1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
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.
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
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:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
1 Now G1161 concerning G4012 spiritual G4152 gifts, brethren, G80 I would G2309 not G3756 have G2309 you G5209 ignorant. G50
2 Ye know G1492 that G3754 ye were G2258 Gentiles, G1484 carried away G520 unto G4314 these dumb G880 idols, G1497 even as G5613 G302 ye were led. G71
3 Wherefore G1352 I give G1107 you G5213 to understand, G1107 that G3754 no man G3762 speaking G2980 by G1722 the Spirit G4151 of God G2316 calleth G3004 Jesus G2424 accursed: G331 and G2532 that no man G3762 can G1410 say G2036 that Jesus G2424 is the Lord, G2962 but G1508 by G1722 the Holy G40 Ghost. G4151
4 Now G1161 there are G1526 diversities G1243 of gifts, G5486 but G1161 the same G846 Spirit. G4151
5 And G2532 there are G1526 differences G1243 of administrations, G1248 but G2532 the same G846 Lord. G2962
6 And G2532 there are G1526 diversities G1243 of operations, G1755 but G1161 it is G2076 the same G846 God G2316 which G3588 worketh G1754 all G3956 in G1722 all. G3956
7 But G1161 the manifestation G5321 of the Spirit G4151 is given G1325 to every man G1538 to G4314 profit withal. G4851
8 For G1063 to one G3739 G3303 is given G1325 by G1223 the Spirit G4151 the word G3056 of wisdom; G4678 G1161 to another G243 the word G3056 of knowledge G1108 by G2596 the same G846 Spirit; G4151
9 G1161 To another G2087 faith G4102 by G1722 the same G846 Spirit; G4151 G1161 to another G243 the gifts G5486 of healing G2386 by G1722 the same G846 Spirit; G4151
10 G1161 To another G243 the working G1755 of miracles; G1411 G1161 to another G243 prophecy; G4394 G1161 to another G243 discerning G1253 of spirits; G4151 G1161 to another G2087 divers kinds G1085 of tongues; G1100 G1161 to another G243 the interpretation G2058 of tongues: G1100
11 But G1161 all G3956 these G5023 worketh G1754 that one G1520 and G2532 the selfsame G846 Spirit, G4151 dividing G1244 to every man G1538 severally G2398 as G2531 he will. G1014
12 For G1063 as G2509 the body G4983 is G2076 one, G1520 and G2532 hath G2192 many G4183 members, G3196 and G1161 all G3956 the members G3196 of that one G1520 body, G4983 being G5607 many, G4183 are G2076 one G1520 body: G4983 so G3779 also G2532 is Christ. G5547
13 For G1063 G2532 by G1722 one G1520 Spirit G4151 are G907 we G2249 all G3956 baptized G907 into G1519 one G1520 body, G4983 whether G1535 we be Jews G2453 or G1535 Gentiles, G1672 whether G1535 we be bond G1401 or G1535 free; G1658 and G2532 have been G4222 all G3956 made to drink G4222 into G1519 one G1520 Spirit. G4151
14 G2532 For G1063 the body G4983 is G2076 not G3756 one G1520 member, G3196 but G235 many. G4183
15 If G1437 the foot G4228 shall say, G2036 Because G3754 I am G1510 not G3756 the hand, G5495 I am G1510 not G3756 of G1537 the body; G4983 is G2076 it therefore G3756 G3844 G5124 not G3756 of G1537 the body? G4983
16 And G2532 if G1437 the ear G3775 shall say, G2036 Because G3754 I am G1510 not G3756 the eye, G3788 I am G1510 not G3756 of G1537 the body; G4983 is G2076 it therefore G3756 G3844 G5124 not G3756 of G1537 the body? G4983
17 If G1487 the whole G3650 body G4983 were an eye, G3788 where G4226 were the hearing? G189 If G1487 the whole G3650 were hearing, G189 where G4226 were the smelling? G3750
18 But G1161 now G3570 hath G5087 God G2316 set G5087 the members G3196 every G1538 one G1520 of them G846 in G1722 the body, G4983 as G2531 it hath pleased him. G2309
19 And G1161 if G1487 they were G2258 all G3956 one G1520 member, G3196 where G4226 were the body? G4983
20 But G1161 now G3568 G3303 are they many G4183 members, G3196 yet but G1161 one G1520 body. G4983
21 And G1161 the eye G3788 cannot G3756 G1410 say G2036 unto the hand, G5495 I have G2192 no G3756 need G5532 of thee: G4675 nor G2228 again G3825 the head G2776 to the feet, G4228 I have G2192 no G3756 need G5532 of you. G5216
22 Nay, G235 much G4183 more G3123 those members G3196 of the body, G4983 which seem G1380 to be G5225 more feeble, G772 are G2076 necessary: G316
23 And G2532 those G3739 members of the body, G4983 which we think G1380 to be G1511 less honourable, G820 upon these G5125 we bestow G4060 more abundant G4055 honour; G5092 and G2532 our G2257 uncomely G809 parts have G2192 more abundant G4055 comeliness. G2157
