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1 Corinthians Chapter Twelve

                             

I. Content of the Chapter

 

Spiritual Gifts

A.  The principles of spiritual things ---- by the Spirit (v.1-3)

B.  The origin of spiritual gifts (v.4-11):

1. The relation of gifts ministries and activities with the divine Trinity (v.4-5);

2. The Spirit distributes to each one individually as He wills (v.6-11);

C.  The relationship of spiritual gifts ---- the comparison of the members of a body (v.12-27):

1. Many members one body (v.12-14);

2. God has set the members each one of them in the body (v.15-20).

3. Different functions of the members (v.21-24);

4. The members are related to one another (v.25-27).

D.  The sorts of spiritual gifts (v.28-30);

 

II. Verse by Verse Commentary

 

1Cor. 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts brethren I do not want you to be ignorant:

YLT: “And concerning the spiritual things brethren I do not wish you to be ignorant;”

Literal Meaning: “now concerning spiritual gifts brethren it is “spiritual” in the original. The Corinthians thought one was spiritual as he had spiritual gifts. However Paul separates “spiritual” and “gifts” on purpose (see v.4 9 28 30 31). “Gifts” are given by the Spirit but man who has got “spiritual gifts” may not be “spiritual” (see 1Cor. 1:7; 3:1).

I do not want you to be ignorant” Paul did not desire believers at Corinth to be ignorant of spiritual things lest they should be still puffed up.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    That a man has spiritual gifts does not mean he has good spiritual condition. The pursuit of spiritual gifts is totally different from the pursuit of spiritual growth in life.

2)    The sect of Lees tells that the pursuit of spiritual baptism and tongues are pursuit of fuller life (see John 10:10). It is wrong interpretation of the Scriptures and may mislead believers.

 

1Cor. 12:2 You know that you were Gentiles carried away to these dumb idols however you were led.

YLT: “ye have known that ye were nations unto the dumb idols -- as ye were led -- being carried away;”

Literal Meaning:you were Gentiles when you had not believed the Lord;

“Carried away were led” be easily misled and deceived by every wind of doctrine and corrupted customs.

  “You know that to these dumb idols” “dumb idols” one feature of idols is being unable to speak (Jer. 10:5). Paul here seems to emphasize that those who worship idols tend to be silent which is just contrary to the condition of believers in verse three.

 

1Cor. 12:3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

YLT: “wherefore I give you to understand that no one in the Spirit of God speaking saith Jesus anathema and no one is able to say Jesus Lord except in the Holy Spirit.”

Literal Meaning: “therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed the greatest difference between believers and unbelievers is that believers can praise and thank the Lord by the Spirit and will in no wise be silent or call Jesus accursed.

“And no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit” believers are saved for they confess with their mouths Jesus as Lord believe in their heart that God has raised him from among dead (see Rom. 10:9). Therefore one will neither say the Jesus is Lord nor be saved by the Spirit.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     The more we are inspired by the Spirit of God the more will we find the preciousness of the Lord Jesus and never “call Jesus accursed”. It is always difficult and hypocritical to confess Jesus as Lord without the work of the Spirit.

2)     All spiritual things are done by the Spirit and produced spontaneously in the Spirit. All those who are inspired by the Spirit in the Spirit will certainly not rebel against the Lord Jesus but magnify the Lord (see Luke 1:46) and let Him have the first place in all things (Col. 1:18).

3)     It is in no wise a trivial thing of confessing Jesus as Lord. The evil spirit fears the name most and even dares not mentions the name. If we want to discern whether one is possessed by demons or is filled by the Spirit we shall let it come out by asking him to call the name of Jesus.

4)     Most of the spiritual gifts listed in this chapter are gifts concerning words. The feature of Christians is that everyone can speak for the Lord. And even those who are quiet and are not fond of speaking by nature open their mouths to speak by the Spirit.

 

1Cor. 12:4 There are diversities of gifts but the same Spirit.

YLT: “And there are diversities of gifts and the same Spirit;”

Literal Meaning: “there are diversities of gifts “gifts” refer to talents (see Matt. 25:15). The whole sentence refers to the differences of the works in abilities or content.

“But the same Spirit” it is the Spirit that comes upon believers and gives power to men (Acts 1:8). It is also the Spirit that distributes different talents to men and leads believers to develop towards different directions.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Anyone who does not believe Christ and even rebels against Christ has his natural talent. Such talents by nature in the flesh cannot be counted as “spiritual gifts”. All that are of the Spirit shall be counted as gifts.

2)     If one puts all his talents knowledge skills on the alter of the cross to God after he has believed the Lord all that he has may become a part of the “gifts” given by the Spirit for his service but may not be “gifts” specially entrusted by God. The “gifts” that God gives one for service in particular must have something to the responsibility entrusted by God to him.

