The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, the apostle Paul writes about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of unity and diversity in the body of Christ.
The Diversity of Gifts
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
The apostle Paul highlights that there are many different gifts, but they all come from the same Holy Spirit. This verse sets the tone for the rest of the passage, emphasizing the unity that exists amidst the diversity of gifts.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
Paul continues to emphasize the diversity of gifts, mentioning that there are also different administrations or ministries. However, he stresses that these differences are still under the lordship of Christ.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
The apostle adds that there are also different operations or activities, but they are all worked by the same God.
The Purpose of the Gifts
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
Paul explains that the gifts of the Spirit are given to each person to profit others, not just for personal gain.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
The apostle lists various gifts of the Spirit, including the word of wisdom and the word of knowledge.
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
He continues to list more gifts, including faith and gifts of healing.
10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
Paul lists additional gifts, including the working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, diverse kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues.
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
The apostle concludes by emphasizing that all these gifts come from the same Spirit, who distributes them to each person as He wills.
In this passage, Paul emphasizes the importance of unity amidst diversity in the body of Christ. He highlights that there are various gifts, administrations, and operations, but they all come from the same God. The gifts of the Spirit are given to profit others, not just for personal gain.
