1 Corinthians 12

1Co 12:1-31.

THE

USE AND THE

ABUSE OF

SPIRITUAL

GIFTS,

ESPECIALLY

PROPHESYING AND

TONGUES.

This is the second subject for correction in the Corinthian assemblies:

the "first" was discussed

(1Co 11:18-34).

1. spiritual gifts--the signs of the Spirit's continued efficacious

presence in the Church, which is Christ's body, the complement of His

incarnation, as the body is the complement of the head. By the love

which pervades the whole, the gifts of the several members, forming

reciprocal complements to each other, tend to the one object of

perfecting the body of Christ. The ordinary and permanent gifts are

comprehended together with the extraordinary, without distinction

specified, as both alike flow from the divine indwelling Spirit of life.

The extraordinary gifts, so far from making professors more peculiarly

saints than in our day, did not always even prove that such

persons were in a safe state at all

(Mt 7:22).

They were needed at first in the Church: (1) as a pledge to Christians

themselves who had just passed over from Judaism or heathendom, that

God was in the Church; (2) for the propagation of Christianity in the

world; (3) for the edification of the Church. Now that we have the

whole written New Testament (which they had not) and

Christianity established as the result of the miracles, we need no

further miracle to attest the truth. So the pillar of cloud which

guided the Israelites was withdrawn when they were sufficiently assured

of the Divine Presence, the manifestation of God's glory being

thenceforward enclosed in the Most Holy Place [ARCHBISHOP WHATELY]. Paul sets forth

in order: (1). The unity of the body

(1Co 12:1-27).

(2). The variety of its members and functions

(1Co 12:27-30).

(3). The grand principle for the right exercise of the gifts, namely,

love

(1Co 12:31;

1Co 13:1-13).

(4) The comparison of the gifts with one another

(1Co 14:1-40).

I would not have you ignorant--with all your boasts of

"knowledge" at Corinth. If ignorant now, it will be your own fault, not

mine

(1Co 14:38).

2.

(Eph 2:11).

that ye were--The best manuscripts read, "That

WHEN ye were"; thus

"ye were" must be supplied before "carried away"--Ye were blindly

transported hither and thither at the will of your false guides.

these dumb idols--Greek, "the idols which are dumb";

contrasted with the living God who "speaks" in the believer by His

Spirit

(1Co 12:3,

&c.). This gives the reason why the Corinthians needed instruction as

to spiritual gifts, namely, their past heathen state, wherein they had

no experience of intelligent spiritual powers. When blind, ye went to

the dumb.

as ye were led--The Greek is, rather, "as ye might (happen to)

be led," namely, on different occasions. The heathen oracles led their

votaries at random, without any definite principle.

3. The negative and positive criteria of inspiration by the

Spirit--the rejection or confession of Jesus as Lord [ALFORD]

(1Jo 4:2; 5:1).

Paul gives a test of truth against the Gentiles; John, against the

false prophets.

being the power pervading him, and the element in which he speaks

[ALFORD],

(Mt 16:17;

Joh 15:26).

of God . . . Holy--The same Spirit is called at one time "the Spirit

of GOD"; at another, "the

HOLY Ghost," or "Holy Spirit." Infinite

Holiness is almost synonymous with Godhead.

speaking . . . say--"Speak" implies the act of utterance; "say" refers

to that which is uttered. Here, "say" means a spiritual and

believing confession of Him.

Jesus--not an abstract doctrine, but the historical, living God-man

(Ro 10:9).

accursed--as the Jews and Gentiles treated Him

(Ga 3:13).

Compare "to curse Christ" in the heathen PLINY'S

letter [Epistles, 10.97]. The spiritual man feels Him to be the

Source of all blessings

(Eph 1:3)

and to be severed from Him is to be accursed

(Ro 9:3).

Lord--acknowledging himself as His servant

(Isa 26:13).

"Lord" is the Septuagint translation for the incommunicable

Hebrew name JEHOVAH.

4. diversities of gifts--that is, varieties of spiritual endowments

peculiar to the several members of the Church: compare "dividing to

every man severally"

(1Co 12:11).

same Spirit--The Holy Trinity appears here: the Holy Spirit in

this verse; Christ in

1Co 12:5;

and the Father in

1Co 12:6.

