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.

1 CORINTHIANS 12:28KJV
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1 Corinthians 12:28 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 12:28 mean?

1 Corinthians 12:28 says that God has arranged different roles and gifts in the church, listing apostles first, then prophets, then teachers, followed by miracles, gifts of healing, helping, leadership, and different kinds of tongues. This verse highlights that God is the one who decides how people serve and what abilities they have within the church community.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, addressing confusion and pride about spiritual gifts. By listing these roles and gifts in a certain order, Paul shows that the church needs a variety of people and abilities, and that no single gift makes someone more important than others. The verse is part of a larger discussion about unity and diversity in the body of Christ.

Where else these words appear

“healings” Greek G2386 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
  • 1 Corinthians 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

“then” Greek G1534 · used in 15 verses

  • Mark 4:17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.
  • John 13:5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:24 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.

“that” Greek G1899 · used in 16 verses

  • Mark 7:5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
  • 1 Corinthians 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

“gifts” Greek G5486 · used in 17 verses

  • Romans 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
  • Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
  • 1 Corinthians 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?