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1 Corinthians 12:8
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Word of wisdom - In all these places I consider that the proper translation of λογος is doctrine, as in many other places of the New Testament. It is very difficult to say what is intended here by the different kinds of gifts mentioned by the apostle: they were probably all supernatural, and were necessary at that time only for the benefit of the Church. On the 8th, 9th, and 10th verses (Co1 12:8-10), much may be seen in Lightfoot, Whitby, Pearce, and others. 1. By doctrine of wisdom we may understand, as Bp. Pearce and Dr. Whitby observe, the mystery of our redemption, in which the wisdom of God was most eminently conspicuous: see Co1 2:7, Co1 2:10; and which is called the manifold wisdom of God, Eph 3:10. Christ, the great teacher of it, is called the wisdom of God, Co1 1:24; and in him are said to be contained all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, Col 2:3. The apostles to whom this doctrine was committed are called σοφοι, wise men; (Mat 23:34); and they are said to teach this Gospel according to the wisdom given them, Pe2 3:15. 2. By the doctrine of knowledge we may understand either a knowledge of the types, etc., in the Old Testament; or what are termed mysteries; the calling of the Gentiles, the recalling of the Jews, the mystery of iniquity, of the beast, etc., and especially the mystical sense or meaning of the Old Testament, with all its types, rites, ceremonies, etc., etc. 3. By faith, Co1 12:9, we are to understand that miraculous faith by which they could remove mountains, Co1 13:2; or a peculiar impulse, as Dr: Whitby calls it, that came upon the apostles when any difficult matter was to be performed, which inwardly assured them that God's power would assist them in the performance of it. Others think that justifying faith, received by means of Gospel teaching, is what is intended. 4. Gifts of healing simply refers to the power which at particular times the apostles received from the Holy Spirit to cure diseases; a power which was not always resident in them; for Paul could not cure Timothy, nor remove his own thorn in the flesh; because it was given only on extraordinary occasions, though perhaps more generally than many others. 5. The working of miracles, ενεργηματα δυναμεων, Co1 12:10. This seems to refer to the same class as the operations, ενεργηματων, Co1 12:6, as the words are the same; and to signify those powers by which they were enabled at particular times to work miraculously on others; ejecting demons, inflicting punishments or judgments, as in the cases mentioned under Co1 12:6. It is a hendyadis for mighty operations. 6. Prophecy. This seems to import two things: 1st, the predicting future events, such as then particularly concerned the state of the Church and the apostles; as the dearth foretold by Agabus, Act 11:28; and the binding of St. Paul, and delivering him to the Romans, Act 21:10, etc.; and St. Paul's foretelling his own shipwreck on Malta, Act 27:25, etc. And 2ndly, as implying the faculty of teaching or expounding the Scriptures, which is also a common acceptation of the word. 7. Discerning of spirits. A gift by which the person so privileged could discern a false miracle from a true one; or a pretender to inspiration from him who was made really partaker of the Holy Ghost. It probably extended also to the discernment of false professors from true ones, as appears in Peter in the case of Ananias and his wife. 8. Divers kinds of tongues. Γενη γλωσσων, Different languages, which they had never learned, and which God gave them for the immediate instruction of people of different countries who attended their ministry. 9. Interpretation of tongues. It was necessary that while one was speaking the deep things of God in a company where several were present who did not understand, though the majority did, there should be a person who could immediately interpret what was said to that part of the congregation that did not understand the language. This power to interpret was also an immediate gift of God's Spirit, and is classed here among the miracles.