1 Corinthians 12

1 (the) spiritual [gifts]. Manifestations of the Holy Spirit (see ver. 3). “The Apostle’s object is to lead his readers away from rivalry in special gifts to the one Spirit.” . . . “The term ‘charisma’ in St. Paul’s language stands for any gift of grace which enables any member of the Church to fulfil his appropriate function, however exalted or however humble that function may be” (Dean Armitage Robinson: Essay on “The Primitive Ministry” in Essays on the Early History of the Church and Ministry, edited by Dr. H. B. Swete, 1918).

2 even as ye were led. Blindly following from time to time the supporters of “voiceless” and senseless idols.

3 no man speaking by the Spirit of God, etc. The confession or the rejection of Jesus as Lord is the criterion of the possession of the Holy Spirit: cp. John xv. 26, 27; xvi. 14, 15; 1 John iv. 1-3, and notes. “Accursed” here is anathema; the negative implying a strong assertion to the contrary.

4 diversities. “Distributions” (Lange).

5 differences of administrations. However diverse the “gifts,” they have one Divine source (4); however different the “ministries” (not administrations, see vers. 8-10, 28), they serve one Divine Lord (6); however various the “operations,” there is but one Divine Worker (the Father, John v. 17); and they all have one great object, the “profit” of the Church (7). Therefore all should be exercised, not discordantly but in harmony.

6 all in all. “All” these various workings in “all” who exercise them.

7 to profit withal. Rather, “for the common good.”

10 miracles. Other powers besides bodily cures (9).

prophecy. See note on Rom. xii. 6.

discerning (discernings) of spirits. This implies the power of knowing the secrets of another’s heart: cp. Acts v. 1-10; xiii. 9-11.

[divers] kinds of tongues. See Acts ii. 4, and note. There was on the day of Pentecost a speaking in languages of other countries, which natives of those countries could understand; while the gift, as it displayed itself in the Corinthian church, was evidently that of ecstatic outbursts in no known tongue.

12 so also is Christ. The unity which pervades man’s natural body and its members, pervades Christ’s spiritual body, the Church, and its members.

13 by one Spirit. Lit., “in one Spirit”: the Holy Spirit being, as it were, the element of this baptism: cp. Acts xi. 16.

made to drink. “Imbued with” (Moffatt).

14-19. The variety of the human frame is used to illustrate the diversity of gifts in the Church. Its unity is employed to show the mutual and close dependence and harmony of the several parts and their endowments.

23 bestow. Rather “put on” (as R.V. marg.); referring to clothing.

25 schism. Or, “division,” of feeling or interest.

27 members in particular. Collectively, the body of Christ; individually, the members of His body. The following list of diverse and unequal gifts (not necessarily implying distinct offices) illustrates the need of mutual consideration and love, as the only effectual preventive of jealousies and bickerings (31).

28 prophets. Or, preachers, under the direct influence of the Holy Spirit: cp. xiv. 1, note.

teachers. Distinguished from preachers.

miracles. Lit., “powers”: see on ver. 10.

helps. Probably the care of the poor and the sick.

governments. Or, powers of administration; a separate gift.

31 covet earnestly the best gifts, etc. Rather, “Aim at the greater gifts (such as public teaching for edification, xiv. 1-5): yea, moreover, I show you a pre-eminent way” to Christian usefulness. This is LOVE; without which they are all worthless, “The way to all higher gifts is the way of Love.”

this plain warning, men have confounded alms-giving with true religion, and hence have in many languages called it charity.

though I give my body to be burned. The highest form of self-sacrifice for one’s country, friends, or religion. Such things may be done, not from love, but from ambition. An alternative reading, “that I may boast,” seems on every account less probable, although sustained by many high authorities. Nestle (Gr. Test.) retains the old reading.