3)     Gifts are worked in and given to different believers temporarily (they will be ultimately done away) by the Spirit according to the principle of “disproportionate distribution” in order to fulfill different ministries. Therefore the gifts that believers have obtained are different.

 

1Cor. 12:5 There are differences of ministries but the same Lord.

YLT: “and there are diversities of ministrations and the same Lord;”

Literal Meaning:there are differences of ministries ministries” refer to services. The whole sentence refers to the differences of the ministries in the content or nature.

“But the same Lord” the same Lord of the works distributes the works to everyone.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     What we believers should do in the church are decided by the Lord of the works. Many believers like to serve the Lord according to their interest knowledge skills and strong points but actually we should pray to the Lord and look upon Him and seek what the Lord has entrusted to us personally.

2)      Our works are appointed by the Lord not searched by ourselves. Since the Lord is the originator of our works He will in charge of providing all that we need in works. We need only to work faithfully and the Lord will surely take the responsibility of fulfilling all faithfully.

 

1Cor. 12:6 And there are diversities of activities but it is the same God who works all in all.

YLT: “and there are diversities of workings and it is the same God -- who is working the all in all.”

Literal Meaning: “and there are diversities of activities activities” means effects. The whole sentence refers to the differences of the activities in functions and the effects of one certain function.

“But it is the same God” it is the same God that “sets” and “composes” believers (see v.18 24)

“Who works all in all” here it means that God has a specially appointed will in each of us which should be kept by everyone. Then the will of God will work in us so as to make us know our own “function” as well as the “ministry” entrusted by the Lord to us. And the Spirit will also manifest the “gifts” (the power of working) on us (see v.7; Eph. 3:7) and we will devote us into diverse services in the church.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     All of the ministries gifts and activities describe three aspects of our service. Though the ministries gifts and activities of us are diverse all of them are of the holy Trinity. We should cherish what is entrusted to us by the holy Trinity and do our best to fulfill it.

2)     It is indicated from verse four to six that all gifts are of the holy Trinity and for the holy Trinity. If all the gifts in the church are used according to the holy Trinity and for the holy Trinity there will be naturally a harmonious and full condition as the body of Christ is supposed to be.

 

1Cor. 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:

YLT: “And to each hath been given the manifestation of the Spirit for profit;”

Literal Meaning: “but the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one” the different spiritual gifts in everyone are the manifestations of the Spirit. The Spirit manifests the diverse gifts of everyone in order to manifest Him all.

“For the profit of all” the purpose that the Spirit distributes different gifts is to profit all. Thus all believers can partake of the spiritual profit in the building of the church.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     We should use our gifts well under the guidance and operation of the Spirit so as to profit others through us thus we shall also receive more profit.

2)     The manifestations of the Spirit on man brings profit to man. Therefore we should seek to experience the fulfillment and out-pouring of the Spirit so as to manifest the Spirit more.

 

1Cor. 12:8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit

YLT: “for to one through the Spirit hath been given a word of wisdom and to another a word of knowledge according to the same Spirit;”

Literal Meaning:for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit” “the word of wisdom” the words taught by the Spirit can search God's wisdom in mystery and compare spiritual things with believers (see 1Cor. 2:6-13).

“To another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit” “the word of knowledge” it suggests that one has internal ability of understanding God’s truth and has the external ability of expressing them clearly (see 1Cor.1:5).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     The wisdom given by the Spirit is distinct from the natural one. Knowledge of God is vastly different from that of nature. God’s things can only be perfected by God’s wisdom and knowledge. What is of God is far beyond that of us.

2)     Though man can obtain some wisdom and knowledge through his connate instinct and express them through words it is still extremely infinite of what man can understand and express without the gifts of the Spirit. Besides man will be puffed up and can not edify others (see 1Cor. 8:1-7).

 

1Cor. 12:9 to another faith by the same Spirit to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit

YLT: “and to another faith in the same Spirit and to another gifts of healings in the same Spirit;”

Literal Meaning:to another faith by the same Spirit “faith” it means that man whose inner eyes are bright can see spiritual things clearly and hold the words and promise of God without any doubt so that he often experiences the faithfulness of God.

“To another gifts of healings by the same Spirit” “gifts of healings”: one who has supernatural power of healing can heal the sick without any medicine through prayer by laying one’s hands upon the sick.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Faith can move the finger of God to remove the difficulty that we have met (Mark. 11:22-24).

2)     A normal Christian believes the healing through supernatural power. But it does not mean that all diseases of Christian should be healed by supernatural power for God not only works through supernatural way but also through natural ways (medical skills or medicine). What is most important is our heart towards God.

