Tyndale Open Study Notes1 Corinthians 12

The church in Corinth focused too much on the gift of speaking in tongues (see 14:1–25, 27; compare the lists in 12:8–10, 28, where Paul lists tongues last). Paul offers advice to correct their understanding of the value and use of spiritual gifts.

Paul introduces the topic and highlights how the Holy Spirit actively works in believers.

pagans: Non-Jewish people who do not follow a major religion.

Paul provides two ways to recognize the Spirit's presence in worship:

1. Those who curse Jesus show they reject him and his message, so they cannot speak by the Spirit of God.

2. Believers show the Holy Spirit's presence in their lives by sincerely confessing that Jesus is Lord. This may be the earliest Christian creed (see Romans 10:9, 13; 2 Corinthians 4:5; Philippians 2:11; 1 John 4:2–3).

Believers are united in the Lord and his Spirit, but God gives different spiritual gifts to each person. These gifts help them serve the same Lord in various ways (see also 7:7; 12:7–11, 28–31; Romans 12:6–8; Ephesians 4:11).

All the work believers do for God is actually God working through them (see 15:10; 2 Corinthians 4:7; Galatians 2:8; Philippians 2:13; compare Galatians 2:20).

Spiritual gifts are not for the benefit of the person who receives them. They are meant to help others (see 1 Peter 4:10–11).

This list of nine spiritual gifts is an example, not a complete list (see also 12:28–30; Romans 12:6–8; Ephesians 4:11).

• God's Spirit provides supernatural wisdom or knowledge to some believers.

• to another the message of knowledge: see 1:5; 8:1; 13:2, 8.

The spiritual gift of great faith is different from the faith needed for salvation. It is an exceptional ability to trust God for specific needs (see 13:2; Matthew 17:19–20; compare Acts 6:5; 11:24).

• Prophesying means delivering a special message from God, not just predicting the future (see 11:4–5; 13:2, 8; 14:1–25, 29–33; 1 Thessalonians 5:20; compare Acts 13:1–2; 21:4, 10–11).

• The gift to discern if a message is from God's Spirit or another spirit is essential for any Christian community open to God's word (see 1 Corinthians 14:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:19–21; compare Acts 16:16–18; 1 John 4:1–3).

• For Paul, speaking in unknown languages means using a spiritual language that needs the gift of interpretation to be understood. By ranking this gift lower (both here and in 1 Corinthians 12:28), Paul indicates that the gift of tongues is less important, as the Corinthian church had become overly fascinated with it (compare 13:1, 8; 14:1–25, 27).

• The ability to interpret is not about translating with natural skill, but about spiritually understanding the Spirit's message through the gift of tongues (see 14:5, 13, 26–28).

the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines: See 12:4, 6, 18, 28. Paul affirms both God's choice in giving spiritual gifts and the human duty to "earnestly desire the most helpful gifts" (12:31).

The church is like a body (see 12:27) made up of many different parts. Each part has its own role, as determined by God (see 12:11, 18, 28; Romans 12:4–5).

• Ethnic and social differences do not matter in the church (see Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11).

• For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body: Water baptism represents a spiritual baptism. In this, the Holy Spirit unites the believer with Christ and the church.

These verses shift from the image of a physical body to the image of the church as a spiritual body. Every part of the body is important and essential for it to work well. Believers should not brag about their spiritual roles or think less of them compared to others. God, who created the body, has placed each part exactly where he wants it (12:18).

The weaker and less noticeable body parts are very important. They need special care and respect for the whole body to work well.

The church is a united group, so members must live in harmony and care for one another.

Paul describes various roles assigned to individuals in the church (see also the list in 12:8–10; compare Romans 12:6–8; Ephesians 4:11).

• Apostles are special messengers of Christ in the world (see also Ephesians 4:11).

• Prophets deliver messages from God (see 1 Corinthians 12:10 and related study note; Ephesians 4:11; compare Acts 13:1–2).

• Teachers educate others about the faith (Romans 12:7; Ephesians 4:11; compare Acts 13:1).

• various tongues: See study note on 1 Corinthians 12:10.

These rhetorical questions all expect the answer, "Of course not!" Paul gently corrects those who feel jealous of others. Believers should gratefully accept the gifts God has given them. They should not envy other gifts or consider any gifts more important than others (but see 12:31).

• Believers should eagerly seek the most helpful gifts, those with the greatest potential to strengthen the church (see 14:12). They should remember that God distributes gifts as he chooses (12:11, 18, 28). Paul encourages the Corinthians to look beyond their desire for the gift of tongues (compare 14:1–25, 27; see 12:10) because it has the least potential to strengthen the church.

• And now I will show you the most excellent way: This statement leads to Paul’s description of love in 13:1–13. Love is the best way of life.