Edification is shared by all saints for all saints. Even among the saints of the first century, the teaching and edification of the saints were shared among those who were specially endowed with a teaching gift. First-century Seeing that all had some spiritual gift, they shared the gifts that they had been given. The teaching was not given to a hireling with some ability in public speaking to preach for them, whether he wears the title of “evangelist” or “pastor”.
Of course, the problem with these descriptions is that most are accustomed to visualizing teaching as the operation of a local church. This is a very different setting than the one described in 1 Corinthians 14. There is no public speech and it resembles nothing like a “church service.” The saints had gifts that they shared in an orderly fashion so that all could be heard and be edified. In the absence of such gifts today, it would appear that each saint has a responsibility to know and apply the revealed will of God. Each is accountable to put brethren in remembrance, provide a living example, and share the word in whatever form it may require (rebuke, reproof, encouragement, exhort). In the absence of first-century shepherds, in particular, churches today are attempting to apply these same gifts to an era that has not been equipped in the same way they were, then. Some claim to be prophets and a few claim to be apostles without “handling aright the word of truth.” The same application of the apostles and prophets should be made with evangelists and shepherds. All the gifts of Ephesians 4 were a first-century application and fulfillment for they stand or fall together as the context shows. Today, we have what we need in the written word to equip us unto every good work and that work of revelation has been completed for our reading and admonition.
A principle taught by our Lord is that the kingdom is not like the rule of physical nations. True greatness comes in service, only. We live an exemplary life in how to treat people, handle personal sins, and hold each other accountable. There are no positions of authority in His kingdom. To establish such demands the establishment of something other than what our Lord taught. Once we leave His teaching to establish our own we create problems for which there is no biblical antidote.