I Corinthians 12: Understanding Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
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.
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
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:
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
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.
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.
For the body is not one member, but many.
If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
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?
If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
And if they were all one member, where were the body?
But now are they many members, yet but one body.
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.
Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
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.
For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
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.
Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
In I Corinthians 12, Paul addresses the topic of spiritual gifts within the Corinthian church. Following his instructions on head coverings and the Lord's Supper (I Corinthians 11), Paul tackles potential misunderstandings and divisions related to spiritual gifts. He emphasizes the unity and diversity of the church, illustrating it through the analogy of the human body. This chapter is crucial for understanding how God equips believers for service and how these gifts should be used to build up the entire church.
The Source of Spiritual Gifts (12:1-3)
Paul begins by stating his desire for the Corinthians not to be uninformed about spiritual gifts. He reminds them of their past lives as pagans, led astray by idols (I Corinthians 12:2). However, through the power of the Holy Spirit, they have turned to God and can now confess, "Jesus is Lord" (I Corinthians 12:3). This confession is itself evidence of the Spirit's work in their lives. The ability to sincerely proclaim Jesus as Lord is a foundational experience for all believers, marking a clear distinction from their previous, spiritually empty existence.
It's vital to recognize that every Christian is a spiritual person, indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The presence of the Spirit is the defining characteristic of those who belong to Christ.
Unity and Diversity in the Body (12:4-7)
Paul emphasizes that while spiritual gifts vary, they all originate from the same Holy Spirit, the same Lord Jesus, and the same God (I Corinthians 12:4-6). This triune God is the source of all gifts, ministries, and activities within the church. He exists in three persons, yet He is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4).
The variety of gifts equips Christians for different ministries and activities. This diversity is a strength, reflecting the multifaceted nature of God's grace. However, Paul stresses that these gifts are not for personal gain or to create division. Instead, each gift is given for the common good (I Corinthians 12:7), to benefit others and build up the body of Christ.
A spiritual gift is a God-given and empowered ability to serve Him in ways that benefit others. God created and recreated us in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17) for a single purpose: service in His kingdom. Our variety is to be unified in submission to our King's agenda for the good of all.
The Manifestation of Gifts (12:8-11)
Paul lists several spiritual gifts, including the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, speaking in tongues, and the interpretation of tongues (I Corinthians 12:8-10). This list is not exhaustive, but it provides a glimpse into the diverse ways the Spirit empowers believers.
It's crucial to note that one Christian is given one gift, while another is given a different gift. No one possesses all the gifts, highlighting our interdependence within the body of Christ. The Spirit distributes these gifts as He wills (I Corinthians 12:11), according to His perfect plan and purpose. We don’t choose the spiritual gift of our preference. The Spirit gives as He sees fit. He knows what you and His kingdom need better than you do, so trust Him to supply you with the spiritual ability with which you can best serve Him and bless others.
Some believe certain gifts, often referred to as "sign gifts" or "confirmation gifts," were primarily given during the apostolic era to confirm the gospel message. Others believe these gifts continue to be distributed widely today. Regardless of one's view, it's essential to recognize that the Spirit sovereignly decides who receives which gift.
The Body Analogy (12:12-27)
To illustrate the importance of unity and diversity, Paul uses the analogy of the human body. Just as a body is composed of many parts, each with its unique function, so the church is made up of many members, each with different gifts and roles (I Corinthians 12:12-14).
The Corinthians consisted of Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, they were all made a part of the same body. Paul elaborates, noting that believers are baptized by one Spirit into one body (I Corinthians 12:13). The Greek verb baptizō means “to immerse.” It could be used to describe the action of immersing a cloth into a dye to change its color. The baptism of the cloth in such a case brings about a transformation that changes its visible identity. In the same way, the Spirit transforms all believers for a new way of life that is to be done together. They are baptized “into one body”—the body of Christ, the family of God.
It would be absurd for a hand to declare it doesn't belong to the body or for an eye to claim it doesn't need the foot (I Corinthians 12:15-16, 21). Similarly, it's foolish for Christians to isolate themselves from the church or to think their gifts are unimportant. Too many believers are detached from the church, unwilling to commit to being fully functioning members. As a result, both the believer and the church lose out on the blessings God intends.
