12:13 are we all. The verb should be “were,” denoting an event of the past. Also note the word “all,” twice used in this verse. Thus, all true Christians, those who have “the Spirit of Christ” (Romans 8:9), have been baptized (i.e., “immersed”) into the spiritual Body of Christ, when they were saved by grace through faith. They are all members of that Body, each with a particular gift or gifts, serving in ways analogous to the various functions of the different members of a physical body. Not all believers have the gift of tongues or of teaching, any more than all members of a body function as eyes or ears.

12:13 baptized. There are numerous references to the baptism of the Holy Spirit, all consistent with the teaching here that all true believers in Christ have been baptized into His body, thus sharing His eternal life. See Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:5; 11:16). Note that the Greek preposition en, here translated “by,” can just as well be rendered “in” or “with.”

12:28 first apostles. The gift of apostleship obviously lasted only as long as the last of the apostles (evidently John) was living. One of its prerequisites was that of seeing the resurrected Christ in person (see note on I Corinthians 9:1). The idea of an apostolic succession in later centuries is without Biblical support, but the missionary in some measure is similar in function. The gift of prophecy was also to cease (I Corinthians 13:8) after it was no longer needed, probably when the New Testament was completed and accepted by the church.

12:28 thirdly teachers. The gift of teaching, however, which in effect would supplement and finally replace the gift of prophecy, would be needed in all churches from then on. This gift uniquely (except for that of prophecy, which it replaces) is carried in all three listings of the gifts of the Spirit (Romans 12:7: I Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11).

12:28 diversities of tongues. Note again that the gift of tongues involves many different languages, not one heavenly tongue.