1Cor. Chapter 12
1."Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant."
"Now concerning spiritual gifts": Paul transitions his letter to address a specific topic – spiritual gifts. This signals the importance of the issue within the Corinthian church.
"Brethren": This expression highlights the communal nature of these gifts and their purpose in building up the body of Christ, rather than individualistic elevation.
"I would not have you ignorant": Here, "ignorant" doesn't imply stupidity but a lack of understanding or awareness of God's intention for spiritual gifts. Paul wants the Corinthians to be well-informed about the subject.
2."Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led."
"Ye know...": Paul starts with an appeal to their common knowledge, reminding them of their pre-Christian past.
"...that ye were Gentiles": The term "Gentile" meant a non-Jewish person. Paul highlights that the readers were not originally part of God's covenant people, Israel.
"...carried away unto these dumb idols": This describes their former pagan state, where they were spiritually led astray and enslaved by false religions and idols.
"dumb idols": Refers to the lifeless and powerless nature of the idols they previously worshipped. These gods could not speak, hear, or act.
"even as ye were led": Emphasizes how they were passively guided by these false beliefs and the spiritual deception they represented.
3."Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost."
"Wherefore...": Paul builds on prior discussions, suggesting a logical conclusion about the relationship between the Holy Spirit and true Christian belief.
"...no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed": This highlights two points:
1. Rejection of Jesus: Those who curse Jesus, denying His divinity or His role as Messiah, do NOT do so under the influence of God's Spirit.
2. The Holy Spirit's Witness: The Holy Spirit testifies to the truth about Jesus, so those truly guided by the Spirit cannot deny Him
"...and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost":
This reinforces the core belief of Christianity:
1. Declaration of Lordship: Affirming Jesus as Lord (supreme authority) is a fundamental declaration of Christian faith.
2. Necessity of the Spirit: This proclamation isn't merely intellectual; it requires the inward work of the Holy Spirit for true and genuine conviction.
4."Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit."
"Now there are diversities of gifts...": Paul acknowledges that Christians receive various spiritual gifts. These gifts could entail miraculous abilities (healing, prophecy) or practical service-oriented capacities (leadership, helps).
"...but the same Spirit": This emphasizes the common source of ALL spiritual gifts: the Holy Spirit. It's not based on merit, but God's sovereign distribution.
This statement accomplishes several things:
Unity in Diversity: Acknowledges unique gifts while highlighting the single unifying source – the Holy Spirit. This promotes unity in the body of Christ despite differences.
God's Sovereignty: Reminds the Corinthians that these gifts aren't earned; they're given by God through His Spirit. This counters potential pride or misuse.
Emphasis on Purpose: Gifts aren't for individualistic display but are to be used for the common good of the church, building it up and serving others.
5."And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord."
"And there are differences of administrations...": "Administrations" likely refers to various ways believers serve and carry out responsibilities within the church.
Similar to the word "ministries," it implies different roles and functions.
Examples might include leadership, teaching, hospitality, practical care, or evangelism.
"...but the same Lord": Reminds readers that despite different service roles, all believers ultimately serve the same Lord Jesus Christ.
This emphasizes the supreme authority of Christ over the church.
Purpose:
This verse emphasizes several things:
Diverse Service, One Goal: Just as there are diverse spiritual gifts, there are diverse ways to serve. This encourages a recognition and appreciation of various contributions.
Unity of Purpose: Despite different roles, all true Christian service aims to honor and glorify Jesus Christ.
Preventing Divisions: Acknowledges potential for pride or divisions based on functions. It reminds the Corinthians of their common allegiance to Christ.
6."And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all."
"And there are diversities of operations..." "Operations" refers to the effects or results produced by spiritual gifts.
This highlights different ways the Holy Spirit's power manifests through believers.
"...but it is the same God which worketh all in all." Emphasizes God as the ultimate source and power behind all genuine spiritual work.
Acknowledges the diversity of outcomes but points to the single divine source of genuine spiritual activity.
God's Active Presence: It emphasizes God's continued work within the church. He's not passive; He empowers believers to carry out His purposes.
Combating Misuses: Acknowledges different visible outcomes while reminding believers that these aren't for personal glory, as God is the true agent behind them.
7."But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."
"But the manifestation of the Spirit...": "Manifestation" refers to the visible or evident expression of the Holy Spirit's presence and power through an individual.
It encompasses how spiritual gifts operate to reveal God's work.
"...is given to every man...": Clarifies that ALL believers receive some spiritual ability. No one is spiritually destitute.
Emphasizes God's generosity and the opportunity for everyone to participate in God's work.
"...to profit withal": Stresses the purpose of these gifts – not for individualistic benefit but for the common good of the Church.
"Profit" here means "benefit" or "advantage."
Building Up the Church: Spiritual gifts are primarily for building up the body of Christ and facilitating its spiritual growth, not enriching individuals.