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Three classes of gifts are distinguished by a distinct Greek word for "another" (a distinct class), marking the three several genera: allo marks the species, hetero the genera (compare Greek, Co1 15:39-41). I. Gifts of intellect, namely, (1) wisdom; (2) knowledge. II. Gifts dependent on a special faith, namely, that of miracles (Mat 17:20): (1) healings; (2) workings of miracles; (3) prophecy of future events; (4) discerning of spirits, or the divinely given faculty of distinguishing between those really inspired, and those who pretended to inspiration. III. Gifts referring to the tongues: (1) diverse kinds of tongues; (2) interpretation of tongues. The catalogue in Co1 12:28 is not meant strictly to harmonize with the one here, though there are some particulars in which they correspond. The three genera are summarily referred to by single instances of each in Co1 13:8. The first genus refers more to believers; the second, to unbelievers. by . . . by . . . by--The first in Greek is, "By means of," or "through the operation of"; the second is, "according to" the disposing of (compare Co1 12:11); the third is, "in," that is, under the influence of (so the Greek, Mat 22:43; Luk 2:27). word of wisdom--the ready utterance of (for imparting to others, Eph 6:19) wisdom, namely, new revelations of the divine wisdom in redemption, as contrasted with human philosophy (Co1 1:24; Co1 2:6-7; Eph 1:8; Eph 3:10; Col 2:3). word of knowledge--ready utterance supernaturally imparted of truths ALREADY REVEALED (in this it is distinguished from "the word of wisdom," which related to NEW revelations). Compare Co1 14:6, where "revelation" (answering to "wisdom" here) is distinguished from "knowledge" [HENDERSON]. Wisdom or revelation belonged to the "prophets"; knowledge, to the "teachers." Wisdom penetrates deeper than knowledge. Knowledge relates to things that are to be done. Wisdom, to things eternal: hence, wisdom is not, like knowledge, said to "pass away" (Co1 13:8), [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
For to one is given by the Spirit,.... Now follows a distinct and particular enumeration of the operations of the Spirit, though not all of them, yet as many as the apostle thought necessary; and which are called the manifestation of him, and which most clearly show him to be the author of them to different persons; the word of wisdom: by which is meant "the manifold wisdom of God"; the wonderful scheme of salvation through the incarnation, sufferings, and death of Christ, in which God has "abounded in all wisdom and prudence"; together with all other deep, mysterious, and sublime doctrines of the Gospel, the knowledge of which were peculiarly given to the apostles in the first place, who have the first office or ministry in the church, by "the spirit of wisdom"; and which they had a faculty, a gift of declaring, opening, and explaining unto others. To another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; meaning either knowledge of future events; or an universal knowledge of the Scriptures of truth, and the doctrines contained in them, of the whole mind and will of God therein, which is a distinct thing from saving grace: see Co1 13:2 and is what was given to the prophets, the second office in the church, by him who is the spirit of prophecy, and by whom the prophetical writings were dictated; and therefore he is the best interpreter of them, and who only can lead into the true knowledge thereof.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:8-10 This list of nine spiritual gifts is a representative rather than complete list (cp. 12:28-30; Rom 12:6-8; Eph 4:11). 12:8 God’s Spirit gives supernatural wisdom or knowledge to some believers. • gives a message of special knowledge: cp. 1:5; 8:1; 13:2, 8.
1 Corinthians 12:8
Spiritual Gifts
7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit,9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
How to Discover Your Gift
By William MacDonald1.9K26:47Gifting1CO 12:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding and using one's spiritual gift for the Lord. He encourages listeners to observe their own reactions and experiences in different forms of Christian service to discover their gift. The speaker also highlights the significance of being happy and fulfilled in exercising one's gift, as many people are unhappy because they are not in their God-given niche. The sermon emphasizes the need for a continual dedication to the Lord, presenting one's life as a living sacrifice, and seeking His will in every moment. The speaker shares personal experiences and encourages listeners to try different things to discover their gift, reminding them that they will never know their true gift until they start doing certain things.
(Christian History) 3. the Montanists
By David Guzik48000:001CO 12:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses a woman in the Montanus congregation who possesses the gift of revelation. She receives supernatural visions and communicates with angels and even the Lord himself. These revelations occur during various religious services such as reading scriptures, chanting Psalms, preaching sermons, and offering prayers. However, it is important to note that she does not interrupt the sermons to share her revelations, but rather presents them humbly to the church leadership after the assembly. The speaker emphasizes that this exercise of spiritual gifts is both dynamic and balanced with biblical principles.
