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Selected Verse: 1 Corinthians 12:1 - Strong Concordance

Verse	Translation	Text
1Co 12:1	Strong Concordance	Now [1161] concerning [4012] spiritual [4152] gifts, brethren [80], I would [2309] not [3756] have [2309] you [5209] ignorant [50].
	King James	Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse

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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
THE USE AND THE ABUSE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS, ESPECIALLY PROPHESYING AND TONGUES. (1Co. 12:1-31) spiritual gifts--the signs of the Spirit's continued efficacious presence in the Church, which is Christ's body, the complement of His incarnation, as the body is the complement of the head. By the love which pervades the whole, the gifts of the several members, forming reciprocal complements to each other, tend to the one object of perfecting the body of Christ. The ordinary and permanent gifts are comprehended together with the extraordinary, without distinction specified, as both alike flow from the divine indwelling Spirit of life. The extraordinary gifts, so far from making professors more peculiarly saints than in our day, did not always even prove that such persons were in a safe state at all (Mat 7:22). They were needed at first in the Church: (1) as a pledge to Christians themselves who had just passed over from Judaism or heathendom, that God was in the Church; (2) for the propagation of Christianity in the world; (3) for the edification of the Church. Now that we have the whole written New Testament (which they had not) and Christianity established as the result of the miracles, we need no further miracle to attest the truth. So the pillar of cloud which guided the Israelites was withdrawn when they were sufficiently assured of the Divine Presence, the manifestation of God's glory being thenceforward enclosed in the Most Holy Place [ARCHBISHOP WHATELY]. Paul sets forth in order: (1). The unity of the body (1Co. 12:1-27). (2). The variety of its members and functions (Co1 12:27-30). (3). The grand principle for the right exercise of the gifts, namely, love (Co1 12:31; Co1 13:1-13). (4) The comparison of the gifts with one another (1Co. 14:1-40). I would not have you ignorant--with all your boasts of "knowledge" at Corinth. If ignorant now, it will be your own fault, not mine (Co1 14:38).

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

THE USE AND THE ABUSE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS, ESPECIALLY PROPHESYING AND TONGUES. (1Co. 12:1-31)

spiritual gifts--the signs of the Spirit's continued efficacious presence in the Church, which is Christ's body, the complement of His incarnation, as the body is the complement of the head. By the love which pervades the whole, the gifts of the several members, forming reciprocal complements to each other, tend to the one object of perfecting the body of Christ. The ordinary and permanent gifts are comprehended together with the extraordinary, without distinction specified, as both alike flow from the divine indwelling Spirit of life. The extraordinary gifts, so far from making professors more peculiarly saints than in our day, did not always even prove that such persons were in a safe state at all (Mat 7:22). They were needed at first in the Church: (1) as a pledge to Christians themselves who had just passed over from Judaism or heathendom, that God was in the Church; (2) for the propagation of Christianity in the world; (3) for the edification of the Church. Now that we have the whole written New Testament (which they had not) and Christianity established as the result of the miracles, we need no further miracle to attest the truth. So the pillar of cloud which guided the Israelites was withdrawn when they were sufficiently assured of the Divine Presence, the manifestation of God's glory being thenceforward enclosed in the Most Holy Place [ARCHBISHOP WHATELY]. Paul sets forth in order: (1). The unity of the body (1Co. 12:1-27). (2). The variety of its members and functions (Co1 12:27-30). (3). The grand principle for the right exercise of the gifts, namely, love (Co1 12:31; Co1 13:1-13). (4) The comparison of the gifts with one another (1Co. 14:1-40).

I would not have you ignorant--with all your boasts of "knowledge" at Corinth. If ignorant now, it will be your own fault, not mine (Co1 14:38).

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
Now concerning - it is now time that I should speak of spiritual endowments. He had no doubt been consulted in regard to them, and probably various questions had been proposed, which he now proceeded to answer. Spiritual gifts - The word "gifts" is not in the original. The Greek refers to "spiritual" things in general, or to anything that is of a spiritual nature. The whole discussion, however, shows that he refers to the various endowments, gifts, or graces that had been bestowed in different degrees on the members of the church - including the distinctions in graces, and in degrees of office and rank, which had been made in the Christian church in general 1 Cor. 12, as well as the extraordinary endowments of the gift of tongues which had been bestowed upon many, 1 Cor. 14. I would not have you ignorant - The subject is of so much importance that it demands particular attention and special care; compare the note at Co1 10:1. I would not have you ignorant in regard to the nature of those endowments; the spirit with which they should be received; the rules to which they who are thus favored should be subjected; and the feelings and views which should be cherished in all the members of the church in regard to them. Nothing is of more importance in the church than the doctrine respecting the influences and endowments of the Holy Spirit.

