Apostle άπόστολος "One Sent."
The apostles must have had to do with the church in its early days: cf. Acts 15 Apostles are the first-named as set in the church. (1 Cor. 12: 28: cf. also Eph. 2:2020And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (Ephesians 2:20).)
Deacon διάκονος.
The seven chosen in Acts 6 to care for the poor, and to "serve tables," probably take charge of the funds-though not there called " deacons," led to such persons being appointed in the church under that name. (Phil. 1:11Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: (Philippians 1:1); 1 Tim. 3:8-138Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 3:8‑13).) Those chosen must be morally qualified to " use the office well."
Bishop‘[Επἰσκοποςfrom "to Look Over," an Overseer.
In Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:77For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; (Titus 1:7) we find that moral qualifications are insisted upon: "a bishop must be blameless," though nothing is said of gift. In Acts 20:17-3517And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 18And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 25And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. 26Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28Take 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. 29For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. 32And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. 33I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 34Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:17‑35) Paul sent for the elders of Ephesus, and to them he said, " Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed [or shepherd] the church of God;" for much evil was coming in. From this and from 1 Tim. 5:1717Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. (1 Timothy 5:17) we learn that some at least were gifted to administer the word to the souls of the saints. The Lord Jesus is called the " Shepherd and Bishop " of souls. (1 Peter 2:2525For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. (1 Peter 2:25).)
Elder πρεσβύτερος "an Elder," One Advanced in Life.
It will be seen above in Acts 20 that in Ephesus the same persons are called elders and bishops, or overseers; and in Titus 1 we remark the same. Paul left Titus in Crete that he should ordain or choose "elders in every city,.... if any be blameless.... for a bishop must be blameless." (Vers. 5-7.) We also learn in 1 Timothy 5: 17 that some elders ruled, or took the lead, and some labored in word and doctrine. In Paul's first missionary journey he chose elders in every church. (Acts 14:2323And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. (Acts 14:23).) In Heb. 13 the saints are exhorted to remember those who had had the rule over them (or were their leaders), who had spoken unto them the word of God; they were to imitate their faith, and consider the end of their conversation. The saints were also to obey the leaders then among them, for they watched for their souls. (Vers. 7, 17.)
It is clear that in the early days of the church there were prophets who fore-told events. (Acts 11:27,28;2127And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 28And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. (Acts 11:27‑28)
28Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. (Acts 21:28). 9-11.) There was also another kind of prophesying, namely, speaking unto men " to edification, and exhortation, and comfort." In prophesying they edified the church. (1 Cor. 14:3,43But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. (1 Corinthians 14:3‑4).) The word of God is brought home to heart and conscience by this gift (1 Cor. 14:2525And 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. (1 Corinthians 14:25)), so that the soul of the hearer is brought into contact with God Himself through the word spoken.
Teacher διδάσκαλος (1 Cor. 12:2828And 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. (1 Corinthians 12:28); Eph. 4:1111And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (Ephesians 4:11).)
These are not often named: there were some at Antioch. (Acts 13:11Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. (Acts 13:1).) Paul was appointed "a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth." (1 Tim. 2:77Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. (1 Timothy 2:7).) The Hebrew saints were chided because when they ought to have been teachers, they needed to be taught again the first principles-the A B C-of the oracles of God. (Heb. 5:1212For 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. (Hebrews 5:12).) James cautioned his brethren against being many teachers: they should receive the greater judgment, "for we all often offend." (Chapter 3:1.)
Miracles, Gifts of Healing. (1 Cor. 12: 28.)
Gifts for the early church, but which have long since passed away.
Paul refers to "every one that helpeth with us and laboreth." (1 Cor. 16:1616That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboreth. (1 Corinthians 16:16).) He also exhorted one to " help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life." (Phil. 4:33And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlaborers, whose names are in the book of life. (Philippians 4:3).) (Paul called Priscilla, Aquila, and Urbane his fellowlabourers, and not simply " helpers," Rom. 16:3,93Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: (Romans 16:3)
9Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. (Romans 16:9).) Surely there are many " helpers " in the church of God, who in various ways do acceptable work for the Lord.