The terms "gifts," "administrations," and "operations," respectively

correspond to the Divine Three. The Spirit is treated of in

1Co 12:7,

&c.; the Lord, in

1Co 12:12,

&c.; God, in

1Co 12:28.

(Compare

Eph 4:4-6).

5, 6. "Gifts"

(1Co 12:4),

"administrations" (the various functions and services

performed by those having the gifts, compare

1Co 12:28),

and "operations" (the actual effects resulting from both the

former, through the universally operative power of the one Father who

is "above all, through all, and in us all"), form an ascending climax

[HENDERSON, Inspiration].

same Lord--whom the Spirit glorifies by these ministrations

[BENGEL].

6. operations--(Compare

1Co 12:10).

same God . . . worketh--by His Spirit working

(1Co 12:11).

all in all--all of them (the "gifts") in all the persons

(who possess them).

7. But--Though all the gifts flow from the one God, Lord, and

Spirit, the "manifestation" by which the Spirit acts (as He is hidden in

Himself), varies in each individual.

to every man--to each of the members of the Church severally.

to profit withal--with a view to the profit of the whole body.

8-10. Three classes of gifts are distinguished by a distinct

Greek word for "another" (a distinct class), marking the

three several genera: allo marks the species, hetero the

genera (compare Greek,

1Co 15:39-41).

I. Gifts of intellect, namely, (1) wisdom; (2) knowledge. II. Gifts

dependent on a special faith, namely, that of miracles

(Mt 17:20):

(1) healings; (2) workings of miracles; (3) prophecy of future events;

(4) discerning of spirits, or the divinely given faculty of

distinguishing between those really inspired, and those who pretended

to inspiration. III. Gifts referring to the tongues: (1) diverse

kinds of tongues; (2) interpretation of tongues. The catalogue in

1Co 12:28

is not meant strictly to harmonize with the one here, though there are

some particulars in which they correspond. The three genera are

summarily referred to by single instances of each in

1Co 13:8.

The first genus refers more to believers; the second, to unbelievers.

Greek is, "By means of," or "through the operation of"; the

second is, "according to" the disposing of (compare

1Co 12:11);

the third is, "in," that is, under the influence of (so the

Greek,

Mt 22:43;

Lu 2:27).

word of wisdom--the ready utterance of (for imparting to others,

Eph 6:19)

wisdom, namely, new revelations of the divine wisdom in

redemption, as contrasted with human philosophy

(1Co 1:24; 2:6, 7;

Eph 1:8; 3:10;

Col 2:3).

word of knowledge--ready utterance supernaturally

imparted of truths ALREADY REVEALED (in this it is

distinguished from "the word of wisdom," which related to NEW revelations). Compare

1Co 14:6,

where "revelation" (answering to "wisdom" here) is distinguished from

"knowledge" [HENDERSON]. Wisdom or

revelation belonged to the "prophets"; knowledge, to the

"teachers." Wisdom penetrates deeper than knowledge.

Knowledge relates to things that are to be done. Wisdom, to

things eternal: hence, wisdom is not, like knowledge,

said to "pass away"

(1Co 13:8),

[BENGEL].

9. faith--not of doctrines, but of miracles: confidence in God, by

the impulse of His Spirit, that He would enable them to perform any

required miracle (compare

1Co 13:2;

Mr 11:23;

Jas 5:15).

Its nature, or principle, is the same as that of saving faith, namely,

reliance on God; the producing cause, also, in the same,' namely, a

power altogether supernatural

(Eph 1:19, 20).

But the objects of faith differ respectively. Hence, we see, saving

faith does not save by its instrinsic merit, but by the merits of Him

who is the object of it.

healing--Greek plural, "healings"; referring to different kinds

of disease which need different kinds of healing

(Mt 10:1).

10. working of miracles--As "healings" are miracles, those here

meant must refer to miracles of special and extraordinary

POWER (so the

Greek for "miracles" means); for example, healings might be effected

infliction of death by a word, the innocuous use of poisons, &c., are

miracles of special power. Compare

Mr 6:5;

Ac 19:11.

prophecy--Here, probably, not in the wider sense of public teaching

(1Co 11:4, 5; 14:1-5, 22-39);

but, as its position between "miracles" and a "discerning of spirits"

implies, the inspired disclosure of the future

(Ac 11:27, 28; 21:11;

1Ti 1:18),

[HENDERSON]. It depends on "faith"

(1Co 12:9;

Ro 12:6).

