1st Epistle to the Corinthians Chapter 12: A Bible Commentary, by Charles R. Sabo
1 Corinthians: Chapter 12
??A Bible Commentary
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1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Just as Paul changed the subject in 11:17, he began with the Greek conjunction “de,” which is correctly translated as “now.” The entirety of Christianity would be totally ignorant of spiritual gifts, if Paul had not addressed it here with the Corinthians. Because the adversaries of God have spun gifts from the Holy Spirit into a circus (Pentecostals [charismatics]), Christian Cessationists have chosen to ignore what Paul had taught here in chapter 12. The adversaries of God have disarmed the church in the end times, just when Christians need the gifts of the Holy Spirit the most. Though Paul did not want the Corinthian Christians to be ignorant of these gifts, chapter 12 has been swept under the carpet by the Cessationists, and the church has lacked their ability to use them as a congregation; the power of Christianity relies on the Holy Spirit to rescue members in spiritual battles, but without knowledge of these gifts, the brethren flounder in their endeavors as a unit.
A person who has been born again of the Spirit, has an eternal gift from God, which will never be taken away. When the Spirit of God is indwelt within a Christian, the Spirit of God knows what is in the heart, while moving that person to work towards the will of God. In the spiritual battle between good and evil, the Holy Spirit is much more powerful than anything in the universe (Creation). Angels and demons flee at the presence of the Creator, especially when they are attempting evil against a child of God. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 Jn. 4:4) This is the single biggest act of faith, when a Spirit-filled Christian makes their stand against evil, knowing that God’s Spirit is in control.
Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Cor. 3:16)
A Roman Catholic mystic called Augustine of Hippo had debated that spiritual miracles had ceased since the time that the New Testament of the Bible was completed. One needs to understand, these “sign gifts” have not ceased!! Our God, Jesus Christ, has not changed. One needs to understand that He still performs sign miracles, through His Holy Spirit from the early church on through the current age! “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8).
Non-charismatics, also called Cessationists, believe that the “gift of prophecy” had ceased upon the completion of the New Testament. The “gift of prophecy” included the receiving of messages directly from God to proclaim in the presence of others, in order to guide the early church, because they did not have any written doctrines to abide in.[1]?These messages from God would be such things as prophesying the future, or spiritual advice on a topic. Healing, as well as speaking in tongues, was also considered a “sign gift.” God had used these tongues in the early church, in order reveal His glory (Acts 2:4-12); this would cause others to see His power and they then would believe. These Cessationists seem to want to take the power away from the Holy Spirit, by refusing to acknowledge these spiritual gifts as being still in existence. God has made sure that His believers are not powerless in the spiritual battles against His adversaries. Miracles still do happen, but not as they once had, because the Cessationists have brainwashed many church leaders, and discourage anyone from attempting to realize what the Holy Spirit has gifted them with. I could not write this book, without the Holy Spirit providing me with the proper understanding of what the text is saying. If you have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of you, prayers to the Lord will help you to understand what your gift (or gifts) may be. Some Christians have special talents that they take for granted, as if it wasn’t God who gifted them. Spiritual gifts are nothing new to the children of God, because even in the Old Testament men were given spiritual gifts to empower them in special tasks. ?
1And the?Lord?spoke unto Moses, saying:
2?“See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:
3?And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
4?To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
5?And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.
6?And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded you; (Ex. 31:1-6)?
1 Corinthians 12:2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as you were led. Paul reminded the Corinthians of their past, which will lead into what he will be teaching about the power of the Holy Spirit. We must understand that Christianity is not just another powerless religion, but is empowered by the Holy Spirit of God, which is an important point for them to realize. ?
1 Corinthians 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Spirit. The important word to realize when interpreting these two comments is “sincerity.” A regenerated Christian can vocalize that Jesus be accursed, buy why would they? To joke around and say it insincerely would probably be an abomination to God anyway, so why even joke that way? Anyone that has the Holy Spirit in them, loves Jesus Christ with all their heart, soul, and spirit, and it would most likely hurt the person saying it deep inside their heart. Paul illustrated the impossibility to sincerely say that Jesus is accursed, because all Christians love the Lord Jesus Christ, because the Holy Spirit has control of that person’s regenerated heart of flesh (Ezek. 36:26).
The second comment has been used to mock God, when a nonbeliever will insincerely say that Jesus is the Lord, in order to disprove Paul’s statement. Again, the important word is “sincerity.” Not one nonbeliever can declare Jesus as their Lord sincerely, because that person literally would be His servant, if they call Him their Lord. The regenerated heart of a person is manifested by the Holy Spirit. If a nonbeliever actually believes that Jesus is their Lord, then they would have to be in total repentance and must change their life completely for Him. This is impossible without the Holy Spirit, because nonbelievers will always walk in their flesh. ?
