Ephesians 4:11 – The foundation has been laid.

And the same One gives these indeed as apostles, yet these as prophets, yet these as evangelists, yet these as pastors and teachers…

Paul (2:20) previously wrote that apostles and prophets laid the foundation. The word ‘apostle’ literally means ‘delegated’. It indicates those who have seen Jesus Christ in person as the Risen one and have been sent by him. These are in the first place “the twelve” and lastly also Paul. All people form the first generation.

The gifts mentioned here are related to the time that the ecclesia was immature. In the following verses Paul makes it clear that they would be given “until” the phase of immaturity would be over. The gifts mentioned here are all ‘fundamental’ – concerning the foundation.

The apostles and prophets laid the foundation. They have passed on the Word of God with authority and recorded it. They did that as “evangelists”. Think of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. But also as “shepherds and teachers” they taught the Word of God and herded the flock. Thus in their day the Word has been completed and put black on white. What they have left us is all-sufficient. We don’t need anything more!

Delen: