Estudo de 1 Coríntios 12:28 – Comentado e Explicado

Na Igreja, Deus constituiu primeiramente os apóstolos, em segundo lugar os profetas, em terceiro lugar os doutores, depois os que têm o dom dos milagres, o dom de curar, de socorrer, de governar, de falar diversas línguas.
1 Coríntios 12:28

Comentário de Albert Barnes

And God hath set – That is, has appointed, constituted, ordained. He has established these various orders or ranks in the church. The apostle, having illustrated the main idea that God had conferred various endowments on the members of the church, proceeds here to specify particularly what he meant, and to refer more directly to the various ranks which existed in the church.

Some in the church – The word “some,” in this place ??´?? housseems to mean rather whom, “and whom God hath placed in the church,” or, they whom God hath constituted in the church in the manner above mentioned are, first, apostles, etc.

First, apostles – In the first rank or order; or as superior in honor and in office. He has given them the highest authority in the church; he has more signally endowed them and qualified them than he has others.

Secondarily, prophets – As second in regard to endowments and importance. For the meaning of the word “prophets,” see the note on Romans 12:6 .

Thirdly, teachers – As occupying the third station in point of importance and valuable endowments. On the meaning of this word, and the nature of this office, see the note on Romans 12:7 .

After that, miracles – Power. ( d??a´µe?? dunameis). Those who had the power of working miracles; referred to in 1 Corinthians 12:10 .

Then gifts of healing – The power of healing those who were sick; see note on 1 Corinthians 12:9 ; compare James 5:14-15 .

Helps – ( a??t???´µ?e?? antile¯mpseis). Esta palavra não ocorre em nenhum outro lugar do Novo Testamento. It is derived from a??t??aµßa´?? antilambano¯and denotes properly, “aid, assistance, help;” and then those who render aid, assistance, or help; helpers. Who they were is not known. They might have been those to whom was entrusted the care of the poor, and the sick, and strangers, widows, and orphans, etc.; that is, those who performed the office of deacons. Or they may have been those who attended on the apostles to aid them in their work, such as Paul refers to in Romans 16:3 . “Greet Priscilla, and Aquilla, my “helpers” in Christ Jesus;” and in 1 Corinthians 12:9 ,” Salute Urbane our helper in Christ;” see note on Romans 16:3 . It is not possible, perhaps, to determine the precise meaning of the word, or the nature of the office which they discharged; but the word means, in general, those who in any way aided or rendered assistance in the church, and may refer to the temporal affairs of the church, to the care of the poor, the distribution of charity and alms, or to the instruction of the ignorant, or to aid rendered directly to the apostles. There is no evidence that it refers to a distinct and “permanent” office in the church; but may refer to aid rendered by any class in any way. Probably many persons were profitably and usefully employed in various ways as aids in promoting the temporal or spiritual welfare of the church.

Governments – ( ??ße???´se?? kuberne¯seis). This word is derived from ??ße??a´? kuberiao¯“to govern;” and is usually applied to the government or “steering” of a ship. The word occurs no where else in the New Testament, though the word ??ße???´t?? kuberne¯te¯s(“governor”) occurs in Acts 27:11 , rendered “master,” and in Revelation 18:17 , rendered “shipmaster.” It is not easy to determine what particular office or function is here intended. Doddridge, in accordance with Amyraut, supposes that distinct offices may not be here referred to, but that the same persons may be denoted in these expressions as being distinguished in various ways; that is, that the same persons were called helpers in reference to their skill in aiding those who were in distress, and governments in regard to their talent for doing business, and their ability in presiding in councils for deliberation, and in directing the affairs of the church.

There is no reason to think that the terms here used referred to permanent and established ranks and orders in the ministry and in the church; or in permanent offices which were to continue to all times as an essential part of its organization. It is certain that the “order” of “apostles” has ceased, and also the “order” of “miracles,” and the order of “healings,” and of “diversity of tongues.” And it is certain that in the use of these terms of office, the apostle does not affirm that they would be permanent, and essential to the very existence of the church; and from the passage before us, therefore, it cannot be argued that there was to be an order of men in the church who were to be called “helps,” or “governments.” The truth probably was, that the circumstances of the primitive churches required the aid of many persons in various capacities which might not be needful or proper in other times and circumstances.

Whether, therefore, this is to be regarded as a permanent arrangement that there should be “governments” in the church, or an order of men entrusted with the sole office of governing, is to be learned not from this passage, but from other parts of the New Testament. Lightfoot contends that the word which is used here and translated “governments” does not refer to the power of ruling, but to a person endued with a deep and comprehensive mind, one who is wise and prudent; and in this view Mesheim, Macknight, and Horsley coincide. Calvin refers it to the elders to whom the exercise of discipline was entrusted. Grotius understands it of the pastors Ephesians 4:1 , or of the elders who presided over particular churches; Romans 12:8 . Locke supposes that they were the same as those who had the power of discerning spirits. The simple idea, however, is that of ruling, or exercising government; but whether this refers to a permanent office, or to the fact that some were specially qualified by their wisdom and prudence, and in virtue of this usually regulated or directed the affairs of the church by giving counsel, etc., or whether they were “selected” and appointed for this purpose for a time; or whether it refers to the same persons who might also have exercised other functions, and this in addition, cannot be determined from the passage before us. All that is clear is, that there were those who administered government in the church. But the passage does not determine the form, or manner; nor does it prove – whatever may be true – that such an office was to be permanent in the church.

(There can be little doubt that the ??ße???se?? kuberne¯seisor governments, refer to offices of rule and authority in the church. Two things, therefore, are plain from this text:

1. That in the primitive church there were rulers distinct from the people or church members, to whom these were bound to yield obedience.

2. That these rulers were appointed of God. “God set them in the church.” As to the question of “permanence,” on which our author thinks this passage affirms nothing: a distinction must be made between these offices which were obviously of an extraordinary kind, and which therefore must cease; and those of an ordinary kind, which are essential to the edification of the church in all ages. “The universal commission which the apostles received from their Master to make disciples of all nations, could not be permanent as to the extent of it, because it was their practice to ordain elders in every city, and because the course of human affairs required, that after Christianity was established, the teachers of it should officiate in particular places. The infallible guidance of the Spirit was not promised in the same measure to succeeding teachers. But being, in their case, vouched by the power of working miracles, it directed the Christians of their day, to submit implicitly to their injunctions and directions; and it warrants the Christian world, in all ages, to receive with entire confidence, that system of faith and morality which they were authorised to deliver in the name of Christ. But as all protestants hold that this system was completed when the canon of scripture was closed – it is admitted by them, that a great part of the apostolical powers ceased with those to whom Jesus first committed them.

Amongst the “ordinary” functions belonging to their office as teachers, are to be ranked not only preaching the word, and dispensing the sacraments, but also that rule and government over Christians as such, which is implied in the idea of the church as a society” – Hill’s Lectures, vol. ii, p. 479. Now, though these extraordinary offices and functions have ceased with the age of the apostles, and of miraculous influence; it by no means follows, that the ordinary offices of teaching and ruling have ceased also. What was plainly of a “peculiar kind,” and could not possibly be “imitated” after the withdrawment of miraculous power, is quite distinct from that which, not depending on such power, is suited to the condition of the church always. Proceeding on any other principle, we should find it impossible to argue at all on what ought to be the constitution of the church, from any hints we find in the New Testament. What is extraordinary cannot be permanent, but what is ordinary must be so. See the supplementary note on 1 Corinthians 5:4 .)

Diversities of tongues – Those endowed with the power of speaking various languages; see the note on 1 Corinthians 12:10 .

Comentário de E.W. Bullinger

igreja . App-186.

apóstolos. . . profetas . App-189.

professores . Grego. didaskalos. App-98. 1 Coríntios 12: 4 .

milagres = poderes. Grego. dunamis, como em 1 Coríntios 12:10 . Aqui significa “trabalhadores de milagres” .

ajuda . Grego. antilepsia. Somente aqui no NT., Mas encontrado na Septuaginta, Salmos 83: 8 ; & c, e nos papiros.

governos . Grego. kubernesis. Somente aqui no NT, mas encontrado na Septuaginta. A palavra significa “orientação” . Compare Atos 27:11 .

diversidades = (diferentes) tipos. Grego. genos . Não é a mesma palavra que nos versículos: 1 Coríntios 12:12 , 1 Coríntios 12: 4-6 .

Comentário de John Calvin

He has in the beginning of the chapter spoken of gifts: now he begins to treat of offices, and this order it is proper that we should carefully observe. For the Lord did not appoint ministers, without first endowing them with the requisite gifts, and qualifying them for discharging their duty. Hence we must infer, that those are fanatics, and actuated by an evil spirit, who intrude themselves into the Church, while destitute of the necessary qualifications, as many boast that they are under the influence of the Spirit, and glory in a secret call from God, while in the meantime they are unlearned and utterly ignorant. The natural order, on the other hand, is this — that gifts come before the office to be discharged. As, then, he has taught above, that everything that an individual has received from God, should be made subservient to the common good, so now he declares that offices are distributed in such a manner, that all may together, by united efforts, edify the Church, and each individual according to his measure. (767)

28. First, Apostles He does not enumerate all the particular kinds, and there was no need of this, for he merely intended to bring forward some examples. In the fourth Chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians, ( Ephesians 4:11 ,) there is a fuller enumeration of the offices, that are required for the continued government of the Church. The reason of this I shall assign there, if the Lord shall permit me to advance so far, though even there he does not make mention of them all. As to the passage before us, we must observe, that of the offices which Paul makes mention of, some are perpetual, others temporary. Those that are perpetual, are such as are necessary for the government of the Church; those that are temporary, are such as were appointed at the beginning for the founding of the Church, and the raising up of Christ’s kingdom; and these, in a short time afterwards, ceased.

