CHAPTER 12
. 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 ().
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 (Matthew 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guided the Israelites was withdrawn when they were sufficiently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 (Matthew 7:22). (2). The variety of its members and functions (Matthew 7:22). (3). The grand principle for the right exercise of the
gifts, namely, love (1 Corinthians 12:31;
1 Corinthians 13:1-13). (4) The
comparison of the gifts with one another (1 Corinthians 13:1-46).
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 (1 Corinthians 13:1-46).
2. ().
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 (, &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]
(1 John 4:2; 1 John 5:1).
Paul gives a test of truth against the Gentiles; John, against the
false prophets.
by the Spirit—rather,
as Greek, "IN
the Spirit"; that being the power pervading him, and the element
in which he speaks [ALFORD],
(Matthew 16:17; John 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 (John 15:26).
accursed—as the Jews
and Gentiles treated Him (Galatians 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 (Galatians 3:13) and to be severed from Him is to be accursed (Galatians 3:13).
Lord—acknowledging
himself as His servant (Galatians 3:13). "Lord" is the Septuagint translation for
the incommunicable Hebrew name JEHOVAH.
5, 6. "Gifts" (), "administrations" (the various functions
and services performed by those having the gifts, compare ), 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 ).
same God . . . worketh—by
His Spirit working (1 Corinthians 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,
1 Corinthians 15:39-41). I.
Gifts of intellect, namely, (1) wisdom; (2) knowledge. II. Gifts
dependent on a special faith, namely, that of miracles (1 Corinthians 15:39-46): (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 1 Corinthians 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 1 Corinthians 12:28. The first genus refers more to believers; the second, to
unbelievers.
by . . . by . . . by—The
first in Greek is, "By means of," or "through
the operation of"; the second is, "according to" the
disposing of (compare 1 Corinthians 12:11);
the third is, "in," that is, under the influence of
(so the Greek, Matthew 22:43;
Luke 2:27).
word of wisdom—the
ready utterance of (for imparting to others, Luke 2:27) wisdom, namely, new revelations of the divine wisdom
in redemption, as contrasted with human philosophy (1 Corinthians 1:24;
1 Corinthians 2:6; 1 Corinthians 2:7;
Ephesians 1:8; Ephesians 3:10;
Colossians 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 1 Corinthians 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" (1 Corinthians 14:6), [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 1 Corinthians 13:2;
Mark 11:23; James 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 (Ephesians 1:19;
Ephesians 1:20). 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 (Ephesians 1:20).
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 by human skill in course of time; but the
raising of the dead, the infliction of death by a word, the innocuous
use of poisons, c., are miracles of special power. Compare
Mark 6:5 Acts 19:11.
prophecy—Here,
probably, not in the wider sense of public teaching by the Spirit
(1 Corinthians 11:4; 1 Corinthians 11:5;
1 Corinthians 14:1-5; 1 Corinthians 14:22-39);
but, as its position between "miracles" and a "discerning
of spirits" implies, the inspired disclosure of the future
(Acts 11:27; Acts 11:28;
Acts 21:11; 1 Timothy 1:18),
[HENDERSON]. It depends on
"faith" (1 Corinthians 12:9;
Romans 12:6). The prophets
ranked next to the apostles (1 Corinthians 12:28;
Ephesians 3:5; Ephesians 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 (Ephesians 4:11; compare 1 Timothy 4:1;
1 John 4:1).
kinds of tongues—the
power of speaking various languages: also a spiritual
language unknown to man, uttered in ecstasy (1 John 4:1). This is marked as a distinct genus in the Greek,
"To another and a different class."
interpretation of tongues—
(1 Corinthians 14:13; 1 Corinthians 14:26;
1 Corinthians 14:27).
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
Psalms 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" (). 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" (), 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
(1 Corinthians 12:21; 1 Corinthians 12:22).
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, 1 Corinthians 12:22), (1 Corinthians 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.
