Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Corinthians 12:7

"But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal." — 1 Corinthians 12:7 (ASV)

But the manifestation of the Spirit.—These gifts, which flow from one source, are intended to flow towards one object, namely, the benefit of the whole Church. If it were only for a person’s own benefit, it would cease to be a “manifestation”—it would be sufficient for the person to be conscious of possessing the spirit only for himself. But the object of light is to give light to others. The object of the spiritual light is to make manifest to others.