7?Because the carnal mind is enmity against God, because it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8?So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9?But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. (Rom. 8:7-9)
1 Corinthians 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. Plain and simple in its interpretation. Paul acknowledged that there are diversities (diairesis = division, distribution = a distinction arising from a different distribution to different persons) of spiritual gifts. He had made sure to communicate that the distribution of these spiritual gifts is from the same (Holy) Spirit of God. Paul provided a break-down of categories of spiritual gifts within verse 12:28. The category called “helps” is very diverse in its context, because “helps” within the Christian congregations can range anywhere from sewing, cooking, carpentry, masonry, etc.
1 Corinthians 12:5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. Paul used the Greek noun “diakonia,” which was translated as “administrations.” This Greek noun can mean: “of those who by the command of God proclaim and promote religion among men,” which can be: “of the office of prophets, evangelists, elders etc.” It can also mean: “the office of the deacon in the church.” Through the last two millenniums, congregations do recognize that there are some among them that have these qualities more than others among them. Paul’s point to the Corinthians is that these special gifts of administrations are empowered by the same Lord, being Jesus Christ. We must remember that the Holy Spirit is active on Earth (Jn. 16:7-11), while Christ sits at the right hand of His Father (Ps. 110:1-4, Heb. 1:13). Everything that the Holy Spirit does, comes directly from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which works all in all. Paul used the Greek noun “energēma,” which was translated as “operations;” in verse 12:10 the same noun was translated as “working.” The definition is best understood to mean: “A condition or occurrence traceable to a cause.” The diversity of operations is a broad variety of works, which the Body of Christ may benefit from. A spiritual gift in operations can be a contractor, artist, sculptor, engineer, architect etc. This can roll into being a part of the category of “helps” as well.
We should pay special attention to Paul’s acknowledgment of the Triune Godhead: when in 12:4 he indicated of the same Spirit, then in 12:5 he indicated the same Lord (Jesus), then here in 12:6 he said of the same GOD (the Father). All gifts are of the same Triune Godhead.
1 Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. Here, Paul acknowledged that the Holy Spirit manifests a spiritual gift to every Christian, so that the whole Christian congregation can benefit (profit withal). The lack of teaching to the Bride of Christ this very important detail has brought weakness to every congregation, because they do not recognize that the gifts are very real. That is why I conclude that the speaking out against these spiritual gifts, by well-known Christian Cessationists, has weakened the church here in the last days. Below is a section of a research paper that I wrote in my undergraduate degree, which touched on the importance of church leadership recognizing and nourishing every disciple’s spiritual gifts:
?Church leadership can best function in their positions, if they have properly delegated responsibilities to the others in the Body of Christ, as they utilize their spiritual gifts given to them by the Holy Spirit. Discipleship of new believers should always be just as important as the evangelism of the gospel. Through small groups, and proper management of these groups, the church body can benefit with one-on-one discipleship of individuals; this is so they can be placed into the church body, while utilizing those spiritual gifts. The spiritual gifts can be nurtured to their full potential, and provide the body of Christ its due strength that God has made possible. Leadership can closely monitor the growth of each disciple, and then be able to utilize those gifted into the outer world, in order to evangelize for even more growth of the church body.
1 Corinthians 12:8 Because to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; Paul provided the reason for verse 12:7; this explanation continues into verses 12:9-10. His point is to assure that the diversity of the spiritual gifts is given by the same Holy Spirit for each gift. If we go back to 1:24, then again in 2:13, Paul spoke of the wisdom of God. This wisdom is elevated to one person even more than the common Christian. A person should not be prideful and presume that they have this spiritual gift, unless it is apparent to others in the church congregation that this is the case. The same can be said of the spiritual gift of word of knowledge, which is taught to that person by the Holy Spirit using extensive research to obtain this knowledge and understanding (it does not just appear). This knowledge is meant to be shared within the church congregation, but prideful pastors and deacons choose to put their own knowledge above anyone else, which means that person with this spiritual gift is scoffed at. I know this, because it has happened to me over and over again, no matter where I go (in person, or online). Reading God’s word provides much knowledge, but understanding the context must be researched, which is led by God’s Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; This is a continuation from the previous verse, which Paul is teaching that all gifts are diverse, but given by the same Holy Spirit. The spiritual gift of faith is misunderstood, because prideful Christians presume that their faith is greater than anyone else. The spiritual power of this gift of faith can roll into the gifts of healing. Some may have so much faith, they can pray events to come into being. To pray, for something to come true, can only come to fruition if that person praying is in God’s will; sometimes the answer is no, or not yet. The prayer warrior of Christ, has that faith that is elevated so much, they understand the will of God beforehand. The more I am given the knowledge of God, my faith is elevated higher, but I cannot pray for something to come true for the life of me. This supernatural faith is elevated higher than the average, or even above average Christian. The Holy Spirit provides that person with the gift of faith that can be communicated with to the Father and Son in harmony with their will. ?
