Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
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 12:1-3

12:1-3 Brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant about manifestations of the Spirit. You know that when you were heathens you were led away to dumb idols, just as any impulse moved you. I want you therefore to know that no one, speaking through the Spirit of God, can say, "Accursed be Jesus," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," unless through the Holy Spirit. In the Church of Corinth the most amazing things were happening through the action of the Holy Spirit, but in an age of ecstasy... read more

John Gill

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

Now concerning spiritual gifts ,.... Though the word "gifts" is not in the original text, it is rightly supplied by our translators, as it is in the Arabic version: for the apostle does not mean spiritual graces, nor spiritual words, or doctrines, nor spiritual meats and drinks, nor spiritual men, each of which are mentioned before in this epistle; though the latter is thought by some to be here intended, and that the apostle's view is to show the difference between those that are spiritual,... read more

Adam Clarke

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

Now concerning spiritual gifts - This was a subject about which they appear to have written to the apostle, and concerning which there were probably some contentions among them. The words περι των πνευματικων may as well be translated concerning spiritual persons, as spiritual gifts; and indeed the former agrees much better with the context. I would not have you ignorant - I wish you fully to know whence all such gifts come, and for what end they are given, that each person may serve... read more

John Calvin

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

Verse 1 1.Now concerning spiritual things. He goes on to correct another fault. As the Corinthians abused the gifts of God for ostentation and show, and love was little, if at all, regarded, he shows them for what purpose believers are adorned by God with spiritual gifts — for the edification of their brethren. This proposition, however, he divides into two parts; for, in the first place, he teaches, that God is the author of those gifts, and, secondly, having established this, he reasons as to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 12:1

Now concerning spiritual gifts; rather, things spiritual. The context, however, shows that St. Paul is thinking almost exclusively of the gifts ( charismata ) of the Spirit. I would not have you ignorant (see 1 Corinthians 10:1 ). The Corinthians had doubtless inquired in their letter as to the views of the apostle on this important and difficult subject. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 12:1-3

The presidency of the Spirit. This passage does not direct us to this general topic, but to one particular point in relation to it. The presidency relates to, covers, and hallows every feature and every expression of Christian life and worship and fellowship. The whole life of the regenerate man is directly and fully within the Spirit's lead, so that he cannot even speak—if he be a Christian indeed—without the inspiration, the guidance, the toning, of the indwelling Holy Ghost. The apostle... 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

Group of Brands