24 For G1161 our G2257 comely G2158 parts have G2192 no G3756 need: G5532 but G235 God G2316 hath tempered G4786 the body G4983 together, G4786 having given G1325 more abundant G4055 honour G5092 to that part which lacked: G5302
25 That G3363 there should be G5600 no G3363 schism G4978 in G1722 the body; G4983 but G235 that the members G3196 should have G3309 the same G846 care G3309 one for G5228 another. G240
26 And G2532 whether G1535 one G1520 member G3196 suffer, G3958 all G3956 the members G3196 suffer with it; G4841 or G1535 one G1520 member G3196 be honoured, G1392 all G3956 the members G3196 rejoice with it. G4796
27 Now G1161 ye G5210 are G2075 the body G4983 of Christ, G5547 and G2532 members G3196 in G1537 particular. G3313
28 And G2532 G3739 God G2316 hath set G5087 some G3303 in G1722 the church, G1577 first G4412 apostles, G652 secondarily G1208 prophets, G4396 thirdly G5154 teachers, G1320 after that G1899 miracles, G1411 then G1534 gifts G5486 of healings, G2386 helps, G484 governments, G2941 diversities G1085 of tongues. G1100
29 Are all G3361 G3956 apostles? G652 are all G3361 G3956 prophets? G4396 are all G3361 G3956 teachers? G1320 are all G3361 G3956 workers of miracles? G1411
30 Have G3361 G2192 all G3956 the gifts G5486 of healing? G2386 do all G3956 speak G3361 G2980 with tongues? G1100 do G3361 all G3956 interpret? G1329
31 But G1161 covet earnestly G2206 the best G2909 gifts: G5486 and G2532 yet G2089 shew I G1166 unto you G5213 a more G2596 excellent G5236 way. G3598
1 Now concerning spiritual `gifts', brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
2 Ye know that when ye were Gentiles `ye were' led away unto those dumb idols, howsoever ye might led.
3 Wherefore I make known unto you, that no man speaking in the Spirit of God saith, Jesus is anathema; and no man can say, Jesus is Lord, but in the Holy Spirit.
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are diversities of ministrations, and the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of workings, but the same God, who worketh all things in all.
7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal.
8 For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom; and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit:
9 to another faith, in the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, in the one Spirit;
10 and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discernings of spirits; to another `divers' kinds of tongues; and to another the interpretation of tongues:
11 but all these worketh the one and the same Spirit, dividing to each one severally even as he will.
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ.
13 For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; it is not therefore not of the body.
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; it is not therefore not of the body.
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members each one of them in the body, even as it pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now they are many members, but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee: or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be more feeble are necessary:
23 and those `parts' of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely `parts' have more abundant comeliness;
24 whereas our comely `parts' have no need: but God tempered the body together, giving more abundant honor to that `part' which lacked;
25 that there should be no schism in the body; but `that' the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffereth, all the members suffer with it; or `one' member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and severally members thereof.
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, `divers' kinds of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all `workers of' miracles?
30 have all gifts of healings? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
31 But desire earnestly the greater gifts. And moreover a most excellent way show I unto you.
1 And concerning the spiritual things, brethren, I do not wish you to be ignorant;
2 ye have known that ye were nations, unto the dumb idols -- as ye were led -- being carried away;
3 wherefore, I give you to understand that no one, in the Spirit of God speaking, saith Jesus `is' anathema, and no one is able to say Jesus `is' Lord, except in the Holy Spirit.
