Determining Gifts
By Dwight Pentecost2.3K30:48GiftsLUK 9:57ROM 12:6EPH 4:11In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of a young boy who approached him to ask about the missionaries listed in the bulletin. This encounter leads the speaker to discuss the importance of discovering and exercising one's spiritual gift. He emphasizes that every believer has a spiritual gift that is necessary and needed in the body of Christ. The speaker also shares his own love for singing and how using his gift brings him joy and satisfaction.
(Through the Bible) Ephesians 4
By Chuck Smith2.2K50:03LUK 23:43JHN 21:15EPH 4:1EPH 4:11HEB 6:1HEB 11:13In this sermon, the speaker begins by reminding the audience that he is a prisoner of the Lord. He then urges them to walk worthy of their calling, emphasizing that their response to God is important. The speaker highlights how God has done great things for them, bringing them near and providing for them. He contrasts this with the emphasis on works in some religions, stating that God's work for us should come before our response to Him. The speaker also discusses the importance of love as a motivating factor in our lives, contrasting it with greed. He mentions that men are either motivated by love or greed, and encourages the audience to follow Jesus' teaching of loving one another.
Pursuing Excellence
By George Warnock2.1K55:02ExcellenceEPH 4:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking in the spirit, just as Jesus did. He highlights that Jesus revealed the Father's name and prayed for it to be revealed in his people. The preacher expresses concern about the state of the church, with many individuals focused on earthly riches and self-magnification. However, he believes that God is preparing for a mighty move in his harvest field, with revival, miracles, signs, and wonders. The preacher also emphasizes the need for believers to walk in love and to know God by following his ways.
Partnership
By Stuart Briscoe1.6K1:10:15PartnershipEPH 4:11In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of studying the church at Ephesus and the importance of mobilizing people before motivating them. He recounts a humorous incident during one of his preaching sessions where he ran out of time and an old man advised him to stop talking. The speaker also shares a story about a soccer game to illustrate the concept of a body in action, emphasizing the unity and cooperation of different body parts. He concludes by mentioning the history of Operation Mobilization and expressing gratitude to the Korean board for their support.
Low Self-Esteem Is Not Humility
By Jim Wilson1.5K54:51Self-EsteemJDG 21:25JHN 14:6EPH 4:11COL 3:12REV 4:11REV 5:6REV 5:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God. He shares a story about a woman who sought guidance from various pastors and read numerous books but still struggled with humility. The speaker suggests that instead of focusing on how to humble oneself, one should focus on the holiness and glory of God. He references the book of Revelation and highlights the significance of recognizing God's creation and redemption in order to truly humble oneself.
Evidences of Eternal Life - Part 1
By Paris Reidhead1.5K53:59RedemptionCreationEternal LifeEPH 4:11Paris Reidhead begins a series on the 'Evidences of Eternal Life,' emphasizing the purpose of man's creation by God. He explores the question of why God made man, asserting that it stems from God's nature of love, which necessitates an object of love. Reidhead explains that man was created in God's image, possessing intellect, emotion, and the power of choice, allowing for genuine love and relationship with God. He discusses the implications of sin and the fall of man, highlighting God's provision for redemption through Christ. The sermon sets the stage for understanding how God desires to remake man in His image through grace.
The Equipping of the Saints
By Major Ian Thomas1.4K52:02EquippingGEN 1:1MAT 6:33JHN 16:13EPH 4:111TH 5:23HEB 12:2REV 22:13In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the passage from Ephesians 4:11-12, discussing the purpose of the different roles within the church. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the full counsel of God's Word in order to avoid becoming unbalanced or eccentric in our beliefs. The central theme of the sermon is Christ, who is the beginning and the end, the source and sustenance of our faith. The speaker also highlights the significance of the human spirit, which has the capacity to receive and enjoy the life of God Himself.
The Main Thing, Part I -- Personal Testimony
By Devern Fromke1.4K1:13:29Personal TestimonyMAT 6:33EPH 4:11In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of faith and how God has been faithful and patient with him despite his mistakes. He emphasizes the importance of keeping the main thing, which is the gospel, at the forefront of our lives. The speaker also highlights the need to rely on the life of Jesus during difficult times rather than relying on our own knowledge or the church. He mentions the concept of sacrificial love and social justice, emphasizing the importance of giving to the poor and sacrificing for the sake of others.
