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¹¹ “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, ¹² to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,” (Ephesians 4:11–12 (ESV)

What was the purpose of apostles and prophets, evangelists, shepherd and teachers in the early church? What is the purpose of evangelists, shepherds and teachers in the current church? The Apostle Paul provides us the answer in Ephesians 4:12.

The purpose of these gifted offices, and all spiritual gifts (I Peter 4:10-11), is to equip the saints to do the work of ministry. The word equip (καταρτισμός; katartismos) is to make something adequate and to completely furnish. It refers to the training and preparation that fully qualifies someone to carry out a particular task.

Who is it who God’s equips through these gifted office holders? It is the saints (ἅγιος; hagios) or God’s holy and dedicated people.

Why does God equip them? They are equipped for the work of ministry. Work (ἔργον; ergon) is the assigned task, deed or activity God has decreed for the saint(s) to do. Ministry (διακονία; diakonia) is to provide a service or help for someone in need. The Greek word diakonia is where we derive our English word deacon.

What is the ultimate purpose of this equipping? It is for the building up the body of Christ. In other words, the church is edified and strengthened by the equipped saints doing the work of ministry (Rom. 14:19; 15:2; 1 Cor. 3:9; 14:3, 5, 12, 26; 2 Cor. 5:1; 10:8; 12:19; 13:10; Eph. 4:16, 29).

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “It is not primarily those mentioned in vs. 11 who do the work of the ministry, it is the people they equip. Thus, Paul goes on to describe the growth that results when each member of the body works ‘properly’ to serve others (vv.15-16). Effective teachers help believes find their own way to benefit the rest of the church.”

Soli deo Gloria!

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,” (Ephesians 4:11 (ESV)

Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled the Father’s will (Ephesians 4:8-10). Christ now distributes the spoils throughout his kingdom. After his ascension came all the spiritual gifts empowered by the Spirit, who was then sent (see John 7:39; 14:12; Acts 2:33) as the promised Comforter (John 14:15-31; 15:26-27; 16:4-11). Jesus not only has given and distributed spiritual gifts to the church, but also has given the church gifted men. Today’s text gives us the four specific offices of gifted men.

We have already examined the office of apostle, prophet and evangelist. Today, we examine the office of schepherdpastor/teacher.

Shepherds and teachers. These two words go together to refer to a single office. It is an individual who not only shepherds the church body of believers but also instructs them in the Word of God. The title can literally be read as the shepherd teachers.

Shepherds (ποιμήν; poimen) refers to a minister or pastor, who like an actual shepherd, protects and guards his flock of sheep. Teachers (διδάσκαλος; didaskalos) means an instructor (Matt. 10:24, 25; 23:8; John 1:38; 13:13, 14; 20:16; Acts 13:1; 1 Cor. 12:28, 29; Eph. 4:11; 2Ti 4:3; Heb. 5:12; James 3:1; John 8:4) or one who provides instruction (Matt. 11:1; Luke 11:1; Rom. 2:21; Col. 1:28; 3:16; 1Tim. 2:12; 4:11; 2 Tim. 2:2; Heb. 5:12; 1 John 2:27). A teacher is one who feeds his flock of sheep.

The Tyndale Bible Dictionary says, “Pastor is a word literally meaning “shepherd,” used in both the OT and NT in a figurative sense for rulers and leaders. Of the 12 times the word is used in the NT as a metaphor for “leader,” it is translated as “pastor” only in Ephesians 4:11 (kjv, asv, rsv, niv, tev, nlt).”

Metaphorically speaking, a pastor guards the church from false doctrine while the teacher responsibility in him teaches the church correct doctrine. Both roles and responsibilities are absolutely necessary.

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “This phrase is best understood in context as a single office of leadership in the church. The Greek word translated “and” can mean “in particular” (see 1 Tim. 5:17), so the two functions together define the teaching shepherd. He is identified as one who is under the “great shepherd” Jesus (Heb. 13:20–21; 1 Pet. 2:25). One who holds this office is also called an “elder” (Titus 1:5–9) and “overseer” (1 Tim. 3:1–7). See also Acts 20:28 and 1 Pet. 5:1–2, which bring all three terms together”

Take time today to write, call, text or speak in person to your pastor/teacher and thank him for his ministry of not only protecting but also teaching and instructing the local church in which he serves.

Soli deo Gloria!  