7 Keys to Understanding the Prophetic
By Shane Idleman2155:09Gifts of the Holy SpiritUnderstanding Prophecy1CO 12:8Shane Idleman emphasizes the significance of understanding the prophetic ministry within the church, addressing its often misused or misunderstood nature. He outlines seven keys to grasping the prophetic, highlighting that it is not merely about predicting the future but about sharing what God spontaneously places on one's heart to encourage or admonish others. Idleman stresses the importance of discerning prophetic words against Scripture, the necessity of humility in delivering such messages, and the communal aspect of prophecy within the church body. He encourages believers to earnestly desire the gift of prophecy, reminding them that it is meant for the edification of the church and should be approached with reverence and caution.
The Word of Knowledge, and Faith
By Smith Wigglesworth1Living FaithGifts of the Spirit1CO 12:8Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the significance of the 'word of knowledge' and faith as gifts of the Holy Spirit, asserting that true unity in the body of Christ comes from the Spirit's revelation. He highlights the necessity of a living faith that transcends human limitations, encouraging believers to seek a deeper relationship with God to experience His power and glory. Wigglesworth shares personal testimonies of faith in action, illustrating how reliance on God's Spirit can lead to miraculous outcomes and transformation. He stresses that faith must be accompanied by love and a humble spirit, as these qualities enable the manifestation of God's gifts. Ultimately, he calls for believers to pursue a vibrant faith that is alive and active, trusting in God's limitless resources.
Freedom From Self
By Ernest O'Neill1MRK 7:21JHN 14:16ACT 15:9ROM 6:6ROM 8:71CO 12:8GAL 5:17GAL 5:22Ernest O'Neill preaches on the search for blessedness and the struggle with inward sin that hinders our spiritual growth. He emphasizes the need for honesty in examining our hearts and the gradual decline in zeal and devotion that many Christians experience over time. O'Neill highlights the distinction between outward sins and inward sin, pointing to the importance of surrendering our 'old self' to God for complete sanctification and freedom from self. He encourages believers to have faith in God's work in their lives and to fully consecrate themselves, allowing the Holy Spirit to cleanse their hearts and guide them into a deeper relationship with God.
Wisdom and Knowledge
By G.W. North0Divine Wisdom and KnowledgeSpiritual Gifts1CO 12:8G.W. North emphasizes that the divine gifts of Wisdom and Knowledge are manifestations of God's eternal fullness, bestowed upon members of Christ's Body as temporary and functional gifts of the Spirit. He explains that while these gifts are not permanent, they are given in grace to meet specific needs within the church. The operation of these gifts is conditional and intermittent, much like a hand that relies on the head for direction and power. North highlights that the full potential of these gifts is realized only when they are actively functioning within the body of believers. Ultimately, the gifts serve to reflect God's wisdom and knowledge in a limited yet powerful way.
Epistle 385
By George Fox0FaithfulnessEndurance in TrialsJHN 1:3ACT 13:261CO 12:82CO 5:17HEB 1:31PE 1:231JN 1:1REV 3:10REV 12:11REV 21:27George Fox emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in Christ, who is our sanctuary and source of peace, rest, and salvation. He encourages the faithful to keep the word of patience and the testimony of Jesus, assuring them that those who endure will be kept safe during trials. Fox highlights the significance of the word of God, which reconciles and strengthens believers through all afflictions. He calls for a bold confession of Christ before others, reminding them that true faithfulness leads to salvation. His message is a reminder of the eternal hope and strength found in Christ amidst life's challenges.
