1 Corinthians 12:28

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Now God has placed some [ministries] in the church [as follows]: First apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then [those able to perform] miracles, then gifts [enabling people] to perform [supernatural] healings, [those able] to help the needy, [wise] administrators, [and] those able to speak in different languages.

Cross References

1 Corinthians 12:18

But the way it is, God has placed each individual part in the human body just as it pleased Him.

Ephesians 3:5

which was not told to people of previous generations as it has now been revealed to His [i.e., Christ’s] holy apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 13:24

Greet all of those who are your leaders, and all the saints [i.e., God’s holy people]. Those [brothers] from Italy send you their greetings.

Hebrews 13:17

[You should] obey your leaders [Note: This probably refers to church elders] and submit to their oversight, for they look out for [the welfare of] your souls as men who will give an accounting [for your spiritual progress]. [Be obedient], so that they will be able to do this joyfully and not with sorrow, for that would be unprofitable to you.

1 Timothy 5:17

The elders who lead [the church] well should be considered deserving of double honor [Note: This probably refers to financial support in addition to the honor of the office], especially those who work hard at [preaching] the word and at teaching it.

Ephesians 2:20

[You are] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets [See I Cor. 12:28], with Christ Jesus Himself being the principal stone by which the entire building is aligned.

Acts 20:28

So, pay close attention to your [own] lives, and to all [members] of the flock [i.e., the congregation] of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers [i.e., elders, shepherds or pastors]. Provide [spiritual] food for the church of the Lord which He purchased by [shedding] His own blood.

1 Corinthians 10:32

Do not [do what could] cause Jews, Greeks [i.e., Gentiles] or the church of God to fall [away from God].

Luke 6:14

[They were] Simon, also called Peter, and his brother Andrew, James and John [also brothers], Philip, Bartholomew [i.e., the person same as Nathaniel. See John 1:45],

Mark 16:17

And these [miraculous] signs will attend [the conversion of] those who believe. [Note: This refers to the supernatural miracles performed by the apostles and their associates during the apostolic age. See verse 20 and Acts 2:43]. In my name [i.e., by my authority], they will drive out evil spirits; they will speak in languages [supernaturally];

Acts 11:27

During those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.

1 Corinthians 12:29

Are all [ministers in the church] apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all perform miracles?

1 Corinthians 12:30

Do all have gifts [enabling them] to perform [supernatural] healings? Do all speak in languages? Do all interpret [those languages]?

1 Corinthians 14:2

For the person who speaks in a language [supernaturally] does not speak to people, but to God, for no one can understand him [i.e., unless there is an interpreter or it is the person’s native language]; he speaks [previously] unrevealed truths under the influence of the Holy Spirit [or “in his spirit”]. [Note: For a correct understanding of this chapter, it must be kept in mind that Paul is addressing a misuse of the gift of speaking in languages supernaturally. The Corinthians were doing this in the wrong way and for the wrong purpose].

1 Corinthians 14:4

The person who speaks in a language [supernaturally], builds up [only] himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.

1 Corinthians 14:5

Now I would like all of you to speak in languages [supernaturally], but I would rather have you prophecy. For the person who prophesies is more important [i.e., to the church] than those who speak in languages [supernaturally], unless that person interprets [the languages], so the church can be built up [spiritually].