Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Corinthians 12

Spiritual gifts were extraordinary powers bestowed in the early ages, to convince unbelievers and to spread the gospel. Gifts and graces greatly differ. Both were freely given by God. But where grace is given, it is for the salvation of those who have it. Gifts are for the advantage and salvation of others, and there may be great gifts where there is no grace.

The extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit were chiefly exercised in the public assemblies, where the Corinthians seem to have made displays of them, lacking in the spirit of piety and Christian love. While heathens, they had not been influenced by the Spirit of Christ. No one can call Christ Lord, with believing dependence upon him, unless that faith is worked by the Holy Spirit. No one could believe with his heart, or prove by a miracle, that Jesus was Christ, unless by the Holy Spirit. There are various gifts, and various offices to perform, but all proceed from one God, one Lord, one Spirit; that is, from the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the origin of all spiritual blessings.

No one has them merely for himself. The more he profits others, the more they will turn to his own benefit. The gifts mentioned appear to mean precise understanding and articulating the doctrines of the Christian religion; the knowledge of mysteries, and skill to give advice and counsel. Also included are the gift of healing the sick, the working of miracles, the ability to explain Scripture by a special gift of the Spirit, and the ability to speak and interpret languages.

If we have any knowledge of the truth, or any power to make it known, we must give all the glory to God. The greater the gifts are, the more the possessor is exposed to temptations, and the larger is the measure of grace needed to keep him humble and spiritual; and he will meet with more painful experiences and humbling trials. We have little cause to glory in any gifts bestowed on us, or to despise those who do not have them. (1 Corinthians 12:12–26)

Christ and His church form one body, as Head and members. Christians become members of this body by baptism. The outward rite is of divine institution; it is a sign of the new birth and is therefore called the washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5). But it is by the Spirit, only by the renewing of the Holy Ghost, that we are made members of Christ's body. And by communion with Christ at the Lord's Supper, we are strengthened, not by drinking the wine, but by drinking into one Spirit.

Each member has its form, place, and use. The humblest makes a part of the body. There must be a distinction of members in the body. So Christ's members have different powers and different places. We should do the duties of our own place, and not murmur or quarrel with others.

All the members of the body are useful and necessary to each other. Nor is there any member of the body of Christ who cannot be useful, or who ought not to be useful, to fellow members. As in the natural body of man, the members should be closely united by the strongest bonds of love; the good of the whole should be the object of all. All Christians are dependent on one another; each is to expect and receive help from the rest. Let us then have more of the spirit of union in our religion.

Contempt, hatred, envy, and strife are very unnatural in Christians. It is like the members of the same body being without concern for one another or quarreling with each other. The proud, contentious spirit that prevailed regarding spiritual gifts was thus condemned.

The offices and gifts, or favors, dispensed by the Holy Spirit are noted. These include:

• Chief ministers.
• Persons enabled to interpret Scripture.
• Those who labored in word and doctrine.
• Those who had power to heal diseases.
• Those who helped the sick and weak.
• Those who disposed of the money given in charity by the church and managed the affairs of the church.
• And those who could speak various languages.

What holds the last and lowest rank in this list is the power to speak languages—how vain if a person does so merely to amuse or to exalt himself!

Observe that these gifts are not distributed to everyone alike (see verses 29-30). This would be to make the church all one, as if the body were all ear or all eye. The Spirit distributes to everyone as he will. We must be content though we are lower and less than others. We must not despise others if we have greater gifts.

How blessed the Christian church would be if all its members did their duty! Instead of coveting the highest stations or the most splendid gifts, let us leave to God the appointment of His instruments and also those in whom He works by His providence. Remember, those who seek the chief places will not be approved hereafter; rather, approval is for those who are most faithful to the trust placed in them and most diligent in their Master's work.