Bible Dictionary
Governments
“Governments” in 1 Corinthians 12:28 refers to an ability or ministry of guidance and administration in the church. The term pictures the skill of directing a community or vessel rightly.
Definition
“Governments” refers to the abilities or offices by which a community is guided and administered. In the church, it denotes powers fitting a person for a place of influence and direction.
Biblical Usage
The term appears in 1 Corinthians 12:28 among the functions or gifts operating in the church.
Historical Background
The image includes the steersman’s art: the ability to guide a vessel rightly, applied figuratively to directing the church or state.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(1 Cor. 12:28), the powers which fit a man for a place of influence in the church; “the steersman’s art; the art of guiding aright the vessel of church or state.”