Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 12:28

What does 1 Corinthians 12:28 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 12:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 12:28 means

God has appointed various roles in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, gifts of healings, helps, administrations, and various kinds of tongues. The ordering of the first three highlights foundational, word-centered ministries by which the church is established and taught. The rest reflect God’s power, mercy, service, and order. This list shows breadth without claiming to be exhaustive. By ascribing these placements to God, Paul reminds the church that roles are divine assignments, not self-promotion. Each function contributes to the body’s health when exercised under Christ’s lordship and for the edification of all.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, divers kinds of tongues.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, divers kinds of tongues.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And God has put some in the church, first, Apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then those with wonder-working powers, then those with the power of taking away disease, helpers, wise guides, users of strange tongues.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And some, indeed, did God set in the assembly, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, afterwards powers, afterwards gifts of healings, helpings, governings, divers kinds of tongues;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And God indeed hath set some in the church; first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly doctors: after that miracles: then the graces of healings, helps, governments, kinds of tongues, interpretations of speeches.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

AndGod has set certain in the assembly: first, apostles; secondly, prophets; thirdly, teachers; then miraculous powers; then gifts of healings; helps; governments; kinds of tongues.

Context

Having affirmed the Corinthians’ identity as Christ’s body (verse 27), Paul enumerates roles and gifts God has placed in the church. This structural view complements the relational emphasis of earlier verses. Next, in verses 29–30, he will ask rhetorical questions that expect a negative answer to show that not everyone holds the same office or gift. The point is to dismantle uniform expectations and to promote humble acceptance of diverse callings, moving toward the closing exhortation in verse 31.

v.27Now ye are the body of Christ, and severally members thereof.

v.28This passage

v.29Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Hebrews 13:24

    Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.

  • Ephesians 3:5

    which in other generations was not made known unto the sons of men, as it hath now been revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;

  • 1 Timothy 5:17

    Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.

  • Ephesians 4:11

    And he gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

  • 1 Corinthians 12:7

    But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal.

  • 1 Peter 5:1

    The elders therefore among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

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