 

1Cor. 12:10 to another the working of miracles to another prophecy to another discerning of spirits to another different kinds of tongues to another the interpretation of tongues.

YLT: “and to another in-workings of mighty deeds; and to another prophecy; and to another discernings of spirits; and to another kinds of tongues; and to another interpretation of tongues:”

Literal Meaning:to another the working of miracles the working of miracles” refer to the supernatural power that can work various miracles and signs.

“To another prophecy prophecy”: one who has got spiritual revelation can speak for God and testify God Himself and God’s will including preachment and prophecy.

“To another discerning of spirits discerning of spirits”: one can discern the Spirit of God the spirit of man and the evil spirit that is not of God (see 1Tim. 4:1; 1John 4:1-3).

“To another different kinds of tongues” “tongues” believers who have other tongues given by the Spirit can speak with other tongues without learning that tongue (see Acts 2:4-11). Tongues are neither meaningless voices of tongues nor taught by man but given by the Spirit.

“To another the interpretation of tongues” “the interpretation of tongues” one can interpret the tongue that men can not understand into words that all can understand (see 1Cor. 14:13).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     “To another… to another… to another” it indicates that one certain believer does not have all the spiritual gifts. Today the sect of Lees demands that everyone believer should be able to say tongues which has totally run against the principle of the revelation of the Scriptures.

2)     Among the diverse spiritual gifts the Scriptures list “different kinds of tongues and the interpretation of tongues” in the end (see v.28) for such two kinds of gifts are of profit to individuals but of little profit to the whole church (see 1Cor. 14:2-6 18-19). Therefore the tongue is not a gift that is so important that we should seek (see 1Cor. 14:1).

 

1Cor. 12:11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things distributing to each one individually as He wills.

YLT: “and all these doth work the one and the same Spirit dividing to each severally as he intendeth.”

Literal Meaning: “but one and the same Spirit works all these things all these things” refer to various spiritual gifts. Man receives the gifts on account of the Spirit instead of man’s “importunity”.

“Distributing to each one individually as He wills” it shows that the origin of the gifts is the Spirit. The Spirit has the right to decide what kind of gifts and to whom a particular gift will be given.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     All the gifts in the church are “distributed to each one individually as He wills” by the Spirit showing that all the activities of the church are arranged under the sovereignty of the Spirit and manifest the authority of the Spirit. The church lives according to the sovereignty of the Spirit. The church will become a dead organization without the authority of the Spirit even though everything is ready in the church.

2)     What is received by man’s learning and others’ teaching is not given by the Spirit. Lee’s sect teaches man to “speak tongues” ---- they teach man to say several simple words without hesitation increasingly quickly to a point that man’s tongue can twirl naturally and utter some voice that even he himself cannot understand. This is the so called “tongue” of them. It is meaningless to pursuit such “tongue” for it is in no wise given by the Spirit. 

 

1Cor. 12:12 For as the body is one and has many members but all the members of that one body being many are one body so also is Christ.

YLT: “For even as the body is one and hath many members and all the members of the one body being many are one body so also the Christ ”

Literal Meaning: “for as the body is one and has many members it shows how believers receive diverse gifts (v.11) through the working of the Spirit in the church and thus have their respective ministries and activities by the relation of man’s body with the members. 

“But all the members of that one body being many are one body “members” refer to all believers. “One body” is the body of Christ namely the church (Eph. 1:23; Col. 1:24).

“So also is Christ” it is amazing that Paul does not say “so also is Christ and His church” or “so also is Christ and His people” but “so also is Christ”. In other words the head is Christ and the body is Christ and the members are also Christ. It shows us that the head and the body and the members are Christ so the totality of Christ in you and me is the church.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     The church testifies Christ in the two aspects: “one” and yet “many” testify the fullness of Christ. And “though many” and “one” testify the oneness of Christ. It is sure that the church cannot bear witness to Christ if there are divisions. However if the church is stiffly monotonous there will also be lack of the testimony of the church.

2)     “The body is one and has many members” it suggests that we can not be alone. Once any member is alone he cannot live.

3)     Here when the body the church is mentioned it does not say “so also is church” but “so also is Christ” which means that the body (the church) is Christ Himself. When the condition of the church is normal ---- it is filled with Christ and manifests Christ and obeys Christ in all and is united with Christ always ---- such church is the magnification of Christ in the sight of God.

4)     The Lord Jesus and the church is “the Christ”. Christ in individuals and the church is “the corporate Christ”. The will of God is that the church shall be “fullness of Christ”.

 

1Cor. 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

YLT: “for also in one Spirit we all to one body were baptized whether Jews or Greeks whether servants or freemen and all into one Spirit were made to drink ”

Literal Meaning:whether Jews or Greeks” “whether … or” there is no distinction. There is no distinction in the body of Christ. Jews and Greeks represent the differences of races languages culture and religion.

