1 Corinthians 12 Summary

Paul addresses the diversity of spiritual gifts given by the same Spirit to different believers, listing gifts such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, and various kinds of tongues. He explains that though there are many different gifts and operations, they all come from the same God working in all. Using the metaphor of the human body, Paul teaches that the church is one body with many members, each necessary to the whole, and that members should care for one another with mutual honor and concern. He establishes that God has placed different offices in the church—apostles, prophets, teachers, and those with healing and helps—showing that not all have the same gifts, and exhorts the church to seek the best gifts and a more excellent way.