Chapter 12
Regarding Spiritual Gifts
12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed.
Paul now begins to discuss Spiritual gifts, a subject that has its roots all the way back to the book of Exodus. But before we explore further we probably should discuss the reason God gives Spiritual gifts to His people. The first mention of Spiritual gifting is in the Old Testament shortly after Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. God gave two men, Bezalel and Oholiab, knowledge and ability to build the Tabernacle, a huge endeavor considering they had no power tools and were away from any civilization (see Exodus 31:1-11; 35:30-35). God was not going to demand Moses and the Israelites to build the Tabernacle and all its furnishings without providing the necessary resources. There is a simple saying that summarizes this relationship, “Where God guides, He provides.” That has always been true and will remain true until He returns. Now let’s fast forward to our current ‘church age’. We all have been given the same edict to “Go, baptize, and teach” all that He taught us (see Matthew 28:18-20). While under the same command, we all have different roles, vocations, tasks, etc. that we are to do for His kingdom, which require different tools and resources. Enter Spiritual gifts!
In this chapter we see a comprehensive list of gifts, but Paul also wrote about them in his epistles to the church in Rome (see Romans 12:4-8) and to the church in Ephesus (see Ephesians 4:11-16). Even Peter wrote about the importance of Spiritual gifts (see 1 Peter 4:7-11). It is important to note that there is a difference between Spiritual gifts and fruit of the Spirit. The gifts vary from believer to believer based on their role, vocation, or task and even though one can seek for specific gifting, it is always up to God who gets what gift. The fruit of the Spirit is something every believer receives, each being ‘external’ evidence of being a child of God (see Galatians 5:15-26).
12:2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led.
Paul makes an interesting statement, that before becoming believers they were led astray to mute idols. Understanding the religious culture of Corinth at this time we see that the people embraced both Roman and Greek mythology with many temples and idols. Which is why many believers just ‘added’ Jesus to their lengthy list. But all the others were mute! Not Jesus! (See commentary under 1 Corinthians 8:7)
12:3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.
They were previously led astray to worship idols that cannot speak, but if they hear from those people that led them to the idols (or anyone else for that matter) say “Jesus is accursed!” They are not from God and are not speaking in the Spirit of God, and should not be listened to. Paul then states that no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. This is a reference to a confession, a statement of wholehearted belief in Jesus, not just someone repeating the words.
12:4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
Paul begins by notifying his readers that there are a variety of gifts, in number as well as in service (their role in ministry) and activities (their effect when used). Each from the same God who empowers them (provides everything necessary to fully operate) in everyone. A Spiritual gift is given to us not just for us but for the kingdom at large.
12:8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit,
On the top of the list is the supernatural ability to speak words of wisdom through the Holy Spirit (Greek ‘logos’ to speak intelligently and ‘sophias’ meaning wisdom, skill, tact, expertise, insight, a divine wisdom not from the world). Followed by the ability to speak words of knowledge (same Greek ‘logos’ but now with ‘gnōseōs’ referring to the ability to expound on fundamental principles, revealing deeper knowledge from God also through the Holy Spirit). These would be utterances of absolute truth likely often beyond the ability of the speaker to comprehend!
12:9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,
Paul adds faith to the list which often leads to confusion to some as faith in Jesus being our Savior is required to be saved and if one already possesses faith, so what is Paul referring to? Faith as a gift that goes beyond our faith in Jesus, it is the extra faith in God required to keep our eyes on Jesus even during difficult times, it is the faith that brings confidence in all of God’s promises, a faith that influences others to have faith in God. A faith that rubs off! Paul next lists the gifts of healing (Greek ‘charismata’ an undeserved benefit, a gracious gift, and ‘lamatōn’ to heal or cure). Again all gifts are from the Holy Spirit.
12:10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
Then breaking away from his usual appendage of “by the same Spirit,” Paul adds five more Spiritual gifts to his list, beginning with “the working of miracles” (Greek ‘energēmata’ the energy to bring a result, energized by God, and ‘dynameōn’ power, by metonymy the cause of mighty deeds). To another “prophecy” (Greek ‘prophēteia’, in context the prophetic revelations or directions of the Holy Spirit), to another “the ability to distinguish between spirits” (Greek ‘diakriseis’, to discern clearly and decide, and ‘pneumatōn’ referring to the discernment between that which is from God and that which is not, such as a false teacher or prophet). To another “various kinds of tongues” (Greek ‘genē’ to separate into kinds, classifications, or families, and ‘glōssōn’ referring to tongues, in context a metaphor for ethnic languages) and to another the “interpretation of tongues” (Greek ‘hermēneia’ the ability to interpret, and ‘glōssōn’, tongues, again a metaphor for languages, but in context any language or possibly any utterance).
12:11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
Paul once again notes that each of these gifts are empowered by one and the same Spirit, we call Him the Holy Spirit, and it is up to Him who gets what gift. They are not given in bulk, or this church gets this gift and those over there get something else. The Holy Spirit gives each individual believer what they need to do something for the kingdom of God.