4 And there are diversities of gifts, and the same Spirit;
5 and there are diversities of ministrations, and the same Lord;
6 and there are diversities of workings, and it is the same God -- who is working the all in all.
7 And to each hath been given the manifestation of the Spirit for profit;
8 for to one through the Spirit hath been given a word of wisdom, and to another a word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit;
9 and to another faith in the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healings in the same Spirit;
10 and to another in-workings of mighty deeds; and to another prophecy; and to another discernings of spirits; and to another `divers' kinds of tongues; and to another interpretation of tongues:
11 and all these doth work the one and the same Spirit, dividing to each severally as he intendeth.
12 For, even as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of the one body, being many, are one body, so also `is' the Christ,
13 for also in one Spirit we all to one body were baptized, whether Jews or Greeks, whether servants or freemen, and all into one Spirit were made to drink,
14 for also the body is not one member, but many;
15 if the foot may say, `Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body;' it is not, because of this, not of the body;
16 and if the ear may say, `Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body;' it is not, because of this, not of the body?
17 If the whole body `were' an eye, where the hearing? if the whole hearing, where the smelling?
18 and now, God did set the members each one of them in the body, according as He willed,
19 and if all were one member, where the body?
20 and now, indeed, `are' many members, and one body;
21 and an eye is not able to say to the hand, `I have no need of thee;' nor again the head to the feet, `I have no need of you.'
22 But much more the members of the body which seem to be more infirm are necessary,
23 and those that we think to be less honourable of the body, around these we put more abundant honour, and our unseemly things have seemliness more abundant,
24 and our seemly things have no need; but God did temper the body together, to the lacking part having given more abundant honour,
25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same anxiety for one another,
26 and whether one member doth suffer, suffer with `it' do all the members, or one member is glorified, rejoice with `it' do all the members;
27 and ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
28 And some, indeed, did God set in the assembly, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, afterwards powers, afterwards gifts of healings, helpings, governings, divers kinds of tongues;
29 `are' all apostles? `are' all prophets? `are' all teachers? `are' all powers?
30 have all gifts of healings? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
31 and desire earnestly the better gifts; and yet a far excelling way do I shew to you:
1 But concerning spiritual [manifestations], brethren, I do not wish you to be ignorant.
2 Ye know that when ye were [of the] nations [ye were] led away to dumb idols, in whatever way ye might be led.
3 I give you therefore to know, that no one, speaking in [the power of the] Spirit of God, says, Curse [on] Jesus; and no one can say, Lord Jesus, unless in [the power of the] Holy Spirit.
4 But there are distinctions of gifts, but the same Spirit;
5 and there are distinctions of services, and the same Lord;
6 and there are distinctions of operations, but the same God who operates all things in all.
7 But to each the manifestation of the Spirit is given for profit.
8 For to one, by the Spirit, is given [the] word of wisdom; and to another [the] word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit;
9 and to a different one faith, in [the power of] the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healing in [the power of] the same Spirit;
10 and to another operations of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; and to a different one kinds of tongues; and to another interpretation of tongues.
11 But all these things operates the one and the same Spirit, dividing to each in particular according as he pleases.
12 For even as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of the body, being many, are one body, so also [is] the Christ.
13 For also in [the power of] one Spirit *we* have all been baptised into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bondmen or free, and have all been given to drink of one Spirit.
14 For also the body is not one member but many.
15 If the foot say, Because I am not a hand I am not of the body, is it on account of this not indeed of the body?
16 And if the ear say, Because I am not an eye I am not of the body, is it on account of this not indeed of the body?
17 If the whole body [were] an eye, where the hearing? if all hearing, where the smelling?
18 But now God has set the members, each one of them in the body, according as it has pleased [him].
19 But if all were one member, where the body?
20 But now the members [are] many, and the body one.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, I have not need of thee; or again, the head to the feet, I have not need of you.
22 But much rather, the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary;
23 and those [parts] of the body which we esteem to be the more void of honour, these we clothe with more abundant honour; and our uncomely [parts] have more abundant comeliness;
24 but our comely [parts] have not need. But God has tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to [the part] that lacked;
25 that there might be no division in the body, but that the members might have the same concern one for another.