20. now—as the case really is:
in contrast to the supposition (; compare 1 Corinthians 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],
(1 Corinthians 12:23).
25. no schism—(compare ) —no disunion; referring to the "divisions"
noticed (1 Corinthians 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 1 Corinthians 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" ().
first apostles—above
even the prophets. Not merely the Twelve, but others
are so called, for example, Barnabas, c. ().
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" (). Under "teachers" are included "evangelists
and pastors."
miracles—literally,
"powers" (1 Corinthians 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" (1 Corinthians 12:10); 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 (Acts 6:1-10;
Acts 8:5-17); also, others
who helped with their time and means, in the Lord's cause
(compare 1 Corinthians 13:13; Numbers 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 (1 Timothy 5:17;
Hebrews 13:17; Hebrews 13:24).
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") (Romans 12:8).
Translate, literally, "Helpings, governings" [ALFORD].
diversities of tongues—
(1 Corinthians 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" (1 Corinthians 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 (1 Corinthians 14:1)
between "follow after charity—zealously esteem
spiritual gifts"; also with (1 Corinthians 12:11;
1 Corinthians 12:18) the sovereign will
with which the Spirit distributes the gifts, precluding individuals
from desiring gifts not vouchsafed to them. But see on 1 Corinthians 12:18.
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 1 Corinthians 12:18). This love, or "charity," includes both "faith"
and "hope" (1 Corinthians 13:7),
and bears the same fruits (1 Corinthians 13:7) as the ordinary and permanent fruits of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 13:7). Thus "long-suffering," compare 1 Corinthians 13:7; "faith," 1 Corinthians 13:7; "joy," 1 Corinthians 13:7; "meekness," 1 Corinthians 13:7; "goodness," 1 Corinthians 13:7; "gentleness," 1 Corinthians 13:7 (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 (Romans 5:5;
Romans 15:30). This is more to be
desired than gifts (Luke 10:20).
CHAPTER 12
. 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 ().
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 (Matthew 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 (Matthew 7:22). (2). The variety of its members and functions (Matthew 7:22). (3). The grand principle for the right exercise of the gifts, namely, love (1 Corinthians 12:31; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13). (4) The comparison of the gifts with one another (1 Corinthians 13:1-46).
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 (1 Corinthians 13:1-46).
2. ().
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 (, &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] (1 John 4:2; 1 John 5:1). Paul gives a test of truth against the Gentiles; John, against the false prophets.
by the Spirit—rather, as Greek, "IN the Spirit"; that being the power pervading him, and the element in which he speaks [ALFORD], (Matthew 16:17; John 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 (John 15:26).
accursed—as the Jews and Gentiles treated Him (Galatians 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 (Galatians 3:13) and to be severed from Him is to be accursed (Galatians 3:13).
Lord—acknowledging himself as His servant (Galatians 3:13). "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" (1 Corinthians 12:11).
same Spirit—The Holy Trinity appears here: the Holy Spirit in this verse; Christ in 1 Corinthians 12:5; and the Father in 1 Corinthians 12:6. The terms "gifts," "administrations," and "operations," respectively correspond to the Divine Three. The Spirit is treated of in 1 Corinthians 12:7, c. the Lord, in 1 Corinthians 12:12, c. God, in 1 Corinthians 12:28. (Compare 1 Corinthians 12:28).
5, 6. "Gifts" (), "administrations" (the various functions and services performed by those having the gifts, compare ), 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 ).
same God . . . worketh—by His Spirit working (1 Corinthians 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, 1 Corinthians 15:39-41). I. Gifts of intellect, namely, (1) wisdom; (2) knowledge. II. Gifts dependent on a special faith, namely, that of miracles (1 Corinthians 15:39-46): (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 1 Corinthians 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 1 Corinthians 12:28. The first genus refers more to believers; the second, to unbelievers.