The prophets ranked next to the apostles

(1Co 12:28;

Eph 3:5; 4:11).

As prophecy is part of the whole scheme of redemption, an

inspired insight into the obscurer parts of the existing Scriptures,

was the necessary preparation for the miraculous foresight of the

future.

discerning of spirits--discerning between the operation of God's

Spirit, and the evil spirit, or unaided human spirit

(1Co 14:29;

compare

1Ti 4:1; 1Jo 4:1).

kinds of tongues--the power of speaking various languages: also

a spiritual language unknown to man, uttered in ecstasy

(1Co 14:2-12).

This is marked as a distinct genus in the Greek, "To another and

a different class."

interpretation of tongues--

(1Co 14:13, 26, 27).

11. as he will--

(1Co 12:18;

Heb 2:4).

12, 13. Unity, not unvarying uniformity, is the law of God in the

world of grace, as in that of nature. As the many members of the body

compose an organic whole and none can be dispensed with as needless, so

those variously gifted by the Spirit, compose a spiritual organic whole,

the body of Christ, into which all are baptized by the one Spirit.

of that one body--Most of the oldest manuscripts omit "one."

so also is Christ--that is, the whole Christ,

the head and body. So

Ps 18:50,

"His anointed (Messiah or Christ), David (the antitypical David) and

His seed."

13. by . . . Spirit . . . baptized--literally, "in"; in virtue of;

through. The designed effect of baptism, which is realized when not

frustrated by the unfaithfulness of man.

Gentiles--literally, "Greeks."

all made to drink into one Spirit--The oldest manuscripts read, "Made

to drink of one Spirit," omitting "into"

(Joh 7:37).

There is an indirect allusion to the Lord's Supper, as there is a

direct allusion to baptism in the beginning of the verse. So the

"Spirit, the water, and the blood"

(1Jo 5:8),

similarly combine the two outward signs with the inward things

signified, the Spirit's grace.

are . . . have been--rather as Greek, "were . . . were" (the past

tense).

14. Translate, "For the body also." The analogy of the body, not

consisting exclusively of one, but of many members, illustrates the

mutual dependence of the various members in the one body, the Church.

The well-known fable of the belly and the other members, spoken by

Menenius Agrippa, to the seceding commons [LIVY, 2.32], was probably

before Paul's mind, stored as it was with classical literature.

15. The humbler members ought not to disparage themselves, or to be

disparaged by others more noble

(1Co 12:21, 22).

foot . . . hand--The humble speaks of the more

honorable member which most nearly resembles itself: so the "ear" of

the "eye" (the nobler and more commanding member,

Nu 10:31),

(1Co 12:16).

As in life each compares himself with those whom he approaches nearest

in gifts, not those far superior. The foot and hand

represent men of active life; the ear and eye, those of

contemplative life.

17. Superior as the eye is, it would not do if it were the sole

member to the exclusion of the rest.

18. now--as the case really is.

every one--each severally.

19. where were the body--which, by its very idea, "hath many members"

(1Co 12:12, 14),

[ALFORD].

20. now--as the case really is: in contrast to the supposition

(1Co 12:19;

compare

1Co 12:18).

many members--mutually dependent.

21. The higher cannot dispense with the lower members.

22. more feeble--more susceptible of injury: for example, the brain,

the belly, the eye. Their very feebleness, so far from doing away with

the need for them, calls forth our greater care for their preservation,

as being felt "necessary."

23. less honourable--"We think" the feet and the belly "less

honorable," though not really so in the nature of things.

bestow . . . honour--putting shoes on (Margin) the feet,

and clothes to cover the belly.

uncomely parts--the secret parts: the poorest, though unclad in the

rest of the body, cover these.

24. tempered . . . together--on the principle of mutual compensation.

to that part which lacked--to the deficient part [ALFORD],

(1Co 12:23).

25. no schism--(compare

1Co 12:21)

--no disunion; referring to the "divisions" noticed

(1Co 11:18).

care one for another--that is, in behalf of one another.

