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.
Set some in the church - as he has "set the members ... in the body" (1 Corinthians 12:18).
First apostles - above even the prophets. Not merely the Twelve, but others; e.g. Barnabas, etc. (Romans 16:7; 2 Corinthians 8:23, Greek). Teachers - of truths already revealed. The prophets made new revelations and prophesying under the Spirit's influence. The teachers had the "word of knowledge," the prophets "the word of wisdom" (1 Corinthians 12:8). Under "teachers" are included 'evangelists and pastors.'
Miracles - literally, "powers" (1 Corinthians 12:10); ranked below "teachers," since teaching is more edifying, though less dazzling than performing miracles.
Helps, governments (Greek, helpings, governings) - lower and higher departments of 'ministrations' (1 Corinthians 12:5); as instances of the former, deacons, who helped in the relief of the poor, and in baptizing and preaching, subordinate to higher minister (Acts 6:1-10; Acts 8:5-17); also others helped, with their time and means, in the Lord's cause (Numbers 11:17; cf. 1 Corinthians 13:3). Similarly, Americans use "helps" for 'helpers.' As instances of the latter, presbyters, or bishops, whose office it was to govern the church (1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:17; Hebrews 13:24). These officers, though now ordinary and permanent, were originally specially endowed with the Spirit for their office; whence they are here classified with other inspired sanctions. Government х kuberneeseis (G2941)] (guiding the helm of affairs) being occupied with externals, notwithstanding the outward status that it gives, is ranked with the lower functions. Compare "He that giveth" (corresponding to "helps"); "he that ruleth" (corresponding to "governments") (Romans 12:8).
Diversities of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10) - "divers kinds of tongues."