The Word of Knowledge
By Chuck Smith0Holy SpiritSpiritual Gifts2KI 5:202KI 6:9JOB 11:7MAT 16:13JHN 1:47ACT 5:3ACT 8:191CO 12:81CO 13:1EPH 1:17Chuck Smith discusses the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, particularly focusing on the 'word of knowledge' as described in 1 Corinthians 12:8. He emphasizes that this gift is a supernatural insight given by the Holy Spirit, distinct from mere knowledge acquired through study. Through biblical examples, such as Elisha and Peter, Smith illustrates how the word of knowledge reveals hidden truths and thoughts, often leading to significant spiritual outcomes. He encourages believers to remain open to the Holy Spirit's guidance and to seek a deeper relationship with God, while also stressing the importance of love in exercising spiritual gifts.
The Word of Knowledge by the Same Spirit
By Smith Wigglesworth0The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Word of KnowledgePSA 118:22ISA 1:25MRK 10:40JHN 16:8ROM 8:91CO 3:111CO 12:8EPH 2:202TI 3:15HEB 11:12Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the importance of the word of knowledge through the Holy Spirit, urging believers to fully embrace God's revelation and mix it with faith for it to be effective. He highlights that Christ is the unshakeable foundation upon which we must build our lives, and that the gifts of the Spirit, including knowledge, are essential for spiritual growth and revival. Wigglesworth encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with God, stressing that true knowledge and faith come from the Spirit, leading to transformation and empowerment to impact the world. He also shares personal experiences to illustrate the power of faith and the necessity of being fully yielded to the Holy Spirit for effective ministry.
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
By Zac Poonen0Gifts of the Holy SpiritServing Others1CO 12:8Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the effective functioning of the Body of Christ, comparing it to the physical body where each member has a unique role. He points out that many churches, despite having born-again members, lack these gifts and thus remain powerless to serve others. Poonen stresses that both holiness and the gifts of the Spirit are essential, as demonstrated by Jesus, who, while holy, also operated under the anointing of the Spirit to fulfill His ministry. He encourages believers to seek these gifts not for personal gain but to bless and edify others, highlighting the importance of persistent prayer for the Holy Spirit's empowerment. Ultimately, the gifts are meant to meet the needs of those around us, and we must approach God with a sense of our own inadequacy to serve effectively.
Homily 15 on the Acts of the Apostles
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 21:31LUK 18:13ACT 6:8ROM 8:311CO 12:8PHP 4:4John Chrysostom preaches on the story of Stephen, highlighting his faith, power, and ability to perform miracles, which drew greater grace upon him. Stephen faced opposition from those of the synagogue who could not resist his wisdom and spirit. Despite false accusations of blasphemy, Stephen's countenance shone like an angel, reflecting God's grace. Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of faith, power, and grace in facing persecution and remaining steadfast in the face of adversity, drawing examples from biblical figures like Abraham, Hannah, and the publican. He urges believers to emulate Christ's gentleness and patience in the midst of trials and to cultivate a spirit of forgiveness and humility.
De Vitis Patrum, Book Ix
By Heribert Rosweyde0JER 9:21MAT 21:19LUK 1:2ACT 5:11CO 9:271CO 12:81CO 12:112CO 3:18EPH 6:13Heribert Rosweyde preaches on the lives of devout men, like Jacobus of Nisibis, who embraced a solitary life in pursuit of virtue and wisdom, demonstrating through their actions the power of God's grace and the importance of living a life worthy of emulation. Jacobus, akin to a latter-day Moses, performed miracles through prayer and divine intervention, showcasing his gentleness and compassion in dealing with those who erred. His humility and dedication to serving the poor, widows, and orphans led to his appointment as bishop, where he continued his selfless acts of kindness and displayed unwavering faith in God's providence.
Prayer in Harmony With the Person of God
By Andrew Murray0Faith and KnowledgePrayer1CO 12:8Andrew Murray emphasizes the distinction between faith and knowledge in the context of prayer, highlighting that while childlike faith is powerful, a deeper understanding of God's wisdom is essential for a mature prayer life. He encourages believers to embrace both heart and mind in their relationship with God, recognizing the complexities of harmonizing prayer with God's will and sovereignty. Murray invites Christians to meditate on these mysteries, leading to a deeper reverence and awe for God's power in prayer.
