12:28 What do we learn from what Paul says here?
12:28 What do we learn from what Paul says here?
We learn from the fact that Paul specifically numbered them, that God has appointed Apostles first in the Divine order of government in the church, with prophets second and teachers third (CP Eph 4:7-12).
Paul's point though in 1 Cor 12:28 is not to highlight the divine order of government in the church, but to emphasize the fact that God incorporated diversity into the body (CP 1 Cor 12:29-30).
Not everybody functions in the same ministry or spiritual gift, but all are integral to the well-being of the body, regardless of their gift (CP V18-24).
For a more detailed study on the divine order of government in the church see comments on Ac 11:27, 13:1-4; 20:17, Ro 11:13, Eph 4:11-12, 1 Ti 3:1-7 and 1Pe 5:1-3, and author's study The Church in his book Advanced Studies in the Christian Faith (Volume 1).