first apostles] The first and uppermost place is given to the Apostles, for that they were called unto that Office immediately by Christ without any intermediate human authority (Gal. 1:1); they had manifold preheminencies (sic) above other Doctors and Pastors, they could not error in matter of doctrine, their Commission was general to preach to all Nations; they were endued with special power to work miracles, and punish the disobedient in an extraordinary manner.

secondarily prophets] Those who by a special and extraordinary gift interpreted prophetical Scriptures to edification, exhortation, and consolation (1 Cor. 14:3). Or those who foretold infallibly things to come, as Agabus (Acts 21:10), and the daughters of Philip the Evangelist (Acts 21:9). If it be objected that the Law and Prophets were but until John; the answer is easy, that Christ there speaketh of such Prophets who foretold his coming in the flesh.

thirdly teachers] That is, those which were ordinarily and orderly called to expound the Scriptures for the edification of the Church, and to maintain the truth against false teachers (Eph. 4:11).

after that miracles] As we call those Justices which are to execute justice, so the Apostle calleth here miracles those who had power to work miracles, both in curing diseases that were simply incurable by natural means, and in inflicting miraculously fearful punishments upon those who opposed the truth and lied to the Holy Spirit, as Paul inflicted upon Elymas the Sorcerer, and Peter upon Anania and Saphira.

then the gifts of healing] The gift of healing may be distinguished from the gifts of miracles mentioned before in this, that those who had the gift of healing only could do no other miracles, but the other of whom the Apostle spake before, wrought many other miracles, and the not only cured incurable diseases, but raised also the dead, whereas these only cured diseases, and for the most part such as were ordinary, yet they cured them not by ordinary means or medicines, but only with a word or a touch, or the like.

helps] Assistants to the principal officers of the Church, as Deacons, who took care of the poor sick strangers and orphans, and widows, etc.

diversities of tongues] Or, kinds. Because the Corinthians were proud of this gift, to take down their crest, and abate their conceit of themselves, in regard of this gift of the Spirit, it seemeth that he nameth it in the last place, t being as the used the matter of least use in the church.

English Annotations (1645)