26 And if one member suffer, all the members suffer with [it]; and if one member be glorified, all the members rejoice with [it].
27 Now *ye* are Christ's body, and members in particular.
28 And God has set certain in the assembly: first, apostles; secondly, prophets; thirdly, teachers; then miraculous powers; then gifts of healings; helps; governments; kinds of tongues.
29 [Are] all apostles? [are] all prophets? [are] all teachers? [are] all [in possession of] miraculous powers?
30 have all gifts of healings? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
31 But desire earnestly the greater gifts, and yet shew I unto you a way of more surpassing excellence.
1 Now concerning spiritual things, brothers, I don't want you to be ignorant.
2 You know that when you were heathen{or Gentiles}, you were led away to those mute idols, however you might be led.
3 Therefore I make known to you that no man speaking by God's Spirit says, "Jesus is accursed." No one can say, "Jesus is Lord," but by the Holy Spirit.
4 Now there are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord.
6 There are various kinds of workings, but the same God, who works all things in all.
7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all.
8 For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit;
9 to another faith, by the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, by the same Spirit;
10 and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; to another different kinds of languages; and to another the interpretation of languages.
11 But the one and the same Spirit works all of these, distributing to each one separately as he desires.
12 For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ.
13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all given to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot would say, "Because I'm not the hand, I'm not part of the body," it is not therefore not part of the body.
16 If the ear would say, "Because I'm not the eye, I'm not part of the body," it's not therefore not part of the body.
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the smelling be?
18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body, just as he desired.
19 If they were all one member, where would the body be?
20 But now they are many members, but one body.
21 The eye can't tell the hand, "I have no need for you," or again the head to the feet, "I have no need for you."
22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.
23 Those parts of the body which we think to be less honorable, on those we bestow more abundant honor; and our unpresentable parts have more abundant propriety;
24 whereas our presentable parts have no such need. But God composed the body together, giving more abundant honor to the inferior part,
25 that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.
26 When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. Or when one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
28 God has set some in the assembly: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and various kinds of languages.
29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all miracle workers?
30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with various languages? Do all interpret?
31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. Moreover, I show a most excellent way to you.
1 But about the things of the spirit, my brothers, it is not right for you to be without teaching.
2 You are conscious that when you were Gentiles, in whatever way you were guided, you went after images without voice or power.
3 So it is my desire for you to be clear about this; that no one is able to say by the Spirit of God that Jesus is cursed; and no one is able to say that Jesus is Lord, but by the Holy Spirit.
4 Now there are different qualities given to men, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are different sorts of servants, but the same Lord.
6 And there are different operations, but the same God, who is working all things in all.
7 But to every man some form of the Spirit's working is given for the common good.
8 For to one are given words of wisdom through the Spirit; and to another words of knowledge through the same Spirit:
9 To another faith in the same Spirit; and to another the power of taking away disease, by the one Spirit;
10 And to another the power of working wonders; and to another the prophet's word; and to another the power of testing spirits; to another different sorts of tongues; and to another the power of making clear the sense of the tongues:
11 But all these are the operations of the one and the same Spirit, giving to every man separately as his pleasure is.
12 For as the body is one, and has a number of parts, and all the parts make one body, so is Christ.
13 For through the baptism of the one Spirit we were all formed into one body, Jews or Greeks, servants or free men, and were all made full of the same Spirit.
14 For the body is not one part, but a number of parts.
15 If the foot says, Because I am not the hand, I am not a part of the body; it is no less a part of the body.
16 And if the ear says, Because I am not the eye, I am not a part of the body; it is a part of the body all the same.
17 If all the body was an eye, where would be the hearing? if all was hearing, where would be the smelling?
18 But now God has put every one of the parts in the body as it was pleasing to him.
19 And if they were all one part, where would the body be?
20 But now they are all different parts, but one body.
21 And the eye may not say to the hand, I have no need of you: or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 No, those parts which seem to be feeble are the more necessary;
23 And to those parts of the body which seem to have less honour we give all the more honour; and to those parts of the body which are a cause of shame to us we give the greater respect;
24 But those parts of the body which are beautiful have no need of such care: and so the body has been joined together by God in such a way as to give more honour to those parts which had need of it;
25 So that there might be no division in the body; but all the parts might have the same care for one another.
26 And if there is pain in one part of the body, all the parts will be feeling it; or if one part is honoured, all the parts will be glad.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and every one of you the separate parts of it.
