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1 Corinthians 12:31
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Mike Bickle
Daniel Steele
St. John Chrysostom
A.W. TozerA.W. Tozer
Gilbert Tennent
George FoxSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But covet earnestly - To covet signifies to desire earnestly. This disposition towards heavenly things is highly laudable; towards earthly things, is deeply criminal. A man may possess the best of all these gifts, and yet be deficient in what is essentially necessary to his salvation, for he may be without that love or charity which the apostle here calls the more excellent way, and which he proceeds in the next chapter to describe. Some think that this verse should be read affirmatively, Ye earnestly contend about the best gifts; but I show unto you a more excellent way; i.e. get your hearts filled with love to God and man - love, which is the principle of obedience, which works no ill to its neighbor, and which is the fulfilling of the law. This is a likely reading, for there were certainly more contentions in the Church of Corinth about the gifts than about the graces of the Spirit. 1. After all that has been said on the different offices mentioned by the apostle in the preceding chapter, there are some of them which perhaps are not understood. I confess I scarcely know what to make of those which we translate helps and governments. Bishop Pearce, who could neither see Church government nor state government in these words, expresses himself thus: "These two words, after all that the commentators say about them, I do not understand; and in no other part of the New Testament is either of them, in any sense, mentioned as the gift of the Spirit; especially it is observable that in Co1 12:29, Co1 12:30, where the gifts of the Spirit are again enumerated, no notice is taken of any thing like them, while all the other several parts are exactly enumerated. Perhaps these words were put in the margin to explain δυναμεις, miracles or powers; some taking the meaning to be helps, assistances, as in Co2 12:9; others to be κυβερνησεις, governments, as in Rom 8:38; and from being marginal explanations, they might have been at last incorporated with the text." It must, however, be acknowledged that the omission of these words is not countenanced by any MS. or version. One thing we may fully know, that there are some men who are peculiarly qualified for governing by either providence or grace; and that there are others who can neither govern nor direct, but are good helpers. These characters I have often seen in different places in the Church of God. 2. In three several places in this chapter the apostle sums up the gifts of the Spirit. Dr. Lightfoot thinks they answer to each other in the following order, which the reader will take on his authority. Verses 8, 9, and 10 Co1 12:8. Is given The word of Wisdom; The word of Knowledge. Co1 12:9. Faith; Gifts of Healing. Co1 12:10. Working of Miracles; Prophecy; Discerning of Spirits; Divers kinds of Tongues; Interpretation of Tongues. Verse 28 Co1 12:28. God hath set some First, Apostles; Secondly, Prophets; Thirdly, Teachers; After that, Miracles; The Gifts of Healings; Helps; Governments; Divers kinds of Tongues. Verses 29, and 30 Co1 12:29. Are all Apostles; Prophets; Teachers; Miracles; Co1 12:30. Gifts of Healing. Speak with Tongues; Interpret. If the reader think that this is the best way of explaining these different gifts and offices, he will adopt it; and he will in that case consider, 1. That the word or doctrine of wisdom comes from the apostles. 2. The doctrine of knowledge, from the prophets. 3. Faith, by means of the teachers. 4. That working of miracles includes the gifts of healing. 5. That to prophecy, signifying preaching, which it frequently does, helps is a parallel. 6. That discernment of spirits is the same with governments, which Dr. Lightfoot supposes to imply a deeply comprehensive, wise, and prudent mind. 7. As to the gift of tongues, there is no variation in either of the three places. 3. It is strange that in this enumeration only three distinct officers in the Church should be mentioned; viz. apostles, prophets, and teachers. We do not know that miracles, gifts of healing, helps, governments, and diversity of tongues, were exclusive offices; for it is probable that apostles, prophets, and teachers wrought miracles occasionally, and spoke with divers tongues. However, in all this enumeration, where the apostle gives us all the officers and gifts necessary for the constitution of a Church, we find not one word of bishops, presbyters, or deacons; much less of the various officers and offices which the Christian Church at present exhibits. Perhaps the bishops are included under the apostles, the presbyters under the prophets, and the deacons under the teachers. As to the other ecclesiastical officers with which the Romish Church teems, they may seek them who are determined to find them, any where out of the New Testament. 