26?Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: because we know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27?And He that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Rom. 8:26-27)
The spiritual gift of healing has been mocked, abused, and even has become unbelievable. The Charismatics in these last days have lied to their congregations, by scamming them into making them rich. False teachers, without the Holy Spirit, claim to be able to heal someone; they pay people to fake a physical disability, then partake in their own methods of deceit to look like a healing, so that they may increase their church population and make more money in tithes. The Cessationists are angered by this, and make their claims that this spiritual gift (sign gift) no longer exists. Yet, the true healer walks in humility, while they wait for the Lord to communicate through His Spirit. God’s will for a healing can only come to be when He is ready to be glorified by it. God usually will not do healings like this for all the public to see, but heals someone (in a small gathering) to increase someone’s faith, or to call someone to salvation that witnesses the healing. The healer will always realize that sometimes God’s answer is no, or not yet.
1 Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophesy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: This is a continuation from verses 12:8-9. The miraculous is something that a prayer warrior of great faith can manifest, because they many times already know God’s will. This “sign gift” is denied to exist by the Cessationists, because they stand firm that sign gifts have ceased. Again, God only fulfills the miraculous with only a non-public event, which then is communicated to others to have occurred. God must be glorified, to bring certain people to believe in Jesus Christ. His will for a miraculous event would be used to bring attention to certain non-believers that He has accomplished this. Public arenas for a miraculous event will very seldom happen, because God will avoid a miracle from being used for financial or personal gain. He must be glorified, which will bring certain people into believing in Him. The teaching of Jesus Christ, within Matthew 17:19-21, can best be understood to be dependent on someone’s spiritual gift of faith. Millions of Christians have great faith, but the flesh desires things of this world to come true, while God’s will is to be glorified by an event. ?
19?Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said: “Why could not we cast him out?”
20?And Jesus said unto them: “Because of your unbelief: because verily I say unto you: ‘If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place: and it shall remove: and nothing shall be impossible unto you.’”
21?Howbeit this kind goes not out but by prayer and fasting. (Matt. 17:19-21)
The Cessationists misinterpret this “sign gift” of prophesy as a gift that has ceased, because they fear someone attempting to claim to be an Apostle, and write new scripture in the modern world. Though their fear can be understood, because the canon of Scripture has been closed since the first century Apostles had all died, but the gift of prophesy (speaking Holy Spirit sent knowledge) still exists. The Body of Christ does still have members that speak Spirit-filled messages to specific people, in order to communicate something of importance to that person. It is not meant for the public ear, and seldom meant for an entire congregation. God’s will being done is the intent, when a person speaks unknowingly (sometimes knowingly) to another member a truth that opens the heart of that believer, in order to educate them on a specific topic. It does not mean that it is a future event to unfold as a prophet used to utter, but spiritual advice that pierces the heart of another.
The Apostle Paul was given advice as prophesy (spoken words by God) by a Judean Christian in Caesarea (Acts 21:10-11); this is an example of how the Holy Spirit works. The Holy Spirit informed Paul of what to expect once he got back to Jerusalem. Though that prophesy was written in the canon, it was the Apostle Luke who wrote it, and not the person who said it. The fears of the Cessationists are legitimate, but unwarranted because God is in control, and the Holy Spirit still maintains this power within the Body of Christ. ??
?11?And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said” “Thus says the Holy Spirit, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owns this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.”
12?And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. (Acts 21:11-12)
The spiritual gift of discerning of spirits needs to be understood; every Christian has the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of them, and He communicates to a Christian when something is of a dark spiritual origin. This special spiritual gift is much more than the common Christian possess. For example, I once worked with a sister in Christ who was totally blind, but it was very apparent that she had this gift. She explained to me that she could sense a person walking in darkness when she was walking by them. The Holy Spirit actively kept her informed when she should be aware that a dark spirit was nearby. That was a very adequate spiritual gift for a Christian woman who could not see who she was walking by (or talking to), while the Holy Spirit communicated with her spirit to stay away from them.
The spiritual gift of tongues is completely misunderstood by potentially most of the church, while the Pentecostals (Charismatics) imitate their own man-made versions of speaking in diverse tongues. Cessationists have a legitimate concern here, but should not ever say that God has taken this power away from the church. The diversity of tongues is best explained in the Book of Acts, when the believers first received the Holy Spirit. This event occurred on the Feast of Pentecost, when many began to speak in a diversity of languages, which they had not known beforehand. The intent was for God’s glory, as someone heard their native tongue being spoken out loud the gospel of Christ. No, this was not as the Pentecostals desire for you to believe that there is a heavenly language given to each Christian to speak, because very few are given this gift. I have been told by Pentecostals that I am not a Christian, because I cannot speak in tongues, which is heresy. There is no place in the Bible that implies that there is an unknown heavenly language powered by the Holy Spirit to which each and every Christian must speak. If we look to Acts 2, we will find how the Holy Spirit originally worked with the Apostles. Three thousand Jews were converted into Christianity that day because of this amazing event that they witnessed (Acts 2:41). The few that have this gift of speaking a heavenly language have used it in pride in front of others to provoke jealousy; Paul addresses more on this later in chapter 14.
