There is an order in these offices and gifts. They are here
church, first apostles", the chief ministers entrusted with all the powers necessary to found a Church, and make an entire revelation of God's will. ''Secondarily prophets'', or persons enabled by inspiration to prophesy, or interpret Scripture, or write by inspiration, as the evangelists did. '' Thirdly teachers"', those ''who labour in the word and doctrine'', whether with pastoral charge or without it. "After that miracles", or miracle workers. "Then gifts of healing", or those who had the power to heal diseases. "'Helps'', or such as had compassion on the sick and weak, and ministered to them. ''Governments'', or such as had the disposal of the charitable contributions of the Church, and dealt them out to the poor. ''Diversities of tongues'', or such as could speak divers languages.
Observe the plenteous variety of these gifts and offices. What a multitude they are! A good God was free in His communications to the primitive Church. He was no niggard of His benefits and favours. No, He provided richly for them. They had no want, but a store; all that was necessary, and even more, what was convenient for them too.
13. THE ORDER OF THE CHURCH'S OFFICES
There is an order in these offices and gifts. They are here placed in proper rank. Those of most value have the first place. Apostles, prophets and teachers were all intended to instruct the people, to inform them well in the things of God, and promote their spiritual edification. Without them neither evangelical knowledge nor holiness could have been promoted. But the rest, however fitted to answer the great intentions of Christianity, had no such immediate regard to religion strictly so called.
It is well to note that God values, and we should too, things according to their real worth. The use of things is the best criterion of their real worth. Those are most valuable that best answer the highest purposes. Such were apostolic powers, compared with theirs who had only the gift of healing and miracles. What holds the last and lowest rank in this enumeration is diversity of tongues. It is by itself the most useless and insignificant of all these gifts. To heal disease, and relieve the poor, help the sick, have their use; but how vain a thing it is to speak languages if a man does it merely to amuse or boast himself. 'The Corinthians prided themselves in their tongues.