by . . . by . . . by—The first in Greek is, "By means of," or "through the operation of"; the second is, "according to" the disposing of (compare 1 Corinthians 12:11); the third is, "in," that is, under the influence of (so the Greek, Matthew 22:43; Luke 2:27).
word of wisdom—the ready utterance of (for imparting to others, Luke 2:27) wisdom, namely, new revelations of the divine wisdom in redemption, as contrasted with human philosophy (1 Corinthians 1:24; 1 Corinthians 2:6; 1 Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 1:8; Ephesians 3:10; Colossians 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 1 Corinthians 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" (1 Corinthians 14:6), [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 1 Corinthians 13:2; Mark 11:23; James 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 (Ephesians 1:19; Ephesians 1:20). 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 (Ephesians 1:20).
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 by human skill in course of time; but the raising of the dead, the infliction of death by a word, the innocuous use of poisons, c., are miracles of special power. Compare Mark 6:5 Acts 19:11.
prophecy—Here, probably, not in the wider sense of public teaching by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 11:4; 1 Corinthians 11:5; 1 Corinthians 14:1-5; 1 Corinthians 14:22-39); but, as its position between "miracles" and a "discerning of spirits" implies, the inspired disclosure of the future (Acts 11:27; Acts 11:28; Acts 21:11; 1 Timothy 1:18), [HENDERSON]. It depends on "faith" (1 Corinthians 12:9; Romans 12:6). The prophets ranked next to the apostles (1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 3:5; Ephesians 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 (Ephesians 4:11; compare 1 Timothy 4:1; 1 John 4:1).
kinds of tongues—the power of speaking various languages: also a spiritual language unknown to man, uttered in ecstasy (1 John 4:1). This is marked as a distinct genus in the Greek, "To another and a different class."
interpretation of tongues— (1 Corinthians 14:13; 1 Corinthians 14:26; 1 Corinthians 14:27).
11. as he will— (1 Corinthians 12:18; Hebrews 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 Psalms 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" (). 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" (), 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 (1 Corinthians 12:21; 1 Corinthians 12:22).
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, 1 Corinthians 12:22), (1 Corinthians 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" (1 Corinthians 12:12; 1 Corinthians 12:14), [ALFORD].
20. now—as the case really is: in contrast to the supposition (; compare 1 Corinthians 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], (1 Corinthians 12:23).
25. no schism—(compare ) —no disunion; referring to the "divisions" noticed (1 Corinthians 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 1 Corinthians 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" ().
first apostles—above even the prophets. Not merely the Twelve, but others are so called, for example, Barnabas, c. ().
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" (). Under "teachers" are included "evangelists and pastors."
miracles—literally, "powers" (1 Corinthians 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" (1 Corinthians 12:10); 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 (Acts 6:1-10; Acts 8:5-17); also, others who helped with their time and means, in the Lord's cause (compare 1 Corinthians 13:13; Numbers 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 (1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:17; Hebrews 13:24). 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") (Romans 12:8). Translate, literally, "Helpings, governings" [ALFORD].
diversities of tongues— (1 Corinthians 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" (1 Corinthians 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 (1 Corinthians 14:1) between "follow after charity—zealously esteem spiritual gifts"; also with (1 Corinthians 12:11; 1 Corinthians 12:18) the sovereign will with which the Spirit distributes the gifts, precluding individuals from desiring gifts not vouchsafed to them. But see on 1 Corinthians 12:18.
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 1 Corinthians 12:18). This love, or "charity," includes both "faith" and "hope" (1 Corinthians 13:7), and bears the same fruits (1 Corinthians 13:7) as the ordinary and permanent fruits of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 13:7). Thus "long-suffering," compare 1 Corinthians 13:7; "faith," 1 Corinthians 13:7; "joy," 1 Corinthians 13:7; "meekness," 1 Corinthians 13:7; "goodness," 1 Corinthians 13:7; "gentleness," 1 Corinthians 13:7 (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 (Romans 5:5; Romans 15:30). This is more to be desired than gifts (Luke 10:20).