3?And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4?And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5?And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6?Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7?And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another: “Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans?
8?And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?” (Acts 2:3-8)
The intent for the spiritual gift of interpretation of tongues is to be understood to be a momentary ability to understand what another has uttered, which would end up bringing a nonbeliever sitting with them into amazement and belief. The Holy Spirit uses the interpreter in a spontaneous way, to reveal God’s power. That interpreter may never have that happen ever again to them, or may be used again someday as a witness to another nonbeliever.
1 Corinthians 12:11 But all these works that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will. This inclusive statement indicates that every Christian severally (idios = belonging to one's self) possess a spiritual gift upon their regeneration and indwelling by the Holy Spirit. Paul assured the Corinthian Christians that every (all) spiritual gift (works) is from the One (selfsame Holy Spirit) and divided up strategically as God wills. There are no exclusions to this; Pastors and deacons have a responsibility to educate each member of their congregation of this, so that each member can be nurtured and used by the church to the entire congregation’s benefit. Unfortunately, uneducated pastors and deacons are afraid to rock the Cessationist’s boat and teach that these gifts are given to every regenerated born-again Christian. This disarming of the Body of Christ and their spiritual power is the number one reason that there has been a falling away from the faith in these last days (2 Thess. 2:3).
1 Corinthians 12:12 Because as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. This is the reason that the Holy Spirit provides a dividing up of the spiritual gifts to every Christian individually as He will (see previous verse). Paul initiated this doctrine in verses 10:19-20 and brought it back here (we being many are one bread, and one body, because we are all partakers of that one bread). Paul used imagery of a literal human body having many members (hands, eyes, arms, legs, feet, etc.), in order to associate a human body to the many members of the Body of Christ (regenerated believers). All Christians have a membership in the entire church body, and have been given a special gift from the Holy Spirit to benefit their congregation. “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling;” (Eph. 4:4)
1 Corinthians 12:13 Because 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. Here, Paul brought into perspective the importance of water baptism; water baptism is not necessary for salvation (regeneration), but is very important for the inclusion into the one body of Christian believers. Confessing with your mouth that you believe does not save you, but is vital to publicly declare that you have become a new creature in Christ through water baptism. The regeneration from a heart of stone (nonbelief) into a heart of flesh (believer) occurs when God the Father sends His Holy Spirit to perform the supernatural event of regeneration (Ezek. 36:26, Jn. 6:37, 44, 2 Cor. 5:17). Romans 10:9 can only occur after regeneration has already occurred; only then can someone confess with their mouth that they believe, and water baptism is that profession and inclusion into the Body of Christ.
The inclusion of all Jews and Gentiles is proclaimed here, and whether you be in prison (bond) or are free does not matter. Paul associated the inclusion of each member of the body of believers, as they all should partake in the drinking of the wine in communion, which also includes them into a bonding with the One Holy Spirit (11:23-27).
1 Corinthians 12:14 Because the body is not one member, but many. This is the reason for the previous verse, as Paul brought back verse 12:12. His imagery of a literal human body having many members (feet, hands, eyes, nose etc.) is associated with the entire church of believers as one body. He implied in the previous verse that all believers are baptized into one church body, which here confirms that the Body of Christ is not one, but many members. ?
1 Corinthians 12:15 If the foot shall say: “Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body;” is it therefore not of the body? A person has to realize that Paul is using the imagery that he had introduced in verses 12:12-14, to reason with what may occur within a congregation. His logic is to be used here that brings in his rhetorical question. If a new visitor of a congregation is not a worship leader (foot) for a church service, yet they are a born-again believer in Christ, is it therefore not of the Body of Christ? This rhetorical question must be answered as a “no, they are of the body.” Believers will visit various church congregations, as they shop around for a good pastor, building, services offered, and people they like. They still are of the Body of Christ, though they are not formally affiliated with that local congregation.