4. Mr. Quesnel observes on these passages that there are three sorts of gifts necessary to the forming Christ's mystical body. 1. Gifts of power, for the working of miracles, in reference to the Father. 2. Gifts of labor and ministry, for the exercise of government and other offices, with respect to the Son. 3. Gifts of knowledge, for the instruction of the people, with relation to the Holy Ghost. The Father is the principle and end of all created power; let us then ultimately refer all things to him. The Son is the Institutor and Head of all the hierarchical ministries; let us depend upon him. The Holy Ghost is the fountain and fullness of all spiritual graces; let us desire and use them only in and by him. There is nothing good, nothing profitable to salvation, unless it be done in the power of God communicated by Christ Jesus, and in that holiness of heart which is produced by his Spirit. Pastors are only the instruments of God, the depositaries of the authority of Christ, and the channels by whom the love and graces of the Spirit are conveyed. Let these act as receiving all from God by Christ, through the Holy Ghost; and let the Church receive them as the ambassadors of the Almighty.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
covet earnestly--Greek, "emulously desire." Not in the spirit of discontented "coveting." The Spirit "divides to every man severally as He will" (Co1 12:1); but this does not prevent men earnestly seeking, by prayer and watchfulness, and cultivation of their faculties, the greatest gifts. BEZA explains, "Hold in the highest estimation"; which accords with the distinction in his view (Co1 14:1) between "follow after charity--zealously esteem spiritual gifts"; also with (Co1 12:11, Co1 12:18) the sovereign will with which the Spirit distributes the gifts, precluding individuals from desiring gifts not vouchsafed to them. But see on Co1 14:1. the best gifts--Most of the oldest manuscripts read, "the greatest gifts." and yet--Greek, "and moreover." Besides recommending your zealous desire for the greatest gifts, I am about to show you a something still more excellent (literally, "a way most way-like") to desire, "the way of love" (compare Co1 14:1). This love, or "charity," includes both "faith" and "hope" (Co1 13:7), and bears the same fruits (Co1 13:1-13) as the ordinary and permanent fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-24). Thus "long-suffering," compare Co1 12:4; "faith," Co1 12:7; "joy," Co1 12:6; "meekness," Co1 12:5; "goodness," Co1 12:5; "gentleness," Co1 12:4 (the Greek is the same for "is kind"). It is the work of the Holy Spirit, and consists in love to God, on account of God's love in Christ to us, and as a consequence, love to man, especially to the brethren in Christ (Rom 5:5; Rom 15:30). This is more to be desired than gifts (Luk 10:20). Next: 1 Corinthians Chapter 13
John Gill Bible Commentary
But covet earnestly the best gifts,.... Which may be rendered either indicatively as an assertion, "ye do covet earnestly the best gifts": of prophesying and teaching, of doing miracles, healing diseases, speaking with, and interpreting, different tongues and languages; but I can, and do show you something that is better, and more excellent than these: or, by way of interrogation, "do ye covet earnestly the best gifts?" do you zealously affect them, fervently desire them, and emulate one another in your endeavours after them? I have something to observe to you which exceeds them all, and which you would do well to follow after, and eagerly pursue; or imperatively, as an exhortation, as it is rendered by our translators: and by the best gifts may be meant, the best of these external gifts before mentioned; and not those of the highest class, and the more extraordinary, but which are the most useful and beneficial to the church, as preaching or prophesying was: the Corinthians seemed most covetous and desirous of speaking with different tongues; but the apostle shows, in Co1 14:1, by divers reasons, that prophesying was preferable, being more serviceable and useful to the church, and so more eligible and to be desired by them, to which he may have regard here: or else by them are meant the internal graces of the Spirit, as faith, hope, and love, which are all of them gifts of God's grace; all useful and valuable, and better than all external extraordinary gifts whatever, which a man might have, and be nothing, be lost and damned; whereas he that believes in Christ, has a good hope through grace, and love in his soul to God, Christ, and his people, though he is destitute of the other gifts, shall