But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Read it in contextGifts and the more excellent way
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 12:27 (1 Corinthians 12:27 to 1 Corinthians 12:31).
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.
The closing questions emphasize different functions and introduce the discussion of love that governs the gifts in chapter 13.
12:27Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
12:28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
12:29Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
12:30Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
12:31But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
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? Gifts and the more excellent way. Read 1 Corinthians 12:27 through 1 Corinthians 12:31 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The closing questions emphasize different functions and introduce the discussion of love that governs the gifts in chapter 13. 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 Gifts and the more excellent way (1 Corinthians 12:27 to 1 Corinthians 12:31).
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 12:27. 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
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Corinthians 12
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
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.
Connection to the wholePaul establishes the source and purpose of spiritual manifestations, preventing differences in gifts from becoming grounds for divided allegiance.
Connection to the wholeThe body image corrects both feelings of inferiority and claims of independence, showing why every member's welfare matters to all.
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
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
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.
Connection to the wholePaul confronts party loyalty by directing the church to Christ crucified and by redefining ministers as servants accountable to God.
Connection to the wholePaul answers questions about marriage and differing circumstances, distinguishing commands, permission, and his judgments within the discussion.
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.
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.
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.