1 Corinthians 12:16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? Paul is beginning to bring in the association of spiritual gifts, when he discloses that one person is different from the other. In verses 12:4-11, Paul had disclosed that spiritual gifts are distributed by the Holy Spirit and divided up in many different gifts to many different church members (dividing to every man severally as He will). Jealousy, envy, resentment, arrogance, rudeness, and scoffing still exists within the church congregation; a meek member may feel inadequate in their spiritual gift, while others are more outgoing and comfortable among the others. Someone with the spiritual gift of helps (ear), may feel very inadequate to the singer (eye) in the worship service who has been gifted with a great singing voice. Their feeling of inadequacy is disclosed here by Paul, and he asked the same rhetorical question again. This rhetorical question must be answered again as a “no, they are of the body.” The absurdity of a human ear thinking that they are inadequate to the eye is utilized here by Paul, to show how absurd it is for any spiritually gifted believer to feel inadequate to anyone else in their congregation.
?1 Corinthians 12:17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? Paul brought his example from the previous verse to reveal to believers how vitally important all members of the Body of Christ are to their congregation. If everyone is spiritually gifted to be an administrator (eye), where are the prayer warriors with the spiritual gift of faith (hearing)? If everyone were spiritually gifted in playing the flute (hearing), where are the ones gifted in helps (smelling)? As the human body has all of the vital members it needs to function, so does the spiritual Body of Christ need all of its diverse members in their gifts. This is why pastors and deacons are so negligent in their jobs, because they fail to recognize and nurture each member’s spiritual gifts. Due to the negative influences of the Cessationists, the spiritual power of the church body has failed, because it does not have all of its body parts working.
1 Corinthians 12:18 But now has God set the members every one of them in the body, as it has pleased Him. Paul brought in his conclusion here, opposing the absurdity disclosed within the last three verses. He states that God has set-up the members of His church body as it pleases Him to do. He has preplanned each member with one or more spiritual gifts in His church body, as He sees it fit. No, a person cannot assign themselves their own spiritual gift, because God chooses who gets what. Prideful and envious members cannot assign themselves as teachers of God’s word, if they do not have that spiritual gift, yet congregations make this mistake all of the time. Just because someone wants to be a spiritual healer, does not mean they can be, and so on. This again is why it is important for pastors and deacons to work closely with their congregation, in order to learn what member has what gift, so they can nurture and use them in the body of their congregation.
1 Corinthians 12:19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? Again, Paul refers to this situation using the correlation between the human body and the church body. If the church body were all one spiritual gift (member), where is the rest of the church body? A human body cannot walk around on one ear, neither can the church body rely on just one spiritual gift.
1 Corinthians 12:20 But now are they many members, yet but one body. Paul’s conclusion is brought forth after displaying the absurdity of the previous statement. The church body is many members of believers, with many diverse spiritual gifts, yet are of one Body of Christ. The Body of Christ is made strong with all of its many members utilizing all of its spiritual gifts.
1 Corinthians 12:21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of you: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Jealousy, envy, resentment, arrogance, rudeness, and scoffing still exists within the church congregations. Someone may have a gift not appreciated by someone else who is arrogant and self-centered; their apathy towards another believer’s spiritual gift can be very damaging to the church body. Paul uses absurdity again here, while he correlates the human eye telling the human hand that it has no need for it. Then again, the human head telling the human feet that it has no need for them. Just as the human body needs all of its members, the same is true with the church body. No member is more important than the other, while all are needed to make it a complete body. ?
1 Corinthians 12:22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: All members are necessary for the church body, no matter how menial their spiritual gift may seem. The one spiritually gifted in preparing meals seems menial during the worship service, while another is singing on stage with their spiritually gifted voice; afterward, the congregation meets for eating food in fellowship, the singer becomes as menial as the cook was during worship service.
1 Corinthians 12:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. The members being spoken of are members of the Body of Christ; Paul used the Greek adjective “atimos,” which was incorrectly translated as “less honorable,” while contextually it means: “dishonored, of less esteem.” To be less honorable means to have come short of honor, while dishonored means to not be given the honor it deserves. This is why Paul indicated that “we” (Paul and all believers) bestow more abundant honor. Paul also used the Greek adjective “aschēmōn,” which was translated as “uncomely;” this is defined as: “indecent, deformed.” He understood that there are always those Christians who are babies (new believers) who still haven’t come to mature knowledge and understanding, thus he commanded to bestow those members more knowledge and understanding to be abundantly formed into a more mature member of the body.
We must remember that the overall focus, of 1 Corinthians Chapter 12, is towards spiritual gifts within the church congregation (Body of Christ). This statement from the Apostle Paul was a calling out (command) for congregation leadership to better disciple (teach) their members accordingly. As Paul had commanded, members of the body (congregation) should lift up those who had been inappropriately dishonored by others, which can only be accomplished by the appropriation from church leadership. The command also was for church leadership to be proactive in proper discipleship (teaching) concerning their spiritual gifts, which included bringing a baby (less knowledgeable) Christian to be of a more matured knowledge of the spiritual gifts. To this day, the Body of Christ has failed, because of the fear of being shamed by the more well-known Cessationists, as well as Cessationists among them.
