Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers
Five kinds of ministers continued: [3] Evangelists. [Greek: euangelistes] a bringer of glad tidings. Used of those spreading the gospel during the New Testament period as Christ commanded the apostles and disciples to do (Matt. 28:19) until all had access to the written Word of God. [4] ‘Pastors’ [Greek: poimen]. Translated “pastor” only here, but “shepherd” 16 times (Matt. 9:36; 25:32; 26:31; Mark 6:34; 14:27; Luke 2:8-20; John 10:2-16; Heb. 13:20; 1Pet. 2:25). The Hebrew: ra‛ah to tend a flock is translated “pastor” 8 times (Jer. 2:8; 3:15; 10:21; 12:10; 17:16; 22:22; 23:1-2) and “shepherd” 63 times. God, Christ, and men are called “shepherds” (4:11; Ps. 23:1; 80:1; Ezek. 34:1-23; Zech. 13:7; Heb. 13:20; 1Pet. 2:25). [5] Teachers. [Greek: didaskalos] translated master 47 times in the Gospels, 40 times of Christ. Translated “doctor” in Luke 2:46 and “teacher” in John 3:2. Always “teacher” in the epistles, except in James 3:1.
Besides the above, ministers are called: ambassadors (2Cor. 5:20); angels (Rev. 1:20; 2:1); elders (1Tim. 5:17; 1Pet. 5:1); fishers of men (Matt. 4:19; Mark 1:17); labourers (1Thess. 3:2); men of God (Deut. 33:1; 1Tim. 6:11); lights (Matt. 5:14; John 5:35); messengers (2Cor. 8:23; Mal. 2:7); ministers (2Cor. 3:6; 6:4; Rom. 15:16); overseers (Acts 20:28); preachers (Rom. 10:14; 1Tim. 2:7); servants (Tit. 1:1; Jude 1:1; Jas. 1:1); soldiers (Php. 2:25; 2Tim. 2:3-4); stewards (Tit. 1:7; 1Pet. 4:10); watchmen (Isa. 62:6; Ezek. 33:7); witnesses (Acts 1:8; 5:32; 26:16); workers (2Cor. 6:1); stars (Rev. 1:20; 2:1).
Ministering to others is not any individual’s priority. The Word of God (Ps. 119; Luke 8) and the Holy Spirit (John 16:8) will lead sinners to God and convict them, that is not our calling. Jesus Christ will be the only teacher one will ever need (Matt. 23:8,10) and the Holy Spirit will teach us His words, His gospel, His truth and life (John 14:26; 15:26). We must take what we learn from God’s Word for ourselves and allow Him to bring all necessary changes (Php. 1:6) as we grow as Christians to become faithful in self-denial and holy in living. The most faithful self-denial and holy living may, for a time, seem unfruitful – through no fault of the believer, but because of conditions on earth. Those who labour must learn to do as Christ did – commit themselves and their work to God’s glory, and toil on in faith. God assumes responsibility for salvation and keeps men free on condition of meeting His terms of repentance and holy living (Luke 13:1-5; Col. 2:6-7; Heb. 12:14-15; 1Jn. 1:7-9; 2:29; 3:5-10; 5:1-4, 18).
Living the Word 