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,” (Ephesians 4:11 (ESV)

Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled the Father’s will (Ephesians 4:8-10). Christ now distributes the spoils throughout his kingdom. After his ascension came all the spiritual gifts empowered by the Spirit, who was then sent (see John 7:39; 14:12; Acts 2:33) as the promised Comforter (John 14:15-31; 15:26-27; 16:4-11). Jesus not only has given and distributed spiritual gifts to the church, but also has given the church gifted men. Today’s text gives us the four specific offices of gifted men.

We have already examined the office of apostle and prophet. Today, we examine the office of evangelist.

An evangelist (εὐαγγελιστής; euangelistes) is one who exclusively proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 21:8; Eph. 4:11; 2 Tim. 4:5). It is also from this Greek word that we derive our English words evangelical and evangelism.

My pastor was an evangelist. Prior to receiving the call to be the pastor of a local church, he directed and spoke at evangelistic meetings, which were conducted for weeks at a time. Sharing the Gospel and giving people, especially young people, the opportunity to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord was his passion.

In addition to holding evangelistic meetings, and pastoring a local church, he directed a youth camo in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It was there that for over 50 years he preached the Gospel to scores for teenagers. Many of those young people sensed God’s call into full-time ministry and are serving the Lord even to this day.

When the Lord called my pastor home in December 2018, it could accurately be said of him, like the Apostle Paul, that he fought the good fight, he finished the race and he kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “(Evangelists are) people especially gifted to preach the Gospel (Acts 21:8; 2 timothy 4:5). Evangelism was at the core of Paul’s apostolic calling (I Cor. 1:17), although his office included greater authority to receive and transmit revelation from the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:5) and to lead the church.”

Who was it who shared the Gospel to you, whereupon you repented of your sin, placed your faith in Christ, and were converted? If they are still living, give them a call and tell them how grateful you are that they were obedient to God’s call to share the good news of Jesus Christ.                                                                                                                                                      

Soli deo Gloria!  

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,” (Ephesians 4:11 (ESV)

Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled the Father’s will (Ephesians 4:8-10). Christ now distributes the spoils throughout his kingdom. After his ascension came all the spiritual gifts empowered by the Spirit, who was then sent (see John 7:39; 14:12; Acts 2:33) as the promised Comforter (John 14:15-31; 15:26-27; 16:4-11). Jesus not only has given and distributed spiritual gifts to the church, but also has given the church gifted men. Today’s text gives us the four specific offices of gifted men.

We have already examined the office of apostle. Today, we examine the office of prophet.

Prophet (προφήτης; prophetes) is a proclaimer of God’s Word. In other words, he is an inspired preacher who is responsible for heralding the Word of God. Within the context of the church, prophets do not foretell the future, but rather expound and explain God’s Word as a forth-teller.

The New Testament prophets provided the church edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor. 14:3). They revealed God’s will to the church when the biblical canon was incomplete. However, since the biblical canon is now complete, the offices of apostles and prophets no longer exist after the first generation of believers.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “The New Testament prophets conveyed spiritual revelations to the early church. Their function included prediction, exhortation, encouragement, warning, and explanation (Acts 15:32; 21:9-11; I Corinthians 14:1-3). The teaching of the New Testament prophets and apostles laid the foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20; 3:5), and certain aspects of their work related to that unique task have been discontinued. However, teachers and elders continue to be responsible for exhorting, encouraging, and warning believers through the explanation of God’s Word (2 Timothy 4:1-2).”   

Soli deo Gloria!  

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,” (Ephesians 4:11 (ESV)

Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled the Father’s will (Ephesians 4:8-10). Christ now distributes the spoils throughout his kingdom. After his ascension came all the spiritual gifts empowered by the Spirit, who was then sent (see John 7:39; 14:12; Acts 2:33) as the promised Comforter (John 14:15-31; 15:26-27; 16:4-11). Jesus not only has given and distributed spiritual gifts to the church, but also has given the church gifted men. Today’s text gives us the four specific offices of gifted men.

Apostles. Apostles (ἀπόστολος; apostolous) generally refers to a special messenger. The word literally means “one who is sent” (John 13:16; 2 Cor. 8:23; Php. 2:25). It is also a term specifically used of the twelve disciples who saw the resurrected Christ (Acts 1:22). These included Matthias, who replaced Judas Iscariot.

