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1 Corinthians 12:10
Verse
Context
Spiritual Gifts
9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,10to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
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 Mar 6:5; Act 19:11. prophecy--Here, probably, not in the wider sense of public teaching by the Spirit (Co1 11:4-5; Co1 14:1-5, 1Co. 14:22-39); but, as its position between "miracles" and a "discerning of spirits" implies, the inspired disclosure of the future (Act 11:27-28; Act 21:11; Ti1 1:18), [HENDERSON]. It depends on "faith" (Co1 12:9; Rom 12:6). The prophets ranked next to the apostles (Co1 12:28; Eph 3:5; Eph 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 (Co1 14:29; compare Ti1 4:1; Jo1 4:1). kinds of tongues--the power of speaking various languages: also a spiritual language unknown to man, uttered in ecstasy (Co1 14:2-12). This is marked as a distinct genus in the Greek, "To another and a different class." interpretation of tongues-- (Co1 14:13, Co1 14:26-27).
John Gill Bible Commentary
To another the working of miracles,.... Or "powers": mighty deeds, wonderful works, such as are apparently above, and out of the reach of nature, and beyond the compass of human power and skill; such as raising the dead, causing the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the dumb to speak, the lame to walk, and the like; of which, see some instances in Act 3:6. Though others understand by these the extraordinary powers the apostles had of punishing offenders; of which the striking Ananias and Sapphira dead, by Peter, the smiting Elymas the sorcerer with blindness, by Paul, and the delivering the incestuous person, and Hymenaeus, and Alexander, to Satan, by the same apostle, are instances. To another prophecy: either foretelling of future events, as was given to Agabus, and the four daughters of Philip, and others, Act 11:27 or a gift of understanding the prophecies of the Old Testament, and of preaching the Gospel, which is in this epistle frequently called "prophesying", particularly in the two following chapters; and those endowed with it are called prophets, Act 13:1. To another discerning of spirits; by which gift such that were possessed of it could, in some measure, discern the hearts of men, their thoughts, purposes, and designs, their secret dissimulation and hypocrisy; as Peter, by this gift, discerned the dissimulation and lying of Ananias and Sapphira; and by it they could also tell whether a man that made a profession of religion had the truth of grace in him, or not; so Peter knew hereby that Simon Magus was in the gall of bitterness, and bond of iniquity, notwithstanding his specious pretences to faith and holiness, whereby he imposed upon Philip the evangelist, who might not have this gift of discerning spirits; by which also they could distinguish the Spirit of God from the lying spirits in men; of which there is an instance, Act 15:17. To another divers kinds of tongues; whereby such could speak all manner of languages, which they had never learned, understood, and been used to: this Christ promised his disciples, when he sent them into all the world to preach the Gospel, Mar 16:16 and so anticipates an objection they otherwise might have made, how they should be able to preach it to all, so as to be understood, when they were not acquainted with the languages of all nations; an instance of which we have in the apostles on the day of Pentecost, Act 2:4 and which continued many years after with them, and other persons in the churches; see Co1 13:2. To another the interpretation of tongues; one that had this gift, when a discourse was delivered in an unknown tongue, used to stand up and interpret it to the people, without which it could be of no use to them; and sometimes a person was gifted to speak in an unknown tongue, and yet was not capable of interpreting his discourse truly and distinctly in that the people understood: see Co1 14:13. The rules to be observed in such cases, and by such persons, see in Co1 14:27.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:10 The ability to prophesy does not refer primarily to predicting the future, but to speaking a special message directly from God (see 11:4-5; 13:2, 8; 14:1-25, 29-33; 1 Thes 5:20; cp. Acts 13:1-2; 21:4, 10-11). • The ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit is a necessary gift for any Christian community that is open to hearing a word directly from God (see 1 Cor 14:29; 1 Thes 5:19-21; cp. Acts 16:16-18; 1 Jn 4:1-3). • For Paul, the ability to speak in unknown languages here refers to spiritual language that requires the spiritual gift of interpretation in order to be understood. By placing this gift near the bottom of the list (both here and in 1 Cor 12:28), Paul shows the lesser priority to be attached to the gift of tongues, with which the Corinthian church had become over-enamored (cp. 13:1, 8; 14:1-25, 27). • The ability to interpret does not refer to natural intellectual ability to translate, but to a spiritual ability to understand the meaning of the Spirit’s message communicated through the gift of tongues (see 14:5, 13, 26-28).
