Eph 4:11 | RWP | e4.org | And he gave ( κα αυτος εδωκεν ). First aorist active indicative of διδωμ . In Paul uses εθετο (more common verb, appointed), but here repeats εδωκεν from the quotation in verse . There are four groups ( τους μεν , τους δε three times, as the direct object of εδωκεν ). The titles are in the predicate accusative ( αποστολουσ, προφητασ, ποιμενας κα διδασκαλους ). Each of these words occurs in (which see for discussion) except ποιμενας (shepherds). This word ποιμην is from a root meaning to protect. Jesus said the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep ( ) and called himself the Good Shepherd. In Christ is the Great Shepherd (cf. ). Only here are preachers termed shepherds (Latin pastores ) in the N.T. But the verb ποιμαινω , to shepherd, is employed by Jesus to Peter ( ), by Peter to other ministers ( ), by Paul to the elders (bishops) of Ephesus ( ). Here Paul groups "shepherds and teachers" together. All these gifts can be found in one man, though not always. Some have only one.

‏ Ephesians 4:11

And he gave ( κα αυτος εδωκεν ). First aorist active indicative of διδωμ. In 1Co 12:28 Paul uses εθετο (more common verb, appointed), but here repeats εδωκεν from the quotation in verse 8. There are four groups ( τους μεν, τους δε three times, as the direct object of εδωκεν ). The titles are in the predicate accusative ( αποστολουσ, προφητασ, ποιμενας κα διδασκαλους ). Each of these words occurs in 1Co 12:28 (which see for discussion) except ποιμενας (shepherds). This word ποιμην is from a root meaning to protect. Jesus said the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (Joh 10:11) and called himself the Good Shepherd. In Heb 13:20 Christ is the Great Shepherd (cf. 1Pe 2:25). Only here are preachers termed shepherds (Latin pastores) in the N.T. But the verb ποιμαινω, to shepherd, is employed by Jesus to Peter (Joh 21:16), by Peter to other ministers (1Pe 5:2), by Paul to the elders (bishops) of Ephesus (Ac 20:28). Here Paul groups "shepherds and teachers" together. All these gifts can be found in one man, though not always. Some have only one.