Romans 12.4: For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
The discussion of gifts make it clear that the believer is one member in a collective. The collective is the body of Christ, the church. Your function in the collective corresponds with a proper thinking about yourself: not to think [of] [himself] more highly than he ought to think. Romans 12.3
Romans 12.6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, [let] [us] [use] [them].
The Grace that is given to the members would probably speak of the special enabling, if not at least the function to serve the edification of the Church. One important abiding principle is that there are more than one function, and that these functions are to be performed by the members of the assembly for the benefit of the whole. Proper thinking is that I am one in a collective, and I should do my part in the collective.
Romans 12.6 if prophecy, [let] [us] [prophesy] in proportion to our faith;
He is exhorting each member in the community to use his or her own gift diligently and faithfully to strengthen the body’s unity and help it to flourish.
Prophecy is that function in which one receives and communicates divine revelation. As in Ephesians 4.11, if prophecy was limited to the first century church, then how do we understand this “in proportion to our faith?” Surely prophets did more than just relay revelation. If they sought to give interpretation, they should not go beyond that common faith previously discussed. The function of prophecy could be more categorical of the special abilities we see in 1 Corinthians 12 involving the word of wisdom and the word of knowledge. Paul prized prophecy highly in 1 Corinthians 14; this is because divine revelation understood is the basis of faith.
Romans 12.7 or ministry, [let] [us] [use] [it] in [our] ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Ministry is the same word for deacon. In Ephesians 4.11, we have equipping functions in view (to be discussed later), but here he is giving examples from which to exhort. A deacon is like an elder and is more than just a function but a formal appointment. The function would focus on organizing and providing for the material needs of the church, such as seen in the book of Acts.
Teaching would be the imparting of knowledge and to show how—from the word of God. This is the function of evangelists and pastors/ shepherds.
Exhorting would be a strong encouragement. This probably denotes the activity of urging believers to have conduct becoming a child of God. This would fit well with the idea of "preaching." This could be a more specific function under the category of teaching, and it is possibly a pastor/ shepherd type function.
Giving is one who shares his own goods without ulterior motives or hypocrisy (simplicity). This goes against the idea of socialism in which something is taken and then given. Giving should be a choice with pure motives.
Leading is in leadership. This may be broad to include several functions in the church; it must be under the category of "administrations" in 1 Corinthians 13. It is a pastor/ shepherd type function. Do it with diligence: to be earnestness/ serious, promoting.
Mercy is having compassion on and helping those in need, especially those who are suffering for the consequences of their actions. This is not effective without the right attitude and disposition. Like giving money, it is to be done cheerfully. This function requires the appropriate kind of faith as previously mentioned. I believe this is the function often seen in the role of missionary, especially those who are doctors and nurses.
Ephesians 4.11 And He Himself gave some [to] [be] apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
These five functions are equipping-type-roles to the Church for the primary purpose of equipping the Church for ministry of edifying itself.
I would see the first two as foundational and limited to the first century Church. The following functions are ongoing throughout Church history. Ephesians 2.20-21: Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner[stone], in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
The apostles are the formal roles of the 12 plus Paul and Barnabas as the only other exceptions. We don’t believe they continue after the 1st century according to the maturity principle to be discussed later. "Apostles" are listed in the equipping list of Ephesians 4, the complete list according to divine importance of 1 Corinthians 12, but not in the list of Romans 12, which seems to be a more practical example list: if you have this gift, then use it accordingly.
The prophets are those who receive Divine revelation, but they don't continued after the 1st century. The prophet should give understanding concerning their prophecy according to Romans 12.6: If prophecy...in proportion to our faith. 1 Corinthians 12 gives to specific abilities of the prophet, having a word of wisdom or a word of knowledge. Prophets or prophecy appear in all 3 of Paul's lists, because it is an equipping role, is a specific gift/ category in the divine order of importance, and is to be made proper use of (see Romans 12.6; also see 1 Corinthians 14:29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30 But if [anything] is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
The evangelist function is at first one involving evangelism. Philip was called the evangelist—the only one called an evangelist (Acts 21.8), and Timothy was to do the work of an evangelist. It is also the missionary type, for that is an evangelistic role. Notice that this role comes before Pastors, and teachers. Second, as an equipper, it would seem that he is one who teaches evangelism in the church. Evangelist does not appear in any other gift list of Paul. I believe this is because it is under the category of teacher, and even under the category of pastor-teacher. It is specifically mentioned here as an equipping role, but it is included in Paul's list of 1 Corinthian 12 under the category of teacher (as is pastor).
The "pastor and teacher" is probably one role (also claimed by the Granville Sharp rule in grammar). The list of functions in 1 Corinthians 12.28 does not name pastor; it goes from prophet to teacher. The Greek word for Pastor is always translated "shepherd" except here in Ephesians. Being a shepherd of the sheep (the local assembly of believers) is his function. The function of teacher is to impart the knowledge of or cause to know something; it is to show how; it is to make known the disagreeable consequences of an action. Of course his textbook is the word of God. A teacher must be a student of Scripture. Teaching requires diligence and practice. Teacher or teaching is in all Paul's lists of gifts. In the equipping list, Paul distinguishes evangelist and pastor-teacher, but I believe they both belong under the category of teacher and teaching and thus represented in the lists of Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12.
