Note 23 at Eph 4:13: The duration of the gifts listed in Eph 4:11 is given here in this verse: "Till we all come in the unity of the faith"; i.e., until every Christian sees and believes alike on the fundamentals of the faith. These gifts will also continue to function until we all come into "the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man"; i.e., unto a perfect knowledge that results in maturity. These gifts will continue until we come "unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." This phrase contains the idea of a child developing into maturity.

The result of all this should be that we are no longer immature, tossed to and fro by every teaching, caught by the sleight and cunning craftiness of others. It is certain that this result hasn't happened yet, so apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers must still be around today.

Note 24 at Eph 4:13: Many people think that all Christians coming into unity and a maturity approaching that of Christ will never happen. This verse, however, makes it very clear that this is the purpose and design of God in giving these gifts to man. He anticipates the church growing up (Eph 4:14).

Note 25 at Eph 4:13: It is amazing that Paul proclaimed that Christians should come to the full stature of Christ. That was the design of the Lord when He gave gifts to man (Eph 4:11). This isn't considered possible by most Christians today, and therefore, it certainly is not their goal. However, if this is what the Lord intended, we should at least be striving toward this mark (Php 3:14).