1 Corinthians 12:24 Because our comely parts have no need, but God has tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked. This verse is the reason that Paul called out (previous verse) church leadership to appropriate more abundant honor for those being dishonored by others within the congregation, and to teach the less mature members (deformed) into more knowledge and understanding of their spiritual gifts.
Paul used the Greek adjective “euschēmōn,” which was translated as “comely,” which contextually, in this case, means: “bearing one's self becomingly in speech or behavior.” He also used the Greek verb “sygkerannymi,” which was translated as: “has tempered,” while the contextual definition for that Greek verb is: “to mix together, commingle.” Paul used the Greek noun “timē” which was translated as “honor,” but should be understood to contextually mean: “honor or reverence which belongs or is shown to one.”
The reason for this verse is that the members more becomingly in speech and behavior have no need for teaching of the spiritual gifts, but God has comingled the Body of Christ together, which He has given more abundant honor (reverence) to those who have lacked that honor (reverence) among their fellow members in the body.
1 Corinthians 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. Paul used the Greek noun “schisma” metaphorically, which was translated as “schism;” metaphorically, “schisma” means: “a division, dissension.” He indicated that there should be no division in the Body of Christ, but all should have the same care one for another. Paul’s point is clear; since God has given those dishonored by others His more abundant honor (reverence), the rest of the Body of Christ should do as well.
34?A new commandment I give unto you: “That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
35?By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love one to another.” (Jn. 13:34-35)?
1 Corinthians 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. Supporting what Paul had declared in the previous verse, concerning having the same care one for another, he commanded that all members should feel pain for the brethren (members) that suffer; this care, would encourage prayers and help to be given to those in need; on the other side of the matter, when a member of the body is honored for something (not ungodly), they should be rejoiced over and lifted up in appreciation for their success.
1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the Body of Christ, and members in particular. Paul changed directions (by saying Now) back to educating the Corinthian Christians concerning the diversity of spiritual gifts. All regenerated Christians are of the entire Body of Christ, and each are members in a particular way. Paul then elaborated in the following verses.
?1 Corinthians 12:28 And God has set some in the church: first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. This verse is misinterpreted and revered as such by many in heretical ways. The first clause is quite clear, and must be taken into the context for the rest of the verse. Since Paul had been teaching the Corinthian Christians about the diversity of spiritual gifts within the entirety of Chapter 12, then we must continue in this concerning these categories of gifts set in the Body of Christ by the Holy Spirit. He listed these categories by rank, according to their importance, though God gives an abundance of honor to all categories (12:24). The most important job of all Christians is the marching orders set by Christ when He ascended to heaven. “You go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19). This command is for all disciples of Christ. The Great Commission is the biggest priority! That is why apostles are listed first. Once a disciple goes out into the world and evangelizes and teaches the gospel of Christ, they become an apostle. The Greek noun used by Paul is “apostolos,” which is translated as “apostles,” which has a contextual definition meaning: “a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders.” The Apostle Paul listed “apostles” first, not because he thought he was more important than anyone else, but because he knew this was the priority of all disciples to eventually become a messenger sent forth with orders to teach the gospel to the world.
18?What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. (Phil. 1:18)?
The church fathers had determined that those writings of the first apostles were definitely sent forth by the Holy Spirit to teach others the word of God, thus it became canonized scripture. The conclusion of that era was determined to be when the original disciples (personally called by Jesus Christ, including Paul) had all died, they were special Apostles with special writings given by God for eternity. The church finally accepted the current New Testament as canonized Scripture from the Synod of Carthage in 397 A.D.; upon that date, God has ordained with the church, that no new additions will be accepted into the canon of the word of God (Holy Bible). Though every regenerated believer has the Holy Spirit in them as the original Apostles had, they have no given authority to write canonized Scripture. The definition of “apostolos,” has always been “a messenger sent forth with orders,” therefore, all Christians are to be considered apostles when they go forth to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Because this is a spiritual gift of apostles, and because Paul has already taught that these gifts are diverse, therefore the spiritual gift of apostleship means that someone is specially gifted with an overwhelming desire and ability to boldly go forth with their marching order to teach the gospel. I can hand-pick a few well-known Christians that boldly go out continuously fulfilling this order, I can honestly consider them having this spiritual gift of apostleship. ?
The spiritual gift of prophesy is another misunderstood gift, which the adversaries of God twist, while the Cessationists rebuke. This gift is not necessarily predicting the future, but sometimes can be given in that way by the Lord. A Judean Christian named Agabus (came to Caesarea [Acts 21:10-11)) was given the ability to prophesy to Paul, when he was heading back to Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary journey (Acts 21:10-11). This type of prophet does still exist, but not many are recognized, while even rebuked by Cessationists. An Old Testament version of this type of prophesy can be located in 1 Samuel 10:10-11. The prophesying of these prophets was not necessarily predicting the future, nor speaking divine canon, but words from God that outpoured from out of them.
10?And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.
11?And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another: “What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?” (1 Sam. 10:10-11)
This divine spiritual gift of prophesy has been abused by the adversaries of God, which tarnishes the overall belief in prophets, while Cessationists springboard off this adversarial abuse; meanwhile, believers will pretend to have this spiritual gift, because they desire the attention that it attracts. A person cannot pick their own spiritual gift, and this gift is one of those desired greatly by coveting members of the Body of Christ. “The prophet which prophesies of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the Lord has truly sent him.” (Jer. 28:9) ?
Despise not prophesyings. (1 Thess. 5:20)
Paul summoned the brethren of Thessalonica to Despise not prophesyings. The noun “prophesyings” is translated from the Greek noun “prophēteia,” which is defined as: “a discourse emanating from divine inspiration and declaring the purposes of God.” Though this is easy to understand, the church still sins against the Lord and despises the words of prophesy from another.??????????
1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Hereby know you the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: (1 Jn. 4:1)
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Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thess. 5:21)
?Paul summoned the brethren of Thessalonica to not despise prophesying in 1 Thessalonians 5:20, then continued that point in verse 5:21. He declared to not despise prophesying, but to prove all things and holdfast to that which is good (of the Holy Spirit). Cessasionists sin a great sin, when they despise legitimate prophesying from someone who is clearly of God. The Apostle John provided the exhortation to the church, by which they should prove all things. It is one thing to not absolutely uphold a prophesy from another believer, while it is absolute sin to despise the prophesy. “When a prophet speaks in the name of the?Lord, if the thing follow not nor come to pass, that is the thing which the?Lord?has not spoken, but the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.” (Deut. 18:22) A Christian should listen to prophesy, not despise it, and make sure the person speaking declares that the Lord Jesus Christ walked in the flesh, died, and rose again (try the spirit). If they declare that God had walked the Earth as Jesus Christ, then the prophesy can be respected (holdfast to that which is good). Until it comes to pass, you treat the prophesy as from God, but wait for it to come to pass (using discretion if a decision is to be made beforehand). Some will attempt to prophesy, just to get attention or respect; leave their deception unto the Lord.
The third most important spiritual gift is teaching. Yes, I will admit that I have this gift. Most of my adult life (even as a non-Christian) I had a great ability to train people in the workplace. Many people are born with God given abilities, yet when the Holy Spirit uses that God-given gift, He uses it to God’s glory. Once I experienced my regeneration into a new creature in Christ, I found that I was one with an unusual ability to interpret God’s word. Isn’t it obvious that to be a good teacher, you have to have the ability to research to find complete understanding before you can teach? In college, I was immersed into deep research, then understanding, while being led by the Holy Spirit. This then becomes teachable to the Body of Christ, in order to edify members. This is another one of those spiritual gifts many desire to have, so ill-informed teachers stand at pulpits, stand in classrooms, produce online teaching videos, and even arrogantly speak in Bible studies, while hoping to be recognized that what they teach is good. ?
3?If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4?He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmising,
5?Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw yourself. (1 Tim. 6:3-5)
The fourth most important spiritual gift is of miracles, and goes hand-in-hand with the spiritual gift of faith (12:9). This resembles the connection between the spiritual gift of knowledge (12:8), which has to come before it can be utilized for the gift of teaching. Those that have that faith can pray to move a mountain into the sea, and it will happen (Matt. 17:20-21). The miraculous is something that a prayer warrior of great faith can manifest, because they many times already know God’s will. This “sign gift” is denied to exist by the Cessationists, because they stand firm that sign gifts have ceased. Again, God only fulfills the miraculous with only a non-public event, which then is communicated to others to have occurred. God must be glorified, to bring certain people to believe in Jesus Christ. His will for a miraculous event would be used to bring attention to certain non-believers that He has accomplished this. Public arenas for a miraculous event will really never happen, because God will avoid a miracle from being used for financial or personal gain. He must be glorified, which will bring certain people into believing in Him. The teaching of Jesus Christ (Matt. 17:20-21) can best be understood to be dependent on someone’s spiritual gift of faith. Millions of Christians have great faith, but the flesh desires things of this world to come true, while God’s will is to be glorified by an event.
The next in importance is the spiritual gift of healing. The spiritual gift of healing has been mocked, abused, and even has become unbelievable. The Charismatics in these last days have lied to their congregations, by scamming them into making them rich. False teachers, without the Holy Spirit, claim to be able to heal someone; they pay people to fake a physical disability, then partake in their own methods of deceit to look like a healing, so that they may increase their church population and make more money in tithes. The Cessationists are angered by this, and make their claims that this spiritual gift (sign gift) no longer exists. Yet, the true healer walks in humility, while they wait for the Lord to communicate through His Spirit. God’s will for a healing can only come to be when He is ready to be glorified by it. God usually will not do healings like this for all the public to see, but heals someone (in a small gathering) to increase someone’s faith, or to call someone to salvation that witnesses the healing. The healer will always realize that sometimes God’s answer is no, or not yet.
Next on Paul’s list of categories is the spiritual gift of helps; this category called “helps” is very diverse in its context, because “helps” within the Christian congregations can range anywhere from sewing, cooking, carpentry, masonry, etc. They fall into gifts of service, which are done in sincerity and with a heart of a volunteer, in order to show the Lord their appreciation for their salvation that He has given them. More examples within the congregation can be greeters, ushers, worship musicians and singers, sewing garments, transporting members (and others outside of the church); the list goes on and on. Volunteer workers in homeless shelters and soup kitchens are perfect examples of this spiritual gift of helps. Because the spiritual gift of “helps” is not a sign gift, Cessationists do not have a problem with this gift.
Next comes the spiritual gift of government, which is translated from the Greek noun “kybernēsis.” Paul used the Greek noun “diakonia” in verse 12:5, which was translated as “administrations.” This Greek noun can mean: “of those who by the command of God proclaim and promote religion among men,” which can be: “of the office of prophets, evangelists, elders etc.” It can also mean: “the office of the deacon in the church.” The two classifications are closely related to one another, which means someone may possess both gifts simultaneously. Through the last two millenniums, congregations do recognize that there are some among them that have these qualities more than others do. Because neither “government” nor “administration” are sign gifts, Cessationists do not have a problem with these two spiritual gifts.
Last on the list, and the least important is the spiritual gift of diversities of tongues. This spiritual gift of tongues is completely misunderstood by potentially most of the church, while the Pentecostals (Charismatics) imitate their own man-made versions of speaking in diverse tongues. Cessationists have a legitimate concern here, but should not ever say that God has taken this power away from the church. The diversity of tongues is best explained in the Book of Acts, when the believers first received the Holy Spirit. This event occurred on the Feast of Pentecost, when many began to speak in a diversity of languages, which they had not known beforehand. The intent was for God’s glory, as someone heard their native tongue being spoken out loud the gospel of Christ. No, this was not as the Pentecostals desire for you to believe that there is a heavenly language given to each Christian to speak, because very few are given this gift. I have been told by Pentecostals that I am not a Christian, because I cannot speak in tongues, which is heresy. There is no place in the Bible that implies that there is an unknown heavenly language powered by the Holy Spirit to which each and every Christian must speak. If we look to Acts 2, we will find how the Holy Spirit originally worked with the Apostles. Three thousand Jews were converted into Christianity that day because of this amazing event that they witnessed (Acts 2:41). The few that have this gift of speaking a heavenly language have used it in pride in front of others to provoke jealousy; Paul addresses more on this later in chapter 14.
1 Corinthians 12:29-30 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? Paul went back to his teaching within verses 12:17-20, and utilized the members of the Body of Christ this time as the actual gifts, rather than a human body part (member). He used the same logic, by asking these seven rhetorical questions, which his teaching should provide an absolute conclusion to be “no.” The Body of Christ consists of many members, each with diverse spiritual gifts, in order to edify the entire congregation (church body).
1 Corinthians 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet I will show unto you a more excellent way. The translators incorrectly inserted the verb expression “covet earnestly” for the Greek verb “zēloō,” which is contextually defined as: “to desire earnestly, pursue.” Paul encouraged the Corinthian Christians to desire (pursue) earnestly the best gifts, which can be misleading. The Holy Spirit gifts as He wills (12:11), so one cannot pick their gifts. When Paul suggests to desire earnestly, he was implying to seek the Lord in knowing what your gift may be with all your heart, meanwhile the Holy Spirit has already initiated a person’s ability to be apparent. Their supernatural ability should have been changed with that gift already. Low self-esteem may limit someone in thinking that they have a certain gift, so Paul suggested to seek the best gift within you, no matter how you feel about your ability. This does not mean to desire a gift and it will be yours, but that just because you (or someone else) scoff at the idea that you have a certain gift, doesn’t mean you should not pursue it. Unfortunately, incompetence manifests when someone attempts to choose the spiritual gift that will satisfy their own fleshly desires. Prayer is important, when pursuing your gift that the Holy Spirit has given you. The pursuit is that of discovery, while in prayer with God to find the awareness of what that gift is. Once that spiritual gift is discovered, Paul indicated that he will show you a more excellent way to use it. Now that Paul has been dead for 1,953 years, it is up to church leadership to show you the more excellent way.
????[1] F. D. Farnell, "Current Debate about New Testament Prophecy." (Bibliotheca Sacra, 1992: 149, 595), 277-278.?