1 Corinthians 12:10
Spiritual Gifts
9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,10to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Vocal Gifts, Use and Abuse of Tongues
By Derek Prince13356:47Holy SpiritVocal GiftsMAT 12:34MRK 16:17JHN 16:13ACT 2:4ACT 10:46ACT 19:6ROM 6:131CO 12:101CO 14:2JAS 3:6Derek Prince discusses the vocal gifts of the Holy Spirit, specifically focusing on tongues, interpretation, and prophecy. He emphasizes that these gifts are supernatural and must be controlled by the believer, unlike the gifts of revelation and power which are solely initiated by God. Prince explains the significance of speaking in tongues as a vital aspect of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, asserting that it is an essential evidence of this experience. He also highlights the importance of understanding the proper use and purpose of these vocal gifts to avoid misuse and confusion within the church. Ultimately, he encourages believers to yield their tongues to the Holy Spirit for effective ministry.
The Gift of Discernment
By Chuck Smith0Spiritual WarfareDiscernmentMAT 4:101CO 12:10Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of the gift of discernment in understanding the spirit world that coexists with our material reality. He explains that while the Holy Spirit guides us towards truth, there are also deceptive spirits that can lead us astray, making discernment crucial for our spiritual journey. Through biblical examples, including the story of Simon the sorcerer and the young prophet in 1 Kings, Smith illustrates the dangers of failing to discern the spirits and the importance of being vigilant against false prophets. He encourages believers to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to navigate these spiritual challenges and to develop a keen sense of discernment in their lives.
True Prophets
By Gary R. Kane0LUK 1:14ACT 2:17ACT 3:241CO 12:101CO 14:3Gary R. Kane preaches on the role of prophets in the church, highlighting their importance in speaking under the direct impulse of the Holy Spirit to guide and purify the spiritual life of the church. Drawing from the Old Testament prophets, the New Testament prophets were empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring God's message to His people, encouraging faithfulness, predicting the future, and exposing sin. The prophet's character is marked by a zeal for church purity, sensitivity to evil, discernment of false teachings, dependence on the Word of God, and a concern for the spiritual success of God's kingdom.
1 Thessalonians 5:19-22
By St. John Chrysostom01CO 12:10EPH 5:81TH 5:191TH 5:21John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of not quenching the Spirit, emphasizing the need to preserve the gift of grace and avoid extinguishing it through impure living or neglect. He urges believers to be vigilant in guarding their hearts and minds from temptations that can dim the light of the Spirit, highlighting the significance of maintaining a pure and merciful soul to keep the Spirit burning brightly. Chrysostom also addresses the issue of false prophets and the need to discern true prophecies, encouraging believers to test all things, hold fast to what is good, and abstain from every form of evil to distinguish between truth and falsehood.
Prophetic Preachers
By A.W. Tozer0Prophetic InsightSpiritual Leadership1CH 12:32PRO 2:6ISA 6:8JER 1:5AMO 3:7MAT 10:161CO 12:10EPH 4:11HEB 5:14JAS 1:5A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgent need for prophetic preachers who possess the gift of discernment and spiritual insight to understand the times and convey God's message to the people. He argues that while scholars can analyze the past, it takes prophets to interpret the present and guide the church in its current context. Tozer calls for leaders who have experienced divine visions and heard God's voice, urging a return to the prophetic tradition that can navigate the complexities of modern life. He highlights the importance of seeing beyond surface-level events to grasp the deeper spiritual realities at play. Tozer concludes with a prayer for the gift of prophetic insight to lead effectively in today's world.
Interpretation of Tongues
By G.W. North0Unity in the ChurchSpiritual GiftsMAT 16:18ACT 2:4ROM 12:61CO 12:101CO 14:11CO 14:271CO 14:331CO 14:40EPH 4:111PE 4:10G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the Interpretation of Tongues as a divine gift that complements the gift of Tongues, highlighting its role in fostering understanding and unity within the Church. He explains that this gift is not unique to the New Testament but has roots in the Old Testament, where figures like Daniel and Joseph demonstrated similar abilities. North stresses that the Interpretation of Tongues is a spiritual gift that operates independently of human education, requiring the interpreter to rely solely on divine inspiration. He warns against the misuse of this gift, which can lead to confusion and spiritual decline within the Church, and calls for a return to the proper order and purpose of spiritual gifts in building up the Body of Christ. Ultimately, he asserts that the gifts are meant to reflect the nature of Christ and serve the edification of the Church.
