What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 12:10? the working of miracles “to another the working of miracles” (1 Corinthians 12:10) • Miracles are divine interruptions of natural law, granted so people recognize the living God (Acts 2:22; Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:4). • Old-Testament forerunners—Moses parting the sea (Exodus 14), Elijah calling down fire (1 Kings 18)—show that God has always authenticated His messengers this way. • In the church age, miracles: – Confirm the gospel’s truth (Acts 5:12–16). – Display Christ’s compassion (Matthew 14:14). – Strengthen believers’ faith (John 14:12). • Genuine miracles never contradict Scripture; they exalt Jesus, not the worker (John 3:30). • While God still can grant such works today, they remain subject to His sovereign purpose and must be evaluated against the Word (1 Thessalonians 5:21). prophecy “to another prophecy” (1 Corinthians 12:10) • Prophecy is Spirit-prompted speech that proclaims God’s heart—sometimes foretelling future events (Acts 11:28), more often forthtelling present truth (1 Corinthians 14:3). • Safeguards God gives: – Test all prophetic words (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). – Two or three should speak, others weigh carefully (1 Corinthians 14:29). • Post-apostolic prophecy never adds to Scripture (Revelation 22:18-19) but applies it, urging repentance, comfort, or edification (Acts 15:32). • The “spirit of prophecy bears testimony to Jesus” (Revelation 19:10); if the focus drifts from Christ, the message is suspect. distinguishing between spirits “to another distinguishing between spirits” (1 Corinthians 12:10) • The Spirit grants discernment to recognize whether a teaching, manifestation, or motive is from Him, human flesh, or demonic influence (1 John 4:1). • Biblical snapshots: – Paul discerns a spirit of divination in Philippi (Acts 16:16-18). – Peter confronts Satan’s influence on Ananias (Acts 5:3). • Practical outworking: – Measures teaching against Scripture’s plain meaning (Galatians 1:8-9). – Detects counterfeit signs masquerading as light (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). – Protects the flock from wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15-20). speaking in various tongues “to another speaking in various tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:10) • At Pentecost the gift appeared as real, recognizable languages declaring “the wonders of God” (Acts 2:4-11). • Paul notes additional uses in gathered worship—prayer or praise “to God” that edifies the speaker unless interpreted (1 Corinthians 14:2, 4). • Governing principles: – Limited speakers, one at a time (1 Corinthians 14:27). – Must be interpreted or remain silent (1 Corinthians 14:28). • Purpose: evangelistic sign to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22) and personal communion with the Lord when done privately (1 Corinthians 14:18-19). the interpretation of tongues “and to still another the interpretation of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:10) • Enables the church to understand and benefit from a tongue message, turning private edification into corporate strengthening (1 Corinthians 14:5). • The interpreter may be the same person who spoke (1 Corinthians 14:13) or another believer gifted for that moment. • Safeguards unity by keeping worship intelligible, reflecting God’s orderly character (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40). • Like prophecy, the interpretation is judged by Scripture and the congregation for accuracy and alignment with Christ’s gospel (1 Corinthians 14:29). summary 1 Corinthians 12:10 showcases five distinct gifts the Holy Spirit distributes for the common good. Miracles validate God’s power; prophecy delivers His timely word; discernment guards truth; tongues express praise and witness in languages unknown to the speaker; interpretation makes those utterances profitable to all. Each gift operates under Scripture’s authority, points to Jesus, and serves to build up His body in love. |
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