“Whether slaves or free” it indicates the distinctions of social status economic condition position and achievements.

“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--” thousands of believers were baptized into one body by the Spirit. It is just like that we are like the small stones broken from a large rock and the Spirit is like the cement to mix the small stones into a big one. It shows us that there is no the body of Christ without the working of the Spirit. Therefore we children of God should be immersed in the Spirit and be filled with the Spirit. This is the only way of a good church.

“And have all been made to drink into one Spirit” believers are immersed into the Spirit and receive the Spirit into us so that we will be filled with the Spirit all.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     There are many members in one body and the head rules all of them through nerves. In like manner the head of the church baptizes many members into one body through the Spirit. We are members one another and are baptized into one body by the Spirit. The fellowship of believers is according to the body. Therefore any fellowship outside the body is of not fellowship among Christians.

2)     Here the relation of the body with the Spirit is revealed. The manifestation of the Spirit (the hidden reality) is the body. The body is one because the Spirit is one. Remember that the Spirit is a “person”. You cannot divide a person. God composed the body (v.24) in order to manifest the Spirit. It is always one in the Spirit. This is the secret of oneness.

3)     There are two basic principles in the body of Christ: if there is not that of Christ there is not the body of Christ. The second is that there is not the body of Christ without the working of the Spirit. Believers must be baptized in the Spirit and be filled with the Spirit so that the Spirit will baptize all the children of God into one.

4)     We can see a fact from this verse: “spiritual baptism” is not an experience of “any individual” but that of “the whole church”. Therefore the “spiritual baptism” is not like “the water baptism” which should only be received by the man himself. And the whole church had early received the “spiritual baptism” in the history. Whether we have partaken of “the spiritual baptism” is decided by whether we have received the Lord Jesus as our Savior and whether we have become the members of the body of Christ.

5)     When a man has really believed the Lord and has been saved he has partaken of “the spiritual baptism”. “Being partaken of the spiritual baptism” is synchronous with “one’s being saved”. The former is in relation to our objective “identity” and “position” and the latter is in relation to our subjective “condition” and “experience”.

6)     Someone thought that God desired the experience of every Christian to be divided into two phases or levels ---- one would experience the so-called “spiritual baptism” for the second time after he had already been saved and such experience would elevate one’s spiritual life unto a higher level. If such view was right believers at Corinth had already got the experience of second “spiritual baptism” and they were supposed to have entered into a higher spiritual realm. However Paul said “they were carnal and were babes” (1Cor. 3:1). Therefore the “spiritual baptism” is not the second spiritual experience.

7)     There was also someone who thought that “the spiritual baptism” referred to “all being made to drink into one Spirit” of the last half verse which parallels the first half verse ---- “by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body”. Both of them use the word “all” showing that here is mentions all believers. Paul uses the word “baptize” and “drink” to point out the oneness of believers for they are both by the Spirit. In a word Paul uses clear words in this chapter to show that all Christians have received “the spiritual baptism” and need not to seek the experience of “the spiritual baptism” after being saved at all. Once one is in Christ he has already been partaken of the “spiritual baptism”.

 

1Cor. 12:14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.

YLT: “for also the body is not one member but many;”

Literal Meaning: “for in fact the body is not one member” one member cannot compose a body.

“But many” it is many members that compose a body. The multiplicity of the members does not harm the oneness of the body.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     The body needs many diverse members. “Many” and “diverse” are not abnormal at all but are normal. It is whereas abnormal of “one” and “the same”.

2)     The Lord Jesus was physically born by from Mary. The Lord Jesus has also a spiritual body which was born after His resurrection namely His church. Once we have been saved each of us has become a member of the body. Each of the members of the Lord’s body in the flesh has its function so do all the members of the Lord’s spiritual body.

 

1Cor. 12:15 If the foot should say "Because I am not a hand I am not of the body " is it therefore not of the body?

YLT: “if the foot may say `Because I am not a hand I am not of the body;' it is not because of this not of the body;”

Literal Meaning: “if the foot should say "Because I am not a hand I am not of the body" “if the foot should say” it is an grammatical assumption. “I am not a hand” he has found the difference of the functions. “I am not of the body” one intends to depart because of dissatisfaction with the church.

“Is it therefore not of the body”? ---- It has several aspects of meaning: 1) it is not of man’s will that believers are of the church but of God; 2) it is only right and proper of the dissimilarities among believers; 3) believers can not compose a church by assembling those who are congenial to each other.

 

1Cor. 12:16 And if the ear should say "Because I am not an eye I am not of the body " is it therefore not of the body?

YLT: “and if the ear may say `Because I am not an eye I am not of the body;' it is not because of this not of the body?”

