What's in a Name? (6) ot Everyone

Paul switches course in 1 Corinthians 12:27-31. He is still explaining the way that the body works, so he gives a different list of roles and gifts.

You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it (1 Cor 12:27).

Every follower of Jesus is part of the body and can make a contribution to it. He then explains how God has structured the body of Jesus.

God has placed in the church,
first of all apostles,
second prophets,
third teachers,
thereafter miracles,
thereafter gifts of healing,
helpers,
guidance (1 Cor 12:28).

These roles are “placed” in the church. The Greek word is “tithemi”. It describes an action in which something is passively put in a place. The placing of these roles is undertaken by God, not by the people being placed. People are placed, not manifestations of the Spirit.

The first three roles are numbered in order. They match with Ephesians 4 and Romans 12, although these dont give an order. Apostles are first, because they go out to establish a new church. Prophets are second, because a prophet always accompanies an apostle to ensure that the new church has a strong foundation. Teachers are third, because once the church has been established, pastor/teachers are needed to disciple the new believers.

The fourth role listed in Ephesians 4 is the evangelist. Their role is to grow the church by bringing people to faith in Jesus. They demonstrate the reality of God by doing miracles and healings in the power of the Spirit. That is why 1 Corinthians 12 has “miracles” and “gifts of healing” next on the list. They are essential for proclaiming the gospel in the world.

The other important non-eldership role is the deacon, who cares for the poor. In 1 Corinthians 12, the role is represented by “helpers” and “guidance”. Deacons give food to the poor, but they also teach them how to manage their finances.

All these roles are given to particular people. These are not roles that are given to everyone. That is why Paul goes on to say,

Not all (are) apostles. Not all prophets. Not all teachers. Not all work miracles. Not all have gifts of healing (1 Cor 12:29-30a).

Only some people have these roles in the church. This is the opposite of what is described in 1 Corinthians 12:7, where each person is given a manifestation of the Spirit in some way. The first part of the chapter describes manifestations of the Spirit that any believer can experience. The final part describes roles that are given to people who are placed in a position in the body of Jesus. These are the different roles of elders and deacons that the church needs.

Every believer can experience the manifestation of healing by the power of the Spirit. They can pray for people and have the healing of the Spirit flow through them. However, only some believers “have gifts of healing” (1Cor 12:30a) that they carry and know how to release healing in any situation that they encounter. These are people who have learned how to minister healing as the Holy Spirit leads.