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NASB | Ephesians 4:11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 4:11 And [His gifts to the church were varied and] He Himself appointed some as apostles [special messengers, representatives], some as prophets [who speak a new message from God to the people], some as evangelists [who spread the good news of salvation], and some as pastors and teachers [to shepherd and guide and instruct], |
Bible Question:
God bless us everyone, The above scripture is often called the 5-fold ministry. I have received much commentary stating that there are no apostles or prophets in this present day. However, not one person has made any comment whatsoever about evangelists, pastors, and teachers. I assume that is because their validity is not in question. This is interesting; pastors is mentioned just this once, evangelist is mentioned in two other places, and teacher most of all, but almost always with prophet. How does one account for this? Please use scripture to explain (not explain away) the emasculation of this scripture. Your servant in Christ Jesus, charis |
Bible Answer: Hi charis, I looked at Ephesians and your reference in John 13:16 also today. It seems to me that all of us in the body of Christ are equally important. "A slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him." contrasted with Ephesians 4:11 without the word in italics;"And He gave apostles, and some prophets, and some evangeliss, and some pastors and teachers, ..." and why, so that we all can "attain the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God..." So I would say that everythings been done already. We have the word of God and we should be equipped "for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ." Go back also to Ephesians 4:7. "But to each of us grace was given according to the measure of (Christ"s) gift." Go back further to Eph 3:20 "according to the power that works within us, to (Him) be the glory in the church..." Notice the fullness of God and Christ in this section. Now I would go back still further to Eph 3:14 "For this reason I bow my knees before the (Father)." The Holy Spirit. I love Ephesians. Check out the "according to"s of the book. 3:7 "of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God's grace which was given to me according to the working of (His) power." see 2:18 "for through Him, we both have our access in one (Spirit) to the Father." |