The function of pastor-teacher (and evangelist too) may be a formal recognized role as an elder. An elder is a shepherd, but a shepherd may not be an elder. Elders must meet biblical requirements and receive formal recognition by the Church and/ or leadership.
1 Corinthians 12.4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit [of] [all]:
Again, all the ministry functions are for the profit (benefit of all). They are not for selfish purposes. There are a variety of gifts for a variety of purposes. One gift should not be sought or given dominance in the Church. The references to gifts, ministries, and activities may be just 3 different aspects of the same thing. All gifts are functions in the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12.8 for to one is given the word of wisdom ... to another the word of knowledge ... to another faith ... to another gifts of healings ... to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another [different] kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
First Corinthians 12 gives us another list of spiritual gifts by the Apostle Paul. This list contains more of the special abilities only type of gifts, due to the circumstances at Corinth that needed addressed. It is interesting to note that if Paul did not address the issue of tongues in his letter, we would not really have known about the gift of tongues, other than the event on the day of Pentecost. The need for the ability to interpret reveals that the gift of tongues in the Church was not just for breaking down language barriers, which may have more of the role on Pentecost.
"Tongue" in the Greek and according to NT usage always refers to a intelligible language or the physical member. In Acts, it was used to show Divine activity and to break down language barriers. As a gift, it serves as a sign of divine activity and attestation--not completely like that in Acts, since there was a companion gift of interpretation. Tongues could have been just words and phrases that required not only translation but interpretation, such as with the “handwriting on the wall” by Daniel.
1 Corinthians 12.12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also [is] Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many. 15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body [were] an eye, where [would] [be] the hearing? If the whole [were] hearing, where [would] [be] the smelling?
Paul repeats to the Corinthians what is written in Romans 12 and Ephesians 4 about the one body many members imagery.
The Church as a body is not to put unbalanced emphasis on one function.
"If the whole body [were] an eye": Corinth apparently exalted the sign gifts, especially speaking in tongues, to the point of dominance in their assembling together. This left some out, and it promoted self-importance of a few: If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body." The purpose of gifts failed to be realized: "the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit [of] [all]."
1 Corinthians 12.18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they [were] all one member, where [would] the body [be]? 20 But now indeed [there] [are] many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those [members] of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable [parts] have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable [parts] have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that [part] which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but [that] the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with [it]; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with [it]. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
God has an order of importance for the functions in the Church.
I understand this to be saying that those gifts which people are the most impressed with are actually at the bottom of the list. The special abilities of miraculous wonder like healing, miracles, and tongues have the wow factor, but they are at the bottom of the list, but those gifts/ functions such as prophecy and teaching that are not so impressive--at least during the early Church period in which such miraculous things were happening--are at the top of the list. Paul will point out that prophesying is better than speaking in tongues.
One may not have thought of it this way, but the more miraculous display gifts are lower on the list, but the speaking divine truth gifts are at the top. The speaking gifts seem weaker than the more miraculous display gifts, yet God put the former first.
This is how God is said to have composed the Body so that there is schism. Those at the bottom had special abilities that were amazing, but those who did not have that, but revealed and taught Divine truth were at the top of the list.
1 Corinthians 12.29 [Are] all apostles? [Are] all prophets? [Are] all teachers? [Are] all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
The body of Christ has many members. All functions are important and serve a purpose.
Paul says to covet earnestly (desire) the best gifts. I believe this is to the church assembly. Don’t let the assembly be dominated by or give preference to one gift (all an eye, vs 17). I believe that tongues are in view. This is evident in 13.1-7, as he seeks to argue the importance of love, without which the gifts are nothing, beginning with tongues. Love is the better way. Let things be done decently, in order, and for edification the assembly through God’s word.
Today, we don’t see the miraculous display gifts, but we still need to discern selfish ambition and the right balance of teaching as opposed to dominance by things like music and entertainment in the assembling together.
1 Corinthians 13.1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have [the] [gift] [of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the] [poor], and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
Speaking in tongues without love, without concern for the well-being of fellow believers, is just a loud show, drawing attention to your self. Faith without love is nothing. This compares to James 2.17 “faith without works is dead.” Gifts, ministry have a purpose, and love is seeking to minister to people in the church according to God's function that is assigned to you.
1 Corinthians 13.8 Love never fails. But whether [there] [are] prophecies, they will fail; whether [there] [are] tongues, they will cease; whether [there] [is] knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these [is] love.
“Love never fails”: This is in contrast to prophecies which will fail, or tongues which will cease, or knowledge which will vanish away.
Though Love is defined in previous verses, the word “fail” can’t be defining it because of the contrast being made and the point to be made. It does not speak of success but existence. Fail can mean “perish” and have the idea of “never end.”