The Scofield Bible Commentary, by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, [1917]
spiritual gifts The Greek word, "pneumatika", literally means, "spirituals", that is, matters of or from the Holy Spirit, gives the key to Chapters 12, 13, 14. Chapter 12 concerns the Spirit in relation to the body of Christ. This relation is twofold: (1) The baptism with the Spirit forms the body by uniting believers to Christ the risen and glorified Head, and to each other (Co1 12:12); (Co1 12:13). The symbol of the body thus formed is the natural, human body (Co1 12:12), and all the analogies are freely used (Co1 12:14-26). (2) To each believer is given a spiritual enablement and capacity for specific service. No believer is destitute of such gift (Co1 12:7); (Co1 12:11); (Co1 12:27), but in their distribution the Spirit acts in free sovereignty (Co1 12:11). There is no room for self-choosing, and Christian service is simply the ministry of such gift as the individual may have received (cf) (Rom 12:4-8). The gifts are diverse (Co1 12:6); (Co1 12:8-10); (Co1 12:28-30), but all are equally honourable because bestowed by the same Spirit, administered under the same Lord, and energized by the same God.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]
Spiritual gifts The charismata, or special endowments of supernatural energy, such as prophecy and speaking with tongues. "Before this consciousness of a higher power than their own, the ordinary and natural faculties of the human mind seemed to retire, to make way for loftier aspirations, more immediate intimations of the divine will, more visible manifestations of the divine power.... It resembled in some degree the inspiration of the Jewish judges, psalmists, and prophets; it may be illustrated by the ecstasies and visions of prophets in all religions; but in its energy and universality it was peculiar to the christian society of the apostolic age" (Stanley).

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
Now concerning spiritual gifts - The abundance of these in the churches of Greece strongly refuted the idle learning of the Greek philosophers. But the Corinthians did not use them wisely, which occasioned St. Paul's writing concerning them. He describes, The unity of the body, 1Co. 12:1-27. The variety of members and offices, Co1 12:27-30. The way of exercising gifts rightly, namely, by love, Co1 12:31, Co1 13:1. throughout: and adds, A comparison of several gifts with each other, in the fourteenth chapter.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
Now concerning spiritual gifts - This was a subject about which they appear to have written to the apostle, and concerning which there were probably some contentions among them. The words περι των πνευματικων may as well be translated concerning spiritual persons, as spiritual gifts; and indeed the former agrees much better with the context. I would not have you ignorant - I wish you fully to know whence all such gifts come, and for what end they are given, that each person may serve the Church in the capacity in which God has placed him, that there may be no misunderstandings and no schism in the body.

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³⁸ But [1161] if any man [1536] be ignorant [50], let him be ignorant [50].

¹ Though [1437] I speak [2980] with the tongues [1100] of men [444] and [2532] of angels [32], and [1161] have [2192] not [3361] charity [26], I am become [1096] as sounding [2278] brass [5475], or [2228] a tinkling [214] cymbal [2950].
² And [2532] though [1437] I have [2192] the gift of prophecy [4394], and [2532] understand [1492] all [3956] mysteries [3466], and [2532] all [3956] knowledge [1108]; and [2532] though [1437] I have [2192] all [3956] faith [4102], so [5620] that I could remove [3179] mountains [3735], and [1161] have [2192] not [3361] charity [26], I am [1510] nothing [3762].
³ And [2532] though [1437] I bestow [5595] all [3956] my [3450] goods [5224] to feed [5595] the poor, and [2532] though [1437] I give [3860] my [3450] body [4983] to [2443] be burned [2545], and [1161] have [2192] not [3361] charity [26], it profiteth me [5623] nothing [3762].
⁴ Charity [26] suffereth long [3114], and is kind [5541]; charity [26] envieth [2206] not [3756]; charity [26] vaunteth [4068] not [3756] itself [4068], is [5448] not [3756] puffed up [5448],
⁵ Doth [807] not [3756] behave itself unseemly [807], seeketh [2212] not [3756] her own [1438], is [3947] not [3756] easily provoked [3947], thinketh [3049] no [3756] evil [2556];
⁶ Rejoiceth [5463] not [3756] in [1909] iniquity [93], but [1161] rejoiceth [4796] in the truth [225];
⁷ Beareth [4722] all things [3956], believeth [4100] all things [3956], hopeth [1679] all things [3956], endureth [5278] all things [3956].
⁸ Charity [26] never [3763] faileth [1601]: but [1161] whether [1535] there be prophecies [4394], they shall fail [2673]; whether [1535] there be tongues [1100], they shall cease [3973]; whether [1535] there be knowledge [1108], it shall vanish away [2673].
⁹ For [1063] we know [1097] in [1537] part [3313], and [2532] we prophesy [4395] in [1537] part [3313].
¹⁰ But [1161] when [3752] that which is perfect [5046] is come [2064], then [5119] that which is in [1537] part [3313] shall be done away [2673].
¹¹ When [3753] I was [2252] a child [3516], I spake [2980] as [5613] a child [3516], I understood [5426] as [5613] a child [3516], I thought [3049] as [5613] a child [3516]: but [1161] when [3753] I became [1096] a man [435], I put away [2673] childish things [3516].
¹² For [1063] now [737] we see [991] through [1223] a glass [2072], darkly [1722] [135]; but [1161] then [5119] face [4383] to [4314] face [4383]: now [737] I know [1097] in [1537] part [3313]; but [1161] then [5119] shall I know [1921] even as [2531] also [2532] I am known [1921].
¹³ And [1161] now [3570] abideth [3306] faith [4102], hope [1680], charity [26], these [5023] three [5140]; but [1161] the greatest [3187] of these [5130] is charity [26].

