27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. (1 Corinthians 12:27-31 KJV)
Commentary
Here the apostle sums up his argument and applies the comparison of the human body to the church of Christ.
Christians stand in close relationship to Christ and to one another. The whole body of believers, in all ages, is His body, and every Christian is a member of it (1 Corinthians 12:27). Each believer is not the whole body but a part of it, and all depend on and care for one another. Just as the members of a physical body work together, so should the members of the spiritual body. Indifference, contempt, hatred, envy, and strife among Christians are as unnatural as the members of a body fighting against each other. This was Paul’s purpose in this argument—to correct the proud, boastful, and contentious spirit among the Corinthians caused by their spiritual gifts.
Christ appointed a variety of offices and distributed different gifts or blessings (1 Corinthians 12:28). God has set some in the church: first, apostles, the chief ministers entrusted with the power to establish the church and reveal God’s will; second, prophets, who were inspired to teach or write, as the evangelists did; third, teachers, who labored in word and doctrine, with or without pastoral charge. After these came those who worked miracles, those who had gifts of healing, those who helped and cared for the weak, those who governed and managed the church’s charitable resources, and those who spoke different languages.
There was a rich variety of these gifts and offices. God generously provided the early church with everything necessary for its establishment and growth. They lacked nothing essential.
There was also an order among these gifts. Those of greatest importance were placed first. Apostles, prophets, and teachers were essential for instructing people in the truths of God and promoting their spiritual growth. Without them, neither knowledge nor holiness could flourish. The other gifts, while useful, were not so directly related to the core work of the gospel. God values things according to their real worth, and we should do the same. The most valuable gifts are those that best serve the highest purposes. Thus apostolic gifts were more useful than the ability to heal or work miracles, and the gift of tongues was the least valuable of all. Speaking in many languages might impress others but did little to build up the church (1 Corinthians 14). The Corinthians, however, greatly prized this gift. It is wise and humbling to understand the true value of what we take pride in, for people often value themselves most for what is least worth. Recognizing this helps us maintain humility.
These gifts were not given equally to all, nor were all members or officers in the church of the same rank (1 Corinthians 12:29-30). “Are all apostles? Are all prophets?” If everyone had the same gift, the church would be like a body made entirely of one part. The Holy Spirit distributes gifts as He wills. Some are fitted for one office, some for another. We must be content with our own place and portion and not envy those who have greater gifts or higher rank. Likewise, those with greater gifts should not despise others. Each member must fulfill its own function for the good of the whole body. If every Christian did their part faithfully, how blessed and united the church would be.
The apostle closes the chapter with both a piece of advice and a reminder.
He advises believers to “desire the best gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31)—those that are most valuable in themselves and most useful to others. Gifts that honor God and build up the church should be most desired. We should long for what is best and most worthwhile. Grace is always to be preferred before gifts, and among gifts, those that serve others best are to be valued most. Some interpret Paul’s words as a rebuke rather than advice: “You are envious of each other’s gifts.” The Corinthians indeed quarreled over them. Pride was the source of their strife. Their disputes were mainly about rank and honor, as most Christian quarrels are. When everyone wants the first place, it is no wonder that they push and injure one another. Gifts become harmful when they feed pride and contention. Paul seeks to correct this spirit.
Finally, he hints at “a more excellent way”—the way of love. Mutual love and goodwill would calm their spirits, unite their hearts, and make their gifts truly beneficial to the church. Love would end their jealousies and disputes about rank. According to the apostle, those who excel most in love hold the highest place in the kingdom of Christ. True Christian love is far superior to the most remarkable gifts. It is better to have a heart full of love than to possess the most impressive titles, offices, or powers.