Verse 28
28. God hath set As all are inspired from one Spirit, (1 Corinthians 12:1-13,) so all are set by God.
First Paul traces the first three in order of rank, the remainder miscellaneously.
Apostles Men who had seen Christ, like the twelve (note on Luke 1:2) and like Paul, who were personally commissioned by him, and endowed with plenary powers.
Prophets Note 1 Corinthians 5:10.
Teachers Perhaps catechists. Note Luke 1:4. Persons, like Luke himself, profoundly interested in the Christian history, and qualified to educate the young Christian in its first principles. Notes on Luke 1:1-4.
Miracles Paul now leaves the officials and takes up the gifts that were not confined to ranks but distributed miscellaneously.
Healings Note on 1 Corinthians 12:9.
Helps Assistants or aids to official men in the subordinate parts of their duties; as deacons and curates. Something like this Mark, Timothy, and Titus were to Paul in his travels.
Governments Superintendents over any department; such are stewards and class leaders in John Wesley’s system.
Tongues Though an order of rank is not, probably, extended through the whole list, yet as apostles are placed first, as if in honour, so tongues are placed last, probably as least.
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