26. And--Accordingly.

all . . . suffer with it--"When a thorn enters the heel, the whole body

feels it, and is concerned: the back bends, the belly and thighs

contract themselves, the hands come forward and draw out the thorn, the

head stoops, and the eyes regard the affected member with intense gaze"

[CHRYSOSTOM].

rejoice with it--"When the head is crowned, the whole man feels

honored, the mouth expresses, and the eyes look, gladness"

[CHRYSOSTOM].

27. members in particular--that is, severally members of it. Each

church is in miniature what the whole aggregate of churches is

collectively, "the body of Christ" (compare

1Co 3:16):

and its individual components are members, every one in his assigned

place.

28. set . . . in the church--as He has "set the

members . . . in the body"

(1Co 12:18).

first apostles--above even the prophets. Not merely the Twelve,

but others are so called, for example, Barnabas, &c.

(Ro 16:7).

teachers--who taught, for the most part, truths already revealed;

whereas the prophets made new revelations and spoke all their

prophesyings under the Spirit's influence. As the teachers had the "word

of knowledge," so the prophets "the word of wisdom"

(1Co 12:8).

Under "teachers" are included "evangelists and pastors."

miracles--literally, "powers"

(1Co 12:10):

ranked below "teachers," as the function of teaching is more

edifying, though less dazzling than working miracles.

helps, governments--lower and higher departments of "ministrations"

(1Co 12:5);

as instances of the former, deacons whose office it was to help

in the relief of the poor, and in baptizing and preaching, subordinate

to higher ministers

(Ac 6:1-10; 8:5-17);

also, others who helped with their time and means, in the Lord's

cause (compare

1Co 13:13;

Nu 11:17).

The Americans similarly use "helps" for "helpers." And, as

instances of the latter, presbyters, or bishops, whose

office it was to govern the Church

(1Ti 5:17;

Heb 13:17, 24).

These officers, though now ordinary and permanent, were originally

specially endowed with the Spirit for their office, whence they are

here classified with other functions of an inspired character.

Government (literally, "guiding the helm" of affairs), as being

occupied with external things, notwithstanding the outward status it

gives, is ranked by the Spirit with the lower functions. Compare "He

that giveth" (answering to "helps")--"he that ruleth" (answering to

"governments")

(Ro 12:8).

Translate, literally, "Helpings, governings" [ALFORD].

diversities of tongues--

(1Co 12:10).

"Divers kinds of tongues."

29. Are all?--Surely not.

31. covet earnestly--Greek, "emulously desire." Not in

the spirit of discontented "coveting." The Spirit "divides to

every man severally as He will"

(1Co 12:1);

but this does not prevent men earnestly seeking, by prayer and

watchfulness, and cultivation of their faculties, the greatest

gifts. BEZA explains, "Hold in the highest

estimation"; which accords with the distinction in his view

(1Co 14:1)

between "follow after charity--zealously esteem spiritual

gifts"; also with

(1Co 12:11, 18)

the sovereign will with which the Spirit distributes the gifts,

precluding individuals from desiring gifts not vouchsafed to them. But

see on

1Co 14:1.

the best gifts--Most of the oldest manuscripts read, "the

greatest gifts."

and yet--Greek, "and moreover." Besides

recommending your zealous desire for the greatest gifts, I am about to

show you a something still more excellent (literally, "a way most

way-like") to desire, "the way of love" (compare

1Co 14:1).

This love, or "charity," includes both "faith" and "hope"

(1Co 13:7),

and bears the same fruits

(1Co 13:1-13)

as the ordinary and permanent fruits of the Spirit

(Ga 5:22-24).

Thus "long-suffering," compare

1Co 12:4;

"faith,"

1Co 12:7;

"joy,"

1Co 12:6;

"meekness,"

1Co 12:5;

"goodness,"

1Co 12:5;

"gentleness,"

1Co 12:4

(the Greek is the same for "is kind"). It is the work of the

Holy Spirit, and consists in love to God, on account of God's love in

Christ to us, and as a consequence, love to man, especially to the

brethren in Christ

(Ro 5:5; 15:30).

This is more to be desired than gifts

(Lu 10:20).