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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 12:4

Verse 4 4.Now there are diversities of gifts The symmetry of the Church (730) consists, so to speak, of a manifold unity, (731) that is, when the variety of gifts is directed to the same object, as in music there are different sounds, but suited to each other with such an adaptation, as to produce concord. Hence it is befitting that there should be a distinction of gifts as well as of offices, and yet all harmonize in one. Paul, accordingly, in Romans 12:6, commends this variety, that no one... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 12:6

Verse 6 6.One God that worketh. Where we use the word powers the Greek term is ἐνεργήματα , a term which contains an allusion to the verb worketh, as in Latin effectus (an effect) corresponds with the verb effectus (to effect.) Paul’s meaning is, that although believers may be endowed with different powers, they all take their rise from one and the same power on the part of God. Hence the expression employed here — worketh all things in all — does not refer to the general providence of God,... 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

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 12:1-31

The Christly assembly. "Now concerning spiritual gifts," etc. All throughout this chapter refers to the Christly assembly. I use this word in preference to the word "Church," for what are now called Churches are not always assemblages of genuine Christians. Overlooking the more minute parts of this remarkable chapter, and taking a broad glance at the whole, there are three important subjects very suggestive and capable of amplification, which are discoverable. These are that every member... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 12:1-31

Spiritual gifts. A transition occurs here to a class of topics most important and interesting, since they involve the character and glory of the new dispensation. It was the special economy of the Holy Ghost which St. Paul was now to consider. All along we have had an insight into mistakes and disorders, into disputes and wranglings and, at times, into shameful vices. A quarter of a century had little more than passed since Christ ascended to the throne of the Father as the God Man of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 12:4

Diversities . This word is used in each of these verses. Gifts ; charismata; endowments imparted by the Holy Spirit. The word is rendered "free gift" in Romans 5:13 . The same Spirit. The gifts of the Spirit are not uniform, but display diversity in unity Just as the sunlight playing on different surfaces produces a multiplicity of gleams and colours, so the Holy Spirit manifests his presence variously, and even sometimes with sharp contrasts, in different individualities. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Diversity and sameness. "Although conversion is identical in every case, yet afterwards there are spiritual gifts which vary according to individual capacity and character, but they all come from the one Spirit. There are varieties of ministration in which those spiritual gifts are employed, and the same Lord is served by these various ministries." Nature shows us the diversified forms and expressions of the common life. Science admits the diversity, and seeks to recognize the one great... read more

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