Read 1 Corinthians 12.1-11.In 12.1-14.40: Instructions about spiritual gifts. In 12.1-3: Establishing perspective. In verse 1: The Corinthians had asked about "pneumatikoi," literally "spirituals," rendered as spiritual gifts or spiritual persons. The same term is used in 3.1. In verse 2: Many in the church had non-Jewish backgrounds (6.9-11; 1 Thess 1.9-10). In verse 3: "Let Jesus be cursed!" What circumstances prompted anyone to say this is not clear. It could be based upon Deut 21.23 (Gal 3.13). In verses 4-11: The Spirit's many activities. In verses 4-7: Gifts (charismata") are different ways of describing manifestations of the Spirit. Paul emphasizes their variety, their common source, and their intended purpose--to serve the common good. In verses 8-10: Utterances of wisdom and knowledge describe speech that informs and enlightens. Faith gifts of healing, and working of miracles belong together. Prophecy is paired with discernment of spirits, the ability to evaluate prophetic speech. Various kinds of tongues require the interpretation of tongues. In verse 11: All are spiritual (v. 1) activities because their source is the same Spirit. Comments or Questions...
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