28 And God has put some in the church, first, Apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then those with wonder-working powers, then those with the power of taking away disease, helpers, wise guides, users of strange tongues.
29 Are all Apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? have all the power of working wonders?
30 Are all able to take away disease? have all the power of tongues? are all able to give their sense?
31 But let your desires be turned to the more important things given by the Spirit. And now I am pointing out to you an even better way.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on 1 Corinthians 12
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 12 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 12
1Co 12:1-31. The Use and the Abuse of Spiritual Gifts, Especially Prophesying and Tongues.
This is the second subject for correction in the Corinthian assemblies: the "first" was discussed (1Co 11:18-34).
1. spiritual gifts—the signs of the Spirit's continued efficacious presence in the Church, which is Christ's body, the complement of His incarnation, as the body is the complement of the head. By the love which pervades the whole, the gifts of the several members, forming reciprocal complements to each other, tend to the one object of perfecting the body of Christ. The ordinary and permanent gifts are comprehended together with the extraordinary, without distinction specified, as both alike flow from the divine indwelling Spirit of life. The extraordinary gifts, so far from making professors more peculiarly saints than in our day, did not always even prove that such persons were in a safe state at all (Mt 7:22). They were needed at first in the Church: (1) as a pledge to Christians themselves who had just passed over from Judaism or heathendom, that God was in the Church; (2) for the propagation of Christianity in the world; (3) for the edification of the Church. Now that we have the whole written New Testament (which they had not) and Christianity established as the result of the miracles, we need no further miracle to attest the truth. So the pillar of cloud which guided the Israelites was withdrawn when they were sufficiently assured of the Divine Presence, the manifestation of God's glory being thenceforward enclosed in the Most Holy Place [Archbishop Whately]. Paul sets forth in order: (1). The unity of the body (1Co 12:1-27). (2). The variety of its members and functions (1Co 12:27-30). (3). The grand principle for the right exercise of the gifts, namely, love (1Co 12:31; 1Co 13:1-13). (4) The comparison of the gifts with one another (1Co 14:1-40).
I would not have you ignorant—with all your boasts of "knowledge" at Corinth. If ignorant now, it will be your own fault, not mine (1Co 14:38).
2. (Eph 2:11).
that ye were—The best manuscripts read, "That WHEN ye were"; thus "ye were" must be supplied before "carried away"—Ye were blindly transported hither and thither at the will of your false guides.
these dumb idols—Greek, "the idols which are dumb"; contrasted with the living God who "speaks" in the believer by His Spirit (1Co 12:3, &c.). This gives the reason why the Corinthians needed instruction as to spiritual gifts, namely, their past heathen state, wherein they had no experience of intelligent spiritual powers. When blind, ye went to the dumb.
as ye were led—The Greek is, rather, "as ye might (happen to) be led," namely, on different occasions. The heathen oracles led their votaries at random, without any definite principle.
3. The negative and positive criteria of inspiration by the Spirit—the rejection or confession of Jesus as Lord [Alford] (1Jo 4:2; 5:1). Paul gives a test of truth against the Gentiles; John, against the false prophets.
by the Spirit—rather, as Greek, "IN the Spirit"; that being the power pervading him, and the element in which he speaks [Alford], (Mt 16:17; Joh 15:26).
of God … Holy—The same Spirit is called at one time "the Spirit of God"; at another, "the HOLY Ghost," or "Holy Spirit." Infinite Holiness is almost synonymous with Godhead.
speaking … say—"Speak" implies the act of utterance; "say" refers to that which is uttered. Here, "say" means a spiritual and believing confession of Him.
Jesus—not an abstract doctrine, but the historical, living God-man (Ro 10:9).
accursed—as the Jews and Gentiles treated Him (Ga 3:13). Compare "to curse Christ" in the heathen Pliny's letter [Epistles, 10.97]. The spiritual man feels Him to be the Source of all blessings (Eph 1:3) and to be severed from Him is to be accursed (Ro 9:3).