The Gift of Discernment
By G.W. North0DiscernmentSpiritual GiftsROM 12:61CO 2:151CO 12:71CO 12:101CO 13:2EPH 6:12PHP 1:9HEB 5:14JAS 1:51JN 4:1G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the gift of Discernment in the Church, distinguishing it from the grace of spiritual discernment that all believers possess. He explains that while Knowledge provides insight into various subjects, Discernment specifically enables the recognition of spirits, particularly evil ones, thus enhancing the Church's spiritual capabilities. North highlights that these gifts, when combined with Wisdom and Knowledge, empower the Church to be the most understanding community on earth. He warns that without the application of these gifts through love and understanding, they risk becoming mere tools of pride rather than instruments of blessing.
The Gift of Prophecy
By Smith Wigglesworth0Discernment in the SpiritGift of ProphecyACT 2:17ROM 12:61CO 12:101CO 14:1EPH 4:111TH 5:20HEB 4:121JN 4:1REV 19:10REV 22:18Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the significance of the gift of prophecy in the church, highlighting its role in edification, exhortation, and comfort for believers. He warns against false prophecies that do not glorify Christ and encourages discernment through the Scriptures to differentiate between true and false voices. Wigglesworth stresses that true prophecy, inspired by the Holy Spirit, brings revelation and power, while also cautioning against pride and self-exaltation that can lead to deception. He calls for humility and the need for prophetic utterances to be judged within the community of believers, ensuring they align with God's truth. Ultimately, he encourages the church to seek the Spirit's guidance in prophecy to uplift and strengthen the body of Christ.
Mrs Crisp (1856-1923)
By Keith Malcomson0PSA 103:3MRK 16:17ACT 1:81CO 12:10JAS 5:16Keith Malcomson shares the inspiring life story of Eleanor Searle Crisp, a devoted Christian who experienced God's miraculous healing power and dedicated her life to serving the Lord. Despite facing physical challenges, Eleanor's faith in God's healing led to her complete deliverance and the manifestation of God's power in her life. She played a significant role in the Pentecostal movement in Britain, embracing the Pentecostal Baptism and training young women for foreign missions. Eleanor's ministry included comprehensive Bible teaching, character development, and intercessory prayer for the nations, impacting many lives and sending missionaries to various countries.
The Discerning of Spirits
By Smith Wigglesworth0Spiritual WarfareDiscerning of SpiritsLUK 6:411CO 12:10Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the critical distinction between natural discernment and spiritual discernment, urging believers to focus on their own faults before judging others. He highlights the necessity of the Holy Spirit's power to discern evil spirits and the importance of maintaining holiness to prevent the enemy from gaining a foothold in our lives. Through personal testimonies, he illustrates the transformative power of faith in Jesus to deliver individuals from demonic influences and restore them to wholeness. Wigglesworth calls for a deeper relationship with God to receive the gift of discerning spirits, warning against the dangers of spiritual complacency. Ultimately, he encourages believers to seek purity and holiness, assuring them that God can cleanse and empower them for His service.
The Gift of Prophetic Insight
By A.W. Tozer0Prophetic InsightSpiritual Discernment1CO 12:10EPH 4:11A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgent need for prophetic insight within the church, arguing that true prophets understand the spiritual condition of their times and communicate God's message accordingly. He critiques religious leaders who merely recite scripture without addressing the current spiritual landscape, likening them to the scribes of Jesus' time. Tozer calls for preachers who possess the gift of prophecy, capable of discerning and interpreting the present religious climate rather than just predicting the future. He warns that without such prophetic voices, the church risks misunderstanding its own activities and the significance behind them. Ultimately, Tozer believes that a new breed of preacher, one who has encountered God and speaks boldly against societal norms, is essential for the rejuvenation of Christianity.
