4:11 {6} And he gave some, {l} apostles; and some, {m} prophets; and some, {n} evangelists; and some, {o} pastors and teachers;
(6) First of all he lists the ecclesiastical functions, which are partly extraordinary and for a season, such as apostles, prophets, and evangelists, and partly ordinary and perpetual, such as pastors and teachers.
(l) The apostles were those twelve to whom Paul was afterward added, whose office was to plant churches throughout all the world.
(m) The prophet's office was one of the chiefest, who were men of marvellous wisdom, and some of them could foretell things to come.
(n) The apostles used these as companions in the execution of their office, being not able to go to all places by themselves.
(o) Pastors are those who govern the Church, and teachers are those who govern the schools.
4:11 And he gave. It has just been shown that Christ gave gifts to men (Eph 4:7,8). Of these gifts were various offices. The object of all these offices was to promote the unity of the faith (Eph 4:13). Christ has appointed the offices, and gives the men in the church who are fitted for these offices. In the matter of those offices that continue, it is the duty of the church to recognize and call out the men who meet the conditions Christ has given.
Some, apostles. The apostles were all chosen by Christ. All had to be witnesses of his resurrection (Ac 1:22). They, therefore, could have no successors, but their own office continues. They still remain teachers and in authority by their writings and example.
And some, prophets. An inspired office, essential in the church for its teaching until the New Testament was completed.
And some, evangelists. Such as Philip (Ac 8:4-12 21:8), Timothy (2Ti 4:2), Titus (Titus 2:1,15), etc. This office is to preach the gospel, and will be necessary as long as the church continues on earth. As this office did not require extraordinary gifts, it is permanent.
And some, pastors and teachers. These were not distinct offices. Bishops, or elders, and especially those who labored in word and doctrine (1Ti 5:17), came under this head. A pastor should always be an elder, but it is not certain that a teacher was always an elder. These offices were all given for the purposes indicated in Eph 4:12.
4:11 And, among other his free gifts, he gave some apostles - His chief ministers and special witnesses, as having seen him after his resurrection, and received their commission immediately from him. And same prophets, and some evangelists - A prophet testifies of things to come; an evangelist of things past: and that chiefly by preaching the gospel before or after any of the apostles. All these were extraordinary officers. The ordinary were. Some pastors - Watching over their several flocks. And some teachers - Whether of the same or a lower order, to assist them, as occasion might require.
4:7-16 Unto every believer is given some gift of grace, for their mutual help. All is given as seems best to Christ to bestow upon every one. He received for them, that he might give to them, a large measure of gifts and graces; particularly the gift of the Holy Ghost. Not a mere head knowledge, or bare acknowledging Christ to be the Son of God, but such as brings trust and obedience. There is a fulness in Christ, and a measure of that fulness given in the counsel of God to every believer; but we never come to the perfect measure till we come to heaven. God's children are growing, as long as they are in this world; and the Christian's growth tends to the glory of Christ. The more a man finds himself drawn out to improve in his station, and according to his measure, all that he has received, to the spiritual good of others, he may the more certainly believe that he has the grace of sincere love and charity rooted in his heart.
