Paul gives us a list of ministries within the Church, starting off with Apostles. To be first is usually thought of as being best, most important or worthy of deference. In the logic of the Gospel this is not entirely true. We Americans have inherited an egalitarian mentality. We have no monarchs, everyone is equal, no one person more deserving of deference than anyone else. I would argue that this is not completely in accord with the Gospel either.
Apostles, prophets and teachers occupy the top three spots of this hierarchy as laid down by Paul because they are asked to make the greatest sacrifices in service to the community. It isn't the position alone that makes them worthy of respect, and even honor above some others. It is that they love more, or are supposed to love more.
There have always been those who use their apostleship for personal gain, or to lord it over others. We have always had false prophets and corrupt teachers. The worst are those who claim to be egalitarian, who endlessly criticize those in authority, who boast about being anti-establishment who, once they get the reins of power in their hands are worse than any potentate or despot. Because they despise the institution they make everything personal, and in the process become the very thing they claim to hate. Because they are not representing something bigger than themselves, all they have is their ego to defend.
If we live in a spirit of love in the service of Christ we will have everything in perspective. In an earlier passage (4:9) Paul writes of apostles as being the "last of all," and "fools on Christ's account." When it's not about my agenda, my position or my respect, but about serving the Gospel no matter how it effects me personally, then I am truly free. It is then that we earn a crown that never passes away.
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