Combating Misuses: This could counter Corinthian tendencies to boast over showy gifts or those wrongly viewed as more important.
Encouraging Participation: Reminds everyone that no matter their gifts, they are equipped to contribute to the greater good of the church.
8."For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;"
"For to one is given by the Spirit": Emphasizes that the source of all spiritual gifts is the Holy Spirit, not the individual.
"the word of wisdom": Not worldly wisdom, but a supernatural ability bestowed by the Spirit to understand and apply spiritual truth to complex situations.
Likely involves discernment, the ability to make sound judgments based on godly principles.
"to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit": Refers to Spirit-given knowledge of facts, historical events, or spiritual truths that cannot be known through natural means.
Might involve a revelatory understanding of Scripture or specific insights into a situation.
Variety: Paul starts listing a variety of spiritual gifts, highlighting the diversity of ways God empowers believers.
Key Points:
Not Exhaustive List: Paul's list here isn't meant to be a complete inventory of all spiritual gifts.
Gifts & Knowledge: Some gifts provide specific knowledge, others enable wise application of that knowledge.
Unity of Source: Despite the difference in gifts, they all come from the same source - the Holy Spirit.
Purpose:
Paul wants the Corinthians to:
1.Recognize that there are different gifts within the church, none being superior to another.
2.Understand that these gifts are not based on personal merit but are given by the Spirit.
3.See how different gifts function together for the building up of the church.
9."To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;"
The phrase "to another faith by the same Spirit" suggests that the Holy Spirit grants a special gift of faith to certain individuals. This is not the general faith required for salvation, which all Christians are expected to have, but rather a specific, extraordinary gift of faith. This kind of faith can empower a believer to trust God in extremely difficult circumstances, to believe for miracles, or to have a strong, unwavering confidence in God's promises beyond the ordinary level of faith.
The following phrase, "to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit," indicates that the Holy Spirit also distributes gifts of healing to certain individuals. These gifts enable them to pray for the sick in such a way that the sick are healed, serving as a sign of God's power and mercy. It's important to note that this gift, like all spiritual gifts, is not for the self-aggrandizement of the individual but for the common good of the church and as a witness to the world.
Paul's point in mentioning these gifts, along with others in the surrounding verses, is to illustrate the variety of ways the Holy Spirit works in the body of Christ. Despite the diversity of gifts, they are all sourced in the same Spirit, serving the purpose of building up the church and glorifying God.
10."To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:"
1."Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant."
"Now concerning spiritual gifts": Paul transitions his letter to address a specific topic – spiritual gifts. This signals the importance of the issue within the Corinthian church.
"Brethren": This expression highlights the communal nature of these gifts and their purpose in building up the body of Christ, rather than individualistic elevation.
"I would not have you ignorant": Here, "ignorant" doesn't imply stupidity but a lack of understanding or awareness of God's intention for spiritual gifts. Paul wants the Corinthians to be well-informed about the subject.
2."Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led."
"Ye know...": Paul starts with an appeal to their common knowledge, reminding them of their pre-Christian past.
"...that ye were Gentiles": The term "Gentile" meant a non-Jewish person. Paul highlights that the readers were not originally part of God's covenant people, Israel.
"...carried away unto these dumb idols": This describes their former pagan state, where they were spiritually led astray and enslaved by false religions and idols.
"dumb idols": Refers to the lifeless and powerless nature of the idols they previously worshipped. These gods could not speak, hear, or act.
"even as ye were led": Emphasizes how they were passively guided by these false beliefs and the spiritual deception they represented.
3."Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost."
"Wherefore...": Paul builds on prior discussions, suggesting a logical conclusion about the relationship between the Holy Spirit and true Christian belief.
"...no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed": This highlights two points:
1. Rejection of Jesus: Those who curse Jesus, denying His divinity or His role as Messiah, do NOT do so under the influence of God's Spirit.
2. The Holy Spirit's Witness: The Holy Spirit testifies to the truth about Jesus, so those truly guided by the Spirit cannot deny Him
"...and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost":
This reinforces the core belief of Christianity:
1. Declaration of Lordship: Affirming Jesus as Lord (supreme authority) is a fundamental declaration of Christian faith.
2. Necessity of the Spirit: This proclamation isn't merely intellectual; it requires the inward work of the Holy Spirit for true and genuine conviction.
4."Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit."
"Now there are diversities of gifts...": Paul acknowledges that Christians receive various spiritual gifts. These gifts could entail miraculous abilities (healing, prophecy) or practical service-oriented capacities (leadership, helps).
"...but the same Spirit": This emphasizes the common source of ALL spiritual gifts: the Holy Spirit. It's not based on merit, but God's sovereign distribution.
This statement accomplishes several things:
Unity in Diversity: Acknowledges unique gifts while highlighting the single unifying source – the Holy Spirit. This promotes unity in the body of Christ despite differences.