The Apostle Paul was uniquely set apart as the Apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:10-19; Gal. 1:15–17) and was numbered with the other apostles. He also miraculously encountered Jesus at his conversion on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:1–9; Gal. 1:15–17). Those apostles were chosen directly by Christ, so as to be called “apostles of Jesus Christ” (Gal. 1:1; 1 Pet. 1:1). They were given three basic responsibilities: 1) to lay the foundation of the church (Eph. 2:20); 2) to receive, declare, and write God’s word (3:5; Acts 11:28; 21:10–11); and 3) to give confirmation of that word through signs, wonders, and miracles (2 Cor. 12:12; cf. Acts 8:6–7; Heb. 2:3–4).

The word “apostle” is also used in a more general way of other men in the early church, such as Barnabas (Acts 14:4), Silas and Timothy (1 Thess. 2:6), among others (Rom. 16:7; Phil. 2:25). These are called “messengers [or apostles] of the churches” (2 Cor. 8:23), rather than “apostles of Jesus Christ” like the 13. They were not self-perpetuating, nor was any apostle replaced when they died.

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “The apostles include the Twelve, who had the office of apostleship by virtue of being with Christ (Acts 1:21–22) and having been appointed by Him (which would also include Paul; 1 Cor. 15:8–9; Gal. 1:1; 2:6–9). But “apostles” also included others who were recognized as apostles, such as James (1 Cor. 15:7; Gal. 1:19), Barnabas (Acts 14:4, 14; 1 Cor. 9:6), Andronicus and Junias (Rom. 16:7), possibly Silas and Timothy (1 Thes. 1:1; 2:7), and Apollos (1 Cor. 4:6, 9). This latter group had the gift of apostleship but not the apostolic “office” as did the Twelve and Paul. Apostles, then, were those who carried the gospel message with God’s authority. “Apostle” means “one sent as an authoritative delegate.”

Soli deo Gloria!   

^8 “Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” ⁹ (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? ¹⁰ He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)” (Ephesians 4:8–10 (ESV)

In proclaiming the Gospel , great emphasis is placed, as it should be, on the existence of the One, True, and Holy God, the existence of sin, the existence of God providing the sinner deliverance from the penalty, power and eventual presence of sin, and that this salvation is accomplished solely through the person and work of Jesus Christ (John 1:1-18).

However, the ascension of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:1-11) should also be emphasized for it climaxes and concludes the earthly ministry of Christ. The Apostle Paul used an interpretive rendering of Ps. 68:18 as a parallel to show how Christ received the right to bestow the spiritual gifts (Eph. 4:7). 

Psalm 68 is a victory hymn composed by King David to celebrate God’s conquest of the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and the triumphant ascent of God up to Mount Zion (cf. 2 Sam. 6–7; 1 Chron. 13). After such a triumph, the king would bring home the spoils and the prisoners.

It is here in today’s text that the apostle portrays Christ returning from his battle on earth back into the glory of the heavenly city with the trophies of his great victory at Calvary: the justified and the redeemed. Through his crucifixion and resurrection, Christ conquered Satan and death, and in triumph returned to God those who were once sinners and prisoners of Satan (cf. Col. 2:15). 

Christ now distributes the spoils throughout his kingdom. After his ascension came all the spiritual gifts empowered by the Spirit, who was then sent (see John 7:39; 14:12; Acts 2:33) as the promised Comforter (John 14:15-31; 15:26-27; 16:4-11).

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “Ascended refers to Jesus’ ascension from earth to heaven (Acts 1:9–11), where he forever reigns with his Father. Descended refers to Christ’s incarnation, when he came down from heaven as a man into the earth of suffering and death. The lower regions, the earth are in contrast to the highest heavens to which he afterward ascended (cf. Ps. 139:8, 15; Isa. 44:23). The phrase here does not point to a specific place, but to the great depth, as it were, of the incarnation, including Christ’s descent, between his crucifixion and resurrection beyond the earth, the grave, and death, into the very pit of the demons, “the spirits in prison” (see notes on Col. 2:14–15; 1 Pet. 3:18–19).”

Since Christ has distributed spiritual gifts to the church, it is the believer’s responsibility to discover their spiritual gift(s) and to use such for the glory of God and the edification of the church. Have a blessed day.

Soli deo Gloria!   

We will devote each Lord’s Day in 2021 at hiswordtoday.org to present a portion of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). For those unfamiliar with the WCF, a brief explanation is appropriate. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith. Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly as part of the Westminster Standards to be a confession of the Church of England, it became and remains the “subordinate standard” of doctrine (to Scripture) in the Church of Scotland and has been influential within Presbyterian churches worldwide.

