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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

The apostle comes now to treat of spiritual gifts, which abounded in the church of Corinth, but were greatly abused. What these gifts were is at large told us in the body of the chapter; namely, extraordinary offices and powers, bestowed on ministers and Christians in the first ages, for conviction of unbelievers, and propagation of the gospel. Gifts and graces, charismata and charis, greatly differ. Both indeed were freely given of God. But where grace is given it is for the salvation of... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

12:4-11 There are distinctions between different kinds of special gifts, but there is one and the same Spirit. There are distinctions between different kinds of service, but there is one and the same Lord. There are distinctions between different kinds of effects, but it is one and the same God who causes them all in every man. To each man there is given his own manifestation of the Spirit, and always towards some beneficial end. To one man there is given through the Spirit the word of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 12:7

But the manifestation of the Spirit ,.... Not that which the Spirit manifests, as the grace and love of God, an interest in Christ, the doctrines of the Gospel, and the things of another world; for he is a spirit of revelation, more or less, in the knowledge of these things; but that which manifests that a man has the Spirit of God; or rather the gifts of the Spirit, as the fruits and graces of the Spirit, the least measure of which, as being able to say that Jesus is Lord, shows that a man... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 12:8

For to one is given by the Spirit ,.... Now follows a distinct and particular enumeration of the operations of the Spirit, though not all of them, yet as many as the apostle thought necessary; and which are called the manifestation of him, and which most clearly show him to be the author of them to different persons; the word of wisdom : by which is meant "the manifold wisdom of God"; the wonderful scheme of salvation through the incarnation, sufferings, and death of Christ, in which God... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 12:7

The manifestation of the Spirit - Φανερωσις του Πνευματος . This is variably understood by the fathers; some of them rendering φανερωσις by illumination, others demonstration, and others operation. The apostle's meaning seems to be this: Whatever gifts God has bestowed, or in what various ways soever the Spirit of God may have manifested himself, it is all for the common benefit of the Church. God has given no gift to any man for his own private advantage, or exclusive profit. He has it... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 12:8

Word of wisdom - In all these places I consider that the proper translation of λογος is doctrine, as in many other places of the New Testament. It is very difficult to say what is intended here by the different kinds of gifts mentioned by the apostle: they were probably all supernatural, and were necessary at that time only for the benefit of the Church. On the 8th, 9th, and 10th verses ( 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 ;), much may be seen in Lightfoot, Whitby, Pearce, and others. By doctrine... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 12:7

Verse 7 7.But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man He now points out the purpose for which God has appointed his gifts, for he does not confer them upon us in vain, nor does he intend that they shall serve the purpose of ostentation. Hence we must inquire as to the purpose for which they are conferred. As to this Paul answers — (with a view to utility) — πρὸς τὸ συμφερον; that is, that the Church may receive advantage thereby. The manifestation of the Spirit may be taken in a... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 12:8

Verse 8 8.To one is given He now subjoins an enumeration, or, in other words, specifies particular kinds — not indeed all of them, but such as are sufficient for his present purpose. “Believers,” says he, “are endowed with different gifts, but let every one acknowledge, that he is indebted for whatever he has to the Spirit of God, for he pours forth his gifts as the sun scatters his rays in every direction. As to the difference between these gifts, knowledge (or understanding) and wisdom are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

The spiritual gifts of the Church. I. THESE ARE VERY VARIOUS . In the early Church there were many supernatural gifts, in fulfilment of the prophecy, "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions" ( Joel 2:28 ), and of the more remarkable utterance of Christ, "These signs shall follow them that believe; In my Name shall they... read more

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