The Variety of the Spirit's Working
By Zac Poonen0GEN 32:26LUK 11:13JHN 3:8ROM 12:61CO 12:81CO 14:1HEB 11:6JAS 4:2Zac Poonen preaches on the Holy Spirit being likened to the wind in the Scriptures, emphasizing that each believer's experience of being baptized in the Spirit will be unique, with the inner endowment of power being the crucial aspect. God bestows gifts of power through the Spirit for effective service in building up the church, with prophecy highlighted as a valuable gift for challenging, encouraging, and comforting others. Other gifts include serving, teaching, healing, exhorting, giving, and leadership, along with the gift of tongues for prayer and praise beyond language limitations. Believers are encouraged to seek God for the baptism of the Spirit, claiming their birthright and asking for assurance, as God eagerly gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Word of wisdom - In all these places I consider that the proper translation of λογος is doctrine, as in many other places of the New Testament. It is very difficult to say what is intended here by the different kinds of gifts mentioned by the apostle: they were probably all supernatural, and were necessary at that time only for the benefit of the Church. On the 8th, 9th, and 10th verses (Co1 12:8-10), much may be seen in Lightfoot, Whitby, Pearce, and others. 1. By doctrine of wisdom we may understand, as Bp. Pearce and Dr. Whitby observe, the mystery of our redemption, in which the wisdom of God was most eminently conspicuous: see Co1 2:7, Co1 2:10; and which is called the manifold wisdom of God, Eph 3:10. Christ, the great teacher of it, is called the wisdom of God, Co1 1:24; and in him are said to be contained all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, Col 2:3. The apostles to whom this doctrine was committed are called σοφοι, wise men; (Mat 23:34); and they are said to teach this Gospel according to the wisdom given them, Pe2 3:15. 2. By the doctrine of knowledge we may understand either a knowledge of the types, etc., in the Old Testament; or what are termed mysteries; the calling of the Gentiles, the recalling of the Jews, the mystery of iniquity, of the beast, etc., and especially the mystical sense or meaning of the Old Testament, with all its types, rites, ceremonies, etc., etc. 3. By faith, Co1 12:9, we are to understand that miraculous faith by which they could remove mountains, Co1 13:2; or a peculiar impulse, as Dr: Whitby calls it, that came upon the apostles when any difficult matter was to be performed, which inwardly assured them that God's power would assist them in the performance of it. Others think that justifying faith, received by means of Gospel teaching, is what is intended. 4. Gifts of healing simply refers to the power which at particular times the apostles received from the Holy Spirit to cure diseases; a power which was not always resident in them; for Paul could not cure Timothy, nor remove his own thorn in the flesh; because it was given only on extraordinary occasions, though perhaps more generally than many others. 5. The working of miracles, ενεργηματα δυναμεων, Co1 12:10. This seems to refer to the same class as the operations, ενεργηματων, Co1 12:6, as the words are the same; and to signify those powers by which they were enabled at particular times to work miraculously on others; ejecting demons, inflicting punishments or judgments, as in the cases mentioned under Co1 12:6. It is a hendyadis for mighty operations. 6. Prophecy. This seems to import two things: 1st, the predicting future events, such as then particularly concerned the state of the Church and the apostles; as the dearth foretold by Agabus, Act 11:28; and the binding of St. Paul, and delivering him to the Romans, Act 21:10, etc.; and St. Paul's foretelling his own shipwreck on Malta, Act 27:25, etc. And 2ndly, as implying the faculty of teaching or expounding the Scriptures, which is also a common acceptation of the word. 7. Discerning of spirits. A gift by which the person so privileged could discern a false miracle from a true one; or a pretender to inspiration from him who was made really partaker of the Holy Ghost. It probably extended also to the discernment of false professors from true ones, as appears in Peter in the case of Ananias and his wife. 8. Divers kinds of tongues. Γενη γλωσσων, Different languages, which they had never learned, and which God gave them for the immediate instruction of people of different countries who attended their ministry. 