certainly be saved; wherefore these are the gifts which men should be solicitous for and covet after, and be greatly concerned to know that they have them, and to be content without the other: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way: if by the best gifts are designed the above graces of the Spirit, then by "the more excellent way", Christ must be meant, the author and object of these graces; who is the way to the covenant, and to a participation of all the blessings of it, as justification, pardon, adoption, and eternal life; the way into a Gospel church, and to all the ordinances of the Gospel dispensation, as baptism, and the Lord's supper; for faith in him is the prerequisite, and proper qualification for the enjoyment of each of these: Christ is the way of salvation, and the way to the Father, and to heaven and eternal happiness; and an excellent one he is, the more, yea, the most excellent; he is the only way to each of these; he is the new and living way, a plain and pleasant one; and so a safe and secure one, in which all that walk shall certainly be saved: now this way the apostle showed, declared, pointed out in the ministry of the word; it was his chief and principal business, the sum of his doctrine, to make known Christ, and him crucified, as the way, the truth, and the life; to direct souls to him, and to show them the way of salvation by him: but if by the best gifts are meant the more useful ones of those before mentioned, as prophesying, or preaching, then the more excellent way designs grace, special and internal grace; and that either grace in general, regenerating, sanctifying grace, including all sorts of grace; which is the way of a soul's passing from the death of sin to a life of faith and holiness; and is the way to eternal glory, and which gives a meetness for it, and is inseparably connected with it. This is a more excellent way than gifts; for gifts, be they ever so great, may be lost or taken away, through disuse or misimprovement; but grace always remains, can never be lost, nor will ever be taken away, but will issue in everlasting life: men may have the greatest gifts, and yet not be saved, as Judas and others; but he that has the least degree of faith in Christ, hope in him, and love to him, shall be saved by him with an everlasting salvation: or particularly the grace of charity, or love to the saints, may be intended by the more excellent way; which is the evidence of a man's passing from death and life; the new commandment of Christ, and the fulfilling of the law; without which, a man, though he has never such great gifts, he is nothing as a Christian, nor in the business of salvation; and is the greatest of all the graces of the Spirit; and is of such a nature, that when prophecies, tongues, knowledge, and all external gifts shall fail, and even the internal graces of faith and hope shall cease, the one being changed for vision, and the other swallowed up in enjoyment, this will continue; and the rather this grace may be thought to be meant, since the apostle immediately passes to treat it in the next chapter, and prefers it to all gifts, and even graces. Next: 1 Corinthians Chapter 13
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:31 Believers are to earnestly desire the most helpful gifts, those that have the greatest potential to build up the church (see 14:12), while realizing that God is the one who distributes gifts as he chooses (12:11, 18, 28). Paul encourages the Corinthians to move beyond their desire for the gift of tongues (cp. 14:1-25, 27; see 12:10) because it has the least potential, of all the gifts, to build up the church. • But now let me show you: This statement transitions to Paul’s description of love in 13:1-13. Love is a way of life that is best of all.
1 Corinthians 12:31
The Greater Gifts
30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Contending for the Fullness of God's Power
By Mike Bickle241:11:32Contending for God's PowerThe Role of the Holy SpiritMIC 7:15MAT 11:12MAT 17:21MRK 4:24JHN 14:12ACT 2:17ROM 12:11CO 12:311TH 5:19JUD 1:3Mike Bickle emphasizes the urgent need for the church to contend for the fullness of God's power, urging believers to fight earnestly for the New Testament doctrine, lifestyle, and power. He highlights that this contending requires a clear vision, a commitment to change our lifestyles, and a deep reliance on prayer and fasting. Bickle warns against complacency and encourages a tenacious pursuit of God's promises, reminding the congregation that true power comes with obedience and a willingness to bear the reproach that may accompany it. He calls for a collective effort to seek a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that the fullness of God's power is not just for individual believers but for the entire church.
