Bible Questions and Answers

Can you explain Ephesians 4:11?

Ephesians 4:4-11 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5  one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6  one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7  But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8  Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men." 9  (Now this, "He ascended" —what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10  He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,

Jesus had chosen 12 apostles from amongst his disciples. Judas was replaced by Mathias to make up the number. After Pentecost, the apostles were empowered to give Holy Spirit gifts to baptised believers by the laying on of their hands. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 By this means some became prophets, others, evangelists, pastors, teachers etc. in order to establish Ecclesias in the places where the Apostles preached the Gospel.

Holy Spirit gifts are not available today so there are no apostles or prophets. but there are nonetheless individuals whose natural ability enables them to preach the Gospel or act as pastors or teachers in the body of believers.

I hope you find this helpful.God bless,

Glenn