1 Corinthians 12

1 Corinthians 12:1

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant of the nature and differences thereof, that ye may know how to value them, in yourselves and in others.

1 Corinthians 12:3

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.

Ye find this a manifest difference betwixt you and those infidels, from whom ye are severed; ye Christians have the Spirit of God; they want it: and, for a trial of both, know, that whosoever speaks evil of the name of Christ, that man certainly hath not the Spirit of God, but is still an infidel: and, contrarily, no man can acknowledge and profess Christ to be the Lord, and stand out for the maintenance of this truth, but by the Holy Ghost, if not regenerating, yet at least illuminating and informing him therein.

1 Corinthians 12:4

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

Now there are diversities of gifts distributed to men in the Church; but there is only one and the same Spirit, that bestows them upon men.

1 Corinthians 12:5

And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

And there are differences of services and functions in the Church; but one and the same Lord, to whom they are directed.

1 Corinthians 12:6

And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

And there are diversities of operations, in the execution of those services, and in miraculous works therein wrought; but it is the same God, which worketh all in all.

1 Corinthians 12:7

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

But these several gifts, by which the power of God’s Spirit is manifested to men, are given to every man, not for his own behoof, but for the profit of others.

1 Corinthians 12:8

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 the power of understanding and unfolding the great mysteries of speculative divinity; to another, the right skill of practical cases; and all by one and the same Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:12

So also is Christ.

So also is it with Christ and his Church: he is the Head; they are the several Members; and all make up but one mystical and complete Body. B b 2

1 Corinthians 12:13

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.

This oneness of ours may well be seen in those Sacraments, which are common to God’s Church: for, by one and the same Spirit of God, working with and by the outward elements, are we baptized into the communion of one and the same Church; whether we be Jews or Gentiles, bond or free; and are all made partakers of the same Sacramental Cup, and therein of the same blood of Christ, by the working of the same Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:14

For the body is not one member, but many.

For the body doth not consist of one member alone, but of many several limbs and parts.

1 Corinthians 12:23

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.

We do not despise the least or worst part of the body; yea, rather, by how much more meanness or shame there is in any part, so much more careful are we to deck it and dress it with more costly and comely ornaments.

1 Corinthians 12:24

For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.

But God hath given us that natural instinct and inclination, so to regard the frame and temper of these bodies of ours, as to give more honour to and to take more care of those parts, which are the most despicable.

1 Corinthians 12:27

Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

Now, ye are that Spiritual Body, whereof Christ is the Head; and are the several and particular limbs and members of that Body.

1 Corinthians 12:28

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.

And God hath set and appointed men in several ranks and degrees in his Church; first, Apostles; then, secondly, Prophets, both such, as by revelation foretell future things, and such as can wisely and skilfully interpret the Scriptures: thirdly, pastors and teachers, &c. those, that are helpers to the sick and poor; those, that are skilful in government; those, that are endued with diversities of tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:31

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

Amongst all these, affect ye most those gifts, which may make most for the edification of the Church; and regard not