St. Paul's New Words for Superabounding Grace.
By Daniel Steele0ROM 5:20ROM 8:371CO 12:312CO 2:142CO 3:10EPH 3:19COL 2:151TI 1:14REV 12:11Daniel Steele preaches about the victory over sin and the superabounding grace accessible to believers since the coming of the Paraclete on the day of Pentecost. Through the cross, Christ triumphed over all evil angels and spirits, demonstrating the highest expression of love and power. Believers are encouraged to continue the fight with courage, knowing they battle a vanquished foe and that Christ has already overcome the world. The victory of Christ enables Christians to be triumphant in every place and hour, leading them in a triumphal procession as ministers of the victory.
Homily 46 on Matthew
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 5:16MAT 10:9MAT 13:24MAT 13:31MAT 13:33MAT 19:27ACT 8:101CO 12:311CO 16:13John Chrysostom preaches on the parable of the wheat and tares, emphasizing the presence of false teachings and corrupters within the Kingdom of Heaven, warning against the devil's craft of mixing error with truth to deceive. He highlights the need for continual watchfulness and discernment to protect the purity of the faith. Chrysostom urges believers to focus on living virtuous lives, showing kindness, charity, and self-denial, rather than seeking after miracles as a sign of faith. He stresses that true greatness comes from imitating the apostles in forsaking worldly desires and dedicating oneself to Christ, ultimately leading to eternal life.
Gentle but Determined Restorers
By A.W. Tozer0ROM 1:11ROM 5:15ROM 6:23ROM 11:29ROM 12:61CO 1:71CO 12:41CO 12:91CO 12:281CO 12:31In this sermon, the preacher delves into the concept of 'charisma,' a Pauline word that signifies a gift of grace or a free gift, emphasizing that all spiritual gifts come from God and should not be a source of personal pride. The term 'charisma' is used to describe extraordinary powers given by God through the Holy Spirit to enable believers to serve the church and fulfill their roles in the body of Christ. The preacher highlights that every genuine Christian has received at least one spiritual gift from God, bestowed at the moment of conversion, to contribute to the community of faith and stimulate growth in Christian maturity.
Some Other Time
By A.W. Tozer0God's PowerFaithMAT 17:20MRK 9:23LUK 1:37JHN 14:12ACT 1:81CO 12:31EPH 3:20PHP 4:13HEB 11:1JAS 1:6A.W. Tozer emphasizes the immediacy of God's power and willingness to work in our lives, challenging the mindset of unbelief that says 'some other time' or 'some other place.' He asserts that faith opens the door to experiencing God's miracles and blessings right now, for us, and in our current circumstances. Tozer encourages believers to yield to the Holy Spirit, reminding us that God is not limited by time, place, or people. The sermon calls for a heart ablaze with love for God, ready to embrace His work in our lives today.
The Danger of an Unconverted Ministry
By Gilbert Tennent0MAT 23:27MRK 6:34JHN 10:1ROM 10:141CO 12:312CO 11:141TH 5:212TI 2:2Gilbert Tennent preaches about the importance of having faithful ministers who are true shepherds to the flock, contrasting them with ungodly ministers who are like Pharisees, focusing on pride, policy, malice, ignorance, covetousness, and bigotry. He emphasizes the need for compassion towards those who lack faithful ministry, urging prayers for God to send forth faithful laborers. Tennent encourages seeking greater spiritual nourishment and growth by choosing to hear from ministers who provide edification, even if it means going beyond one's parish. He warns against the dangers and unprofitableness of following unconverted ministers, highlighting the importance of discernment and the duty to seek true spiritual guidance.