Lord—acknowledging himself as His servant (Isa 26:13). "Lord" is the Septuagint translation for the incommunicable Hebrew name Jehovah.
4. diversities of gifts—that is, varieties of spiritual endowments peculiar to the several members of the Church: compare "dividing to every man severally" (1Co 12:11).
same Spirit—The Holy Trinity appears here: the Holy Spirit in this verse; Christ in 1Co 12:5; and the Father in 1Co 12:6. The terms "gifts," "administrations," and "operations," respectively correspond to the Divine Three. The Spirit is treated of in 1Co 12:7, &c.; the Lord, in 1Co 12:12, &c.; God, in 1Co 12:28. (Compare Eph 4:4-6).
5, 6. "Gifts" (1Co 12:4), "administrations" (the various functions and services performed by those having the gifts, compare 1Co 12:28), and "operations" (the actual effects resulting from both the former, through the universally operative power of the one Father who is "above all, through all, and in us all"), form an ascending climax [Henderson, Inspiration].
same Lord—whom the Spirit glorifies by these ministrations [Bengel].
6. operations—(Compare 1Co 12:10).
same God … worketh—by His Spirit working (1Co 12:11).
all in all—all of them (the "gifts") in all the persons (who possess them).
7. But—Though all the gifts flow from the one God, Lord, and Spirit, the "manifestation" by which the Spirit acts (as He is hidden in Himself), varies in each individual.
to every man—to each of the members of the Church severally.
to profit withal—with a view to the profit of the whole body.
8-10. Three classes of gifts are distinguished by a distinct Greek word for "another" (a distinct class), marking the three several genera: allo marks the species, hetero the genera (compare Greek, 1Co 15:39-41). I. Gifts of intellect, namely, (1) wisdom; (2) knowledge. II. Gifts dependent on a special faith, namely, that of miracles (Mt 17:20): (1) healings; (2) workings of miracles; (3) prophecy of future events; (4) discerning of spirits, or the divinely given faculty of distinguishing between those really inspired, and those who pretended to inspiration. III. Gifts referring to the tongues: (1) diverse kinds of tongues; (2) interpretation of tongues. The catalogue in 1Co 12:28 is not meant strictly to harmonize with the one here, though there are some particulars in which they correspond. The three genera are summarily referred to by single instances of each in 1Co 13:8. The first genus refers more to believers; the second, to unbelievers.
by … by … by—The first in Greek is, "By means of," or "through the operation of"; the second is, "according to" the disposing of (compare 1Co 12:11); the third is, "in," that is, under the influence of (so the Greek, Mt 22:43; Lu 2:27).
word of wisdom—the ready utterance of (for imparting to others, Eph 6:19) wisdom, namely, new revelations of the divine wisdom in redemption, as contrasted with human philosophy (1Co 1:24; 2:6, 7; Eph 1:8; 3:10; Col 2:3).
word of knowledge—ready utterance supernaturally imparted of truths ALREADY REVEALED (in this it is distinguished from "the word of wisdom," which related to NEW revelations). Compare 1Co 14:6, where "revelation" (answering to "wisdom" here) is distinguished from "knowledge" [Henderson]. Wisdom or revelation belonged to the "prophets"; knowledge, to the "teachers." Wisdom penetrates deeper than knowledge. Knowledge relates to things that are to be done. Wisdom, to things eternal: hence, wisdom is not, like knowledge, said to "pass away" (1Co 13:8), [Bengel].
9. faith—not of doctrines, but of miracles: confidence in God, by the impulse of His Spirit, that He would enable them to perform any required miracle (compare 1Co 13:2; Mr 11:23; Jas 5:15). Its nature, or principle, is the same as that of saving faith, namely, reliance on God; the producing cause, also, in the same,' namely, a power altogether supernatural (Eph 1:19, 20). But the objects of faith differ respectively. Hence, we see, saving faith does not save by its instrinsic merit, but by the merits of Him who is the object of it.
healing—Greek plural, "healings"; referring to different kinds of disease which need different kinds of healing (Mt 10:1).