Considerations
Heterō versus Allō
In each of the gifts Paul mentions “to another” referring to another person (believer) receiving a gift. The Greek language uses two primary words that when translated mean ‘another’. The root words are ‘allos’ meaning another of the same kind and ‘heteros’ meaning another of a different kind. Paul uses ‘allos’ (or more precisely ‘allō’) to refer to another believer in each listing except for “to another faith” (see verse nine) and “to another various kinds of tongues” (see verse ten) which both use ‘heterō’, referring to another of a different kind. Paul does not elaborate and it could be nothing more than Paul alternated the words with no purpose. Some believe Paul is taking note of a stronger difference such as those perhaps on the “front line” versus those more behind the scenes. Support of any variance or difference cannot be determined by the text.
Regarding the Use of the Spiritual Gifts
12:12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
Paul often used the metaphor of the human body to describe the church (also known as the body of Christ, see Ephesians 1:23; 4:12; 5:30; Colossians 1:24) , or perhaps more accurately how it should work (see Romans 12:5; Ephesians 4:16; 5:23, 30; Colossians 1:18, 24; 2:19; 3:15). He points out that there are many members (a part of the body) and even though there are many parts there is only one body, so it is the same with the body of Christ.
12:13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
At the moment we accepted Jesus as our Savior the Holy Spirit began to dwell in us, and as discussed previously in the commentary for 1 Corinthians 10:1-2, believers are ‘identified’ as belonging to Jesus through baptism. Paul emphasizes that we all have drank from one Spirit (figuratively referring to receiving power and all our Spiritual gifts through the same Holy Spirit) regardless if we are a Jew, a Greek, a slave, or free, it doesn’t matter, we are all blessed by God from the same Spirit.
12:14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.
Just like the human body, the body of Christ consists of many parts (see verse 27). Paul begins a fanciful conversation that depicts an anthropomorphic discussion between body parts to clarify this point. He begins with the foot saying, “Since I am not a hand, I must not be part of the body!” Paul says that certainly doesn’t mean being a foot isn’t part of the body. Or if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” regardless of what that member thinks, it remains vital to the body. Paul next asks if all parts of the body were eyes, “Then how could the body hear?” Or if all were ears, “How could the body smell?” Paul acknowledges that God is the one that assigns who gets what gift and when. He asks, “Where would the body be if all members were the same?” Paul responds that there are many parts but only one body. Every part has a role, we may not have a choice in what role that is, but we know it is something God chose for us. It is all important for the advancement of His kingdom.
12:21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it,
Paul continues his fanciful dialog between body parts with one of the eyes saying to hand, “I have no need of you,” and the head telling the feet, “I have no need of you.” Paul is telling us two important lessons regarding Spiritual gifts and our roles in the kingdom. First, since we don’t see the “bigger picture” from God’s perspective, we should never criticize another believer’s role or gift. Second, in the same line of thinking we can’t judge what may seem weaker as they are actually necessary and indispensable. Regarding the parts of the body that are considered less honorable, Paul says we should bestow them with a greater honor. And those parts that should not be seen (considered private) are to be protected, kept from being seen. Paul further notes that God has made up the body so that greater honor would given to those parts that had previously lacked honor.
12:25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
God allotted honor equally to the various body members so that there would be no division in the body, that each would be impartial in their care of each other. Paul notes that if one member suffers they all suffer, and if one is honored they all rejoice.
12:27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.
Paul is telling the church in Corinth (and to all believers) that we are all together the body of Christ, those individual eyes, hands, heads, feet, nose, etc. all make up God’s church. God chose who does what role, He ‘appointed’ (Greek ‘etheto’, to put, to place) first apostles (those that were sent by Jesus to spread the gospel message), second prophets (to speak God’s words), third teachers, then those that can perform miracles (as directed by God), then those that have the gift of healing, then those that help and provide relief for others, then those that govern and provide leadership, and then those that can speak and interpret different languages.
12:29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31a But earnestly desire the higher gifts.
Paul undoubtedly asks these questions knowing human nature that would immediately desire the more prestigious roles and gifts, but that attitude cannot serve God. Are all apostles? No! Are all prophets, teachers, work miracles, possess gifts of healing, speak with tongues, or do all interpret? No! Each role will be blessed with the Spiritual gift necessary to fulfill that role. If that role changes so may the gift. Paul is telling us that we cannot be everything to the church, it is a partnership and alignment with other believers, we work together for God in His kingdom. But even though God allocates the resources, if we feel we can be useful in the kingdom in a different role (not due to wanting more attention or some other selfish ambition), Paul notes that we can desire something greater.
12:31b And I will show you a still more excellent way.
The last half of verse 31 may be more appropriately placed in the following chapter. Keeping in mind what may motivate a person to desire a better gift or role in the church, Paul stops his lesson on Spiritual gifts to point out one essential element that must be in place prior to achieving an effective ministry…Love!
Considerations
How do you know what your Spiritual Gift is?
The first clue is that since Spiritual gifts are supernaturally endowed we can rule out nearly anything that was learned or something someone had previous experience in. While the Holy Spirit typically reveals the gift through introducing a new task that leads to learning one has a new ability or aptitude for, some believers remain unaware of their gift. So the question remains, how does one learn? My first response is to pray, my second answer is to take a Spiritual gifts assessment. I have seen and even participated in several different assessments, and for the most part I have not been impressed. But I do believe there are some available that would be useful.