Now in regard to spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be unaware. 2 You know how, when you were pagans, you were constantly attracted and led away to mute idols. 3 Therefore, I tell you that nobody speaking by the spirit of God says, “Jesus be accursed.” And no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the holy Spirit. 4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; 5 there are different forms of service but the same Lord; 6 there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. 7 To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. 8 To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit; 10 to another mighty deeds; to another prophecy; to another discernment of spirits; to another varieties of tongues; to another interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.
Paul addressed the topic of spiritual gifts because he wanted the newly converted Corinthians to understand the manifestation of the Spirit and not act as they did when they worshiped idols. They would sometimes go into trances when they worshipped idols that could neither see nor speak (Ps. 115:5). No one who is in the Spirit can say “Jesus be accursed,” but those who are truly moved by the spirit of God acknowledge the resurrection of Jesus and confesses that he is Lord. All the different spiritual gifts have God as their origin and their common purpose is to serve God for the benefit the worshipping community (vv. 6-7). Paul outlined some of the gifts and some of their functions but did not attempt to give an exhaustive list of spiritual gifts and their every purpose. Since the Holy Spirit gives the gifts and causes the gifts to work, no one should be puffed up about any spiritual gift they receive. There is one and the same Spirit that is the source of all the different gifts, and the gifts are given to everyone in accordance with God’s will (v. 11).
Almighty God, you give spiritual gifts as you please to all who truly believe in your beloved Son for the benefit of the Body of Christ. Let Your Spirit reveal our gifts and use them to lead us to unity of faith and a deeper knowledge of your Son so we may work together in furtherance of your kingdom. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
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References
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Expanded Edition, Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
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