THE DIFFERENT MINISTRIES AT WORK IN THE BODY OF CHRIST
[Please read the others sections of this study at these links:
Again, none of the ministries of the spirit of God work in isolation of the body of Christ. All ministries are given to the body to profit the whole body. Selfish ambitions are not tolerated in the body. The natural body will reject all foreign things and the spiritual body is no different. The Head is going to present His Church holy and without blemish:
Eph 5:25-27 …Christ also loves the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Leadership ministries are given to “some” for the perfecting (maturing) of the saints and for the edifying of the body. These ministries are used by Christ to sanctify and cleanse His Church, to prepare them for their ultimate service as kings and priests in the thousand-year reign on earth and the judges in the lake of fire judgment (Rev 20). Here are a few leadership ministries that we must take note of…
1Co 12:28 (MKJV) And God set some in the church, firstly, apostles; secondly, prophets; thirdly, teachers, then works of power, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, kinds of languages.
Eph 4:11-12 And truly He gave some to be apostles, and some to be prophets, and some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
We know these lists complement each other and add to our overall understanding of God’s works (Psa 119:160; Isa 28:9-10). The word “some” in these verses (1Co 12:28; Eph 4:11-12) points to leadership functions when the church meets. Paul gives a specific order, and although some view this order only in the historic relevance of God setting up the church in the first century after Christ, this view however cannot fulfill the “is, was and will be” application of God’s Word. All these ministries are very relevant, and they all are important today as they were important 2000 years ago. Because the inward application is of higher spiritual value for God’s elect, this order rather refers to God setting up an order in our own lives as to how we grow in the revelation of Jesus Christ and His work in us. Therefore these ministries have a working functional role rather than just titles.
The gift of the ministry of the apostle
The ministry gift which is specifically mentioned “first” here is that of the function of the apostle:
1Co 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
The words “some in the church” points to a leadership function, although all disciples of Jesus are “sent ones” which is what the word “apostle” means in the original Greek (“apostolos” = sent one).
Joh 17:18 As thou hast sent [Greek: apostellō] me into the world, even so have I also sent [Greek: apostellō] them [all disciples] into the world.
In terms of the church of Christ, this ministry leads as it lays the foundations of Christ’s doctrine in us and joins us with the “fellow citizens” of that household of God:
Eph 2:19-20 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.
We all start off by being dragged to the Christ by the Father, and we learn the foundational truths of the doctrine of Christ through God’s apostles (His ‘sent ones’):
Joh 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
This foundation is the preaching of the gospel on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ:
Rom 15:19-20 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:
There is no other foundation than Jesus Christ, as He is also our Head (the Chief corner stone) of our salvation:
1Co 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1Pe 2:6-8 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
The ministry of the apostle will always encourage the new disciple in Christ to continue growing in faith and not to remain in spiritual immaturity. We all start off with the apostle who helps us to lay the proper foundation of Christ’s doctrine. The number 12 is also used in Scripture as the number for foundations (see the notes on the spiritual meaning of the number 12 on the iswasandwillbe.com website for an in-depth study). When this foundation is not properly laid, our spiritual house will not last. That is why the function of the true apostle is not to keep us in spiritual immaturity, but to encourage us strongly to grow from that foundation, if God permits:
Heb 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit.
The false prophets are also to be taken note of as they are known to keep their followers immature as to have pre-eminence among them. Ishmael is also given as a type of this evil and false foundation in the Scriptures – it is on this earthy foundation that many have fallen prey to earthly blessings, physical fruitfulness, and pride-filled multiplications. These false apostles lay foundations that satisfy earthly greatness:
Gen 17:20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
A certain Diotrephes is mentioned specifically by the apostle John for his love to have “preeminence” in the church (Greek: “philoprōteuō” – “to be fond of being first, that is, ambitious of distinction” – Dr James Strong’s Greek Dictionary), which is a counterfeit of the true apostle who is to be “first”:
3Jn 1:9-11 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. 11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
The ministry gift of the prophet
The leadership ministry of the prophet is also a gift from the same Lord (1Co 12:5), and is given to “some in the church” for the perfecting (maturing) of the saints and for the edifying of the body:
Eph 4:11-12 And truly He gave some to be apostles, and some to be prophets, and some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
1Co 12:28 (MKJV) And God set some in the church, firstly, apostles; secondly, prophets; thirdly, teachers, then works of power, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, kinds of languages.