Epistle 375
By George Fox0Unity in ChristLiving a Holy LifeJOL 2:28MAL 4:2MAT 5:16MAT 5:45ROM 5:51CO 12:31GAL 5:22EPH 4:16PHP 2:31PE 5:6George Fox emphasizes the importance of glorifying God in all meetings, urging friends to maintain unity, humility, and love among one another. He encourages believers to keep their gatherings focused on the life and truth of Christ, avoiding strife and reflecting on each other in a spirit of kindness. Fox highlights the necessity of living out the virtues of love, peace, and righteousness, as these qualities edify the body of Christ and serve as a testimony to the world. He warns against losing one's spiritual savor and encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and good works, which ultimately glorify God. The sermon concludes with a call to live holy lives, reflecting the light of Christ in a world that often dishonors God.
Holy Covetousness
By Samuel Logan Brengle0Spiritual GiftsPursuit of GodJDG 5:31MAT 5:16ACT 20:24ROM 10:171CO 12:311CO 14:1EPH 2:4JAS 1:5JAS 3:171PE 3:11Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the importance of coveting the best gifts from God rather than seeking worldly positions or promotions. He illustrates this by contrasting the legacy of powerful figures like Nero with that of humble servants like Paul and John Bunyan, who possessed spiritual gifts that have lasting impact. Brengle encourages his audience to earnestly seek gifts such as the Holy Spirit, wisdom, faith, the spirit of prayer, and love, which empower believers to bless the world and fulfill God's purpose. He stresses that true wisdom is marked by purity, peace, gentleness, and mercy, and that cultivating these gifts leads to a fruitful Christian life. Ultimately, Brengle calls for a passionate pursuit of these divine gifts to transform lives and communities.
Homily 32 on Matthew
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 7:22MAT 9:27MAT 9:30MAT 10:1MAT 10:5JHN 13:351CO 12:31John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of faith, humility, and love in the Christian life, emphasizing the need to focus on spiritual virtues rather than seeking after miracles. He highlights the significance of genuine love, peace, and unity within the church community, urging believers to imitate the apostles in their selfless service and devotion to God. Chrysostom encourages a life of virtue, charity, and moral transformation, stating that true miracles lie in the eradication of sin and the cultivation of a pure heart. He underscores the power of living a righteous life as a testimony to the world and a means to draw others to Christ.
Pentecostal Gifts
By Martin Knapp0ACT 6:31CO 12:91CO 12:311CO 14:11CO 14:241CO 14:27EPH 4:8EPH 4:11Martin Knapp preaches about the gifts God has given to His people, emphasizing the importance of desiring earnestly the greater gifts of the Spirit. These gifts are like boxes within a box, with the first box containing salvation, the second box the gift of the Holy Ghost to the Church, and the third box the various gifts of the Spirit. The diversity of divinely appointed officers and bestowed gifts fortify the Church for spiritual warfare and victory, enabling her to fulfill her mission on earth. The Pentecostal graces melt the church into loyalty and self-sacrifice to God, equipping her with essential weapons for battle and ensuring her effectiveness in advancing God's kingdom.
The Better Things Which Accompany Salvation
By J.C. Philpot02KI 22:19ZEC 12:101CO 12:311CO 13:2EPH 1:18PHP 1:6HEB 6:91JN 3:14J.C. Philpot preaches about the solemn warnings and admonitions in the Epistle to the Hebrews, emphasizing the distinction between gifts and graces that accompany salvation. He delves into the characteristics of those who may fall away, highlighting the importance of a work of grace on the soul, godly sorrow for sin, a spirit of grace and supplication, brokenness of heart, deadness to the world, faith in Jesus, hope in God's mercy, and love for God and His people as better indicators of true salvation than mere gifts or professions. Philpot encourages believers to heed the warnings in Hebrews as lighthouses guiding them away from spiritual shipwrecks and towards the safe haven of eternal salvation.
Earlier Years of the Modern Tongues Movement
By G.H. Lang0LUK 18:8JHN 8:36ACT 2:1ACT 2:41CO 12:311CO 14:191CO 14:271CO 14:39G.H. Lang delves into the history of the Brethren and the modern Movement associated with speaking in tongues, aiming to provide a comprehensive and accurate account. He shares little-known facts and reflections on the Movement, highlighting the importance of understanding its origins and development. Lang emphasizes the need to approach the subject with an open mind, presenting various sources and personal experiences to shed light on the Movement's evolution. Despite acknowledging the legitimacy of speaking in tongues, he raises concerns about certain practices and manifestations within the Movement, urging believers to discern between the genuine work of the Spirit and potential deceptions.
