1 Corinthians 12:28
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὓς
G3739
οὓς
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 24
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
μὲν
some
G3303
μὲν
some
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
3 of 24
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
ἔθετο
hath set
G5087
ἔθετο
hath set
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
4 of 24
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 24
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίᾳ
the church
G1577
ἐκκλησίᾳ
the church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
9 of 24
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
ἀποστόλους
apostles
G652
ἀποστόλους
apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
11 of 24
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
δεύτερον
secondarily
G1208
δεύτερον
secondarily
Strong's:
G1208
Word #:
12 of 24
(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)
προφήτας
prophets
G4396
προφήτας
prophets
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
13 of 24
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
τρίτον
thirdly
G5154
τρίτον
thirdly
Strong's:
G5154
Word #:
14 of 24
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
δυνάμεις
miracles
G1411
δυνάμεις
miracles
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
17 of 24
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
εἶτα
then
G1534
εἶτα
then
Strong's:
G1534
Word #:
18 of 24
a particle of succession (in time or logical enumeration), then, moreover
χαρίσματα
gifts
G5486
χαρίσματα
gifts
Strong's:
G5486
Word #:
19 of 24
a (divine) gratuity, i.e., deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e., (subjectively) religious qualification, o
κυβερνήσεις
governments
G2941
κυβερνήσεις
governments
Strong's:
G2941
Word #:
22 of 24
pilotage, i.e., (figuratively) directorship (in the church)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 12:18But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.Ephesians 3:5Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;Hebrews 13:24Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.Hebrews 13:17Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.Acts 20:28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.Ephesians 2:20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;1 Timothy 5:17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
Historical Context
Apostles like Paul, Peter, and the Twelve exercised unique foundational authority in establishing churches and writing Scripture. Prophets like Agabus delivered God's revelatory messages. Teachers like Apollos explained Scripture systematically. The Corinthians had all these ministries but misused them through gift-competition.
Questions for Reflection
- Why might Paul list apostles, prophets, and teachers 'first, second, third' while leaving other gifts unnumbered?
- How should churches today honor 'helps' and 'governments' (administration) as much as prophecy or teaching?
- What does placing tongues last communicate about its relative importance compared to Corinthian assumptions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers—Etheto ("has placed, appointed")—God sovereignly establishes roles in the church, listed with numerical order (prōton, deuteron, triton—first, second, third). Apostoloi (ἀπόστολοι, "sent ones") are Christ's commissioned representatives with foundational authority (Ephesians 2:20). Prophētai (προφῆται) speak God's word to the church. Didaskaloi (διδάσκαλοι, "teachers") explain and apply Scripture. These three are person-offices, ongoing roles.
After that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues—The list shifts from offices to functions: dynameis (miracles), charismata iamatōn (healing gifts), antilēmpseis (ἀντιλήμψεις, "helps"—practical service, assistance), kyberneseis (κυβερνήσεις, "governments/administration"—from kybernētēs, ship's pilot, suggesting leadership/guidance), genē glōssōn (tongues). Notice Paul places tongues last, countering Corinthian overvaluation. Helps and administration receive equal footing with spectacular gifts—God values unglamorous service.