Every part of the body is essential, even those that seem weaker or less honorable (I Corinthians 12:22-23). We may give greater honor to the less honorable parts of our bodies. We treat unrespectable parts with greater respect. Though they are not displayed for the world to see, they perform indispensable functions. So it is in the body of Christ. Often we place too much emphasis on members and ministries that are visible. But this wrongly equates visibility with value. Not every member has the same gift, the same role, or the same level of responsibility. But every member matters. Those whose ministries go on behind the scenes are vital to the health of the church.
When one part of the body suffers, the whole body suffers (I Corinthians 12:26). This highlights the interconnectedness of believers and the importance of empathy and compassion within the church. We are responsible to and accountable for one another because we all share in the same body. Therefore, don’t be concerned only for your own needs within Christ’s body. As Paul says elsewhere, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). This is simply an application of the second greatest commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).
The Importance of Each Member (12:28-31)
Paul lists various roles within the church, including apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, healers, helpers, administrators, and speakers of various kinds of tongues (I Corinthians 12:28). The ranking of these roles (first, second, third) relates to the level of the office. The apostles were those who had seen the risen Jesus and were appointed by him as foundational leaders to teach doctrine to the church. The prophets communicate God’s revelation to God’s people. Teachers explain the meaning of God’s truth. This list emphasizes the diversity of functions within the body of Christ.
Paul asks a series of rhetorical questions, highlighting that not everyone has the same gift or role (I Corinthians 12:29-30). This reinforces the idea that no single person can fulfill every function in the church. It is not wrong to desire the greater gifts to be manifested in the church (I Corinthians 12:31)—that is, the higher-ranking gifts (if God chooses to grant them)—in order to provide the broadest edification to the church.
Regarding tongues, Paul's instruction is written to a carnal, divided church (see 3:1-3). Thus, the exercise of the gift of tongues is not necessarily a sign of spiritual maturity. Given how controversial the issue of speaking in tongues is today, note two important things. First, since it comes last in the list, it should not be given such supreme importance as some have assigned it. Second, observe that Paul asks, Do all speak in other tongues? (I Corinthians 12:30). This question implies that not all Christians have been given this gift; therefore, it is not a super-Christian status indicator or the only sign that someone has been baptized by the Holy Spirit.
Paul concludes this section by encouraging the Corinthians to "earnestly desire the higher gifts" and promising to show them "a still more excellent way" (I Corinthians 12:31), leading into his famous discourse on love in chapter 13.
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
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.
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
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:
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
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.
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.
For the body is not one member, but many.
If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
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?
If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
And if they were all one member, where were the body?
But now are they many members, yet but one body.
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.
Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
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.
For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
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.
Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
In I Corinthians 12, Paul addresses the topic of spiritual gifts within the Corinthian church. Following his instructions on head coverings and the Lord's Supper (I Corinthians 11), Paul tackles potential misunderstandings and divisions related to spiritual gifts. He emphasizes the unity and diversity of the church, illustrating it through the analogy of the human body. This chapter is crucial for understanding how God equips believers for service and how these gifts should be used to build up the entire church.
The Source of Spiritual Gifts (12:1-3)
Paul begins by stating his desire for the Corinthians not to be uninformed about spiritual gifts. He reminds them of their past lives as pagans, led astray by idols (I Corinthians 12:2). However, through the power of the Holy Spirit, they have turned to God and can now confess, "Jesus is Lord" (I Corinthians 12:3). This confession is itself evidence of the Spirit's work in their lives. The ability to sincerely proclaim Jesus as Lord is a foundational experience for all believers, marking a clear distinction from their previous, spiritually empty existence.
It's vital to recognize that every Christian is a spiritual person, indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The presence of the Spirit is the defining characteristic of those who belong to Christ.
Unity and Diversity in the Body (12:4-7)
Paul emphasizes that while spiritual gifts vary, they all originate from the same Holy Spirit, the same Lord Jesus, and the same God (I Corinthians 12:4-6). This triune God is the source of all gifts, ministries, and activities within the church. He exists in three persons, yet He is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4).
The variety of gifts equips Christians for different ministries and activities. This diversity is a strength, reflecting the multifaceted nature of God's grace. However, Paul stresses that these gifts are not for personal gain or to create division. Instead, each gift is given for the common good (I Corinthians 12:7), to benefit others and build up the body of Christ.
A spiritual gift is a God-given and empowered ability to serve Him in ways that benefit others. God created and recreated us in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17) for a single purpose: service in His kingdom. Our variety is to be unified in submission to our King's agenda for the good of all.
