Bible Discussion Thread

When paul said, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; ( Eph. 4: 11-12). Was he stating that pastors and teachers are one (Pastor-teacher; Shepherd-teacher)? If so how could it be the fivefold ministry? I believe they have different functions but isn't teaching the responsibility of an apostle and evangelist? Or is it solely the responsibility of the Pastor? Please clarify or explain this. I am confused.

Well done Sir !

Hello Richmond,

It begins by saying, "And he gave some."

You see, he's still talking about giving. He didn't give people to become apostles, He gave the apostles. He gave the prophets. He gave some evangelists; and fourthly, some pastors and teachers;

That last one is all one person, pastors and teachers.

A pastor must be a teacher. A teacher doesn't always have to be a pastor, but if you're going to be a pastor, you better be able to teach, or they'll "put you out to pasture!"

So the apostles, those are those originals who saw Christ. They walked with Christ and were commissioned with the gospel.

Some prophets, who travelled and preached the word. Some evangelists, who are centered on preaching the gospel to the lost.

And of course the pastors and teachers, they are the ones to feed the flock of God.

So we have these categories. We have a distribution of grace. We have categories of ministers that are given to the body of Christ as gifts. And it's for the edification of the saints.

Thanks, I understand all of that but the question is . Is it the fiver fold as in APEST or is it the four fold Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, and Pastors-teacher? As I researched there is so much controversy around this subject, but I don't want to believe anything in the Bible is subjective.