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Here it means that one should perform his function according what gifts have been give to him instead of what gifts he desires. Since each of the members is distinct from others one should not refuse to perform his own function.

2)     Members of one body cannot be compared with one another for their functions in a body are different and they are of the equal significance. Only the individualist is fond of comparing himself with others. And such the habit of comparing oneself with others shows that one has not seen the body of Christ.

3)     Many believers see lightly the gifts of God given to them. Since they cannot become the members that they desire to be they utterly refuse to perform their own functions. All the members should perform their respective functions according to the gifts given by God. Any of us should not find us an excuse “it does not need me here”. Every member of the body has his ministry and each member is called to perform his function in the place where the Lord appoints to him.

 

1Cor. 12:17 If the whole body were an eye where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing where would be the smelling?

YLT: “If the whole body an eye where the hearing? if the whole hearing where the smelling?”

Literal Meaning: it indicates that all the members of the body have different ministries and any single member cannot replace the functions of others. Paul encourages every member especially those who draw back to perform his ministry in verse 15 and 16. And this verse is spoken to those who are excessive that one member should not take complete care of all things.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    In the church life we should leave ample room for everyone to perform each function in the service. A single member needs not to do the whole works or do a lot multitasking. No one who has discernment desires to see there is only a single ministry in the body. It is improper that the whole body is an eye or the eye wants to do the whole works of the body. The Lord ordains the diversity of ministries in His body.

2)    No matter how great one’s gift is there are always works that he can not accomplish. No matter how small one’s gift is there is always some work that he can do.

 

1Cor. 12:18 But now God has set the members each one of them in the body just as He pleased.

YLT: “and now God did set the members each one of them in the body according as He willed ”

Literal Meaning: “each one of them” it emphasizes that all the members in the body has his feature and his special ministry. And the ministry of each is not chosen by man himself but is arranged according to the will of God.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     The Spirit gives to all the members of the body of Christ different gifts and ministries according to the needs of the whole body. The Lord has arranges different ministries in His body today and He will not let all members be eyes or feet or ears. The Lord gives the members different ministries to provide the whole church. A physical body needs many members and the body of Christ also needs many different ministries especially for spiritual service.

2)     A church should give ample chances for every ministry to serve the body. All the brothers and sisters in the church have their spiritual functions in spiritual ministries. It is impossible that there are many members in a body that are of no functions.

3)     We should know the arrangement of God is according to the arrangement of God’s will. That is the arrangement of council and is of order. Therefore we should keep in our own position. Meanwhile it is a fact that God has set us in the body and no man can overthrow it. When God sets the members none of the members can escape from His arrangement. Members can only be set in the own body so that they can perform their functions and live. Otherwise the members will become deserted.

 

1Cor. 12:19 And if they were all one member where would the body be?

YLT: “and if all were one member where the body?”

 

1Cor. 12:20 But now indeed there are many members yet one body.

YLT: “and now indeed many members and one body;”

Literal Meaning: oneness in variety.

 

1Cor. 12:21 And the eye cannot say to the hand "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet "I have no need of you."

YLT: “and an eye is not able to say to the hand `I have no need of thee;' nor again the head to the feet `I have no need of you.'”

Literal Meaning: the members of the body should not be indifferent to or reject one another but rely on one another.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Each believer should be satisfied with his own gifts given by the Spirit and appreciate the gifts of others. However we should not exalt those who have great gifts above what is written that we may not be puffed up one for one against another (see 1Cor. 4:6).

2)     The fellowship of life is of crucial importance to the body of Christ. There will be death without fellowship. What is fellowship? That is we have been helped by other members. For example one has a mouth so he can speak. And he also needs the help of the ears so that he can hear and needs the help of eyes so that he can see. Besides he needs hands to take things and feet to walk. Therefore the fellowship is that we receive the help of other members who have their special gifts and receive what is of others as ours.

3)     The highest and most honorable member (head) cannot say to the lowest member (feet) “I have no need of you” let alone the rest members of the body. The two members who are the furthest from each other serve each other in the body let alone other members who are near.

4)     We shall never hope that we can cut off other members. We have no authority of the head in the body who can deal with other members as he wishes. A member should not be cut off because of his weakness or tenderness (the church has indeed the authority of ruling things concerning sin). We dare not and can not say to another member “I have no need of you”. Moreover we will find that we may learn many things that we need from the members whom we do not respect enough in our nature eyes (see v.22).

 

1Cor. 12:22 No much rather those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.

YLT: “But much more the members of the body which seem to be more infirm are necessary ”

Literal Meaning: “seem to” be weak in appearance; “are necessary” it means that the importance of the body is not less than the strong members.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     God’s thoughts are not man’s thoughts (Is. 55:8). What is unnecessary in man’s sight is indispensable in God’s sight.