The Manifestation of Gifts (12:8-11)
Paul lists several spiritual gifts, including the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, speaking in tongues, and the interpretation of tongues (I Corinthians 12:8-10). This list is not exhaustive, but it provides a glimpse into the diverse ways the Spirit empowers believers.
It's crucial to note that one Christian is given one gift, while another is given a different gift. No one possesses all the gifts, highlighting our interdependence within the body of Christ. The Spirit distributes these gifts as He wills (I Corinthians 12:11), according to His perfect plan and purpose. We don’t choose the spiritual gift of our preference. The Spirit gives as He sees fit. He knows what you and His kingdom need better than you do, so trust Him to supply you with the spiritual ability with which you can best serve Him and bless others.
Some believe certain gifts, often referred to as "sign gifts" or "confirmation gifts," were primarily given during the apostolic era to confirm the gospel message. Others believe these gifts continue to be distributed widely today. Regardless of one's view, it's essential to recognize that the Spirit sovereignly decides who receives which gift.
The Body Analogy (12:12-27)
To illustrate the importance of unity and diversity, Paul uses the analogy of the human body. Just as a body is composed of many parts, each with its unique function, so the church is made up of many members, each with different gifts and roles (I Corinthians 12:12-14).
The Corinthians consisted of Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, they were all made a part of the same body. Paul elaborates, noting that believers are baptized by one Spirit into one body (I Corinthians 12:13). The Greek verb baptizō means “to immerse.” It could be used to describe the action of immersing a cloth into a dye to change its color. The baptism of the cloth in such a case brings about a transformation that changes its visible identity. In the same way, the Spirit transforms all believers for a new way of life that is to be done together. They are baptized “into one body”—the body of Christ, the family of God.
It would be absurd for a hand to declare it doesn't belong to the body or for an eye to claim it doesn't need the foot (I Corinthians 12:15-16, 21). Similarly, it's foolish for Christians to isolate themselves from the church or to think their gifts are unimportant. Too many believers are detached from the church, unwilling to commit to being fully functioning members. As a result, both the believer and the church lose out on the blessings God intends.
Every part of the body is essential, even those that seem weaker or less honorable (I Corinthians 12:22-23). We may give greater honor to the less honorable parts of our bodies. We treat unrespectable parts with greater respect. Though they are not displayed for the world to see, they perform indispensable functions. So it is in the body of Christ. Often we place too much emphasis on members and ministries that are visible. But this wrongly equates visibility with value. Not every member has the same gift, the same role, or the same level of responsibility. But every member matters. Those whose ministries go on behind the scenes are vital to the health of the church.
When one part of the body suffers, the whole body suffers (I Corinthians 12:26). This highlights the interconnectedness of believers and the importance of empathy and compassion within the church. We are responsible to and accountable for one another because we all share in the same body. Therefore, don’t be concerned only for your own needs within Christ’s body. As Paul says elsewhere, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). This is simply an application of the second greatest commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).
The Importance of Each Member (12:28-31)
Paul lists various roles within the church, including apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, healers, helpers, administrators, and speakers of various kinds of tongues (I Corinthians 12:28). The ranking of these roles (first, second, third) relates to the level of the office. The apostles were those who had seen the risen Jesus and were appointed by him as foundational leaders to teach doctrine to the church. The prophets communicate God’s revelation to God’s people. Teachers explain the meaning of God’s truth. This list emphasizes the diversity of functions within the body of Christ.
Paul asks a series of rhetorical questions, highlighting that not everyone has the same gift or role (I Corinthians 12:29-30). This reinforces the idea that no single person can fulfill every function in the church. It is not wrong to desire the greater gifts to be manifested in the church (I Corinthians 12:31)—that is, the higher-ranking gifts (if God chooses to grant them)—in order to provide the broadest edification to the church.
Regarding tongues, Paul's instruction is written to a carnal, divided church (see 3:1-3). Thus, the exercise of the gift of tongues is not necessarily a sign of spiritual maturity. Given how controversial the issue of speaking in tongues is today, note two important things. First, since it comes last in the list, it should not be given such supreme importance as some have assigned it. Second, observe that Paul asks, Do all speak in other tongues? (I Corinthians 12:30). This question implies that not all Christians have been given this gift; therefore, it is not a super-Christian status indicator or the only sign that someone has been baptized by the Holy Spirit.
Paul concludes this section by encouraging the Corinthians to "earnestly desire the higher gifts" and promising to show them "a still more excellent way" (I Corinthians 12:31), leading into his famous discourse on love in chapter 13.