Studies in 1 John-02 1 John 2:3-3:11
By William MacDonald1.4K38:24EXO 20:1PSA 23:1ACT 4:12ROM 8:37EPH 4:111JN 2:271JN 3:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the transformative power of the Lord Jesus in one's life. The speaker emphasizes the realization of breaking the Ten Commandments and the resulting fear of death. However, the preacher highlights the relief and freedom found in trusting Jesus as Lord and Savior. The sermon also emphasizes the sufficiency of the Bible for the Christian life and the importance of relying on God in all circumstances.
High Time to Awake
By Miles DeBenedictis1.4K53:41ReviveJOS 1:7PSA 119:11ROM 13:14EPH 4:111PE 2:9REV 22:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing the time and being aware of the nearness of salvation. He urges the church to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, walking honestly and avoiding sinful behaviors. The speaker also encourages the congregation to be equipped for the work of the ministry, offering resources such as evangelism classes and home fellowships. The sermon concludes with a prayer, acknowledging God's omniscience and asking for His guidance in understanding the prophecies of Scripture in relation to current world events.
K-440 True Reconciliation (1 of 2)
By Art Katz1.4K56:34ReconciliationGEN 1:27EXO 25:16MAT 6:33EPH 4:11In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of unity within the church. He emphasizes that every detail in the tabernacle, as described in Exodus 25, is significant and represents a part of God's infinite deity. The speaker highlights the need for Christians to be a steadying influence and counterbalance any tendencies to go off on tangents or find fault with one another. He also discusses the concept of the testimony of God and the mercy seat, emphasizing their relevance in the present day and the end times.
03 New Wine in New Wineskins Revelation on Gods Mysteries
By Zac Poonen1.3K59:27EZK 36:31MAT 11:271CO 3:10EPH 2:19EPH 3:9EPH 4:11EPH 5:321TI 3:16
This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking revelation from God to understand the difference between the New Covenant and the Old Covenant. It highlights the need for personal transformation through deep inner hunger for God, victory over sin, and genuine repentance. The speaker challenges listeners to seek God's revelation on living a godly life and building the church according to His plan, focusing on the mysteries of godliness and the body of Christ.
The Lord's Supper
By Wayne Guindon1.3K42:43Lords SupperMAT 6:331CO 11:171CO 11:23EPH 4:111TI 3:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of considering one another in the church community. He shares a personal anecdote about being locked out of his car and the frustration he experienced. The preacher then references several Bible verses, including 1 Corinthians 14:26 and Ephesians 4:11, to highlight the plurality of gifts in the local church. He also mentions the importance of orderly worship and the different purposes of various church meetings. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the significance of the Lord's Supper and the need to focus our minds on Jesus Christ during this time.
The Greatest Thing Is Love
By Ernest Barker1.3K47:33LovePRO 16:32EPH 4:112PE 1:5In this sermon, the speaker uses a fable about two bears in the woods to illustrate the importance of self-control and unity among believers. The bears try to imitate the behavior of other animals, but they fail repeatedly. Eventually, one bear suggests placing a stone in the center of their den and claiming it as their own. This simple act of self-control and unity helps them overcome their destructive behavior. The speaker emphasizes the need for believers to be careful in their words, actions, and attitudes, as losing their temper can undermine their testimony. The sermon also highlights the value of self-control and its role in building a strong foundation for a godly life.
The Fourfold Purpose of the Gospel
By Jeff Rose1.2K45:46PSA 96:3PRO 23:2ISA 49:2MAT 24:37LUK 14:31ROM 1:16EPH 4:112TI 4:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ without compromise, highlighting the need to return to the true gospel message, the resistance faced when preaching the gospel, and the transformative power of the gospel in individuals and the church. It calls for a bold and uncompromising proclamation of the gospel for the glory of God, as the only answer to man's dilemma, to strengthen and nourish the body of Christ, and to fulfill the Great Commission.
Radical True Christianity
By Shane Idleman1.2K51:25RadicalJHN 14:16ACT 1:8ROM 12:61CO 11:51CO 12:27EPH 4:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the dangers of consumerism and materialism, suggesting that they hinder the experience of God's power. He shares a personal story of a child born into poverty in Asia, highlighting the harsh living conditions and lack of basic necessities. The preacher challenges the audience to restructure their lifestyles and live below their means in order to bless others. He urges them to look to God for salvation, healing, and deliverance, rather than relying on man.