It is to that “most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity” that we will give our time and attention to each Lord’s Day in the year of our Lord, 2021. I trust you will be edified and encouraged each week by The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Chapter Fifteen: Of Repentance unto Life.  

1. Repentance unto life is an evangelical grace,^a the doctrine whereof is to be preached by every minister of the gospel, as well as that of faith in Christ.^b

a. Zec. 12:10; Acts 11:18. • b. Luke 24:47; Mark 1:15; Acts 20:21.

2. By it a sinner, out of the sight and sense, not only of the danger, but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, as contrary to the holy nature and righteous law of God, and upon the apprehension of his mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, so grieves for and hates his sins as to turn from them all unto God,^a purposing and endeavoring to walk with him in all the ways of his commandments.^b

a. Ps. 51:4; 119:128; Isa. 30:22; Jer. 31:18-19; Ezek. 18:30-31; 36:31; Joel 2:12-13; Amos 5:15; 2 Cor. 7:11. • b. 2 Kings 23:25; Ps. 119:6, 59, 106; Luke 1:6.

3. Although repentance is not to be rested in as any satisfaction for sin, or any cause of the pardon thereof,^a which is the act of God’s free grace in Christ;^b yet is it of such necessity to all sinners that none may expect pardon without it.^c

a. Ezek. 16:61-63; 36:31-32. • b. Hosea 14:2, 4; Rom. 3:24; Eph. 1:7. • c. Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30-31.

I encourage you to read the portions of Scripture listed in this post.

Have a blessed Lord’s Day.

\Soli deo Gloria!

“But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” (Ephesians 4:7 (ESV)

The church can rightly be seen as an anomaly. In other words, the church in many ways is an abnormality in that while it has great unity (Ephesians 4:4-6), it also contains great diversity. Unity within the midst of diversity. Like I said, an anomaly.

However, the church’s unity and diversity should not be seen by believers, or non-believers for that matter, as a contradiction or a something beyond God’s intended design. For you see, the church’s diversity amidst its unity bears the very imprint of God’s design. It is what God intended the church to be.

The Apostle Paul begins to explain to the Ephesian church, and to the church today, that its diversity is an evidence of God’s grace. Just as salvation from sin’s penalty is a gift of God’s grace so is salvation from the power of sin along with salvation from the eventual presence of sin. Salvation, from beginning to end from start to finish is all because of God’s amazing grace. Amazing isn’t it.

Paul writes, “But grace was given to each one of us…” Grace is the gift. God is the giver. Believers in Christ are the recipients of this gift of grace from the God who chose to be gracious.

Paul continues by saying, “according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Paul literally means that God dispensed enabling grace to believers so that they would possess an inherent ability to serve Him. This enablement is by the Holy Spirit.

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “Previously Paul discussed the unity of the entire church (vv. 1–6). Now he discussed the diversity within the church (cf. unity in 1 Cor. 12:12–13, and diversity in 1 Cor. 12:4–11, 14–20). From God each believer receives grace or enablement (cf. Eph. 3:2, 7–8) as Christ apportioned it (lit., “according to the measure [metron, also used in 4:13, 16]; of the gift of Christ,” i.e., the gift He is pleased to give). Each believer is to function in Christ’s body by God’s enablement, proportionate to the gift (spiritual ability) bestowed on him, no more and no less. This means that a variety of gifts will be exercised, as seen in verse 11; Romans 12:4–6; and 1 Corinthians 12:4–6. Furthermore, since each believer receives “grace,” clergy and laity—to use a common present-day distinction—are on the same level in exercising their gifts.”

I Peter 4:10-11 says, “¹⁰ As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: ¹¹ whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Whatever you are doing in the church, remember that the ability to do what you are doing is because of God’s enabling grace. It is His grace that not only saves you from hell, but also enables you to serve the Lord, and other believers, while you live on this earth before you arrive at home in heaven.

Soli deo Gloria!   

^4 “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4–6 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul builds upon the foundational truths expressed in Ephesians 4:1-3 by listing the seven elements of unity centered on the three Persons of the Trinity. This list provides the basis for the spirit of unity that should exist, and be maintained in the church.

There is one body. The phrase there is applies to all seven foundational truths. While not in the Greek text, it ties vs. 4-6 to the immediate preceding context of vs. 1-3. One body (εἷς σῶμα; eis soma) refers, in this context, to the church of Jesus Christ. Rather than a particular, local church, Paul has in mind the universal church encompassing all believers (1:23; 2:16; 3:6).

