Definition: And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ephesians 4:11! It’s a really important one about the role of believers in the Church. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that God has chosen certain people to be leaders and teachers within His community – the Church. Let's unpack each part: “Ephesians 4”: This refers to a specific book in the Bible – it’s a letter written to the early church. It’s about how they should live and grow as believers. “Some, apostles…” "Apostles" means messengers or leaders who were chosen by God to spread His word. Think of them like missionaries or early preachers. These people were entrusted with sharing important truths about Jesus Christ and the Gospel (the good news of salvation). “…and some, prophets…” "Prophets" were people who spoke words of warning, guidance, and revelation – often about what God wants us to know. They weren’t necessarily teaching, but they were bringing important messages to the church. “…and some, evangelists…” "Evangelists" are people specifically tasked with sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others. They're like messengers who invite people to come to faith in Jesus. “…and some, pastors and teachers…” This is the key part! “Pastors” are leaders who guide and teach the church community. “Teachers” are those who help the believers understand the Bible and grow spiritually. So, put it all together: God has chosen a group of people – apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors/teachers – to be responsible for teaching, guiding, and leading the Church. Why is this important? This verse highlights that the church isn't just about believing something; it’s about living it out! These leaders are called to be strong witnesses of Jesus Christ and to help the believers grow closer to God. Does this mean everyone in the church is a leader? Not exactly. It means that God has entrusted these roles, and they're responsible for guiding and teaching the community. --- Would you like me to: Explain any of these terms further? Give examples of how these leaders are used today?