Question by Raj, Delhi.
Thank you for your thoughtful question, Raj. It’s a crucial one for understanding divine order in the Body of Christ.
Why Did God Place Apostles First in the Church? (1 Corinthians 12:28) — And What Does It Mean for Church Order Today?
“The apostle is not a title of honour but a foundation of function.”
“So God has appointed and placed in the church [for His own use]: first apostles [chosen by Christ], second prophets, third teachers, then those who work miracles…”
— 1 Corinthians 12:28 (AMP)
This verse isn’t about human importance or hierarchy. It is about spiritual function and divine order. The placement of the apostles “first” is not a ranking of superiority, but a declaration of their foundational purpose.
The Meaning of “First” – Greek Insight #
The English word “first” in this verse is translated from the Greek word “prōton” (πρῶτον, Strong’s G4412), which means:
| Greek Word | Translation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| πρῶτον (prōton) | “first” | first in time, order, or priority — not necessarily in rank |
In other words, apostles are placed first in function, not in prestige. Like the foundation of a building is laid first, the apostolic ministry is foundational to the structure of Christ’s Church.
“Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the [chief] cornerstone.”
— Ephesians 2:20 (AMP)
Why Apostles Are First: #
| Purpose | Description |
|---|---|
| Foundation Layers | Apostles receive revelation of God’s eternal purpose in Christ and lay spiritual foundations accordingly. |
| Master Builders | They are called to discern and establish divine pattern and order, ensuring the Church is built according to Christ, not man. (1 Corinthians 3:10) |
| Sent Ones | The word apostle (Greek: apostolos, ἀπόστολος) literally means “one who is sent forth with orders”. They are ambassadors of a heavenly Kingdom. |
| Spiritual Fathers | Apostles raise and mature other ministries in the Church, often functioning like spiritual architects or builders (Ephesians 4:11-13). |
| Revealing Christ | Their highest purpose is to reveal the person and purpose of Christ, and align the saints to Him as the Head. |
What This Means for Church Order Today #
The Church is not a human organisation but a spiritual organism. Church order, then, must come from Christ, not culture. Here’s how the apostolic order applies today:
| Wrong Pattern | True Apostolic Order |
|---|---|
| Denominational systems | Kingdom family order |
| Hierarchical control | Servant leadership |
| Celebrity culture | Christ-centred focus |
| Institutional tradition | Spirit-led life and ministry |
Many churches today run as corporations, with boards, votes, and policies. But the early Church functioned through apostolic grace, where spiritual fathers and co-labourers built according to the heavenly blueprint revealed by the Spirit.
Problems When Apostolic Grace Is Missing: #
“God places apostles first, not as rulers, but as wise master builders.”
- Christ is no longer central, replaced by vision statements or denominations.
- Ministry becomes positional, not relational — people strive for roles rather than service.
- No spiritual growth — the saints remain children, never growing into maturity.
- Fragmentation — churches divide due to a lack of a unified spiritual vision.
- Carnal ambition — without apostolic fathering, flesh rises and reproduces flesh.
“Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His Word], the people are unrestrained.”
— Proverbs 29:18 (AMP)
Apostolic Ministry Today Is: #
- Christ-centred — not title-driven.
- Spirit-led — not organisationally bound.
- Fathering in love, not controlling by fear.
- Establishing the saints, not building empires.
And all this is only when Christ is in you, you are moved by the Holy Spirit, dead to the world, dead to Adam and the flesh, and alive in Christ and the Spirit. Apostolic order is not about the title of “apostle”, but the life of Christ formed in a man or woman to serve others and reveal Him in fullness.
Summary #
| Feature | Without Apostolic Order | With Apostolic Order |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Human structures | Christ-centred, Spirit-built |
| Leadership | Position-based | Function-based (grace and gifting) |
| Growth | Stagnant | Maturity of the saints |
| Unity | Divided denominations | One Body in Christ |
| Vision | Man’s plans | God’s eternal purpose in Christ |
Hope this helps, Raj.
May Christ be fully formed in you, as you walk not by the flesh but by the Spirit—dead to the world, alive in Him, and led by His life within.
If you or anyone reading has more questions, you’re always welcome to ask. Let the Word and the Spirit guide you into all truth.
In Christ,
Shaliach.
