How do spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 connect to Ephesians 4:11-12? Spiritual Gifts Introduced (1 Corinthians 12:1) “Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed.” • Paul moves from correcting abuses in worship to clarifying the Spirit-given abilities that operate in every believer. • The statement assumes the gifts are real, present, and necessary—nothing merely symbolic. One Source, Many Expressions (1 Corinthians 12:4-6) “There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all men.” • The triune God stands behind every gift: – Spirit: varieties of gifts – Lord (Jesus): varieties of ministries – God (Father): varieties of effects • Unity of origin guarantees no competition among gifts. Given “for the Common Good” (1 Corinthians 12:7) “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” • Gifts are manifestations—visible evidence of the Spirit’s presence. • Purpose: benefit the whole body, never self-promotion (cf. 1 Peter 4:10). Catalog of Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8-11) • Word of wisdom • Word of knowledge • Faith • Gifts of healing • Working of miracles • Prophecy • Distinguishing of spirits • Various kinds of tongues • Interpretation of tongues “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines.” (v. 11) Body Imagery: Every Member Needed (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) • One body, many parts—no redundancy, no superiority. • “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I do not need you.’” (v. 21) • This prepares the ground for leadership gifts that coordinate the parts (Ephesians 4). Leadership Gifts Highlighted (Ephesians 4:11-12) “And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ.” • While 1 Corinthians lists diverse abilities, Ephesians focuses on people who occupy equipping offices. • These roles channel and develop the broader gift mix within the congregation. Connecting the Two Passages 1. Same Giver, Same Goal • Gifts (1 Corinthians 12) and offices (Ephesians 4) both originate with the risen Christ via the Spirit. • Goal in both letters: edify the body. 2. Distinction of Function • 1 Corinthians 12 emphasizes manifestation gifts operating through all believers. • Ephesians 4 spotlights leadership gifts that train believers to use those manifestations effectively. 3. Complementary Movement • Spirit distributes abilities (1 Corinthians 12:11). • Leaders equip saints to deploy those abilities (Ephesians 4:12). • Result: “the whole body… grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part” (Ephesians 4:16). Supporting Passages • Romans 12:4-8: different gifts, one body, used “in proportion to your faith.” • 1 Corinthians 14:12: “Since you are eager for spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.” • 1 Peter 4:10-11: serve one another “as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Practical Takeaways • Expect and welcome the Spirit’s variety—no believer is giftless. • Recognize equipping leaders as gifts themselves; they are given to help every member discover and sharpen personal gifts. • Measure all use of gifts by the “common good” standard—does it build up the body? • Pursue unity: different gifts, one purpose, one Lord. |
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