2)     There is no respect of persons in the church (James 2:1). However the most common mistake that brothers and sisters make is being in respect of persons.

 

1Cor. 12:23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty

YLT: “and those that we think to be less honourable of the body around these we put more abundant honour and our unseemly things have seemliness more abundant ”

Literal Meaning: “and those members of the body which we think to be less honorable on these we bestow greater honor” “less honorable”: not beautiful shameful; “bestow”: put on in the original; today we use beautiful clothes to cover the shameful members in our body which may refer to sexual organs.

“And our unpresentable parts have greater modesty” we may pay more attention to dress up the unpresentable parts.

 

1Cor. 12:24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body having given greater honor to that part which lacks it

YLT: “and our seemly things have no need; but God did temper the body together to the lacking part having given more abundant honour ”

Literal Meaning: “but God composed the body God composed the body of Christ just like that He composed our physical bodies. Today man can make rocket and space craft but can not make man’s body. It is God and only God that created man’s body. In like manner no one can make the body of Christ the church. The church is the workmanship of God. God alone perfects the church and man can in no wise have a hand in. Man can only do the work in society not in the church and do the work of the false church instead of the true church. Only God can perfect the true church. Only what is only worked and built by God is the church.

“Having given greater honor to that part which lacks it” “which lacks it”: be inferior to others;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Since God “composed” the church He had His good purpose of saving and arranging all the brothers and sisters. We have no other choice in the church. We should not appreciate helpful members but reject other unpleasant ones. Meanwhile God composed the body “all the members have not the same office” (Rom. 12:4) and have their respective ministries and functions (see Eph. 4:16). Therefore we should not neglect out own ministry or despise or override that of others (see v.15-22).

2)     Man must prefer to what is the honorable and presentable if man composes something so there will be differences of “strong weak beautiful and ugly”. That God composed the church is “to bestow greater honor on those members of the body which we think to be less honorable and have greater modesty on our unpresentable parts” and “to give greater honor to that part which lacks it”. Oh! How far the condition of man from the will of God is!

3)     In the church man tends to pay attention to the excellent members. But God especially cares for the ignored ones. We should learn to let the mind of Christ as well as the thoughts of God be ours.

 

1Cor. 12:25 that there should be no schism in the body but that the members should have the same care for one another.

YLT: “that there may be no division in the body but that the members may have the same anxiety for one another ”

Literal Meaning:that there should be no schism in the body here it suggests the main reason for the schism in the church is that believers are in respect of persons and pay attention to only some excellent members and treat each other with discrimination and therefore there arises schism.

“But that the members should have the same care for one another” “have the same care for one another” all the believers should be treated with the same respect and care.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Believers should absolutely abandon the schism for the will of God is that there should never be schism in the body. The church in the heavens can never be divided and she is always one. However the oneness of the church on the earth may be harmed. On account of her heavenly life the body can not be harmed by man. However as for the experience on the earth it is lamentable that she is not only touched by others but is also even disassembled.

2)     Schism also includes individualism. The principle of many believers’ life is not the body but themselves and it seems that the burdens and feelings of others have nothing to do with them. And they cannot work together with others before God. This is the principle of individualism not that of the body. Sometime individualism may develop from a certain individual to several individuals. In the church some believers are united among themselves and love one another but are out of tune with the rest members.

3)     There is not a personal growth independent of the body. For instance that my mouth eats is I eat. The action of one member is the action of the man. The works and activities of a member are in relation to the whole body. Therefore all the members should have the same care for one another. One cannot be independent with the view that he has nothing to do with other members. If the eyes are blind the man is blind. If one draws back and fails the whole body draws back and fails. We should be willing to follow the Lord alone and also concern ourselves about the condition of brothers and sisters.

4)     Once the one who has the revelation of the body of Christ and has the feeling of the body meets and does anything of divisions among the children of God he cannot cross over when he because he loves all those who are of God and will not divide them. It is natural of loving one another in the body but it is utterly unnatural of schism in the body. It just like that one has two hands no matter how many reason one hand has listed that the other one is not good both of them are still not be divided. It is impossible to be divided.

5)     Schism is building up sects. Possibly someone may think he has been divorced from a sect so he has known well about the body of Christ. The one who has seen the body of Christ will be surely divorced from the sect. However it does not mean that one will spontaneously see the body of Christ since he has been divorced from the sect. There are many people who have been apparently separated from the sects. However they have also built them another kind of sect. Their separation from the sects is merely expressing their “peculiarity” and yet they have not considered all the members as our brothers and as lovely. Therefore no matter the spirit of sect or the attitudes of schism or the external activities or internal thoughts of being physically separated from the children of God these are activities of having not seen the body of Christ.

