Ephesians 4:11

.Articles

PART 1: AN EXAMINATION AND
AN OVERVIEW OF EPHESIANS 4:11
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"And he [CHRIST] gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers"

--The apostles Paul

THERE IS MUCH to be learned in this short verse of Scripture. Ephesians 4:11 is a thumbnail statement inserted in between repeated admonitions on how Christians ought to "walk" (Ephesians 2:10; <4:1; 4:17> ; 5:2; 5:8; 5:15). The immediate context involves the unity and oneness of the body of Christ, the church. (Study Ephesians 4:1-16). Each member of this body has been given "grace" (4:7) to help in the ongoing endeavor of the church (and the resultant unity that will come thereby). ("Grace" here has reference to the spiritual gifts and abilities that God has given Christians, Romans 12:6).

But, more in particular, this "grace" has also been bestowed upon specific men as leaders in the church (namely, "apostles," "prophets," "evangelists," and "pastor/teachers," 4:11) to equip the others to exercise their "grace" in the work of the church (4:11-13,16). In the process the unity of the Spirit will be maintained (4:3), and the unity of the faith will be realized (4:13).

And then, as that great old hymn goes, "Like a mighty army, Moves the church of God; Brothers, we are treading Where the saints have trod." What would make the church move like this? Why and how does this happen? Answer: "We are not divided, All one body we, One in hope and doctrine, One in charity." Next, the challenging admonition of the chorus enthusiastically resounds: "Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus, Going on before."

In this article we wish to give an examination and an overview of Ephesians 4:11. Here we are introduced to the "offices" and consequently the work and functional life of the church.

"AND HE GAVE SOME, APOSTLES"
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Let Us Notice "Gave"
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The Lord "gave" some to be apostles. How are we to understand "gave"? "Gave" can be understood in reference to the "office" being given and in reference to those who fill the office. It can be understood as a gift to the person, and the "office" and the person being a gift to the church. In a sense all of these things are true, and Christ had a hand in all of it. The "office" was set up by him, and he chose those he wanted to fill the position.

What Did He Mean by "Some"?
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When the apostle Paul said that the Lord gave "some" to be apostles, we can look at this two or three different ways. This "grace" of the apostleship was only given to a limited number (and it is called "grace," Romans 1:5; 15:15). Their "grace" is distinguished from that of the general "membership" of the church where Paul said, "But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ" (4:7). This "grace" is more restrictive. It also distinguishes them from the others here that he gave to be "prophets," "evangelists," and "pastors." And, as we will notice, the nature of the work of the apostles made them uniquely "some" in the sense that they had no successors.

Now, The Term "Apostle"
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Interestingly, the term "apostle" has several applications, generic and specific in usage. (1) In its literal meaning, its roots signify to send forth, or more exactly, one who is sent forth. In John 13:16 (KJV), the word apostolos is translated "he that is sent." (2) In its limited technical sense, the word means one sent on a mission. In II Corinthians 8:23, the "messengers" (Greek, apostoloi) of the churches illustrate this. They were being sent on a mission of taking the benevolent offering to the needy Christians in Palestine. Likewise, Epaphroditus had been sent from the church at Philippi to minister to the needs of Paul in prison at Rome (Philippians 2:25, "messenger" = apostolos). (The use of the term also in Acts 14:4, 14 [Acts 13:2,3] and I Thessalonians 1:1 [2:6] is to be understood in this light). (3) Then, without question, the twelve disciples and Paul are called "apostles of Christ" in a sense even more specialized. (And to add to the panorama of interest, Christ is called an "apostle" in Hebrews 3:1).

But How is the Term Used Here?
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We believe the term "apostle" is used here in Ephesians 4:11 in the most specialized sense. It refers to the twelve and Paul. Information we find internally in this Ephesian epistle verifies this. Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:20, looking upon the church as a temple, that Christians were "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone." In the next chapter, 3:5, he writes about the gospel, "Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." The Holy Spirit would guide the apostles into all truth (John 14:26; 15:26,27; 16:13). They spoke and wrote by the direct inspiration of the Spirit. What they said and their writings, along with that of "prophets," constitute the New Testament. The church is built upon this foundational truth.

The "Office" of An Apostle
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Now that we have identified the apostles, what was actually involved in being one? We know the Lord selected twelve disciples (learners) to become the twelve apostles (ones sent forth). These men, as personal eyewitnesses of Christ and under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit, were the official witnesses of Christ and his resurrection. This is true, whether talking about the twelve (John 15:26,27; Acts 1:2,8,21-22; 2:32; 3:15; 4:33; 5:32; 10:39-41) or the apostle Paul (I Corinthians 15:7-10; I Cor. 9:1; Acts 26:16,22,23). In addition to their personal testimony, the Holy Spirit further verified and authenticated what the apostles said by miracles and supernatural manifestations (Hebrews 2:3,4; John 15:26, 27; Acts 1:8; Acts 4:33; II Cor. 12:11,12). These inspired men got the church going and left us the Holy Scriptures to guide us. The church is built upon their foundation. There are no more apostles in the church today than there would be another Christ (Ephesians 2:20); all alike and together constitute the foundation. Their great work has been done. We have the New Testament. Witnesses have no successors, and consequently the apostles have no successors.

