In Ephesians we find God has given apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers in order to build up the body. By the way, these are not five super ministries as is being preached today. The five (or four) listed here are only representative of the variety of gifts and ministries given to the members of the Body by the Holy Spirit.

We go from one error to another.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, To another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, To another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,  and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. (I Corinthians 12:7-11—NIV)

These also are examples of the gifts and ministries that must begin to operate in our day so the Church may become a helper suitable for the Lamb.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. (I Corinthians 12:27,28—NIV)

Notice that pastors and evangelists are not mentioned in the above passage, which would not be the case if the apostle, prophet, evangelists, pastor and teacher were to be viewed as five super offices set above the other members of the Body. All are placed in the Body for the common good. No office or ministry is to be elevated above another. As far as leadership in the local assembly is concerned, God will help us to perceive who is best suited to help with the government of the local body of believers.

Now notice below the purpose of all the gifts and ministries given to the Body of Christ.

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, To prepare God's people for works of service, so the body of Christ may be built up Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13—NIV)

It is difficult to determine from the above passage whether it is saying God gives ministries and gifts to people so these people may be prepared to build the Body, ministries and gifts such as to be an apostle or prophet, or whether it is saying the apostles, prophets, and others are the ones who prepare God's people so they may serve Him. I prefer the former interpretation but can accept the latter.

To be continued.