1Cor 12:4-11 | Family | STEP | Diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit ; throughout the whole of this chapter the apostle labors to show, first, the unity of these gifts, as all having the same Spirit for their author, and all conspiring for the same common end, the glory of God in the edification of the church; secondly, their variety, as having different outward forms, and designed to accomplish different specific objects.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit; throughout the whole of this chapter the apostle labors to show, first, the unity of these gifts, as all having the same Spirit for their author, and all conspiring for the same common end, the glory of God in the edification of the church; secondly, their variety, as having different outward forms, and designed to accomplish different specific objects. Differences of administrations; or offices, which God has established, verses 1Co 12:28-30. Diversities of operations; such as produce in different cases different effects. The manifestation of the Spirit; in the gifts which he bestowed.

To profit withal; for the benefit of men. All Christian gifts and graces come from the Holy Spirit. He bestows different measures of grace and means of influence upon different individuals, but always for the wisest reasons. 8-10. Diversities of gifts and offices, spoken of in verses 1Co 12:4,5.

The word of wisdom--the word of knowledge; the exact distinction between those two gifts has been a matter of doubt. Probably "wisdom" refers rather to the practical, and "knowledge" to the doctrinal in Christianity. According to this view "the word of wisdom" would be peculiar skill in explaining to men the way of life, exhibiting the motives to induce them to walk in it, and guiding their conduct in difficult situations: "the word of knowledge," on the other hand, would be that which comes from a deep insight into the doctrines of the gospel, including an understanding of the prophecies, types, and spiritual meaning of the Scriptures, and their true application and fulfilment.

Faith; in a special sense. We are probably to understand an extraordinary measure of confidence in God, such as raises its possessor above the fear of man, and inspires him with the firm hope of success in the midst of dangers, difficulties, and hinderances.

Gifts of healing; power to cure diseases.

The working of miracles; in a general sense, miracles not confined to the healing of diseases.

Prophecy; the inspired utterance of God's will in respect to the way of salvation, including also, as an occasional part of it, the foretelling of future events. See note to verse 1Co 12:28.

Discerning of spirits; whether men who professed to exercise spiritual gifts, were guided by the Holy Ghost or by a false spirit. Compare 1Jo 4:1.

Divers kinds of tongues; power to speak various languages.

Interpretation of tongues; power to translate, or tell the meaning of one language in the words of another. Dividing to every man; bestowing different gifts and in different measures upon different persons, as the Holy Spirit sees best. In bestowing miraculous powers upon the apostles and first teachers of Christianity, in calling them to their office, assigning them their fields of labor, fitting them for their work, and giving them success, the Holy Ghost has shown himself to be God; and with the Father and the Son, entitled to divine honors.