1 Corinthians 12

1 Corinthians 12:1

1 Corinthians 12

1 Corinthians 12:2,3. The connection of these verses with each other is not very clear. The meaning would seem to be,–“You know that you were carried away by vain illusions when you were under the influence of the pretended inspiration of the pagan priests and oracles. You can be assured now that none but those who acknowledge Christ, can really speak by the Spirit of God.”

1 Corinthians 12:4

Verse 4

The same Spirit; it is from the same Holy Spirit that they come.

1 Corinthians 12:5

Verse 5

Administrations; arrangements and measures of service and worship.

1 Corinthians 12:6

Verse 6

Operations; works. We are not, probably, to attempt to draw any nice distinctions of meaning between these several clauses. The general idea is, that the Christian church ought not to be rent by unholy divisions; for though, in the details of the functions which it exercises, there is much diversity, still there is but one Father, one Lord Jesus Christ, and one Holy Spirit, on which all centre and depend.

1 Corinthians 12:7

Verse 7

To profit withal; for his benefit, and for that of his brethren.

1 Corinthians 12:8

Verse 8

The word of wisdom; a wise and prudent mind or character.

1 Corinthians 12:10

Verse 10

The working of miracles; that is, miraculous power in general; one form of such power having been specified before.–Discerning of spirits. This expression seems to refer to a power of discerning the designs and motives of men, which the apostles sometimes exercised. (Acts 5:1-10,13:9-11.)–Tongues; languages.

1 Corinthians 12:11

Verse 11

All these worketh, &c. The meaning is, that one and the self-same Spirit worketh all these; that is, it produces them.

1 Corinthians 12:12

Verse 12

Members; limbs and organs.–Christ; the body of Christ; that is, the church.

1 Corinthians 12:13

Verse 13

Baptized; initiated,–baptism being the ceremony of initiation.

1 Corinthians 12:22

Verse 22

More feeble; more delicate.–Are necessary. The words much more, at the commencement of the verse, are to be connected with the word necessary. The more delicate vital organs are more necessary than the others.

1 Corinthians 12:23

Verse 23

We bestow more abundant honor, by the clothing with which we adorn and cover them.

1 Corinthians 12:25

Verse 25

No schism; no division.

1 Corinthians 12:27

Verse 27

In particular; individually.

1 Corinthians 12:28

Verse 28

Prophets; preachers.–Helps; offices of assistance and coöperation.–Governments; offices of direction.

1 Corinthians 12:29

Verse 29

Are all, &c.; can all be.

1 Corinthians 12:31

Verse 31

And yet show I unto you, &c.; I will show unto you; that is, I will proceed to point out what is better than these gifts, viz., the grace of charity, as explained in the following chapter.