10. working of miracles—As "healings" are miracles, those here meant must refer to miracles of special and extraordinary POWER (so the Greek for "miracles" means); for example, healings might be effected by human skill in course of time; but the raising of the dead, the infliction of death by a word, the innocuous use of poisons, &c., are miracles of special power. Compare Mr 6:5; Ac 19:11.
prophecy—Here, probably, not in the wider sense of public teaching by the Spirit (1Co 11:4, 5; 14:1-5, 22-39); but, as its position between "miracles" and a "discerning of spirits" implies, the inspired disclosure of the future (Ac 11:27, 28; 21:11; 1Ti 1:18), [Henderson]. It depends on "faith" (1Co 12:9; Ro 12:6). The prophets ranked next to the apostles (1Co 12:28; Eph 3:5; 4:11). As prophecy is part of the whole scheme of redemption, an inspired insight into the obscurer parts of the existing Scriptures, was the necessary preparation for the miraculous foresight of the future.
discerning of spirits—discerning between the operation of God's Spirit, and the evil spirit, or unaided human spirit (1Co 14:29; compare 1Ti 4:1; 1Jo 4:1).
kinds of tongues—the power of speaking various languages: also a spiritual language unknown to man, uttered in ecstasy (1Co 14:2-12). This is marked as a distinct genus in the Greek, "To another and a different class."
interpretation of tongues—(1Co 14:13, 26, 27).
11. as he will—(1Co 12:18; Heb 2:4).
12, 13. Unity, not unvarying uniformity, is the law of God in the world of grace, as in that of nature. As the many members of the body compose an organic whole and none can be dispensed with as needless, so those variously gifted by the Spirit, compose a spiritual organic whole, the body of Christ, into which all are baptized by the one Spirit.
of that one body—Most of the oldest manuscripts omit "one."
so also is Christ—that is, the whole Christ, the head and body. So Ps 18:50, "His anointed (Messiah or Christ), David (the antitypical David) and His seed."
13. by … Spirit … baptized—literally, "in"; in virtue of; through. The designed effect of baptism, which is realized when not frustrated by the unfaithfulness of man.
Gentiles—literally, "Greeks."
all made to drink into one Spirit—The oldest manuscripts read, "Made to drink of one Spirit," omitting "into" (Joh 7:37). There is an indirect allusion to the Lord's Supper, as there is a direct allusion to baptism in the beginning of the verse. So the "Spirit, the water, and the blood" (1Jo 5:8), similarly combine the two outward signs with the inward things signified, the Spirit's grace.
are … have been—rather as Greek, "were … were" (the past tense).
14. Translate, "For the body also." The analogy of the body, not consisting exclusively of one, but of many members, illustrates the mutual dependence of the various members in the one body, the Church. The well-known fable of the belly and the other members, spoken by Menenius Agrippa, to the seceding commons [Livy, 2.32], was probably before Paul's mind, stored as it was with classical literature.
15. The humbler members ought not to disparage themselves, or to be disparaged by others more noble (1Co 12:21, 22).
foot … hand—The humble speaks of the more honorable member which most nearly resembles itself: so the "ear" of the "eye" (the nobler and more commanding member, Nu 10:31), (1Co 12:16). As in life each compares himself with those whom he approaches nearest in gifts, not those far superior. The foot and hand represent men of active life; the ear and eye, those of contemplative life.
17. Superior as the eye is, it would not do if it were the sole member to the exclusion of the rest.
18. now—as the case really is.
every one—each severally.
19. where were the body—which, by its very idea, "hath many members" (1Co 12:12, 14), [Alford].
20. now—as the case really is: in contrast to the supposition (1Co 12:19; compare 1Co 12:18).
many members—mutually dependent.
21. The higher cannot dispense with the lower members.
22. more feeble—more susceptible of injury: for example, the brain, the belly, the eye. Their very feebleness, so far from doing away with the need for them, calls forth our greater care for their preservation, as being felt "necessary."
23. less honourable—"We think" the feet and the belly "less honorable," though not really so in the nature of things.
bestow … honour—putting shoes on (Margin) the feet, and clothes to cover the belly.
uncomely parts—the secret parts: the poorest, though unclad in the rest of the body, cover these.