The Gift of Miracles
By Chuck Smith0Faith in GodMiraclesGEN 1:11KI 17:14MAT 4:4MRK 10:27JHN 14:12ACT 3:6ACT 26:81CO 12:102CO 12:12HEB 13:8Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of the gift of miracles as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit, explaining that miracles are divine acts that transcend human limitations. He illustrates this through biblical examples, such as the miracles performed by Moses, Elijah, and Jesus, asserting that belief in God is essential to accepting the reality of miracles. Smith argues that while skepticism exists, particularly among those who limit their understanding to natural phenomena, the power of God remains unchallenged. He encourages believers to remain open to the possibility of miracles today, asserting that salvation itself is a miracle. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper faith and a willingness to be instruments of God's miraculous work in the world.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
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 Mar 6:5; Act 19:11. prophecy--Here, probably, not in the wider sense of public teaching by the Spirit (Co1 11:4-5; Co1 14:1-5, 1Co. 14:22-39); but, as its position between "miracles" and a "discerning of spirits" implies, the inspired disclosure of the future (Act 11:27-28; Act 21:11; Ti1 1:18), [HENDERSON]. It depends on "faith" (Co1 12:9; Rom 12:6). The prophets ranked next to the apostles (Co1 12:28; Eph 3:5; Eph 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 (Co1 14:29; compare Ti1 4:1; Jo1 4:1). kinds of tongues--the power of speaking various languages: also a spiritual language unknown to man, uttered in ecstasy (Co1 14:2-12). This is marked as a distinct genus in the Greek, "To another and a different class." interpretation of tongues-- (Co1 14:13, Co1 14:26-27).
John Gill Bible Commentary
To another the working of miracles,.... Or "powers": mighty deeds, wonderful works, such as are apparently above, and out of the reach of nature, and beyond the compass of human power and skill; such as raising the dead, causing the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the dumb to speak, the lame to walk, and the like; of which, see some instances in Act 3:6. Though others understand by these the extraordinary powers the apostles had of punishing offenders; of which the striking Ananias and Sapphira dead, by Peter, the smiting Elymas the sorcerer with blindness, by Paul, and the delivering the incestuous person, and Hymenaeus, and Alexander, to Satan, by the same apostle, are instances. To another prophecy: either foretelling of future events, as was given to Agabus, and the four daughters of Philip, and others, Act 11:27 or a gift of understanding the prophecies of the Old Testament, and of preaching the Gospel, which is in this epistle frequently called "prophesying", particularly in the two following chapters; and those endowed with it are called prophets, Act 13:1. To another discerning of spirits; by which gift such that were possessed of it could, in some measure, discern the hearts of men, their thoughts, purposes, and designs, their secret dissimulation and hypocrisy; as Peter, by this gift, discerned the dissimulation and lying of Ananias and Sapphira; and by it they could also tell whether a man that made a profession of religion had the truth of grace in him, or not; so Peter knew hereby that Simon Magus was in the gall of bitterness, and bond of iniquity, notwithstanding his specious pretences to faith and holiness, whereby he imposed upon Philip the evangelist, who might not have this gift of discerning spirits; by which also they could distinguish the Spirit of God from the lying spirits in men; of which there is an instance, Act 15:17. To another divers kinds of tongues; whereby such could speak all manner of languages, which they had never learned, understood, and been used to: this Christ promised his disciples, when he sent them into all the world to preach the Gospel, Mar 16:16 and so anticipates an objection they otherwise might have made, how they should be able to preach it to all, so as to be understood, when they were not acquainted with the languages of all nations; an instance of which we have in the apostles on the day of Pentecost, Act 2:4 and which continued many years after with them, and other persons in the churches; see Co1 13:2. To another the interpretation of tongues; one that had this gift, when a discourse was delivered in an unknown tongue, used to stand up and interpret it to the people, without which it could be of no use to them; and sometimes a person was gifted to speak in an unknown tongue, and yet was not capable of interpreting his discourse truly and distinctly in that the people understood: see Co1 14:13. The rules to be observed in such cases, and by such persons, see in Co1 14:27.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:10 The ability to prophesy does not refer primarily to predicting the future, but to speaking a special message directly from God (see 11:4-5; 13:2, 8; 14:1-25, 29-33; 1 Thes 5:20; cp. Acts 13:1-2; 21:4, 10-11). • The ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit is a necessary gift for any Christian community that is open to hearing a word directly from God (see 1 Cor 14:29; 1 Thes 5:19-21; cp. Acts 16:16-18; 1 Jn 4:1-3). • For Paul, the ability to speak in unknown languages here refers to spiritual language that requires the spiritual gift of interpretation in order to be understood. By placing this gift near the bottom of the list (both here and in 1 Cor 12:28), Paul shows the lesser priority to be attached to the gift of tongues, with which the Corinthian church had become over-enamored (cp. 13:1, 8; 14:1-25, 27). • The ability to interpret does not refer to natural intellectual ability to translate, but to a spiritual ability to understand the meaning of the Spirit’s message communicated through the gift of tongues (see 14:5, 13, 26-28).