As the scripture says, "When he went up to the very heights, he took many captives with him; he gave gifts to people."

You, too, are built upon the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, the cornerstone being Christ Jesus himself.

In past times human beings were not told this secret, but God has revealed it now by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets.

But how can they call to him for help if they have not believed? And how can they believe if they have not heard the message? And how can they hear if the message is not proclaimed?

And how can the message be proclaimed if the messengers are not sent out? As the scripture says, "How wonderful is the coming of messengers who bring good news!"

In the church God has put all in place: in the first place apostles, in the second place prophets, and in the third place teachers; then those who perform miracles, followed by those who are given the power to heal or to help others or to direct them or to speak in strange tongues.

But remember, my friends, what you were told in the past by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Be glad, heaven, because of her destruction! Be glad, God's people and the apostles and prophets! For God has condemned her for what she did to you!

The city's wall was built on twelve foundation stones, on which were written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

On the following day we left and arrived in Caesarea. There we stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the seven men who had been chosen as helpers in Jerusalem.

But you must keep control of yourself in all circumstances; endure suffering, do the work of a preacher of the Good News, and perform your whole duty as a servant of God.

For a long time Israel lived without the true God, without priests to teach them, and without a law.

I will give you rulers who obey me, and they will rule you with wisdom and understanding.

and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age."

In the church at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon (called the Black), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (who had been brought up with Governor Herod ), and Saul.

if it is to serve, we should serve; if it is to teach, we should teach;

They are not all apostles or prophets or teachers. Not everyone has the power to work miracles

There has been enough time for you to be teachers---yet you still need someone to teach you the first lessons of God's message. Instead of eating solid food, you still have to drink milk.

I, who am an elder myself, appeal to the church elders among you. I am a witness of Christ's sufferings, and I will share in the glory that will be revealed. I appeal to you

Do not try to rule over those who have been put in your care, but be examples to the flock.