FocusThe Spirit's distribution
Connection to the wholePaul establishes the source and purpose of spiritual manifestations, preventing differences in gifts from becoming grounds for divided allegiance.
interpretation 1 Corinthians 12:1
KJVNow concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
Read it in context
Different gifts, one source
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 12:1 (1 Corinthians 12:1 to 1 Corinthians 12:11).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul establishes the source and purpose of spiritual manifestations, preventing differences in gifts from becoming grounds for divided allegiance.
- 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
- 12:2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
- 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
- 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
- 12:5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
- 12:6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
- 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
- 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
- 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
- 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
- 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Sosthenes is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Corinthians 11:1–14:40): Paul instructs the Corinthian congregation about worship, the Lord's supper, spiritual gifts, love, and orderly participation in the assembly. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth, with all who call on Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul addresses an existing congregation, including members with a Gentile past. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 12:2. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Different gifts, one source. Read 1 Corinthians 12:1 through 1 Corinthians 12:11 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul establishes the source and purpose of spiritual manifestations, preventing differences in gifts from becoming grounds for divided allegiance. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul addresses current reports and questions from Corinth and discusses planned travel. The letter does not provide a calendar date; 1 Corinthians 16:8 names Ephesus in his plans. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The church addressed is in Corinth. Ephesus is named in Paul's intended stay, while the discussion also recalls Israel's wilderness and other settings. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Different gifts, one source (1 Corinthians 12:1 to 1 Corinthians 12:11). Start reading at 1 Corinthians 12:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul centers the message on Christ crucified and risen and describes the church's life in relation to Him. The resurrection discussion is essential to the letter's account of Christian hope. See 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Corinthians 15:4. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Let worship, spiritual gifts, liberty, and conduct serve love and the edification of others. Read corrections in light of the specific problems being addressed and retain the warnings against falling. interpretation
Cited: 1 Corinthians 12:1, 1 Corinthians 12:11, 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Corinthians 15:4
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
1 Corinthians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- spiritual 1 Cor 12:4-11 1 Cor 14:1-18,37 Eph 4:11
- I would not 1 Cor 10:1 2 Cor 1:8 1 Thess 4:13 2 Pet 3:8
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Corinthians 12
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
1 Corinthians 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 6:11
One body with many members
1 Corinthians 12:12–26FocusMutual dependence
Connection to the wholeThe body image corrects both feelings of inferiority and claims of independence, showing why every member's welfare matters to all.
interpretation Gifts and the more excellent way
1 Corinthians 12:27–31FocusDiversity within the church
Connection to the wholeThe closing questions emphasize different functions and introduce the discussion of love that governs the gifts in chapter 13.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Corinthians
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
1 Corinthians 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 6:11
Divisions and God's wisdom
1 Corinthians 1:1–4:21FocusThe cross and faithful ministry
Connection to the wholePaul confronts party loyalty by directing the church to Christ crucified and by redefining ministers as servants accountable to God.
interpretation The church's conduct
1 Corinthians 5:1–6:20FocusDiscipline, disputes, and the body
Connection to the wholeCases of immorality and litigation expose conduct inconsistent with the church's calling and the readers' belonging to Christ.
interpretation Questions about marriage
1 Corinthians 7:1–40FocusFaithfulness within one's calling
Connection to the wholePaul answers questions about marriage and differing circumstances, distinguishing commands, permission, and his judgments within the discussion.
interpretation Liberty and responsibility
1 Corinthians 8:1–11:1FocusIdolatry, conscience, and others' good
Connection to the wholeQuestions about idol food lead through Paul's own example to warnings from Israel and the command to flee idolatry while seeking others' benefit.
interpretation FocusHonour, the supper, love, and gifts
Connection to the wholePaul corrects gathered conduct and the use of spiritual gifts, making love and the church's edification central.
interpretation The resurrection
1 Corinthians 15:1–58FocusChrist raised and believers' hope
Connection to the wholePaul answers denial of resurrection by joining the risen Christ with the future resurrection and transformation of those who belong to Him.
interpretation Collection and closing directions
1 Corinthians 16:1–24FocusShared service and steadfast love
Connection to the wholePractical arrangements, commendations, and final exhortations connect the corrected church with the wider fellowship of believers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.