The Superiority of Graces to Gifts
By Thomas Reade0MAT 7:22MAT 25:12ROM 5:8ROM 14:171CO 12:311CO 13:132CO 12:9PHP 1:91PE 5:52PE 3:18Thomas Reade preaches on the superiority of graces over gifts, emphasizing that while gifts like miracles and knowledge may be impressive, they are meaningless without the essential graces of humility, self-denial, and love. He warns that possessing gifts without grace may lead to rejection by God, as seen in the example of Judas Iscariot. Reade highlights that the kingdom of God values righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit over mere gifts and ceremonies, and that true reward comes from humble obedience and holiness. He urges believers to prioritize growing in grace and love, as these qualities build up the soul and lead to eternal blessedness.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But covet earnestly - To covet signifies to desire earnestly. This disposition towards heavenly things is highly laudable; towards earthly things, is deeply criminal. A man may possess the best of all these gifts, and yet be deficient in what is essentially necessary to his salvation, for he may be without that love or charity which the apostle here calls the more excellent way, and which he proceeds in the next chapter to describe. Some think that this verse should be read affirmatively, Ye earnestly contend about the best gifts; but I show unto you a more excellent way; i.e. get your hearts filled with love to God and man - love, which is the principle of obedience, which works no ill to its neighbor, and which is the fulfilling of the law. This is a likely reading, for there were certainly more contentions in the Church of Corinth about the gifts than about the graces of the Spirit. 1. After all that has been said on the different offices mentioned by the apostle in the preceding chapter, there are some of them which perhaps are not understood. I confess I scarcely know what to make of those which we translate helps and governments. Bishop Pearce, who could neither see Church government nor state government in these words, expresses himself thus: "These two words, after all that the commentators say about them, I do not understand; and in no other part of the New Testament is either of them, in any sense, mentioned as the gift of the Spirit; especially it is observable that in Co1 12:29, Co1 12:30, where the gifts of the Spirit are again enumerated, no notice is taken of any thing like them, while all the other several parts are exactly enumerated. Perhaps these words were put in the margin to explain δυναμεις, miracles or powers; some taking the meaning to be helps, assistances, as in Co2 12:9; others to be κυβερνησεις, governments, as in Rom 8:38; and from being marginal explanations, they might have been at last incorporated with the text." It must, however, be acknowledged that the omission of these words is not countenanced by any MS. or version. One thing we may fully know, that there are some men who are peculiarly qualified for governing by either providence or grace; and that there are others who can neither govern nor direct, but are good helpers. These characters I have often seen in different places in the Church of God. 2. In three several places in this chapter the apostle sums up the gifts of the Spirit. Dr. Lightfoot thinks they answer to each other in the following order, which the reader will take on his authority. Verses 8, 9, and 10 Co1 12:8. Is given The word of Wisdom; The word of Knowledge. Co1 12:9. Faith; Gifts of Healing. Co1 12:10. Working of Miracles; Prophecy; Discerning of Spirits; Divers kinds of Tongues; Interpretation of Tongues. Verse 28 Co1 12:28. God hath set some First, Apostles; Secondly, Prophets; Thirdly, Teachers; After that, Miracles; The Gifts of Healings; Helps; Governments; Divers kinds of Tongues. Verses 29, and 30 Co1 12:29. Are all Apostles; Prophets; Teachers; Miracles; Co1 12:30. Gifts of Healing. Speak with Tongues; Interpret. If the reader think that this is the best way of explaining these different gifts and offices, he will adopt it; and he will in that case consider, 1. That the word or doctrine of wisdom comes from the apostles. 2. The doctrine of knowledge, from the prophets. 3. Faith, by means of the teachers. 4. That working of miracles includes the gifts of healing. 5. That to prophecy, signifying preaching, which it frequently does, helps is a parallel. 6. That discernment of spirits is the same with governments, which Dr. Lightfoot supposes to imply a deeply comprehensive, wise, and prudent mind. 7. As to the gift of tongues, there is no variation in either of the three places. 