1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (1 Corinthians 12:1-11 KJV)
Spiritual Gifts
The apostle now turns to the subject of spiritual gifts, which were abundant in the church of Corinth but greatly misused. These gifts—extraordinary offices and powers—were given by God to ministers and Christians in the early church for the conviction of unbelievers and the spread of the gospel. Gifts and graces differ: both come freely from God, but grace is given for personal salvation, while gifts are given for the benefit of others. There may be great gifts where there is no true grace, and those who possess them may still be outside God’s favor. These gifts show God’s kindness to humanity but do not prove that those who have them are the objects of His pleasure. The Corinthian church was rich in gifts, yet many things were shamefully out of order.
Paul begins by saying he does not want them to be ignorant of the origin or purpose of these gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1). They came from God and were to be used for His glory. Ignorance in either of these matters would lead to serious error. Proper understanding is essential to all religious practice. Those who are gifted yet do not understand the nature or proper use of their gifts often bring harm rather than benefit to the church.
He reminds them of their former condition: “You know that when you were Gentiles, you were carried away to dumb idols, however you were led” (1 Corinthians 12:2). While they were idolaters, they could not claim to be spiritual people or to possess gifts of the Spirit. Their conversion from idolatry was proof that all true spiritual gifts came from God.
Their former state was that of Gentiles—people outside God’s covenant, strangers to His promises, and without knowledge of the true God (Ephesians 2:12). This was the condition of the Corinthians before their conversion. Remembering what they once were should stir them to humility and gratitude.
They had been led into gross idolatry, worshiping lifeless images—idols with mouths that could not speak and ears that could not hear (Psalm 115:5-6). This was the sad state of the Gentile world, deceived by vain imaginations and the fraud of priests who took advantage of their ignorance. Could the Spirit of God dwell among such idolaters? Certainly not. The prince of this world had blinded their minds, and only divine grace could bring them out of that darkness.
Paul then shows them how to distinguish genuine spiritual gifts: “No one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3). Jews and Gentiles had blasphemed Jesus as an impostor, yet some of them pretended to work wonders by divine power. But no one acting under the Spirit’s influence could curse Christ, for the Spirit always bears witness to Him by prophecy, miracles, and the spread of His doctrine.
Likewise, no one can sincerely confess Jesus as Lord, live under His authority, and remain steadfast in faith except through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. True faith and perseverance depend as much on the Spirit’s work in us as reconciliation depends on Christ’s mediation. No evil spirit would assist in spreading a doctrine so destructive to Satan’s kingdom. Thus, any true confession of Christ and all genuine miraculous powers came from the Holy Spirit.
These gifts, though varied, came from the same source: “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:4). There are different kinds of service, yet the same Lord who appoints them (1 Corinthians 12:5). There are various workings of divine power, yet the same God who works all in all (1 Corinthians 12:6). All spiritual blessings—gifts, ministries, and operations—proceed from one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The gifts themselves were diverse (1 Corinthians 12:8-10). To one was given the word of wisdom—the understanding of gospel mysteries and the ability to explain them clearly. To another, the word of knowledge—insight into divine truths and readiness to offer sound counsel. To another, faith—the extraordinary confidence that enabled them to work miracles or face danger boldly. To another, gifts of healing—restoring the sick by prayer, touch, or command. To another, the working of miracles—raising the dead or giving sight to the blind.
To another, prophecy—foretelling future events or explaining Scripture through divine illumination (1 Corinthians 14:24). To another, discernment of spirits—the ability to distinguish true prophets from false ones or to perceive the inward state of a person, as Peter did with Ananias (Acts 5:3). To another, various kinds of tongues—the ability to speak languages by inspiration. And to another, the interpretation of tongues—the ability to translate foreign languages accurately. Such was the rich variety of spiritual gifts given to the early church.
The purpose of these gifts was clear: “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all” (1 Corinthians 12:7). The Spirit was revealed through these gifts not for the personal honor of those who received them but for the benefit and edification of the church. Whatever gifts God gives—spiritual or temporal—He gives them so we may do good with them. No one receives them merely for personal use. They are trusts placed in our hands to benefit others. The more we use them for the good of others, the greater our reward will be in the end (Philippians 4:17). Spiritual gifts are meant for service, not for show; for edification, not for ostentation.
Finally, Paul explains the measure in which these gifts are distributed: “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He gives them to each one just as He determines” (1 Corinthians 12:11). The Holy Spirit distributes His gifts according to His own will and wisdom. He gives to whom He pleases, in whatever proportion He chooses. Being a divine person, He acts freely and sovereignly. Though His distribution is entirely according to His pleasure, it is always directed toward the common good—the building up of the church of Christ.