As with the ministry of the apostle, the prophet is also used to lay the foundations of truth in our lives:
Eph 2:19-20 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.
The ministry of the true prophet speaks edification, and exhortation, and comfort to the body of Christ:
1Co 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
The ministry of the prophecy reveals the foundations of our natural hearts through the Word of God:
1Co 14:24-25 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
The Word which the true prophet speaks will reveal that our natural hearts (our thoughts) are initially inherently deceitful and desperately wicked, even as the initial heavens in us needs purification (Heb 9:23-28):
Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
The ministry of the prophet of God helps us through the Word of God to destroy the foundations of lies and deceit on which our old man based his convictions.
2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
The function of false prophets is also something we need to take note. It is only by the ONE true spirit of God, which is His Word, that the true prophet of God exposes all prophets:
Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
1Jn 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
The ministry gift of an evangelist
This leadership ministry of the evangelist is also important in the church of Jesus Christ:
Eph 4:11-12 And truly He gave some to be apostles, and some to be prophets, and some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
Again, the word “some” is important to note because it points to a leadership function in the church. Although all Christians should evangelize (they share the good news to others whom God brings to them), this ministry gift is reserved for when the church meets together. The word “evangelist” is translated from the Greek word “euaggelistēs” which is given to the church to clarify the true gospel of Jesus Christ, Who will have all men to be saved, every man in his or her own order:
1Ti 2:3-4 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
1Ti 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
1Co 15:22-28 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
We first read about this ministry of the evangelist in the book of Acts where Philip’s work in the first church is mentioned (he was also one of the first seven deacons):
Act 21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
We all know how the Babylonian church system views evangelists as the bringer of the hellfire doctrine to save people from an eternal hell, which is far from the function of the true evangelist. That is the false evangelists. Just look how Philip dealt with the Ethiopian eunuch, and we can see some of the characteristics in the functions of the evangelist in this passage:
Act 8:26-40 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join [Greek: “kollaō” – to glue, that is, (passively or reflexively) to stick (figuratively): – cleave, join (self), keep company – Dr James Strong’s Greek Dictionary] thyself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide [Greek: “hodēgeō” – to show the way (literally or figuratively [teach]): guide, lead – Dr James Strong’s Greek Dictionary] me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
From the sum of God’s word it is clear that this ministry of the evangelist is there to expound the Word of God, through a humble spirit of obedience to the spirit of God, and to guide those who ask in sincerity. The deep spiritual intimacy of Philip with this eunuch’s need is also notable. Paul encouraged Timothy as an evangelist to continue to preach the gospel, to encourage and support the churches and believers who are in need:
2Ti 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
The ministry gift of teachers-pastors (this ministry gift include the functioning of elders)
Another leadership ministry in the church is that of the teacher-pastor.
Eph 4:11-12 And truly He gave some to be apostles, and some to be prophets, and some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
1Co 12:28 (MKJV) And God set some in the church, firstly, apostles; secondly, prophets; thirdly, teachers, then works of power, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, kinds of languages.
Again we read the words “some in the church” as this ministry points to a leadership function in the church. Although all maturing disciples of Jesus should be able to teach and help others who need assistance in the doctrine of Christ, when the church meets together only “some” function to ensure order:
Heb 5:12-14 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
In the congregation the teachers are our instructors in the truth of God’s Word. There are those who think that the apostle John’s instruction that “no man can teach you” negates the teacher as an important ministry in the body.
1Jn 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
The word “man” in this verse makes a huge difference as to what John actually meant; seeing John would not contradict the Scriptures which point out that teachers are indeed a very important part of the church of Jesus Christ. The word “man” which John used refers to a carnal man who wants to have dominion over our faith, as that type of person is not a helper of our joy:
2Co 1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
Pastors are shepherds (the Greek word for shepherd is “poimēn” which is the same word for pastor in the Scriptures), and pastors/shepherds are also known as elders or bishops in the church. All of these have overseeing and teaching functions when the church meets together. This is what the following verses add to our understanding of these functions in the church leadership:
Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors [Greek: “poimēn”] and teachers.
