It would seem these are four (or five) exalted ministries, separate from the other gifts and ministries of the Body of Christ.

But notice:

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)

Do you see my point?

These so-called major ministries, the apostle, prophet, Christian, and pastor-teacher, are listed in the same category along with gifts of healing, helps, administration, and tongues.

We are all members of the one Body of Christ. There are no outstanding ministries or gifts that are to lord it over the other members.

One interesting point is as follows:

But eagerly desire the greater gifts. (I Corinthians 12:31)

No doubt we could speculate endlessly concerning which are the greater gifts. I think the point is we should desire gifts and ministries eagerly.

I maintained previously that the Holy Spirit has given gifts and ministries to each member of the Body. Why, then, are we commanded to eagerly desire them if we already have our appointed gifts?

The answer to this question has to do with the adventure of the life of faith. We, whether we know our gifts or not, are to fervently desire gifts and ministries that appeal to us. The balconies of Heaven are filled with wondrous treasures, just waiting for someone to care enough to ask for them.

But we have to ask, seek, and knock persistently—not just once, but many times. We do not try to force the spirit realm, we just keep letting the Lord know what it is we desire.

Meanwhile we diligently apply the gifts we now have with the faith we have been given. The Lord loves the diligent worker. When He sees you using what you have He very well may add to your equipment.

Don't limit the Holy One of Israel.

Many years ago I asked the Lord to enable me to bring the Gospel of the Kingdom everywhere people breathe the air. I certainly am a lot closer to doing that today with the development of the Internet. Only believe! All things are possible. Only believe!

Ask and you shall receive. Seek and you shall find. Knock and it shall be opened to you.

The Scripture cannot be broken!

We will return now to the twelfth chapter of the Book of Romans.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. (Romans 12:6)

To be continued.