1 Corinthians 12:29
New International Version
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?

New Living Translation
Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles?

English Standard Version
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?

Berean Standard Bible
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?

Berean Literal Bible
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?

King James Bible
Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

New King James Version
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?

New American Standard Bible
All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they?

NASB 1995
All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they?

NASB 1977
All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they?

Legacy Standard Bible
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?

Amplified Bible
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?

Berean Annotated Bible
Are all apostles (sent ones)? Are all prophets? Are all teachers {didaskaloi}? Do all work miracles {dynameis}?

Christian Standard Bible
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all do miracles?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all do miracles?

American Standard Version
Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

Contemporary English Version
Not everyone is an apostle. Not everyone is a prophet. Not everyone is a teacher. Not everyone can work miracles.

English Revised Version
Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Not all believers are apostles, are they? Are all of them prophets? Do all of them teach? Do all of them perform miracles

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

International Standard Version
Not all are apostles, are they? Not all are prophets, are they? Not all are teachers, are they? Not all perform miracles, do they?

NET Bible
Not all are apostles, are they? Not all are prophets, are they? Not all are teachers, are they? Not all perform miracles, do they?

New Heart English Bible
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all miracle workers?

Webster's Bible Translation
Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

Weymouth New Testament
Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all teachers?
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?

World English Bible
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all miracle workers?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
[Are] all apostles? [Are] all prophets? [Are] all teachers? [Are] all powers?

Berean Literal Bible
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?

Young's Literal Translation
are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all powers?

Smith's Literal Translation
Not all sent: not all prophets: not all teachers: not all powers:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all doctors?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all Teachers?

New American Bible
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work mighty deeds?

New Revised Standard Version
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Are they all Apostles? Are they all Prophets? Are they all Teachers? Are they all miracle workers?
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of mighty deeds?

Godbey New Testament
Whether are all apostles? whether are all prophets? whether are all teachers? whether are all dynamites?

Haweis New Testament
Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

Mace New Testament
are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

Weymouth New Testament
Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all teachers?

Worrell New Testament
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?

Worsley New Testament
Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers?

Additional Translations ...



Context
The Greater Gifts
28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?…

Cross References
Are all apostles?

Acts 1:21-26
Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, / beginning from John’s baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” / So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. …

Matthew 10:2
These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John;

Luke 6:13
When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles:
Are all prophets?

Acts 11:27-28
In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. / One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted through the Spirit that a great famine would sweep across the whole world. (This happened under Claudius.)

Acts 13:1
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul.

Acts 21:10-11
After we had been there several days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. / Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own feet and hands, and said, “The Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles.’”
Are all teachers?

Romans 12:7
if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;

2 Timothy 2:2
And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.

Hebrews 5:12
Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food!
Do all work miracles?

Acts 19:11
God did extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul,

Hebrews 2:4
and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.

Acts 5:12
The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people, and with one accord the believers gathered together in Solomon’s Colonnade.
Ephesians 4:11
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,

Romans 12:6-8
We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; / if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; / if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

1 Corinthians 14:29-32
Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. / And if a revelation comes to someone who is seated, the first speaker should stop. / For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. …

James 3:1
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.


Treasury of Scripture

Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

all apostles.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11,14-20
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit…

workers.

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Apostles Miracle Miracles Miraculous Possession Power Powers Prophets Teachers Wonders Work Workers Working
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Apostles Miracle Miracles Miraculous Possession Power Powers Prophets Teachers Wonders Work Workers Working
1 Corinthians 12
1. Spiritual gifts,
4. are diverse,
7. yet to profit all.
8. And to that end are diversely bestowed;
12. as the members of a natural body tend all to the mutual decency,
22. service,
26. and helpfulness of the same body;
27. so we should do for one another, to make up the body of Christ.












Are all apostles?

Apostles were personally commissioned by the risen Christ and served as foundational witnesses of His resurrection and authoritative messengers of His gospel. The Twelve and Paul held a unique role in establishing churches, guarding apostolic doctrine, and laying the foundation upon which the church was built (Ephesians 2:20). Christ did not appoint every believer to this office, and no congregation is meant to depend upon one kind of servant alone.

Act 1:21-26 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men…
Mat 10:2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon…
Luk 6:13 When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him…

Are all prophets?

New Testament prophets communicated revelation from God for the strengthening, encouragement, and comfort of the church (1 Corinthians 14:3). Their ministry helped guide believers during the church’s earliest years and was to be tested by the truth God had already revealed. Prophecy was a genuine gift of the Spirit, but it was not entrusted to every Christian.

Act 11:27-28 In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem…
Act 13:1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets…
Act 21:10-11 After we had been there several days, Agabus came down…

Are all teachers?

Teachers were entrusted with explaining God’s truth accurately and helping believers grow in sound doctrine and obedience. Teaching carries serious responsibility because error can mislead Christ’s people, and those who teach face stricter judgment (James 3:1). God equips particular believers for this necessary work rather than giving every member the same ability or calling.

Rom 12:7 if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching…
2Ti 2:2 And the things that you have heard me say…
Heb 5:12 Although by this time you ought to be teachers,…

Do all work miracles?

Miracles displayed God’s power and confirmed the gospel preached by Christ’s authorized messengers (Acts 2:43; Hebrews 2:4). Such works were not human achievements or marks of superior spirituality, but gifts distributed by the Holy Spirit according to His will. The varied gifts within the church reveal that every believer needs the service of others and that all ministry exists for the common good.

Act 19:11 God did extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul,
Heb 2:4 and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders…
Act 5:12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Apostles
These were the foundational leaders in the early church, chosen by Jesus or the Holy Spirit, to spread the Gospel and establish churches. The term "apostle" comes from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent."