Love will never end, but prophecies will come to an end. True prophecies from God can not fail in the sense of not succeed. Tongues will cease; that is, they will stop. Knowledge will likewise come to an end in the sense here as “Know in part.”
The gifts or maybe better stated as their products, being prophecy and knowledge, have an end or replacement, but love never ends or no replacement.
Knowledge and prophecy is said to be in part to be done away with by that which is perfect: Perfect can mean complete (Eph 4.13) and the contrast is between that which is in part and that which is complete. Prophecy and knowledge that is incomplete will give way to complete knowledge. Ephesians 4.13 says the goal for the Church through each doing their part is a "perfect man." This is an analogy for the Church assembly, being a fully developed, mature person.
The complete replacing the incomplete is illustrated in the child, the immature, becoming a man, maturity. A man should put away childish things.
The looking into a mirror dimly and then seeing face to face is comparable: in a mirror dimly speaks of the "in part" and face to face speaks of the complete: the mirror is Divine revelation at work in the present age, while face to face speaks of being in the presence of God. This is when Paul will know (God) as he is known (by God). The perfect (complete) revelation is yet to come.
Present: 2 Corinthians 3.18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Future: 1 John 3.2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
Though many say the perfect thing is the completed canon of Scripture or the end of the apostolic age with a mature Church, it is better understood as when one is in the presence of God. The principle of immaturity to maturity does apply to a change from the end of the apostolic age with a mature Church that resulted in certain gifts as being no longer needed. The end of the apostolic age and the close of the cannon with a mature Church resulted in certain gifts and their products as no longer needed. Otherwise, how do we explain the absence of those types of gifts? It may also explain the change from a need of special enabling for any of the gifts to the need of spiritual maturity for the use of any of the gift-functions.
We have the word of God which is able to make us complete (different Greek word though): 2 Tim 3.16-17. The gifts listed (tongues and the 2 represented by their products of prophecy and knowledge) in this passage are representative. If tongues would cease, so would the interpretation of tongues. Those gifts which were special abilities became no longer needed at the end of the Apostolic age due to the principle of maturity, the things of childhood are no longer needed. The Church has what it needs for maturity: 2 Timothy 3.16 All Scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
I believe that 1 Corinthians 12.28 actually gives us a complete list of the spiritual gifts categorically: And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
My explanation of how all the gifts are represent is listed below.
Prophets – Under the speaking category, they received revelation from God. This role could be categorical and may be broken down into more specifically defined abilities in which some received a word of knowledge, some a word of wisdom, or some the discerning of spirits (whether something was of God or demonic). Prophet or prophecy are in all Paul's lists. This role’s duration is impacted by the maturity principle.
Teachers – Under the speaking category, this is a pastor (shepherd) role. The word “pastor” does not appear in Paul’s list in Romans 12 or 1 Corinthians 12 (nor does evangelist, but teacher or teaches appears in all the lists). The official title of pastor or elder is man appointed, see Titus 1.5. Teaching can be the gift/ role itself or a category of more defined roles: One can be a teacher, or more specifically serve in one of these functions: an evangelist (one who evangelizes and teaches methodology, includes missionary), one who exhorts (the “preacher”), or one with faith (encourager). Each of these is a teacher/ shepherd role. Each could be a Elder but not necessarily. This category / role(s) are ongoing.
Miracles – Under the ministering category, this was the special ability to perform signs and wonders. This role’s duration is impacted by the maturity principle.
Healings – Under the ministering category, this is the special ability to perform physical healing. This role’s duration is impacted by the maturity principle.
Helps – This is a ministering category. Under it is the more defined roles of ministry, one who gives, and one who shows mercy. The role of ministry may focus more on the physical needs of the Church, and the official title of deacon(ess) may best relate here. The deacon(ess) is a man appointed role, see Acts 3.6. The gift of giving would seem to involve seeing and seeking to meet a need, probably from one's own resources. Showing mercy would probably involve helping in some way those who are suffering the consequences of something they did; missionaries can be fulfilling this function as doctors and nurses, for example. The Helps category / role(s) is ongoing.
Administrations – Under the ministry and speaking category, this is also the Leads role and also qualifies as a pastor/ shepherd role. Some pastors are more capable in the area of teaching, while others are administration (planning, projects, and getting things done). The role is ongoing.
Tongues – Under the speaking category, this includes interpretation of tongues. This role’s duration is impacted by the maturity principle.
First Peter 4.10-11 reveals two categories of gifts, speaking and ministering.
The word “ministry” is the broadly identify term for all functions in the body of Christ. Ministry means service. Ministry is also a category: 1 Peter 4.10-11 gives two categories of gifts in which one is ministry; therefore the term is used more narrowly. Those who speak and those who minister are Peter’s categories. Ministry is also used for a particular function, Romans 2.7, though it may be represented by more than one activity in the Church, such as showing mercy or giving.
1 Peter 4.11: If anyone speaks, [let] [him] [speak] as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, [let] [him] [do] [it] as with the ability which God supplies.
The following chart sets forth all the abiding functions under the 2 categories.
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