Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
set . . . in the church—as He has "set the members . . . in the body" (I Corinthians 12:18).
first apostles—above even the prophets. Not merely the Twelve, but others are so called, for example, Barnabas, etc. (Romans 16:7).
teachers—who taught, for the most part, truths already revealed; whereas the prophets made new revelations and spoke all their prophesyings under the Spirit's influence. As the teachers had the "word of knowledge," so the prophets "the word of wisdom" (I Corinthians 12:8). Under "teachers" are included "evangelists and pastors."
miracles—literally, "powers" (I Corinthians 12:10): ranked below "teachers," as the function of teaching is more edifying, though less dazzling than working miracles.
helps, governments—lower and higher departments of "ministrations" (I Corinthians 12:5); as instances of the former, deacons whose office it was to help in the relief of the poor, and in baptizing and preaching, subordinate to higher ministers (Acts 6:1-10; Acts 8:5-17); also, others who helped with their time and means, in the Lord's cause (compare I Corinthians 13:13; Numbers 11:17). The Americans similarly use "helps" for "helpers." And, as instances of the latter, presbyters, or bishops, whose office it was to govern the Church (I Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:17, Hebrews 13:24). These officers, though now ordinary and permanent, were originally specially endowed with the Spirit for their office, whence they are here classified with other functions of an inspired character. Government (literally, "guiding the helm" of affairs), as being occupied with external things, notwithstanding the outward status it gives, is ranked by the Spirit with the lower functions. Compare "He that giveth" (answering to "helps")—"he that ruleth" (answering to "governments") (Romans 12:8). Translate, literally, "Helpings, governings" [ALFORD].
diversities of tongues— (I Corinthians 12:10). "Divers kinds of tongues."
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing 1 Corinthians 12:28:
Matthew 7:22
Luke 11:50
Acts 11:27
Romans 12:7
1 Corinthians 12:1
1 Corinthians 12:4
1 Corinthians 12:5-6
1 Corinthians 12:8-10
1 Corinthians 12:10
1 Corinthians 13:3
Ephesians 4:11
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