Ephesians Part 20

In Ephesians 4:11–13, Paul continues unfolding the practical side of Christian life, showing how Christ equips His people for ministry and maturity through spiritual gifts distributed by the Holy Spirit, according to His measure. These gifts are not random; they are intentional, purposeful and vital to the health and unity of the Church. Paul lists several specific roles: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, each uniquely designed to equip believers for service and to build up the Body of Christ. 

Some were called to be apostles, personally chosen by God and sent by Jesus Christ as His representatives to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom. The word “apostle,” means a divinely appointed messenger or representative. This role has no direct Old Testament counterpart; it is a distinctly New Testament office. The twelve apostles were unique in that they were eyewitnesses of the resurrection, personally taught by Jesus, and directly commissioned by Him to carry His message to the world. No one today can claim that same foundational calling, yet all believers can participate in the work of apostleship by representing Christ in their lives. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:20, “We are ambassadors for Christ,” meaning we are His authorized messengers in the world. The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, gave bold witness to the resurrection, and great grace rested upon them (Acts 4:33). Likewise, we are empowered by that same Spirit to bear witness to Christ wherever we go (Acts 1:8). 

Others were appointed as prophets, chosen by God to deliver His words and messages to leaders and His people. Prophets were not primarily administrators but vessels through whom God spoke, both to their generation and to future ones. David himself was a prophet (Acts 2:29–30), and his psalms (like Psalm 22) contain clear messianic prophecies fulfilled in Christ. The prophetic voice has always been essential to God’s people, offering correction, encouragement and revelation. As Peter wrote, the messages given to the prophets are important for instruction (2 Peter 3:15), and Paul reminds us that the Church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets” (Ephesians 2:19–20). God has been building His Church for centuries, moving from the physical to the spiritual, laying foundations through the faithful voices of His servants. 

There were also evangelists, those gifted in proclaiming the good news. Albert Barnes describes an evangelist as one who travels to spread the message of Christ, without being tied to the daily pastoral duties of a local congregation. Paul exhorted Timothy to “do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5), reminding him that evangelism is an ongoing call to share the Gospel and bring others into the faith. The modern evangelical movement reflects this spirit of proclaiming Christ, yet evangelism is not limited to a formal office. It is a calling that touches every believer. Each of us can be a bearer of good news, pointing others to Christ through word and action. 

Paul then mentions pastors and teachers, roles closely linked in the Greek text. Kenneth Wuest, in The New Testament: An Expanded Translation, notes that the grammar suggests these are not separate offices but aspects of the same ministry. The ideal pastor, he explains, is a teaching pastor, one who explains and exposes the meaning of God’s Word, helping believers apply it to daily life. According to Wuest, “God gives to every man whom He calls to be a pastor, a teaching gift which he is to develop by use. A knowledge of this would revolutionize the ministry of many pastors.” All pastors should be teachers, though not all teachers are pastors. The pastor’s role is to nurture, guide, protect and instruct the flock and to help the people of God grow in understanding and faith so they can serve more effectively. 

In tomorrow’s lesson we will finish looking at these spiritual gifts from God. 

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.