The Unity of the Spirit
By Alan Martin1.2K00:00UnityJHN 17:20EPH 4:11EPH 4:13HEB 12:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the goal of believers being made one in unity. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in achieving this unity by guiding believers into all truth and glorifying Jesus. The speaker highlights the importance of having a singleness of devotion to Christ and focusing our eyes on Him. The transcript also mentions the opposition and difficulties that arise in achieving this goal, but emphasizes that the Spirit of God is the key to overcoming division and fostering true fellowship among believers.
Paul's Meeting With the Lord
By Rolfe Barnard1.1K35:01Meeting GodMAT 6:33MRK 2:5ACT 9:3ROM 2:161CO 2:92CO 4:6EPH 4:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of personally encountering the risen Christ. He believes that being a Christian means having a genuine experience of seeing and hearing from the Lord. The preacher acknowledges that it can be challenging to put into words the wonder of meeting with the crucified and resurrected Son of God. He also expresses his reluctance towards the commercialized nature of Easter, but acknowledges that every Lord's Day is essentially Easter for believers.
K-554 Speaking the Truth
By Art Katz1.1K50:47Community in ChristTruth in LoveTruthEPH 4:11Art Katz emphasizes the vital importance of 'speaking the truth in love' as a foundational practice for the church, drawing from Ephesians 4. He argues that this practice is essential for the perfecting of the saints and the edification of the body of Christ, enabling believers to grow into the fullness of Christ. Katz highlights that true community is not merely a social experiment but a divine calling that requires vulnerability and honesty among believers. He warns against the dangers of individualism and the need for a corporate expression of faith that reflects God's wisdom and love. Ultimately, Katz calls the church to embrace this truth in love to fulfill God's cosmic purpose and demonstrate His manifold wisdom to the world.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He gave some, apostles - He established several offices in his Church; furnished these with the proper officers; and, to qualify them for their work, gave them the proper gifts. For a full illustration of this verse, the reader is requested to refer to the notes on Co1 12:6-10 (note), Co1 12:28-30 (note); and to the concluding observations at the end of that chapter.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Greek, emphatical. "Himself" by His supreme power. "It is HE that gave," &c. gave some, apostles--Translate, "some to be apostles, and some to be prophets," &c. The men who filled the office, no less than the office itself, were a divine gift [EADIE]. Ministers did not give themselves. Compare with the list here, Co1 12:10, Co1 12:28. As the apostles, prophets, and evangelists were special and extraordinary ministers, so "pastors and teachers" are the ordinary stated ministers of a particular flock, including, probably, the bishops, presbyters, and deacons. Evangelists were itinerant preachers like our missionaries, as Philip the deacon (Act 21:8); as contrasted with stationary "pastors and teachers" (Ti2 4:5). The evangelist founded the Church; the teacher built it up in the faith already received. The "pastor" had the outward rule and guidance of the Church: the bishop. As to revelation, the "evangelist" testified infallibly of the past; the "prophet," infallibly of the future. The prophet derived all from the Spirit; the evangelist, in the special case of the Four, recorded matter of fact, cognizable to the senses, under the Spirit's guidance. No one form of Church polity as permanently unalterable is laid down in the New Testament though the apostolical order of bishops, or presbyters, and deacons, superintended by higher overseers (called bishops after the apostolic times), has the highest sanction of primitive usage. In the case of the Jews, a fixed model of hierarchy and ceremonial unalterably bound the people, most minutely detailed in the law. In the New Testament, the absence of minute directions for Church government and ceremonies, shows that a fixed model was not designed; the general rule is obligatory as to ceremonies, "Let all things be done decently and in order" (compare Article XXXIV, Church of England); and that a succession of ministers be provided, not self-called, but "called to the work by men who have public authority given unto them in the congregation, to call and send ministers into the Lord's vineyard" [Article XXIII]. That the "pastors" here were the bishops and presbyters of the Church, is evident from Act 20:28; Pe1 5:1-2, where the bishops' and presbyters' office is said to be "to feed" the flock. The term, "shepherd" or "pastor," is used of guiding and governing and not merely instructing, whence it is applied to kings, rather than prophets or priests (Eze 34:23; Jer 23:4). Compare the names of princes compounded of "pharnas," Hebrew, "pastor," Holophernes, Tis-saphernes (compare Isa 44:28).