9. Interpretation of tongues. It was necessary that while one was speaking the deep things of God in a company where several were present who did not understand, though the majority did, there should be a person who could immediately interpret what was said to that part of the congregation that did not understand the language. This power to interpret was also an immediate gift of God's Spirit, and is classed here among the miracles.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Three classes of gifts are distinguished by a distinct Greek word for "another" (a distinct class), marking the three several genera: allo marks the species, hetero the genera (compare Greek, Co1 15:39-41). I. Gifts of intellect, namely, (1) wisdom; (2) knowledge. II. Gifts dependent on a special faith, namely, that of miracles (Mat 17:20): (1) healings; (2) workings of miracles; (3) prophecy of future events; (4) discerning of spirits, or the divinely given faculty of distinguishing between those really inspired, and those who pretended to inspiration. III. Gifts referring to the tongues: (1) diverse kinds of tongues; (2) interpretation of tongues. The catalogue in Co1 12:28 is not meant strictly to harmonize with the one here, though there are some particulars in which they correspond. The three genera are summarily referred to by single instances of each in Co1 13:8. The first genus refers more to believers; the second, to unbelievers. by . . . by . . . by--The first in Greek is, "By means of," or "through the operation of"; the second is, "according to" the disposing of (compare Co1 12:11); the third is, "in," that is, under the influence of (so the Greek, Mat 22:43; Luk 2:27). word of wisdom--the ready utterance of (for imparting to others, Eph 6:19) wisdom, namely, new revelations of the divine wisdom in redemption, as contrasted with human philosophy (Co1 1:24; Co1 2:6-7; Eph 1:8; Eph 3:10; Col 2:3). word of knowledge--ready utterance supernaturally imparted of truths ALREADY REVEALED (in this it is distinguished from "the word of wisdom," which related to NEW revelations). Compare Co1 14:6, where "revelation" (answering to "wisdom" here) is distinguished from "knowledge" [HENDERSON]. Wisdom or revelation belonged to the "prophets"; knowledge, to the "teachers." Wisdom penetrates deeper than knowledge. Knowledge relates to things that are to be done. Wisdom, to things eternal: hence, wisdom is not, like knowledge, said to "pass away" (Co1 13:8), [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
For to one is given by the Spirit,.... Now follows a distinct and particular enumeration of the operations of the Spirit, though not all of them, yet as many as the apostle thought necessary; and which are called the manifestation of him, and which most clearly show him to be the author of them to different persons; the word of wisdom: by which is meant "the manifold wisdom of God"; the wonderful scheme of salvation through the incarnation, sufferings, and death of Christ, in which God has "abounded in all wisdom and prudence"; together with all other deep, mysterious, and sublime doctrines of the Gospel, the knowledge of which were peculiarly given to the apostles in the first place, who have the first office or ministry in the church, by "the spirit of wisdom"; and which they had a faculty, a gift of declaring, opening, and explaining unto others. To another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; meaning either knowledge of future events; or an universal knowledge of the Scriptures of truth, and the doctrines contained in them, of the whole mind and will of God therein, which is a distinct thing from saving grace: see Co1 13:2 and is what was given to the prophets, the second office in the church, by him who is the spirit of prophecy, and by whom the prophetical writings were dictated; and therefore he is the best interpreter of them, and who only can lead into the true knowledge thereof.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:8-10 This list of nine spiritual gifts is a representative rather than complete list (cp. 12:28-30; Rom 12:6-8; Eph 4:11). 12:8 God’s Spirit gives supernatural wisdom or knowledge to some believers. • gives a message of special knowledge: cp. 1:5; 8:1; 13:2, 8.