1 Corinthians 12:29
Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
Are all
G3361
μὴ
Are all
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 12
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἀπόστολοι
apostles
G652
ἀπόστολοι
apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
3 of 12
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
μὴ
Are all
G3361
μὴ
Are all
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
4 of 12
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
προφῆται
prophets
G4396
προφῆται
prophets
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
6 of 12
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
μὴ
Are all
G3361
μὴ
Are all
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
7 of 12
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Historical Context
Some Corinthians apparently taught that tongues-speaking was essential proof of Spirit-baptism or spiritual maturity, creating pressure for all believers to manifest this gift. Paul's rhetorical questions show such teaching contradicts the Spirit's sovereign, diverse distribution.
Questions for Reflection
- How do these rhetorical questions refute the teaching that all Spirit-baptized believers must speak in tongues?
- What pressure exists in your church context for believers to manifest certain gifts as 'proof' of maturity?
- How can churches celebrate gift-diversity without creating pressure toward gift-uniformity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?—Mē pantes apostoloi; mē pantes prophētai; mē pantes didaskaloi; mē pantes dynameis;—the Greek particle mē (μή) expects a negative answer: "Not all are apostles, are they?" Paul's rhetorical questions (continuing v.30) hammer home gift-diversity. Not every believer is an apostle; not every Christian is a teacher. The Spirit distributes as He wills (v.11), not uniformly to all.
This demolishes two errors:
A body needs one mouth, not multiple mouths competing to speak. This means some believers will never speak in tongues (v.30)—contradicting any theology demanding tongues as evidence of Spirit-baptism. Paul's questions refute the notion that any single gift should be universal among believers.