Comments on 1 Corinthians 12 In this chapter, Paul comments on inspiration and spiritual gifts among the ecclesia. Compare Moroni 10 for a similar discussion on spiritual gifts. Paul reminds them that they were formerly pagans lead on by dumb idols, but they are now Christians lead by the Holy Spirit (v. 1-3). He points out to them that while there are many spiritual gifts, they are all from a single source: the Holy Spirit (v. 4- 6). A variety of spiritual gifts are given to the ecclesia for the common good of the people (v. 7). Paul then lists a series of different spiritual gifts (v. 8-10, cp. Moroni ), and emphasizes again that they are from the Holy Spirit they are only distributed differently (v. 11). Paul then compares the various members of the ecclesia to various parts of a body. The ecclesia is to be one even as a body is one, and no part of the body can say it doesn't have need of the other parts and any division, or surgery, in the body affects the entire body (v. 12-27). Not all people have the same gifts (v. 28-30), but regardless, he will show them the ideal path to transcendence (v. 31). v31 The KJV on this verse is poor. The Concordant Literal NT renders this verse: Yet be zealous for the greater graces. And still I am showing you a path suited to transcendence. Paul is referring to the subsequent ch. 13 discourse on love. Copyright © 2002 by S. Kurt Neumiller . All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced in any form or by any means for commercial gain without the express written consent of the author. Digital or printed copies may be freely made and distributed for personal and public non-commercial use.