And one Spirit. One Spirit (εἷς πνεῦμα; eis pneuma) concerns the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit indwells all believers in Christ (Romans 8:9; Ephesians 2:22).

Just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—. One hope (eis ἐλπίς; eis elpis) is the confident expectation all believers in Christ have. It is the confidence that God will keep all His promises. All believers have this confidence regarding their future with God (cf. 1 Peter 1:3; 3:15). It is a confidence that began at the time they were “called” to salvation (Eph. 1:4, 18; 2:7; 4:1; Col. 1:27).  

One Lord. One Lord (εἷς κύριος; eis kurios) means there is one who has rule and command over the church. This is the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Head of the church (Eph. 1:22–23; Col. 1:18).

One faith. One faith (εἷς πίστις; eis pistis) indicates a singular trust in, commitment to, dependence upon and worship of the Lord Jesus Christ. This refers not only to objective faith, that is, the body of truth believed by Christians (Acts 6:7; 1 Tim. 3:9; 4:1, 6; Jude 3) but also personal subjective faith which is exercised by all Christians in Christ their Lord (cf. Col. 2:7).

One Baptism. One baptism (εἷς βάπτισμα; eis baptisma) is also known as believer’s baptism. It is the outward symbol of the inward Baptist by the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 12:13). It also refers to a believer’s identification with Christ and His death (Rom. 6:1–11; Gal. 3:27). This water baptism follows salvation and is the believer’s public confession of faith in Jesus Christ. Spiritual baptism, by which all believers are placed into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:11–13), is implied in Eph. 4:4.

One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. This is the basic and foundational doctrine of God taught in Scripture (see Deut. 4:35; 6:4; 32:39; Isa. 45:14; 46:9; 1 Cor. 8:4–6).

The fourfold use of “all” pertains to believers in Christ. God is the Father “of” all who believe; they are His children (John 1:12; Gal. 3:26). And He is “over” all them as their Sovereign God. He lives “through” them and reveals Himself “in” them.

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “The Trinity is an integral part of the list. The one body of believers is vitalized by one Spirit, so all believers have one hope. That body is united to its one Lord (Christ) by each member’s one act of faith, and its identity with Him is depicted by one baptism. One God, the Father, is supreme over all, operative through all, and resides in all. All seven components are united in the Trinity.”

Thank you Lord for the unique relationship we have with You, in Christ, and by the Holy Spirit.

Soli deo Gloria!

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, ² with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³ eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1–3 (ESV)

How are believers in Christ to walk, or live, in a manner worthy of the calling of God to which each believer has been called? In other words, what is consisted in a praise worthy life that is lived for the glory of God?

Please realize that such a life does not earn one a place in heaven. Salvation is by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, and in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 1:1-2:10). However, the believer’s justification is foundational and complementary to their corresponding sanctification. God’s call unto justification is proven and substantiated by one’s obedience unto sanctification.

The Apostle Paul provides a brief list of characteristics of the believer’s new life in Christ. Remember, these qualities display a pattern for living the Christian life and not how to enter into the Christian life.

The first quality of a worthy walk in Christ is humility. The next quality is gentleness. The third quality is patience. This is followed by the active behavior of bearing with one another in love. Finally, believers are to be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Eager (σπουδάζω; spoudazo) means to work hard and to do one’s best. Believers are to be zealous, but zealous and eager to do what exactly?  

Believers are to maintain (τηρέω; tereo), keep and observe the unity (ἑνότης; henotes) or oneness originating from and sourced solely in the Holy Spirit.  

Dr. Don Carson writes, “This is not a call for men and women to build God’s kingdom; it is a warning to keep, stay within (‘Maintain!’) the unity God has already inaugurated in Christ (by the events of 2:11–22) and into which we are brought by the Spirit who brings us Christ and his benefits.”

This maintenance of the unity of the Spirit is to be done in the bond of peace. Bond (σύνδεσμος; syndesmos) means a binding which ties together. What is to be bound together is peace (εἰρήνη; eirene) which is tranquility and harmony between believers in Christ. However, it should be strongly noted that this peace is not peace for the sake of peace, but rather peace centered in the truth of God’s Word.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “God’s Spirit has united believers by drawing them to the Father through faith in the Son and indwelling them as a new temple (2:18-22). Christians have a responsibility to retain and express their unity through the Spirit’s fruit, which include humility, patience and love (Galatians 5:22-23).”

Soli deo Gloria!