2. Prophets
Individuals in the early church who were given the gift of prophecy, which involved speaking God's truth and sometimes foretelling future events. The Greek word "prophetes" means "one who speaks forth."

3. Teachers
Those who were gifted in explaining and instructing others in the doctrines of the Christian faith. The Greek word "didaskalos" refers to an instructor or master.

4. Miracles
Supernatural acts performed by individuals through the power of the Holy Spirit to confirm the message of the Gospel. The Greek word "dunamis" is often used for "miracles," meaning "power" or "mighty work."

5. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece where the Apostle Paul established a church. The city was known for its diversity and moral challenges, which influenced the issues addressed in Paul's letters.
Teaching Points
Diversity of Gifts
Recognize that God has given different gifts to different people within the church. Not everyone is called to be an apostle, prophet, or teacher, but each role is vital for the church's health and mission.

Unity in Diversity
Embrace the diversity of gifts as a strength that contributes to the unity and growth of the church. Each member should value and support the gifts of others.

Purpose of Gifts
Understand that spiritual gifts are given for the edification of the church and the advancement of the Gospel, not for personal glory or status.

Seek Your Role
Encourage believers to seek God's guidance in identifying and developing their spiritual gifts, so they can effectively serve in their God-given roles.

Mutual Dependence
Foster a culture of mutual dependence within the church, where each member relies on others' gifts to fulfill the church's mission.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 12:29?

2. How does 1 Corinthians 12:29 emphasize the diversity of spiritual gifts in church?

3. What roles mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:29 are present in your church today?

4. How can we discern our spiritual gifts according to 1 Corinthians 12:29?

5. How does Ephesians 4:11 relate to the roles in 1 Corinthians 12:29?

6. How can you support others' gifts as described in 1 Corinthians 12:29?

7. What roles do apostles, prophets, and teachers play in the church according to 1 Corinthians 12:29?

8. How does 1 Corinthians 12:29 challenge the idea of a hierarchical church structure?

9. Why does Paul emphasize different roles in the church in 1 Corinthians 12:29?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 12?


What Does 1 Corinthians 12:29 Mean
Are all apostles?

“Are all apostles?” (1 Corinthians 12:29) expects the obvious answer—no.

Acts 1:21-22 and Galatians 1:1 show that apostles were eyewitnesses chosen directly by the risen Christ.

Ephesians 2:20 says the church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,” marking their work as foundational, not universal.

2 Corinthians 12:12 lists “signs, wonders, and miracles” as proofs of true apostleship, further narrowing the field.

Because God “appointed first apostles” (1 Corinthians 12:28), their limited number underscores that every believer doesn’t need the same role to be vital in the body. Envy fades when we see Christ wisely distributing gifts for the church’s good.


Are all prophets?

“Are all prophets?” Again, no.

Romans 12:6 speaks of prophecy as one gift among many, given “in proportion to one’s faith.”

Acts 11:27-28; 21:9 describe certain believers who prophesied, showing that the gift is real yet selective.

1 Corinthians 14:3 explains its purpose: “speaking to men for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort.”

Prophets declare God’s word with Spirit-given insight, but Paul insists not everyone is assigned this task. Diversity prevents any single gift from overshadowing others and keeps Christ, not a gifted individual, at the center.


Are all teachers?

“Are all teachers?” No.

James 3:1 cautions, “Not many of you should become teachers,” reminding us the calling carries stricter judgment.

Acts 13:1 lists teachers alongside prophets in the Antioch church—again, some, not all.

2 Timothy 2:24 urges teachers to be “able to teach,” gentle, and patient, qualities cultivated in a specific subset of believers.

Teaching grounds the church in sound doctrine (Titus 1:9), but when only those called fill the role, the body enjoys balanced instruction without crowding or confusion.


Do all work miracles?

“Do all work miracles?” Clearly no.

Hebrews 2:4 says God testified to the gospel “by signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.”

Mark 16:20 records the Lord confirming the apostolic message “by the signs that accompanied it.”

Acts 19:11-12 notes “extraordinary miracles” done through Paul, yet other believers in Ephesus did not share that same gift.

Miracles authenticate God’s message and compassion, but the Spirit dispenses this power selectively, so faith rests on Christ, not on constant dramatic events.


summary

Paul strings together four rhetorical questions to drive home one truth: the Spirit deliberately assigns different gifts to different members. Not everyone is an apostle, prophet, teacher, or miracle-worker, yet every believer is indispensable (1 Corinthians 12:18). Unity thrives when we receive our own calling with gratitude and honor the diverse callings of others, all for the glory of the one Lord who “works all things in all people” (1 Corinthians 12:6).

Verse 29. - Are all apostles? etc. It is God's providence which "has appointed divers orders in his Church," and has "ordained and constituted the services of angels and of men in a wonderful order."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[Are]
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

all
πάντες (pantes)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

apostles?
ἀπόστολοι (apostoloi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 652: From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.

[Are]
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

all
πάντες (pantes)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

prophets?
προφῆται (prophētai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4396: From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.

[Are]
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

all
πάντες (pantes)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

teachers?
διδάσκαλοι (didaskaloi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1320: A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor.

[Do]
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

all [work]
πάντες (pantes)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

miracles?
δυνάμεις (dynameis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.


Additonal Resources
1 Corinthians 12:29 Blue Letter Bible
1 Corinthians 12:29 Bible Gateway
1 Corinthians 12:29 Bible.com

1 Corinthians 12:29 NIV
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1 Corinthians 12:29 NASB
1 Corinthians 12:29 KJV

1 Corinthians 12:29 Study Bible
1 Corinthians 12:29 Biblia Paralela
1 Corinthians 12:29 Chinese Bible
1 Corinthians 12:29 French Bible
1 Corinthians 12:29 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 12:29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)

1 Corinthians 12:28
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