Questions: In the Bible. What does Paul mean by desire the greater Gifts in 1Cor. 12:28. Does it mean we can desire to be Prophets or Apostles and become them?
In 1Cor.12:28 etc. Paul is writing in AD 57 approx., and at that time the Holy Spirit’s Gifts were as outlined in vs. 27–28!
If you had been living at that time, and you were in the Churches that Paul was visiting, and writing to; the question you ask would have applied, and the teaching by Paul was valid!
However; in AD 63–64 approx.; the final Synagogue in Rome was visited by Paul, and his usual message was delivered; but, the Jews rejected his message, and also Christ Jesus as their Messiah (Acts 28:25–28); which placed the Jews into the condition of “Lo-Ammi”; and Paul was no longer able to heal. (See: Trophimus).
That condition remains at present for the Jews, which will reverse when the events of Zech.12:10 are current!
So you see that your question is out of sync with that stage the “Gifts of the Spirit” are at in world History.
You can see from the prophet Joel, that God’s Holy Spirit Gifts will return in Force after Israel is restored to God’s favour; when they have accepted Messiah Christ Jesus, and have been Salvaged by Almighty God (Ezek. 39:21–29)!
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