Ephesians 4:11 says, “He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.”
This is the only place in Scripture where we find mention of these four gifts in the body of Christ. In some translations it says “gifts,” and in the NKJV it says, “He Himself gave some to be apostles…”
In a body, a family, or an organization, we don’t treat functions as titles. No one says “House Head Tony,” “Manager Alex,” “Director Julie,” or “Father Simon” as if it were a formal title. These are simply roles or functions within a group. They are not titles like “Dr. Alex” or “Eng. John.” Not at all.
Likewise, when the Bible says, “some to be apostles, some prophets, some pastors, some teachers,” it was never meant to become a title placed in front of someone’s name. These are not positions, ranks, or honorifics. They are functions—gifts Christ freely gives according to His will, plan, and predestined purpose. They are not earned like academic titles such as “Dr.” or “MD.”
Yet today, what do we see? Many write Ps. John, Pastor Keith, and so on. But is this biblical? Let’s see what Scripture shows us.
Nowhere in the Bible do we ever find “Apostle Paul,” “Pastor Peter,” “Apostle Titus,” “Teacher James,” or “Apostle John.” It is always just the name. The same is true in the Old Testament—no titles before Elisha, Elijah, Isaiah, Ezra, or any prophet. Nowhere did they put a title before their names.
Some might say, “We call someone ‘Pastor’ just to honor him.” Honor is good and right. But does the Word of God teach us to use these gifts as titles? And is human honor above the Word spoken through the Prophets and Apostles by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit?
This reveals the direction in which the church is drifting—toward self-glory and human praise. Jesus said:
“The one who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who is seeking the glory of the One who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.” (John 7:18)
Whose approval are we seeking—men or God? (Galatians 1:10)
Today, many churches practice having salaried pastors and teachers, or they use softer terms like “honorarium.” But then what is the difference between the church—the body of Christ—and any earthly organization? In many places, poor believers are supporting pastors who live comfortably or lavishly. Honoring servants of God is biblical, and should be practiced. But is this turning into a pattern that resembles secular business structures, where leaders become wealthy while those at the bottom struggle?
In the early church, believers brought their possessions and laid them at the feet of the apostles. Yet nowhere do we find any verse indicating that the apostles lived lavishly. Instead, Paul writes: “I have learned to be content in all circumstances—in hunger or in plenty, in scarcity and in abundance…” Why would an apostle, a first-century servant of Christ, endure such conditions and even record them? Did he lack revelation compared to today’s preachers? Why is the pattern so different now from the early church?
It is a deception of the enemy—a love of money, honor, and recognition, no matter what respectable name we try to give it. We must stay alert so that neither our lives nor the church is destroyed by these influences. In the end, only Christ matters.
Let those who have ears hear. Amen!