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1 Corinthians 12

31 verses

TL;DR

Paul explains that all believers receive diverse spiritual gifts from the same Spirit, and that the church is one body whose members must value each other.

Summary

Paul begins by warning the Corinthians not to be ignorant of spiritual gifts, reminding them of their past idolatry. He stresses that speaking against Jesus is only possible by the Holy Spirit and that all Christians share the same Spirit, Lord, and God. He lists the variety of gifts—wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, tongues, and interpretation—and shows that they are all given by the same Spirit for the common good. Paul then draws an analogy of the church to a body, emphasizing unity, diversity of functions, and mutual dependence, insisting that no part is superior or inferior. He concludes that members must care for one another, that suffering or joy is shared, and that while all have gifts, the most excellent way is to covet the gifts that love and edify the body.

Outline
  1. Paul’s introduction on spiritual gifts and the role of the Holy Spirit
  2. The diverse gifts as expressions of one Spirit for the benefit of all
  3. The church as one body: unity, interdependence, and the call to cherish all gifts
Themes
Unity in diversityThe role of the Holy Spirit in equipping believersThe church as a body of interdependent members
Keywords
spiritual giftsHoly Spiritbody of Christunitydiversityloveinterdependence
People
PaulChristapostlesprophetsteachers
Places
Things
spiritual giftsthe Holy Spiritwisdomknowledgefaithhealingmiraclesprophecydiscerning of spiritstonguesinterpretation of tonguesbody of Christ
Key Verses
  • 1 Cor 12:7: Shows that the Spirit gives gifts to benefit all believers.
  • 1 Cor 12:14-27: Uses the body analogy to explain unity and interdependence.
  • 1 Cor 12:30-31: Encourages believers to covet the best gifts for the good of the church.
Questions
  • How does Paul’s view of spiritual gifts differ from the idea that only certain roles are legitimate?
  • In what ways does the body analogy challenge modern church leadership structures?
  • What practical steps can churches take to ensure all members value each other’s gifts?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains encouraging exhortations about unity and diversity, balanced with warnings against division.