Diversities of Tongues, (1 Cor. 12: 28.)
These were common in the church at Corinth, Ephesus, &c., but ceased at an early date.
This is the only place where pastors are named; but Peter was told to shepherd Christ's sheep. (John 21:1616He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (John 21:16).) The Lord is called the good Shepherd (John 10:11,1411I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (John 10:11)
14I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. (John 10:14)); the great Shepherd (Heb. 13:2020Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, (Hebrews 13:20)); and the chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:44And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. (1 Peter 5:4)), an example to the pastors how to watch over and tend His sheep and lambs.
Philip is the only one specially named as an evangelist. (Acts 21:88And 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. (Acts 21:8).) Timothy was told to do the work of an evangelist. (2 Tim. 4:55But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5).) Paul was an evangelist, and constantly refers to his preaching the gospel, and indeed said, " Woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel." (1 Cor. 9:1616For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16).) There were doubtless many others.
Minister διάκοωος "Deacon," Minister.
Paul says he was made a minister of the gospel, and of the church. (Col. 1:23, 2523If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; (Colossians 1:23)
25Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; (Colossians 1:25); Eph. 3:77Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. (Ephesians 3:7); cf. Acts 26:1616But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; (Acts 26:16).) He calls Tychicus a "faithful minister." (Eph. 6:2121But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: (Ephesians 6:21); Col. 4:77All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: (Colossians 4:7).) Timotheus was a " minister of God." (1 Thess. 3: 2.) Phoebe was " minister " of the church which is in Cenchrea. It does not appear that the word is used in the above and other passages in any official sense, but is applied to any who were true servants of Christ working for Him in the church. (The same word refers to magistrates in Rom. 13:44For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. (Romans 13:4).)
Preacherκήρυξ "a Herald."
Offices(Occupied by Overseers and Deacons)
were local, whereas gifts are from the Lord, and are for the whole church. Thus a bishop or a deacon was such only in the local assembly where he resided; but an evangelist, a teacher, a pastor, are such for the whole church, and can exercise their gifts anywhere. This is God's order: it is only man's arrangements in Christendom that have made it otherwise.
Eph. 4 teaches that the risen and ascended Head of the body is the source of all gifts. He gives: man does not appoint, nor come immediately. There are some apostles, some prophets: these are foundation gifts (cf. Eph. 2:2020And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (Ephesians 2:20)), not intended to be continued, though in a secondary sense there may be prophets still, through whom the written word is sometimes ministered in soul-reaching power. There have been at any solemn crisis in the church's history special servants raised up to recover apostolic foundations-Luther, for instance-and who in that sense have approached to apostolic service.
Evangelists are to bring in, as it were, recruits from the world. Pastors and teachers are closely connected, and are often perhaps found in the same person. The pastor has an aptitude to care for souls, entering into the details of their needs in this world; a teacher is one able to open up scripture, and to exhibit the mind of God from the word.
Apostles, or apostolic delegates, appointed to offices; but never ordained any one to preach the gospel, or to teach the saints, as is now done in Christendom. *(*The apostles were appointed by Christ while in the flesh, and sent forth again from Him risen; but the gifts for the body are from the glorified Head.)
In all the instances of appointing to offices it is either Paul himself, or those authorized by him, that made the appointments. This is what we might have expected when we remember that to him was committed the gospel of the glory and the mystery of the church. Paul had no successor, nor had those to whom he gave authority any power to communicate it to others: so that all such pretension is entirely without scriptural warrant. Godly men may do the work of bishops, elders, and deacons without any appointment, as we read of some who addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints, and to whom the saints were exhorted to submit themselves. (1 Cor. 16:1616That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboreth. (1 Corinthians 16:16); see also Thess. 5:12.)