Act 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers [Greek: “episkopos”], to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
1Ti 3:1-2 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop [Greek: “episkopē”], he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop [Greek: “episkopos”] then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
The ministry gift of works of power
1Co 12:28 (MKJV) And God set some in the church, firstly, apostles; secondly, prophets; thirdly, teachers, then works of power, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, kinds of languages.
The ministry of works of power relates to the gift discussed above. This is a leadership ministry in the church where God works powerful miracles. Here is an example of this ministry:
Act 20:7-12 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. 8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. 9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. 10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. 11 When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. 12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
The ministry gift of healing
1Co 12:28 (MKJV) And God set some in the church, firstly, apostles; secondly, prophets; thirdly, teachers, then works of power, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, kinds of languages.
The ministry of healing relates to the gift of the spirit discussed above under “gifts”. This is a leadership ministry when the church meets together, where God works miracles within the congregation in terms of healing. This is what James is referring to in these words when it applies to physical illness also:
Jas 5:14-15 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
The ministry gift of helps (this includes the functioning of deacons)
1Co 12:28 (MKJV) And God set some in the church, firstly, apostles; secondly, prophets; thirdly, teachers, then works of power, then gifts of healings, helps [Greek: “antilepsis”], governments, kinds of languages.
The Greek word here is “antilepsis” which means “to relief” in this sense:
Rom 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
Aquila and his wife Priscilla are mentioned by Paul as his helpers in Christ Jesus, and the following passage sheds more light on how Aquila and Priscilla were helpers in Christ Jesus:
Act 18:24-28 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the Scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
This ministry of “helps” is not only applicable to spiritual help, but also to physically serve others (“serve tables”), as that is what the ministry of deacons also include:
Act 6:1-5 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve [Greek: “diakoneō”] tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
The first deacons served [“diakoneō”] in terms of a leadership function established in the church, but all disciples are also called to “diakoneō” in the spiritual and physical needs of others, as God leads. Here are few examples of that in the Scriptures:
Mat 20:25-28 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister [“diakonos”]; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered [“diakoneō” the verb of the noun “diakonos”] unto, but to minister [“diakoneō”], and to give his life a ransom for many.
Joh 12:26 If any man serve [“diakoneō”] me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve [“diakoneō”] me, him will my Father honour.
1Pe 4:10-11 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister [“diakoneō”] the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister [“diakoneō”], let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Rom 15:25-26 But now I [Paul] go unto Jerusalem to minister [“diakoneō”] unto the saints. 26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
Joh 12:2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served [“diakoneō”]: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
Mat 8:14-15 And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered [“diakoneō”] unto them.
Rom 16:1-2 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant [“diakonos”] of the church which is at Cenchrea: 2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
The ministry gift of governments
1Co 12:28 (MKJV) And God set some in the church, firstly, apostles; secondly, prophets; thirdly, teachers, then works of power, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, kinds of languages.
The Greek word in 1 Corinthians 12:28 for the English word “governments” is “kubernesis”, and this is the meaning according to Dr James Strong:
“kubernesis – Latin origin, to steer; pilotage, that is (figuratively) directorship (in the church)”.
This ministry has to do with steering away from danger (false doctrines) by giving spiritual advice and to provide leadership and guidance. This is what the function of elders is:
1Ti 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
Act 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
1Pe 5:1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:
1Pe 5:2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;
1Pe 5:3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
When there is a spiritual sickness, a false doctrine, among any member(s) of the body of Christ, it is the function of all the elders in the church to lead and to guide the whole church away from that wrong doctrine (Acts 6 is a good example). This is what James is referring to in these words when it applies also to spiritual illness:
Jas 5:14-15 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
The ministry gift of kinds of languages
1Co 12:28 (MKJV) And God set some in the church, firstly, apostles; secondly, prophets; thirdly, teachers, then works of power, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, kinds of languages.
This again links with the gift of languages discussed under “gifts”, but this is how it operates as a leadership ministry in the church. God has gifted a few with the ability to speak and understand different languages and as such helping to get the good news of Christ’s doctrine out to all whom Father is dragging to His church in this age:
Mat 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Rev 5:8-9 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.
Next: The diversities of operations
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