1 Corinthians 12:28-31 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

And God hath set in the church first apostles Who planted the gospel in the heathen nations, being honoured with an office of the highest distinction, and furnished with endowments peculiar to themselves; secondly, prophets Who either foretold things to come, or spake by extraordinary inspiration for the edification of the church; thirdly, teachers Of an inferior class. Under prophets and teachers, are comprised evangelists and pastors. After that, miracles Persons endowed on some particular occasions with miraculous powers; then gifts of healing Diseases, by anointing the sick with oil, and praying for their recovery: the expression denotes the persons who possessed these gifts. Helps Or helpers, who, speaking by inspiration to the edification of the church, were fitted to assist the superior officers, and to help the faith and joy of others. Governments Or governors, the thing performed, as in the former clause, being put for the persons who performed it. The word κυβερνησεις, is properly the steering of a ship with skill by a pilot; and seems to be put here metaphorically for persons directing or managing affairs with judgment. It does not appear, however, that these two last expressions were intended by the apostle to signify distinct offices. Rather any persons might be called helps or helpers, from a particular dexterity in helping the distressed; and governors or governments, from a peculiar talent for governing or presiding in assemblies. Are all the members or ministers of the church apostles, &c. Seeing God has not given all sorts of gifts to one, but some to one, and others to another, that each one might stand in need of the others; therefore let none despise another, but all join together in employing their gifts for the common good of the church. But covet earnestly the best gifts For they are well worth your desire and pursuit, though but few of you can attain them; and yet I show you a more excellent way I point out unto you a more excellent gift than any or all of them, and one which all may, yea, must attain, or perish.