24. tempered … together—on the principle of mutual compensation.
to that part which lacked—to the deficient part [Alford], (1Co 12:23).
25. no schism—(compare 1Co 12:21)—no disunion; referring to the "divisions" noticed (1Co 11:18).
care one for another—that is, in behalf of one another.
26. And—Accordingly.
all … suffer with it—"When a thorn enters the heel, the whole body feels it, and is concerned: the back bends, the belly and thighs contract themselves, the hands come forward and draw out the thorn, the head stoops, and the eyes regard the affected member with intense gaze" [Chrysostom].
rejoice with it—"When the head is crowned, the whole man feels honored, the mouth expresses, and the eyes look, gladness" [Chrysostom].
27. members in particular—that is, severally members of it. Each church is in miniature what the whole aggregate of churches is collectively, "the body of Christ" (compare 1Co 3:16): and its individual components are members, every one in his assigned place.
28. set … in the church—as He has "set the members … in the body" (1Co 12:18).
first apostles—above even the prophets. Not merely the Twelve, but others are so called, for example, Barnabas, &c. (Ro 16:7).
teachers—who taught, for the most part, truths already revealed; whereas the prophets made new revelations and spoke all their prophesyings under the Spirit's influence. As the teachers had the "word of knowledge," so the prophets "the word of wisdom" (1Co 12:8). Under "teachers" are included "evangelists and pastors."
miracles—literally, "powers" (1Co 12:10): ranked below "teachers," as the function of teaching is more edifying, though less dazzling than working miracles.
helps, governments—lower and higher departments of "ministrations" (1Co 12:5); as instances of the former, deacons whose office it was to help in the relief of the poor, and in baptizing and preaching, subordinate to higher ministers (Ac 6:1-10; 8:5-17); also, others who helped with their time and means, in the Lord's cause (compare 1Co 13:13; Nu 11:17). The Americans similarly use "helps" for "helpers." And, as instances of the latter, presbyters, or bishops, whose office it was to govern the Church (1Ti 5:17; Heb 13:17, 24). These officers, though now ordinary and permanent, were originally specially endowed with the Spirit for their office, whence they are here classified with other functions of an inspired character. Government (literally, "guiding the helm" of affairs), as being occupied with external things, notwithstanding the outward status it gives, is ranked by the Spirit with the lower functions. Compare "He that giveth" (answering to "helps")—"he that ruleth" (answering to "governments") (Ro 12:8). Translate, literally, "Helpings, governings" [Alford].
diversities of tongues—(1Co 12:10). "Divers kinds of tongues."
29. Are all?—Surely not.
31. covet earnestly—Greek, "emulously desire." Not in the spirit of discontented "coveting." The Spirit "divides to every man severally as He will" (1Co 12:1); but this does not prevent men earnestly seeking, by prayer and watchfulness, and cultivation of their faculties, the greatest gifts. Beza explains, "Hold in the highest estimation"; which accords with the distinction in his view (1Co 14:1) between "follow after charity—zealously esteem spiritual gifts"; also with (1Co 12:11, 18) the sovereign will with which the Spirit distributes the gifts, precluding individuals from desiring gifts not vouchsafed to them. But see on 1Co 14:1.
the best gifts—Most of the oldest manuscripts read, "the greatest gifts."
and yet—Greek, "and moreover." Besides recommending your zealous desire for the greatest gifts, I am about to show you a something still more excellent (literally, "a way most way-like") to desire, "the way of love" (compare 1Co 14:1). This love, or "charity," includes both "faith" and "hope" (1Co 13:7), and bears the same fruits (1Co 13:1-13) as the ordinary and permanent fruits of the Spirit (Ga 5:22-24). Thus "long-suffering," compare 1Co 12:4; "faith," 1Co 12:7; "joy," 1Co 12:6; "meekness," 1Co 12:5; "goodness," 1Co 12:5; "gentleness," 1Co 12:4 (the Greek is the same for "is kind"). It is the work of the Holy Spirit, and consists in love to God, on account of God's love in Christ to us, and as a consequence, love to man, especially to the brethren in Christ (Ro 5:5; 15:30). This is more to be desired than gifts (Lu 10:20).