Exegesis of 1 Corinthians 12:1-2 on Spiritual Gifts
Paul begins 1 Corinthians 12 by addressing the topic of "spiritual gifts," stating, "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware" (1 Corinthians 12:1 NASB). Other translations render this as "I do not want you to be uninformed" (1 Corinthians 12:1 BSB) [1, 2]. This opening signals a shift in Paul's discussion to a new subject, following his previous instructions on various issues within the Corinthian church [5, 6, 7].
The phrase "spiritual gifts" translates the Greek word charismata, which refers to gifts supernaturally bestowed by the Holy Spirit [4]. These gifts are diverse, as indicated by Paul later in the chapter (1 Corinthians 12:4-6), and include abilities such as speaking with tongues, healing, and casting out devils [3, 4]. The purpose of these gifts is the edification of the Church and the confirmation of the gospel [3].
Historically, these gifts were evident in the early Christian community, notably on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) [3, 10]. They were often communicated through the laying on of the apostles' hands (Acts 8:17-18; 19:6) [4]. The Apostle Peter, for instance, explained the events of Pentecost as a fulfillment of God's promise regarding the Holy Spirit's power [10].
Interpretations regarding the duration and nature of these gifts vary among Christian traditions. Some traditions, such as those reflected in Easton's Bible Dictionary, suggest that these charismata were "enjoyed only for a time" and "could not continue always in the Church" [4]. This view often aligns with the belief that miraculous gifts ceased after the apostolic age. However, other traditions emphasize the ongoing presence and availability of spiritual gifts for the church's edification throughout history [8]. John Calvin, for example, discusses the "spirit of faith" as a gift received from the Spirit, not naturally possessed [9]. The Catechism of the Catholic Church also speaks of God's wisdom and power being without measure, implying a continuous divine activity [11].
Paul's intention in 1 Corinthians 12 is to clarify the origin, variety, and purpose of these gifts, emphasizing that they all stem from God and are meant for the advancement of Christianity and the church's edification [7]. He uses the analogy of a human body to illustrate how different members, possessing different gifts, contribute to the unity and functioning of the whole body of Christ [5, 7, 8].
Sources
- 1 Corinthians “1 Corinthians 12:1 (NASB) — Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware.”
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 12:1 (BSB) — Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit — Foretold -- Isa 35:4-6; Joe 2:28,29. Of different kinds -- 1Co 12:4-6. Enumerated -- 1Co 12:8-10,28; 14:1. Christ was endued with -- Mt 12:28. Poured out on the day of Pentecost -- Ac 2:1-4. Communicated Upon the preaching of the gospel. -- Ac 10:44-46. By the laying on of the Apostles' hands. -- Ac 8:17,18; 19:6. For the confirmation of the gospel. -- Mr 16:20; Ac 14:3; Ro 15:19; Heb 2:4. For the edification of the Church. -- 1Co 12:7; 14:12,13. Dispensed according to his sovereign will -- 1Co 12:11. Were to be sought after -- 1”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Gifts, spiritual — (Gr. charismata), gifts supernaturally bestowed on the early Christians, each having his own proper gift or gifts for the edification of the body of Christ. These were the result of the extraordinary operation of the Spirit, as on the day of Pentecost. They were the gifts of speaking with tongues, casting out devils, healing, etc. (Mark 16:17, 18), usually communicated by the medium of the laying on of the hands of the apostles (Acts 8:17; 19:6; 1 Tim. 4:14). These charismata were enjoyed only for a time. They could not continue always in the Churc”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 12 (introduction): The apostle proceeds to the question of the Corinthians concerning spiritual gifts, Co1 12:1. He calls to their remembrance their former state, and how they were brought out of it, Co1 12:2, Co1 12:3. Shows that there are diversities of gifts which proceed from the Spirit, Co1 12:4. Diversities of administrations which proceed from the Lord Jesus, Co1 12:5. And diversities of operations which proceed from God, Co1 12:6. What these gifts are, and how they are dispensed, Co1 12:7-11. Christ is the Head, and the Church his members; and this is point”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 12 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO 1 CORINTHIANS 12 In this chapter the apostle discourses concerning spiritual gifts, showing the author, nature, use, and excellency of them; compares the church to an human body, and in a beautiful manner sets forth the symmetry and subserviency of the members of it to one another, being set in different places, and having different gifts; and enumerates the several offices and gifts in the church, and yet suggests there is something more excellent than them. He intimates, that spiritual gifts are valuable things, and should be ta”
- 1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 12 (introduction): In this chapter the apostle, I. Considers the case of spiritual gifts, which were very plentifully poured out on the Corinthian church. He considers their original, that they are from God; their variety and use, that they were all intended for one and the same general end, the advancement of Christianity and the church's edification (Co1 12:1-11). II. He illustrates this by an allusion to a human body, in which all the members have a mutual relation and subserviency, and each has its proper place and use (Co1 12:12-26). III. He tells us that th”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 12 (introduction): THE USE AND THE ABUSE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS, ESPECIALLY PROPHESYING AND TONGUES. (1Co. 12:1-31) 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 extraordin”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 57: it. Let it suffice to observe, that the spirit of faith is used by Paul as synonymous with the very faith which we receive from the Spirit, but which we have not naturally ( 2 Cor. 4:13 ). Accordingly, he prays for the Thessalonians, “that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power,” ( 2 Thess. 1:2 ). Here, by designating faith the work of God, and distinguishing it by way of epithet, appropriately calling it his good pleasure , he declares tha”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 2, section 138: communication of miraculous gifts, but the conversion of five thousand persons to the faith at once. It is impossible to deny that these effects were due to the power of the Spirit as something distinct from, and accessary to, the mere power of the truth. This is the explanation of the events of the day of Pentecost given by the Apostle Peter, in Acts ii. 32, 38 , “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right 662 hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the prom ise of the Holy G”
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (Catholic) “Catechism of the Catholic Church, CHAPTER ONE (part 2): witness of others who teach him to seek God. You are great, O Lord, and greatly to be praised: great is your power and your wisdom is without measure. and man, so small a part of your creation, wants to praise you: this man, though clothed with mortality and bearing the evidence of sin and the proof that you withstand the proud. Despite everything, man, though but a small a part of your creation, wants to praise you. You yourself encourage him to delight in your praise, for you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it”