To the first class belongs the office of Teacher, to the second the office of Apostle; for the Lord created the Apostles, that they might spread the gospel throughout the whole world, and he did not assign to each of them certain limits or parishes, but would have them, wherever they went, to discharge the office of ambassadors among all nations and languages. In this respect there is a difference between them and Pastors, who are, in a manner, tied to their particular churches. For the Pastor has not a commission to preach the gospel over the whole world, but to take care of the Church that has been committed to his charge. In his Epistle to the Ephesians he places Evangelists after the Apostles, but here he passes them over; for from the highest order, he passes immediately to Prophets

By this term he means, (in my opinion,) not those who were endowed with the gift of prophesying, but those who were endowed with a peculiar gift, not merely for interpreting Scripture, but also for applying it wisely for present use. (768) My reason for thinking so is this, that he prefers prophecy to all other gifts, on the ground of its yielding more edification — a commendation that would not be applicable to the predicting of future events. Farther, when he describes the office of Prophet , or at least treats of what he ought principally to do, he says that he must devote himself to consolation, exhortation, and doctrine. Now these are things that are distinct from prophesyings. (769) Let us, then, by Prophets in this passage understand, first of all, eminent interpreters of Scripture, and farther, persons who are endowed with no common wisdom and dexterity in taking a right view of the present necessity of the Church, that they may speak suitably to it, and in this way be, in a manner, ambassadors to communicate the divine will.

Between them and Teachers this difference may be pointed out, that the office of Teacher consists in taking care that sound doctrines be maintained and propagated, in order that the purity of religion may be kept up in the Church. At the same time, even this term is taken in different senses, and here perhaps it is used rather in the sense of Pastor, unless you prefer, it may be, to take it in a general way for all that are endowed with the gift of teaching, as in Acts 13:1 , where also Luke conjoins them with Prophets. My reason for not agreeing with those who make the whole of the office of Prophet consist in the interpretation of Scripture, is this — that Paul restricts the number of those who ought to speak, to two or three; ( 1 Corinthians 14:29 ,) which would not accord with a bare interpretation of Scripture. In fine, my opinion is this — that the Prophets here spoken of are those who make known the will of God, by applying with dexterity and skill prophecies, threatenings, promises, and the whole doctrine of Scripture, to the present use of the Church. If any one is of a different opinion, I have no objection to his being so, and will not raise any quarrel on that account. For it is difficult to form a judgment as to gifts and offices of which the Church has been so long deprived, excepting only that there are some traces, or shadows of them still to be seen.

As to powers and gift of healings , I have spoken when commenting on the 12th Chapter of the Romans. Only it must be observed that here he makes mention, not so much of the gifts themselves, as of the administration of them. As the Apostle is here enumerating offices, I do not approve of what Chrysostom says, that ??t????e?? , that is, helps or aids , consist in supporting the weak. Então o que é? Undoubtedly, it is either an office, as well as gift, that was exercised in ancient times, but of which we have at this day no knowledge whatever; or it is connected with the office of Deacon, or in other words, the care of the poor; and this latter idea pleases me better. (770) In Romans 12:7 , he makes mention of two kinds of deacons. Of these I have treated when commenting upon that passage.

By Governments I understand Elders, who had the charge of discipline. For the primitive Church had its Senate, (771) for the purpose of keeping the people in propriety of deportment, as Paul shows elsewhere, when he makes mention of two kinds of Presbyters. (772) ( 1 Timothy 5:17 .) Hence government consisted of those Presbyters who excelled others in gravity, experience, and authority.

Under different kinds of tongues he comprehends both the knowledge of languages, and the gift of interpretation. They were, however, two distinct gifts; because in some cases an individual spoke in different languages, and yet did not understand the language of the Church with which he had to do. This defect was supplied by interpreters. (773)

Comentário de Adam Clarke

Deus estabeleceu alguns na Igreja – Como Deus fez distinções evidentes entre os membros do corpo humano, de modo que alguns ocupam um lugar mais eminente que outros, o mesmo aconteceu na Igreja. E para provar isso, o apóstolo numera os principais ofícios, e na ordem em que devem permanecer.

Primeiro, apóstolos – ?p?st????? , de ap? de e ste???, envio; enviar de uma pessoa para outra e de um lugar para outro. Pessoas imediatamente designadas por Cristo e enviadas por ele para pregar o Evangelho a toda a humanidade.