6)     Today there are some organizations in Christianity. Though they are not sects apparently the spirit of sect of them is deeper than other sects.

 

1Cor. 12:26 And if one member suffers all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored all the members rejoice with it.

YLT: “and whether one member doth suffer suffer with do all the members or one member is glorified rejoice with do all the members;”

Literal Meaning: “and if one member suffers all the members suffer with it to identify with one another in the members. If one member suffers the whole body will suffer. Any member who has not such feeling may have been disconnected with the fellowship with the body.

“Or if one member is honored all the members rejoice with it” contrarily if one has the feeling of envy when another member is honored it shows that they are not of the same body and may thus cause schism.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Here it is not if one member suffers all the members “should” suffer with it; or if one member is honored all the members “should” rejoice with it. The word of God does not say whether it should be or not be but declares the fact that when one member suffers all the members suffer in fact and when one member is honored all the members rejoice with it in fact. Therefore when you have many feelings without reason it is none other than the feelings in the body. This is not only problems concerning suffering and joy but also problems of life. Therefore we should not be one who consumes life before God but also one who provides life. If there are many members who need provision of life but insufficient members who provide life in the body of Christ the strength of the body will collapse.

2)     Suffering is a kind of feeling and rejoicing is also a kind of feeling. Through there are many members the life of them is the same so they have the same the feeling. The artificial leg can in no wise be aware of the painful or joyful feeling of other members. The feeling of life cannot and need not be simulated. The most distinct expression of life is feeling. Once Christian has the life of Christ we must have the feeling of the body and will enter into the fellowship with other members.

3)     It has clearly shown us that the body of Christ is on the earth. If it is in the heaven there may be joy and yet no suffering. You can not say the body suffers in the heaven. If one member suffers the whole body suffers. The member can only suffer on the earth. And it is only on the earth the whole body may suffer or be persecuted. Therefore the oneness of the body of Christ is not in the heaven in the future but on the earth at present.

 

1Cor. 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ and members individually.

YLT: “and ye are the body of Christ and members in particular.”

Literal Meaning: this verse is a connecting link between the preceding and the following. It concludes the relation between the body and the members from verse 12 to 26 and ushers another topic of various gifts in the following part (v.28-31).

Now you are the body of Christ “you” refers to the church at Corinth; “the body of Christ” it typifies the universal church. And since the nature of both local and universal church has no difference the comparison of the body of Christ can also be fit for the local church.

“And members individually” “individually” it refers to the individual believers at Corinth; “members” every believer has different gifts ministries and functions.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     We are “members individually”. Members are distinct from cells. It is insignificant of losing a cell. However any member cannot be lost. However the condition of many Christians is as the cells in the body not as members. They become useless to the body of Christ and have not performed their functions. If life has not been provided to the body of Christ the body of Christ will suffer loss.

2)     “The body of Christ” shows that we believers are one in life and spirit; “And members individually” we believers are different in gifts and functions. We should keep the unity of the Spirit (Eph. 4:3) as well as work in measure of each one part with a view to work of ministry (Eph. 4:12 16).

 

1Cor. 12:28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles second prophets third teachers after that miracles then gifts of healings helps administrations varieties of tongues.

YLT: “And some indeed did God set in the assembly first apostles secondly prophets thirdly teachers afterwards powers afterwards gifts of healings helpings governings divers kinds of tongues;”

Literal Meaning: “and God has appointed these in the church” all the ministries in the church are of God who appointed various “men and things” and bestowed all kinds of gifts and functions to men so that they could fulfill the ministries entrusted to them.

“First apostles second prophets third teachers apostles”: those who have the power of the Spirit are called by God and sent to preach the gospel everywhere and to build local churches in new places; prophets”: those who have the inspiration of the Spirit can declare the revelation and message of God so as to edify comfort and encourage believers; teachers”: those who have words of knowledge can teach believers to know the truth of the Scriptures.

“After that miracles then gifts of healings miracles”: those who have wonderful power can do supernatural signs and wonders; gifts of healings”: one who has supernatural power of healing can heal the sick without any medicine through prayer by laying one’s hands upon the sick.

“Helps administrations varieties of tongues” “helps”: those who have love and are willing to help and satisfy the need of others; administrations”: those who have faithfulness and discernment can deal with the affairs of the church in good order and serve the whole assembly; varieties of tongues”: believers who have other tongues given by the Spirit can speak with other tongues without learning that tongue.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     It is God that “works” (v.6) “arranges” (v.18) “composed” (v.24) and “appoints” (v.28) the church of Christ. Therefore if the church needs man’s labor or arrangement or composition or appointment it proves that there lacks the reality of the church.

