Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

"Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that when ye were Gentiles [ye were] led away unto those dumb idols, howsoever ye might led. 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. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are diversities of ministrations, and the same Lord. And there are diversities of workings, but the same God, who worketh all things in all. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal. For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom; and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit: to another faith, in the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, in the one Spirit; and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discernings of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; and to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh the one and the same Spirit, dividing to each one severally even as he will." — 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (ASV)

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)