1 Corinthians 12:28-30

These were different offices which God established in the churches at first; referred to in verse 1 Corinthians 12:5.

Apostles; men who had seen Christ after his resurrection, and were commissioned by him to testify to this fact, to reveal his will, work miracles in attestation of his truth, preach the gospel, gather churches, and do what was needful for the establishment of Christianity.

Prophets; those who had the gift of prophecy. The apostle here assigns them a rank next to the apostles, and elsewhere he puts prophecy first among spiritual gifts. Chap 1 Corinthians 14:1, etc. Like the prophets of the Old Testament, they spoke under the immediate inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:17 : like them, they unfolded to men the counsels of God, especially as contained in the way of salvation through Christ, Acts 13:1-2; Acts 15:32; and like them they also at times foretold future events, Acts 11:28; Acts 21:11.

Teachers; of the gospel. The term probably includes those who had "the word of wisdom" and "the word of knowledge," verse 1 Corinthians 12:8.

Helps; persons appointed to assist in visiting the sick, instructing the ignorant, and relieving the needy.

Governments; persons who directed the external order of the church.