"AND HE GAVE…SOME, PROPHETS"
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Both General and Specific
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As we continue our examination of Ephesians 4:11, the word "prophets" is the next one that gets our attention (as it is closely tied in with "apostles"). Like "apostles," the use of the term seems somewhat elastic at times with several applications. But unlike "apostles," the word is found throughout the Old Testament. We have a rich background to draw from in this study. These applications are both general and specific.

Prophets Throughout the Bible
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The first person alluded to as a prophet in the Bible is Abel (Matthew 23:30,35). Enoch, not far removed from Abel, is said to have prophesied (Jude 14). The great patriarch Abraham is called a prophet (Genesis 20:7). Although king David had his own personal seer or prophet whom he consulted (II Samuel 24:11; I Samuel 9:9), the apostle Peter calls David a prophet in the New Testament (Acts 2:29,30). Amos, although he prophesied, said that he was not a prophet (Amos 7:14,15). Moses and Christ are presented together as prophets (Deuteronomy 18:15,18; Acts 3:22; 7:37). John the Baptist is called a prophet (Malachi 4:5; Matthew 11:9,10). So the word is diversified in use.

To Foretell and to Forthtell
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The root meaning of the word "prophet" signifies to foretell. Another word of more recent coinage, forthtell, placed along side of foretell more fully describes the prophet’s work. In this dual capacity, prophets were God’s spokesmen, representing God before men (Exodus 7:1). By direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit they spoke. They called men back to God, preaching righteousness, and foretold judgment and things yet to come. As the apostle Peter wrote in the New Testament, "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost [Spirit]" (II Peter 1:21). This outstanding truth is always tied in with being a prophet.

Foretelling and Forthtelling
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There seems to be some latitude in the way the New Testament uses the word, but the foretelling and forthtelling stay intact with the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost said that in God’s Spirit being poured out on all flesh their sons and daughters would prophesy (Acts 2:17,18). In the foretelling aspect, Agabus is twice mentioned as a prophet in the early church (Acts 11:28; 21:10,11). From the other perspective we read, "And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed [encouraged] them" (Acts 15:32). The Corinthians were admonished to desire the gift of prophecy (in contrast with tongues) for "he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort" (I Corinthians 14:3). There seems to have been several prophets in the church there, and they got their message directly from God (I Corinthians 14:29,30). But some who thought they had this gift needed the guidance of the apostle Paul. He wrote, "If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord" (I Corinthians 14:37).

Being An Apostle and A Prophet
n As a matter of interest, although Paul was uniquely an apostle, we read that he was also classified with the "prophets and teachers" in the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1). He had before been called to be an apostle. He was an apostle, but he was this, too. The apostle John identifies himself as being a prophet in Revelation 22:9. This is no surprise for the apostles were the fountainhead of all the spiritual gifts (Hebrews 2:3,4). Christ gave the gifts through them.
n Distinctly A New Testament Prophet
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"Prophets" seems to be used in its most specialized sense as a position in Ephesians 4:11. "Prophets" are distinguished from "apostles." We back up to Ephesians 2:20 and especially 3:5 to determine its meaning in the context of the book. Paul speaks of the gospel that was "now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." Paul had revelation in mind. They were involved in the transmission of the New Testament to man. Paul said in I Corinthians 13:9 and 10, "For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." The revelation of the New Testament was not given all at once, but step by step and part by part as the men of inspiration were guided into all truth. Now we have a written representation of this truth in its entirety in the New Testament Scriptures. That which "is perfect" (complete) has come. We thank the apostles and prophets for this and look to the Word of God, being "thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (II Timothy 3:16,17).

Closing Remarks
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Fittingly, apostles and prophets have been mentioned first. As men of inspiration, they supplied the one plan and message from Christ spoken of in the first part of this chapter (Ephesians 4). Now through them, and the evangelists and pastors who are listed next, the church would be equipped for its great and eternal work. In the process, the oneness emphasized here would be accomplished. Everyone (every Christian) had a part in it, as the church would grow and edify itself in love (Ephesians 4:16).

(NOTE: Look for "PART 2" of this article to follow, dealing with the last part of Ephesians 4:11 and involving evangelists and pastors)

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