1 Corinthians 12:28-31: Roles and Gifts

October 17, 2026 Blaize

Talented people receive all the attention—at least that’s what the Corinthians thought about spiritual gifts. They appeared to highly value the most spectacular and publicly demonstrable gifts, especially speaking in tongues, as evident by the amount of attention Paul gives to this gift in his letter. Speaking in tongues was a miraculous sign gift that enabled the speaker to utter words in a language unknown to them, often interpreted as a direct sign of the Holy Spirit's presence. In response, Paul outlines a hierarchy of gifts and roles within the church. These are not an order of authority, but rather for their role in edification. First are apostles, then prophets, teachers, followed by other gifts. Administrators are also mentioned, exercising the gift of administration, with the gift of tongues listed last.

In these verses, Paul combines roles in the church with giftings. In the New Testament church, roles and spiritual gifts serve complementary but distinct functions. Roles, such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, are established leadership positions with defined responsibilities for the ongoing guidance and shepherding of the church community. Some often align with spiritual gifts. In contrast, spiritual gifts are special empowerments bestowed by the Holy Spirit to individual believers, intended to edify the church and contribute to its mission. These gifts encompass a broad spectrum of abilities and are not limited to those holding an official title. While roles denote a more formal and enduring service, spiritual gifts are diverse and can be manifested by any member of the congregation to fulfill specific needs within the body of Christ. Both are designed by God to operate in harmony for the church’s edification and the fulfillment of its divine calling.

There are two offices qualified by scripture.

Pastors/Shepherds/Overseers/Elders: these are basically synonyms in the New Testament, although some denominations nuance between these. The term pastor means shepherd and refers to those responsible for the spiritual oversight and care of the congregation. They are mature leaders who governed the affairs of the local churches and were often involved in teaching and pastoral care. (Ephesians 4:11; Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:7; Acts 20:28)

Deacons: Deacons were servants or ministers who took care of the practical needs of the church, allowing elders to focus on teaching and prayer. (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13; Acts 6:1-6)

Here are some key roles in the church beyond elders and deacons:

Apostles: These individuals were sent out by Jesus Himself to spread the Gospel. The original twelve apostles are frequently mentioned, and others like Paul and Barnabas are recognized as apostles due to their missionary work. There were "Big A" Apostles (The Twelve minus Judas, plus Matthias and Paul) and then "little a" apostles, who were sent out by the church. "Little a" apostles mostly resemble missionaries in the modern context. (Matthew 10:1-2; Acts 14:14; Ephesians 4:11)

Prophets: Prophets in the New Testament were known for proclaiming and interpreting the revelation of God, often edifying and encouraging the church. Modern churches do not usually have prophets, but the role is associated with the gift of prophecy. It is more than predicting the future, which is why Paul says it's so important, as discussed later in chapter 14. (Acts 11:27-28; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:28)

Evangelists: Evangelists were preachers of the Gospel, focused specifically on spreading the Christian message to those who had not heard it. (Acts 21:8; Ephesians 4:11; 2 Timothy 4:5)

Teachers: Teachers in the New Testament were responsible for instructing the church in doctrine and practical Christian living. This role is often assumed by elders and deacons. It's also a spiritual gift, but can also be a stand-alone role. (Acts 13:1; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:28-29; Hebrews 5:12; Acts 13:1)

These roles were designed to provide leadership, direction, teaching, and care within the early Christian communities, ensuring that the churches remained grounded in sound doctrine, grew in their faith, and effectively reached out to non-believers. The specific functions and authority of these roles have been understood and applied in various ways throughout church history and across different Christian traditions.

In verse 31, when Paul refers to the "greater" gifts, he is addressing the Corinthian church's attitude towards spiritual gifts, where there seemed to be a hierarchy of desirability or prestige associated with certain gifts, especially those that were more public or miraculous. His directive to "earnestly desire the greater gifts" is an admonition that comes after a lengthy discourse on the variety and purpose of spiritual gifts and their function within the body of Christ. The "greater" gifts, in this context, come on the heels of Paul basically saying that all members of the body are valuable, and that no one member is greater or lesser than another, even if it seems that way because of things like presentability or honor. So, Paul is using this to pivot to what follows: gifts in the way of love. In the very next verse, which starts the famous "love chapter" of 1 Corinthians 13, Paul shifts focus from the gifts themselves to the way they are used. He suggests that the "greater" gifts are those exercised with love, which is the greatest virtue of all and the most excellent way to serve the body of Christ.

Lord, help me to desire to serve you!