Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Corinthians 12:1

"Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant." — 1 Corinthians 12:1 (ASV)

1 Corinthians Chapter 12

This chapter commences a new subject, the discussion of which continues to the close of the fourteenth chapter. The general subject is spiritual endowments, or the proper way of exercising their spiritual gifts, and the degree of honour that was due to those who had been distinguished by God by the special influences of His Spirit.

It is evident that many in the church at Corinth had been thus favoured; and it is evident that they had greatly abused these endowments, and that those who were thus favoured had claimed a precedence in honour above those who had been less distinguished. It is not improbable that they had, in their letter to Paul (1 Corinthians 7:1), requested his counsel on this subject, and asked him to teach them what measure of honour should be given to those who had been thus endowed.

This subject, as it was of importance not only for them, but for the church at large in all future times, he proceeds to discuss in this and the two following chapters; and this discussion closes the second part of the epistle. (See the Introduction.) The general scope of these chapters is this:

1. He shows that all those endowments were conferred by the Holy Ghost, and were all for the use of the church. He also shows that the church was one, yet there was a necessity for diversified operations in that church. Therefore, no one should value himself on that gift above his brother, and no one should feel himself dishonoured because he had not been thus favoured. All filled important places in the church, just as the various members and parts of the human system are necessary for its symmetry, action, and health. All, therefore, should be willing to occupy the place that God has assigned them (1 Corinthians 12).

2. In 1 Corinthians 13, he recommends love, or charity, as more valuable than all other spiritual gifts combined, and therefore recommends that it should especially be the object of their desire.

3. In 1 Corinthians 14, he gives particular rules about the proper exercise of spiritual gifts in their public assemblies.

This chapter (1 Corinthians 12), therefore, is occupied with stating and illustrating the position that all spiritual gifts are conferred by the Holy Ghost. It also teaches that no one should so value himself on this gift as to despise those who had not been thus endowed, and that no one who had not been thus favoured should be dejected or regard himself as dishonoured. This statement is illustrated in the following manner:

1. Paul states the importance of the subject (1 Corinthians 13:1).

2. He reminds them that they were formerly in a state of ignorance, sin, and idolatry (1 Corinthians 13:2).

3. He states one mark of being under the influence of the Spirit of God; that is, that it would lead them to acknowledge and honour Jesus Christ. If the spirit by which they were influenced led them to this, it was proof that it was the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 13:3). If any pretenders to inspiration were in the habit of speaking disrespectfully of Jesus Christ, or of calling Him "accursed," it proved that they were not under the influence of the Holy Ghost.

4. There were diversities in the operations of the Spirit; but however various these operations were, they all proceeded from the same agent (1 Corinthians 13:4–11). Therefore, not all were to expect precisely the same influences or operations; nor were they to suppose that, because there were various operations, they were therefore not influenced by the Spirit of God.

5. Paul states and illustrates the truth that the church is one (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). Just as the body is one yet has many members, so it is with the church (1 Corinthians 12:12). The body has many members, and none are useless; all perform important functions, however unimportant they may seem, and no single member can say it does not need the others. So it is in the church (1 Corinthians 12:13–27).

6. Paul applies this beautiful allegory, drawn from the functions of the various parts of the human body, to the church, showing (1 Corinthians 12:28–30) that the same thing should be expected in the church of Christ. It followed, therefore, that those who were not as highly favoured as others should not regard themselves as useless or decline their station in the church. It followed, also, that those in inferior stations should not envy those who had been more highly favoured; and that those in more elevated stations, who had been more signally favoured, should not look down on those beneath them with contempt. It followed, also, that they should regard themselves as one body, and love and cherish each other with constant Christian affection.

7. Paul tells them that it was not improper to desire the highest endowments, but says that he will propose an object of desire to be preferred to these gifts—and that is LOVE (1 Corinthians 12:31).

Now concerning. It is now time that I should speak of spiritual endowments. He had undoubtedly been consulted about them, and various questions had probably been proposed, which he now proceeded to answer.

Spiritual gifts. The word "gifts" is not in the original Greek text.

The Greek term refers to "spiritual" things in general, or to anything that is of a spiritual nature.

The whole discussion, however, shows that he refers to the various endowments, gifts, or graces that had been bestowed in different degrees on the members of the church.

This includes the distinctions in graces and in degrees of office and rank made in the Christian church in general (1 Corinthians 12), as well as the extraordinary endowments of the gift of tongues bestowed upon many (1 Corinthians 14).

I would not have you ignorant. The subject is so important that it demands particular attention and special care (see the notes on 1 Corinthians 10:1).

I would not have you ignorant regarding the nature of those endowments; the spirit with which they should be received; the rules to which those who are thus favoured should be subject; and the feelings and views that should be cherished by all members of the church concerning them. Nothing is more important in the church than the doctrine concerning the influences and endowments of the Holy Spirit.