3. It is strange that in this enumeration only three distinct officers in the Church should be mentioned; viz. apostles, prophets, and teachers. We do not know that miracles, gifts of healing, helps, governments, and diversity of tongues, were exclusive offices; for it is probable that apostles, prophets, and teachers wrought miracles occasionally, and spoke with divers tongues. However, in all this enumeration, where the apostle gives us all the officers and gifts necessary for the constitution of a Church, we find not one word of bishops, presbyters, or deacons; much less of the various officers and offices which the Christian Church at present exhibits. Perhaps the bishops are included under the apostles, the presbyters under the prophets, and the deacons under the teachers. As to the other ecclesiastical officers with which the Romish Church teems, they may seek them who are determined to find them, any where out of the New Testament. 4. Mr. Quesnel observes on these passages that there are three sorts of gifts necessary to the forming Christ's mystical body. 1. Gifts of power, for the working of miracles, in reference to the Father. 2. Gifts of labor and ministry, for the exercise of government and other offices, with respect to the Son. 3. Gifts of knowledge, for the instruction of the people, with relation to the Holy Ghost. The Father is the principle and end of all created power; let us then ultimately refer all things to him. The Son is the Institutor and Head of all the hierarchical ministries; let us depend upon him. The Holy Ghost is the fountain and fullness of all spiritual graces; let us desire and use them only in and by him. There is nothing good, nothing profitable to salvation, unless it be done in the power of God communicated by Christ Jesus, and in that holiness of heart which is produced by his Spirit. Pastors are only the instruments of God, the depositaries of the authority of Christ, and the channels by whom the love and graces of the Spirit are conveyed. Let these act as receiving all from God by Christ, through the Holy Ghost; and let the Church receive them as the ambassadors of the Almighty.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
covet earnestly--Greek, "emulously desire." Not in the spirit of discontented "coveting." The Spirit "divides to every man severally as He will" (Co1 12:1); but this does not prevent men earnestly seeking, by prayer and watchfulness, and cultivation of their faculties, the greatest gifts. BEZA explains, "Hold in the highest estimation"; which accords with the distinction in his view (Co1 14:1) between "follow after charity--zealously esteem spiritual gifts"; also with (Co1 12:11, Co1 12:18) the sovereign will with which the Spirit distributes the gifts, precluding individuals from desiring gifts not vouchsafed to them. But see on Co1 14:1. the best gifts--Most of the oldest manuscripts read, "the greatest gifts." and yet--Greek, "and moreover." Besides recommending your zealous desire for the greatest gifts, I am about to show you a something still more excellent (literally, "a way most way-like") to desire, "the way of love" (compare Co1 14:1). This love, or "charity," includes both "faith" and "hope" (Co1 13:7), and bears the same fruits (Co1 13:1-13) as the ordinary and permanent fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-24). Thus "long-suffering," compare Co1 12:4; "faith," Co1 12:7; "joy," Co1 12:6; "meekness," Co1 12:5; "goodness," Co1 12:5; "gentleness," Co1 12:4 (the Greek is the same for "is kind"). It is the work of the Holy Spirit, and consists in love to God, on account of God's love in Christ to us, and as a consequence, love to man, especially to the brethren in Christ (Rom 5:5; Rom 15:30). This is more to be desired than gifts (Luk 10:20). Next: 1 Corinthians Chapter 13
John Gill Bible Commentary
But covet earnestly the best gifts,.... Which may be rendered either indicatively as an assertion, "ye do covet earnestly the best gifts": of prophesying and teaching, of doing miracles, healing diseases, speaking with, and interpreting, different tongues and languages; but I can, and do show you something that is better, and more excellent than these: or, by way of interrogation, "do ye covet earnestly the best gifts?" do you zealously affect them, fervently desire them, and emulate one another in your endeavours after them? I have something to observe to you which exceeds them all, and which you would do well to follow after, and eagerly pursue; or imperatively, as an exhortation, as it is rendered by our translators: and by the best gifts may be meant, the best of these external gifts before mentioned; and not those of the