Secundariamente, profetas – ???f?ta? , de p?? , antes, e f?µ? , eu falo; uma pessoa que, sob inspiração divina, prediz eventos futuros; mas a palavra é frequentemente aplicada àqueles que pregam o Evangelho. Veja em 1 Coríntios 12: 8 ; (Nota).

Em terceiro lugar, professores – ??das?a???? , de d?das?? , eu ensino; pessoas cujo trabalho principal era instruir o povo nos elementos da religião cristã e seu dever um com o outro. Veja em Romanos 8: 8 ; (Nota).

Milagres – ???aµe?? · Pessoas dotadas de dons milagrosos, como os mencionados Marcos 16:17 , Marcos 16:18 ; expulsar demônios, falar em novas línguas, etc. Veja em 1 Coríntios 12: 8 ; (nota) e no final do capítulo ( 1 Coríntios 12:31 ; (nota))

Presentes de curas – ?a??sµata ?aµat?? · Como impor as mãos sobre os doentes e curá-los, Marcos 16:18 ; que, por ser um dos poderes milagrosos mais benéficos, foi concedido com mais frequência. Veja em 1 Coríntios 12: 8 ; (Nota).

Ajuda – ??t????e?? . O Dr. Lightfoot conjetura que esses eram os ajudantes dos apóstolos; as pessoas que os acompanharam, batizaram os que foram convertidos por eles e foram enviadas por eles para lugares que não podiam atender, sendo empregados de outra forma.

Os levitas são chamados pelas ajudas dos sacerdotes talmudistas. A palavra ocorre Lucas 1:54 ; Romanos 8:26 .

Governos – ??ße???se?? . O Dr. Lightfoot sustenta que esta palavra não se refere ao poder de governar, mas ao caso de uma pessoa dotada de uma mente profunda e abrangente, que é profundamente sábia e prudente; e ele pensa que isso implica o mesmo que discernimento de espíritos, 1 Coríntios 12: 8 ; (Nota). Ele deu várias provas desse uso da palavra na Septuaginta.

Diversidades de línguas – Ge?? ???ss?? · Tipos de línguas; isto é, tipos diferentes. O poder de falar, em todas as ocasiões necessárias, idiomas que eles não aprenderam. Veja em 1 Coríntios 12: 8 ; (Nota).

Comentário de Thomas Coke

1 Coríntios 12:28 . Deus estabeleceu alguns, etc. – “Como Deus colocou alguns membros em postos mais eminentes do corpo, assim também alguns cristãos na igreja. Ele colocou no primeiro posto apóstolos, que são homenageados com um cargo de maior distinção. e dotados de dotações próprias: em segundo lugar, estão os profetas classificados , cujo objetivo é prever eventos futuros ou falar por interpretação imediata para a edificação da igreja; no terceiro, professores de um tipo mais comum depois daqueles que são dotados, em alguma ocasião particular, de poderes miraculosos; depois, os dons de curar doenças, ungindo os enfermos com óleo e orando por sua recuperação.Além disso, ele dotou alguns com extraordinária atividade e sagacidade, como podem capacitá-los para serem ajudantes na administração de instituições de caridade: outros são qualificados por sua prudência para serem nomeados para governos, para que , por seus conselhos, os assuntos das sociedades possam ser dirigidos e conduzidos da maneira mais segura e feliz possível. maneira. Também existem operações maravilhosas, nas quais os homens aprendem diferentes tipos de línguas, que nunca haviam aprendido por nenhum método humano. “Monsieur Amyraut é de opinião que as pessoas podem possuir muitos desses dons e sustentar vários desses personagens, que o fizeram. não preencher cargos distintos declarados; e podem ser chamados de ajudantes, em referência à sua grande destreza e prontidão para ajudar aqueles que estavam em perigo; e os governos, em relação a esse gênio dos negócios, a sagacidade em julgar as circunstâncias dos negócios e a autoridade natural em os conselhos e resoluções das sociedades, que os tornaram aptos a presidir essas ocasiões.Veja Doddridge, Barrington, Benson e Markland.

Comentário de John Wesley

E Deus colocou alguns na igreja, primeiros apóstolos, secundariamente profetas, terceiros professores, depois daqueles milagres, depois dons de curas, ajudas, governos, diversidades de línguas.

Primeiros apóstolos – que plantam o evangelho nas nações pagãs.

Segundo profetas – Quem prediz as coisas vindouras, ou fala por inspiração extraordinária, para a edificação da igreja.

Terceiros professores – que precedem até aqueles que operam milagres. Sob os profetas e mestres estão evangelistas e pastores, Efésios 4:11 .

Ajuda, governos – Não parece que estes significem ofícios distintos: antes, qualquer pessoa pode ser chamada de ajuda, de uma destreza peculiar em ajudar os aflitos; e governos, de um talento peculiar para governar ou presidir assembléias.