God's Sovereignty: Reminds the Corinthians that these gifts aren't earned; they're given by God through His Spirit. This counters potential pride or misuse.
Emphasis on Purpose: Gifts aren't for individualistic display but are to be used for the common good of the church, building it up and serving others.
5."And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord."
"And there are differences of administrations...": "Administrations" likely refers to various ways believers serve and carry out responsibilities within the church.
Similar to the word "ministries," it implies different roles and functions.
Examples might include leadership, teaching, hospitality, practical care, or evangelism.
"...but the same Lord": Reminds readers that despite different service roles, all believers ultimately serve the same Lord Jesus Christ.
This emphasizes the supreme authority of Christ over the church.
Purpose:
This verse emphasizes several things:
Diverse Service, One Goal: Just as there are diverse spiritual gifts, there are diverse ways to serve. This encourages a recognition and appreciation of various contributions.
Unity of Purpose: Despite different roles, all true Christian service aims to honor and glorify Jesus Christ.
Preventing Divisions: Acknowledges potential for pride or divisions based on functions. It reminds the Corinthians of their common allegiance to Christ.
6."And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all."
"And there are diversities of operations..." "Operations" refers to the effects or results produced by spiritual gifts.
This highlights different ways the Holy Spirit's power manifests through believers.
"...but it is the same God which worketh all in all." Emphasizes God as the ultimate source and power behind all genuine spiritual work.
Acknowledges the diversity of outcomes but points to the single divine source of genuine spiritual activity.
God's Active Presence: It emphasizes God's continued work within the church. He's not passive; He empowers believers to carry out His purposes.
Combating Misuses: Acknowledges different visible outcomes while reminding believers that these aren't for personal glory, as God is the true agent behind them.
7."But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."
"But the manifestation of the Spirit...": "Manifestation" refers to the visible or evident expression of the Holy Spirit's presence and power through an individual.
It encompasses how spiritual gifts operate to reveal God's work.
"...is given to every man...": Clarifies that ALL believers receive some spiritual ability. No one is spiritually destitute.
Emphasizes God's generosity and the opportunity for everyone to participate in God's work.
"...to profit withal": Stresses the purpose of these gifts – not for individualistic benefit but for the common good of the Church.
"Profit" here means "benefit" or "advantage."
Building Up the Church: Spiritual gifts are primarily for building up the body of Christ and facilitating its spiritual growth, not enriching individuals.
Combating Misuses: This could counter Corinthian tendencies to boast over showy gifts or those wrongly viewed as more important.
Encouraging Participation: Reminds everyone that no matter their gifts, they are equipped to contribute to the greater good of the church.
8."For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;"
"For to one is given by the Spirit": Emphasizes that the source of all spiritual gifts is the Holy Spirit, not the individual.
"the word of wisdom": Not worldly wisdom, but a supernatural ability bestowed by the Spirit to understand and apply spiritual truth to complex situations.
Likely involves discernment, the ability to make sound judgments based on godly principles.
"to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit": Refers to Spirit-given knowledge of facts, historical events, or spiritual truths that cannot be known through natural means.
Might involve a revelatory understanding of Scripture or specific insights into a situation.
Variety: Paul starts listing a variety of spiritual gifts, highlighting the diversity of ways God empowers believers.
Key Points:
Not Exhaustive List: Paul's list here isn't meant to be a complete inventory of all spiritual gifts.
Gifts & Knowledge: Some gifts provide specific knowledge, others enable wise application of that knowledge.
Unity of Source: Despite the difference in gifts, they all come from the same source - the Holy Spirit.
Purpose:
Paul wants the Corinthians to:
1.Recognize that there are different gifts within the church, none being superior to another.
2.Understand that these gifts are not based on personal merit but are given by the Spirit.
3.See how different gifts function together for the building up of the church.
9."To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;"
The phrase "to another faith by the same Spirit" suggests that the Holy Spirit grants a special gift of faith to certain individuals. This is not the general faith required for salvation, which all Christians are expected to have, but rather a specific, extraordinary gift of faith. This kind of faith can empower a believer to trust God in extremely difficult circumstances, to believe for miracles, or to have a strong, unwavering confidence in God's promises beyond the ordinary level of faith.
The following phrase, "to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit," indicates that the Holy Spirit also distributes gifts of healing to certain individuals. These gifts enable them to pray for the sick in such a way that the sick are healed, serving as a sign of God's power and mercy. It's important to note that this gift, like all spiritual gifts, is not for the self-aggrandizement of the individual but for the common good of the church and as a witness to the world.
Paul's point in mentioning these gifts, along with others in the surrounding verses, is to illustrate the variety of ways the Holy Spirit works in the body of Christ. Despite the diversity of gifts, they are all sourced in the same Spirit, serving the purpose of building up the church and glorifying God.
10."To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:"
