This Arrangement

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.–Ephesians 4:7

Is the Apostle Paul here speaking of all Christians in general, or to those who hold offices in the Church, like that of Prophet, Apostle, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher?

There is no question whatsoever grace is given to all Christians, else they would not be Christians. The entire Church abides in His mercy from everlasting, all the while enduring tribulation.

But the Apostle Paul, by the Holy Spirit, is teaching you to be mindful of order in the Church, so that we do not become subject to chaos and confusion. There is good reason, for example, why everyone is not a teacher. What a mess we would have if all of us asserted authority and had the same words all at the same time!

There is this glorious arrangement in the Church, even though by all appearance She is frail and weak, that one LORD, one Faith, and one Baptism are applied to poor sinners. This arrangement is Christ’s gift, given according to measure. It is the nature of measurement that all units and quantities are not the same.

Does this surprise you? Does it cause you to take up pride or despair? May it not be so. There are workers in the Vineyard who come early and workers who come late. The first shall be last and the last shall be first. It is all good, for you are the recipient of a New Creation to be received by faith.

Those who labor with Christ’s gift - His gift being His crucified and risen body for the forgiveness of sins - are laboring for you by the grace of God in Christ Jesus, not to assert themselves as better, but because your Father in Heaven is not of a mind to give you a Church confounded and scattered about, but a Church that is the Body of Christ, made of many members of varying measures and qualities, so that grace and peace may be multiplied to you along with His entire creation.
+ + +