From divisions and differences in the church, Paul moves to spiritual gifts. And while many focus on the diversity of these gifts, Paul actually lays them out using the trinity as the example of unity with diversity. Many have heard 1 Corinthians 12:4 (LEB) “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit” the following list of “the manifestation of the spirit” Paul gives in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11. Yet most read over 1 Corinthians 12:5–6 (LEB) and there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord, 6 and there are varieties of activities, but the same God, who works all things in all people”. Paul lays out the work of the trinity, the Spirit, the Lord (the Son, Jesus Christ), and God (the Father) as they are united as the model for us in the church in 1 Corinthians 12:20 (LEB) “But now there are many members, but one body”. While there are differences in gifts and abilities, we each have our place in the body of Christ as part of “a holy priesthood” in 1 Peter 2:5 (LEB) “And you yourselves, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”.
Proclaim the Lord’s Death Until He Comes
Concerning Spiritual Gifts
1 Corinthians 12:1–11
Paul introduces this as a discussion of spiritual gifts and this is the focus that is heavily leaned on when reading this chapter but let us look closely at Paul’s description which begins with “there are varieties of gifts” as we expect in
1 Corinthians 12:4–6 (LEB) “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit, 5 and there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord, 6 and there are varieties of activities, but the same God, who works all things in all people”.
then Paul goes on to say “there are varieties of ministries” and then, “there are varieties of activities”. This chapter is a much more comprehensive description of the work of the church and our role as members of the body of Christ than simply “the manifestation of the Spirit” that Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11. Let’s look at these verses again:
- The same Spirit in verse 4 is as we expect and likely as we have been taught and also likely the limit we have placed on our understanding of these verses. 1 Corinthians 12:4 (LEB) “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit”
- The same Lord in verse 5 introduces “varieties of ministries” and it is Jesus that sent His disciples preach the gospel of the kingdom and make disciples. 1 Corinthians 12:5 (LEB) “and there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord”
- The same God in verse 6 introduces “varieties of activities” and this includes all of the activities that happen “all things in all people”. 1 Corinthians 12:6 (LEB) “and there are varieties of activities, but the same God, who works all things in all people”
Paul introduces, not just “the manifestation of the Spirit” but the full work of the Godhead, the trinity in its fullness working not only to establish the body of Christ but to complete the work of redemption through us. As Paul described the trinity working as one, he goes on to describe the body in
1 Corinthians 12:14 (LEB) “For the body is not one member, but many”
and in
1 Corinthians 12:20 (LEB) “But now there are many members, but one body”
By One Spirit We Were All Baptized
Now You Are the Body of Christ
1 Corinthians 12:21–31
Paul includes in this list of those “whom God has appointed in the church” apostles and prophets and teachers as we expect and as is widely taught and then he mentions miracles and gifts of healing and helps and administration and tongues and lists these as if they were in order of importance in
1 Corinthians 12:28 (LEB) “and whom God has appointed in the church: first, apostles, second, prophets, third, teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, administrations, kinds of tongues”.
and as natural human beings, we compare ourselves with others and are sometimes prideful about our gifts and abilities but Paul puts all of these thoughts in the right perspective as he transitions from individual gifts in
1 Corinthians 12:31 (LEB) “But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way”
Paul directs them all to the greatest gift which is love in 1 Corinthians 13.
These Three Remain: Faith, Hope, and Love
Seek for the Edification of the Church
1 Corinthians 14:1–12
As Paul begins to sum up his teaching on Spiritual gifts, he tells them to “pursue love” in
1 Corinthians 14:1 (LEB) “Pursue love, and strive for spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy”
He says this because “love never ends” in 1 Corinthians 13:8 but these other gifts are given for this age, they are not eternal in their operation but they are valuable for us in this age. In this fallen world where there is an enemy, an accuser “spiritual forces of wickedness”, we need the gifts of the Spirit in
Ephesians 6:12–13 (LEB) “because our struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Because of this, take up the full armor of God, in order that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand”
Finally, Paul emphasizes prophecy because we all need a sure word from the Lord, a word of edification, a word that establishes us. The word used here means “building (Mt 24:1; Mk 13:1, 2; Eph 2:21+); … construction, build up (1Co 3:9; Eph 4:12+; 1Ti 1:4 v.r.); … making more able, a building up, edification, strengthening (Ro 14:19; 15:2; 1Co 3:9; 14:3, 5, 12, 26; 2Co 5:1; 10:8; 12:19; 13:10; Eph 4:16, 29+),11 and this is the building that is the church, “a holy priesthood” for the Lord in
1 Peter 2:5 (LEB) “And you yourselves, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”
Study Verses
- 1 Corinthians 12:1–11 Concerning Spiritual Gifts
- 1 Corinthians 12:21–31 Now You Are the Body of Christ
- 1 Corinthians 14:1–12 Seek for the Edification of the Church
Today’s Reading
- 1 Corinthians 11:25-34
- 1 Corinthians 12:1-31
- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
- 1 Corinthians 14:1-12
References
- 1. Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament) (electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
