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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - Ephesians 4:11 - 4:11
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
The gifts specified.
He gave
He is emphatic. It is He that gave. Compare given in Eph 4:7.
Apostles
Properly, as apostles, or to be apostles. Christ's ministers are gifts to His people. Compare 1Co 3:5, “ministers as the Lord gave;” also 1Co 3:21, 1Co 3:22. The distinguishing features of an apostle were, a commission directly from Christ: being a witness of the resurrection: special inspiration: supreme authority: accrediting by miracles: unlimited commission to preach and to found churches.
Prophets
Preachers and expounders under the immediate influence of the Spirit, and thus distinguished from teachers. 1Co 12:10.
Evangelists
Traveling missionaries.
Pastors and teachers
Pastors or shepherds. The verb ποιμαίνω to tend as a shepherd, is often used in this sense. See on 1Pe 5:2; see on Mat 2:6. The omission of the article from teachers seems to indicate that pastors and teachers are included under one class. The two belong together. No man is fit to be a pastor who cannot also teach, and the teacher needs the knowledge which pastoral experience gives.