Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 12
Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary
1 Corinthians 12
Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary
1 Corinthians 12
"Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant." — 1 Corinthians 12:1 (ASV)
“Now about” suggests that this section is an answer to another question asked by the Corinthians in their letter (see introductory comment on 7:1–14:40).
"Ye know that when ye were Gentiles [ye were] led away unto those dumb idols, howsoever ye might led." — 1 Corinthians 12:2 (ASV)
In saying that they had been “led astray to mute idols,” Paul implies that the Corinthians had experienced the effects of evil spirits in their former pagan worship. In contrast, he now stresses the twofold test of the presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life. Negatively, no person by the Spirit can curse Jesus; and positively, only by the Spirit can a person openly testify that Jesus is Lord (v.3). Lord (kyrios; GK 3261) was used in the LXX (Greek translation of the OT) to translate Yahweh (“LORD” in NIV). In this context Paul recognizes the deity of Jesus and of the Holy Spirit in the phrases “Jesus is Lord” and “Spirit of God.”
"Wherefore I make known unto you, that no man speaking in the Spirit of God saith, Jesus is anathema; and no man can say, Jesus is Lord, but in the Holy Spirit." — 1 Corinthians 12:3 (ASV)
In saying that they had been “led astray to mute idols,” Paul implies that the Corinthians had experienced the effects of evil spirits in their former pagan worship. In contrast, he now stresses the twofold test of the presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life. Negatively, no person by the Spirit can curse Jesus; and positively, only by the Spirit can a person openly testify that Jesus is Lord (v.3). Lord (kyrios; GK 3261) was used in the LXX (Greek translation of the OT) to translate Yahweh (“LORD” in NIV). In this context Paul recognizes the deity of Jesus and of the Holy Spirit in the phrases “Jesus is Lord” and “Spirit of God.”
"Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit." — 1 Corinthians 12:4 (ASV)
By using the words “service” (GK 1355) and “working” (GK 1920), Paul indicates that such spiritual gifts were useful in serving the Christian community. Here he teaches that the Trinity is involved in administration of these gifts: the Spirit; the Lord; God (cf. 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:3–6).
"And there are diversities of ministrations, and the same Lord." — 1 Corinthians 12:5 (ASV)
By using the words “service” (GK 1355) and “working” (GK 1920), Paul indicates that such spiritual gifts were useful in serving the Christian community. Here he teaches that the Trinity is involved in administration of these gifts: the Spirit; the Lord; God (cf. 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:3–6).
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