God Himself ordained a certain order or rank among the gifts. For example, “And God has appointed in the church, first [1] apostles, second [2] prophets, third [3] teachers, then...” (1 Cor 12:28).

Note: These first three gifts: apostles, prophets, & teachers (‘teachers’ includes Evangelists & Pastors) are the greater gifts. These are the greater gifts because they cause the spiritual growth of the church specifically by speaking [i.e. teaching] the word of God to it (Eph 4:11, 15, 16). There is a detailed explaination of this in the point: Only Some Members Can Have or Receive the Greater Gifts, Not All Members. Yet, Paul told members who were interested in spiritual gifts to “earnestly desire the greater gifts” (1 Cor 12:31). So we see that there are greater gifts and that they should be diligently sought after. So we see that there are greater gifts.

(1) “Apostles” are “first”; they are greater than prophets and teachers. No gift is greater than apostle.

(2) “Prophets” are “second”; they are greater than all teachers and all the rest of the gifts, but not greater than the apostles.

(3) “Teachers” [which includes Evangelists & Pastors] are “third” and last among the greater gifts, yet they are greater than all the rest of the gifts, but not greater than apostles or prophets.