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he gave some apostles,.... That is, he gave them gifts by which they were qualified to be apostles; who were such as were immediately called by Christ, and had their doctrine from him, and their commission to preach it; and were peculiarly and infallibly guided by the Spirit of God, and had a power to work miracles for the confirmation of their doctrine; and had authority to go everywhere and preach the Gospel, and plant churches, and were not confined to anyone particular place or church; this was the first and chief office in the church, and of an extraordinary kind, and is now ceased; and though the apostles were before Christ's ascension, yet they had not received till then the fulness of the Spirit, and his extraordinary gifts to fit them for their office; nor did they enter upon the discharge of it in its large extent till that time; for they were not only to bear witness of Christ in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria, but in the uttermost parts of the earth: and some prophets; by whom are meant, not private members of churches, who may all prophesy or teach in a private way; nor ordinary ministers of the word; but extraordinary ones, who had a peculiar gift of interpreting the Scriptures, the prophecies of the Old Testament, and of foretelling things to come; such were Agabus and others in the church of Antioch, Act 11:27 and some evangelists; by whom are designed, not so much the writers of the Gospels, as Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, some of which were also apostles; as preachers of the Gospel, and who yet were distinct from the ordinary ministers of it; they were below the apostles, and yet above pastors and teachers; they were the companions of the apostles, and assistants to them, and subserved them in their work; such were Philip, Luke, Titus, Timothy, and others; these were not fixed and stated ministers in anyone place, as the following officers be, but were sent here and there as the apostles thought fit: and some pastors and teachers, or doctors; these may be thought to differ, but not so much on account of the place where they perform their work, the one in the church, the other in the school; nor on account of the different subject of their ministry, the one attending to practical, the other to doctrinal points; but whereas the pastors are the shepherds of the flock, the overseers of it, and the same with the bishops and elders, and the teachers may be the gifted brethren in the church, assistants to the pastors, bare ministers of the word; so the difference lies here, that the one has the oversight, and care, and charge of the church, and the other not; the one can administer all ordinances, the other not; the one is fixed and tied to some certain church, the other not: though I rather think they intend one and the same office, and that the word "teachers" is only explanative of the figurative word "pastors" or shepherds; and the rather because if the apostle had designed distinct officers, he would have used the same form of speaking as before; and have expressed himself thus, "and some pastors, and some teachers"; whereas he does not make such a distribution here as there; though the Syriac version reads this clause distributively as the others; and among the Jews there were the singular men or wise men, and the disciples of the wise men, who were their companions and assistants; and it is asked (y), "who is a singular man? and who is a disciple? a singular man is everyone that is fit to be appointed a pastor or governor of a congregation; and a disciple is one, that when he is questioned about any point in his doctrine, gives an answer:'' wherefore if these two, pastors and teachers, are different, it might be thought there is some reference to this distinction, and that pastors answer to the wise men, and teachers to their disciples or assistants; and so Kimchi in Jer 3:15 interprets the pastors there of , "the pastors of Israel", which shall be with the King Messiah, as is said in Mic 5:5 and undoubtedly Gospel ministers are meant: from the whole it may be observed, that as there have been various officers and offices in the Gospel dispensation, various gifts have been bestowed; and these are the gifts of Christ, which he has received for men, and gives unto them; and hence it appears that the work of the ministry is not an human invention, but the appointment of Christ, for which he fits and qualifies, and therefore to be regarded; and that they only are the ministers of Christ, whom he makes ministers of the New Testament, and not whom men or themselves make and appoint. (y) T. Bab. Taanith, fol. 10. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:11 In his letters, Paul has four different lists of God’s gifts (see also Rom 12:4-8; 1 Cor 12:8-10, 28), none of which is comprehensive. Here the focus is on the gifts of leadership most needed for the growth of the church. • Apostles are divinely commissioned missionary evangelists. • Prophets speak messages from God for his people. • Evangelists proclaim the Good News. • Pastors (literally shepherds) care for God’s people (see 1 Tim 3:1-7). • Teachers expound Scripture and God’s truths to the church. • Pastors and teachers might refer to separate ministries or to two aspects of the same ministry.