2)     “First” “second “after then” it shows that it is also has order concerning gifts in the church of Christ. But it is not ordered by man but “appointed by God”.

3)     Here the gift of tongues is listed in the end showing that the gift of tongue is of less importance than other gifts in the Scriptures.

 

1Cor. 12:29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?

YLT: “all apostles? all prophets? all teachers? all powers?”

Literal Meaning: “are all” it indicates “not all believers are…”. Paul intends to correct the views of believers at Corinth towards spiritual gifts through these questions.

Enlightenment in the Word: God has appointed various gifts in the church ---- apostles prophets teachers helps administrations and etc. The sum of these gifts is the church. However some brother is fond of one certain kind of work. And some brother thinks his work is important and he is unwilling to give opportunities to others to perform their functions. Once the church sets restrictions upon works to brothers or sisters it is not church but sect for if the church gives no chance to brothers or sisters to serve they will search other ways.

 

1Cor. 12:30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

YLT: “have all gifts of healings? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?”

Literal Meaning: the answers to all these questions are “no” so those who are of Lee’s sect force believers to speak tongues are wrong.

 

1Cor. 12:31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

YLT: “and desire earnestly the better gifts; and yet a far excelling way do I shew to you:”

Literal Meaning: “but earnestly desire the best gifts” “the best gifts” it is better than “the first” and “the second” in verse 28.

Enlightenment in the Word: the Bible does not encourage us “to speak tongues” (see v.30) but encourages us to seek the best gift namely “love” (see 1Cor. 13:1).

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

The Hidden Crises of Believers

A.   The crisis of being likely to be ignorant of spiritual things (v.1).

B.   The crisis of being likely to be led and carried away to worship idols (v.2).

C.   The crisis of being likely to speak vain words (v.3a).

D.   The crisis of being likely to speak the truth not in the Spirit (v.3b).

 

The Works of the Holy Trinity in the Church

A.   The Spirit “inspires” man to say that Jesus is Lord (v.3).

B.   The holy Trinity has relations with gifts ministries and activities (v.4-6a).

C.   God who works all in all (v.6).

D.   The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all (v.7).

E.   The same Spirit distributes the gifts to each one individually as He wills (v.11).

F.    By one Spirit we were all baptized into one body (v.13b).

G.   All believers have been made to drink into one Spirit (v.13c).

H.   God has set the members each one of them in the body just as He pleased (v.18).

I.      God composed the body (v.24).

J.    God has appointed various gifts in the church (v.28).

 

The Sorts of Spiritual Gifts

A.   Gifts concerning words:

1.    The word of wisdom the word of knowledge (v.8);

2.    Apostles prophets and teachers (v.10b 28a);

3.    Tongues and the interpretation of tongues (v. 10c 28b);

B.   Gifts concerning spirit:

1.    Faith (v.9a);

2.    Discerning of spirits (v.10b);

3.    Helps administrations (v.28b)

C.   Gifts concerning miracles:

1.    Gifts of healings (v.9b 28b);

2.    The working of miracles (v.10a 28b);

 

See Believers and Gifts from the Comparison between the Body and the Members

A.   Believers whose gifts are less think they are of little importance to the body (v.14-20):

1.    Each member is indispensable to the body (v.14-20).

2.    Each member has his own function (v.14-15).

3.    Each member is set by God on the body (v.16-17).

4.    Each member is particular and belongs to one body (v.19-20).

B.   Believers whose gifts are great think they are of more importance to the body (v.21-23):

1.    In fact the weak members are more indispensible to the body (v.21-22).

2.    Those members of the body which we think to be less honorable on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty (v.23).

C.   God composed those honorable members and members that lack honor on one body (v.24-26):

1.    That there should be no schism in the body;

2.    That the members should have the same care for one another;

D.   Each member of the body has its particular position (v.27-30):

1.    God has appointed different gifts and given them to each member (v.27-28).

2.    All the members do not have the same gift (v.29-30).

E.   Every member should earnestly desire the best gifts (v.31).

 

The Interrelationships of Gifts

A.   Be the same ---- the body is not one member but many (v.14).

B.   Be linked ---- the members who have different gifts cannot depart from one another (v.15-16).

C.   Be interdependent ---- one member cannot say to another member “I have no need of you” (v.17-22).

D.   Have the same care ---- those members of the body which we think to be less honorable on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty (v.23-25);

E.   Have the same feeling (v.26-27);

 

The Principles of Performing Functions

A.   Each member should fully perform his gifts given by God (v.15-16).

B.   Each member should leave ample room for others to perform their functions (v.17).

C.   Each member should never think of removing the functions of other members (v.21-22).

D.   All the members are complementary and connected with one another (v.25)

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Mary Zhou