highest class, and the more extraordinary, but which are the most useful and beneficial to the church, as preaching or prophesying was: the Corinthians seemed most covetous and desirous of speaking with different tongues; but the apostle shows, in Co1 14:1, by divers reasons, that prophesying was preferable, being more serviceable and useful to the church, and so more eligible and to be desired by them, to which he may have regard here: or else by them are meant the internal graces of the Spirit, as faith, hope, and love, which are all of them gifts of God's grace; all useful and valuable, and better than all external extraordinary gifts whatever, which a man might have, and be nothing, be lost and damned; whereas he that believes in Christ, has a good hope through grace, and love in his soul to God, Christ, and his people, though he is destitute of the other gifts, shall certainly be saved; wherefore these are the gifts which men should be solicitous for and covet after, and be greatly concerned to know that they have them, and to be content without the other: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way: if by the best gifts are designed the above graces of the Spirit, then by "the more excellent way", Christ must be meant, the author and object of these graces; who is the way to the covenant, and to a participation of all the blessings of it, as justification, pardon, adoption, and eternal life; the way into a Gospel church, and to all the ordinances of the Gospel dispensation, as baptism, and the Lord's supper; for faith in him is the prerequisite, and proper qualification for the enjoyment of each of these: Christ is the way of salvation, and the way to the Father, and to heaven and eternal happiness; and an excellent one he is, the more, yea, the most excellent; he is the only way to each of these; he is the new and living way, a plain and pleasant one; and so a safe and secure one, in which all that walk shall certainly be saved: now this way the apostle showed, declared, pointed out in the ministry of the word; it was his chief and principal business, the sum of his doctrine, to make known Christ, and him crucified, as the way, the truth, and the life; to direct souls to him, and to show them the way of salvation by him: but if by the best gifts are meant the more useful ones of those before mentioned, as prophesying, or preaching, then the more excellent way designs grace, special and internal grace; and that either grace in general, regenerating, sanctifying grace, including all sorts of grace; which is the way of a soul's passing from the death of sin to a life of faith and holiness; and is the way to eternal glory, and which gives a meetness for it, and is inseparably connected with it. This is a more excellent way than gifts; for gifts, be they ever so great, may be lost or taken away, through disuse or misimprovement; but grace always remains, can never be lost, nor will ever be taken away, but will issue in everlasting life: men may have the greatest gifts, and yet not be saved, as Judas and others; but he that has the least degree of faith in Christ, hope in him, and love to him, shall be saved by him with an everlasting salvation: or particularly the grace of charity, or love to the saints, may be intended by the more excellent way; which is the evidence of a man's passing from death and life; the new commandment of Christ, and the fulfilling of the law; without which, a man, though he has never such great gifts, he is nothing as a Christian, nor in the business of salvation; and is the greatest of all the graces of the Spirit; and is of such a nature, that when prophecies, tongues, knowledge, and all external gifts shall fail, and even the internal graces of faith and hope shall cease, the one being changed for vision, and the other swallowed up in enjoyment, this will continue; and the rather this grace may be thought to be meant, since the apostle immediately passes to treat it in the next chapter, and prefers it to all gifts, and even graces. Next: 1 Corinthians Chapter 13
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:31 Believers are to earnestly desire the most helpful gifts, those that have the greatest potential to build up the church (see 14:12), while realizing that God is the one who distributes gifts as he chooses (12:11, 18, 28). Paul encourages the Corinthians to move beyond their desire for the gift of tongues (cp. 14:1-25, 27; see 12:10) because it has the least potential, of all the gifts, to build up the church. • But now let me show you: This statement transitions to Paul’s description of love in 13:1-13. Love is a way of life that is best of all.