³¹ But [1161] covet earnestly [2206] the best [2909] gifts [5486]: and [2532] yet [2089] shew I [1166] unto you [5213] a more [2596] excellent [5236] way [3598].

²⁷ Now [1161] ye [5210] are [2075] the body [4983] of Christ [5547], and [2532] members [3196] in [1537] particular [3313].
²⁸ And [2532] [3739] God [2316] hath set [5087] some [3303] in [1722] the church [1577], first [4412] apostles [652], secondarily [1208] prophets [4396], thirdly [5154] teachers [1320], after that [1899] miracles [1411], then [1534] gifts [5486] of healings [2386], helps [484], governments [2941], diversities [1085] of tongues [1100].
²⁹ Are all [3361] [3956] apostles [652]? are all [3361] [3956] prophets [4396]? are all [3361] [3956] teachers [1320]? are all [3361] [3956] workers of miracles [1411]?
³⁰ Have [3361] [2192] all [3956] the gifts [5486] of healing [2386]? do all [3956] speak [3361] [2980] with tongues [1100]? do [3361] all [3956] interpret [1329]?

²² Many [4183] will say [2046] to me [3427] in [1722] that [1565] day [2250], Lord [2962], Lord [2962], have we [4395] not [3756] prophesied [4395] in thy [4674] name [3686]? and [2532] in thy [4674] name [3686] have cast out [1544] devils [1140]? and [2532] in thy [4674] name [3686] done [4160] many [4183] wonderful works [1411]?

¹ Moreover [1161], brethren [80], I would [2309] not [3756] that ye [5209] should be ignorant [50], how that [3754] all [3956] our [2257] fathers [3962] were [2258] under [5259] the cloud [3507], and [2532] all [3956] passed [1330] through [1223] the sea [2281];

²⁸ And [2532] [3739] God [2316] hath set [5087] some [3303] in [1722] the church [1577], first [4412] apostles [652], secondarily [1208] prophets [4396], thirdly [5154] teachers [1320], after that [1899] miracles [1411], then [1534] gifts [5486] of healings [2386], helps [484], governments [2941], diversities [1085] of tongues [1100].
²⁹ Are all [3361] [3956] apostles [652]? are all [3361] [3956] prophets [4396]? are all [3361] [3956] teachers [1320]? are all [3361] [3956] workers of miracles [1411]?
³⁰ Have [3361] [2192] all [3956] the gifts [5486] of healing [2386]? do all [3956] speak [3361] [2980] with tongues [1100]? do [3361] all [3956] interpret [1329]?

⁸ For [1063] to one [3739] [3303] is given [1325] by [1223] the Spirit [4151] the word [3056] of wisdom [4678]; [1161] to another [243] the word [3056] of knowledge [1108] by [2596] the same [846] Spirit [4151];
⁹ [1161] To another [2087] faith [4102] by [1722] the same [846] Spirit [4151]; [1161] to another [243] the gifts [5486] of healing [2386] by [1722] the same [846] Spirit [4151];
¹⁰ [1161] To another [243] the working [1755] of miracles [1411]; [1161] to another [243] prophecy [4394]; [1161] to another [243] discerning [1253] of spirits [4151]; [1161] to another [2087] divers kinds [1085] of tongues [1100]; [1161] to another [243] the interpretation [2058] of tongues [1100]:

⁶ And [2532] there are [1526] diversities [1243] of operations [1755], but [1161] it is [2076] the same [846] God [2316] which [3588] worketh [1754] all [3956] in [1722] all [3956].

⁴ For [1063] as [2509] we have [2192] many [4183] members [3196] in [1722] one [1520] body [4983], and [1161] all [3956] members [3196] have [2192] not [3756] the same [846] office [4234]:
⁵ So [3779] we [2070], being many [4183], are [2070] one [1520] body [4983] in [1722] Christ [5547], and [1161] every [2596] one [1520] members [3196] one of another [240].
⁶ Having [2192] then [1161] gifts [5486] differing [1313] according [2596] to the grace [5485] that is given [1325] to us [2254], whether [1535] prophecy [4394], let us prophesy according [2596] to the proportion [356] of faith [4102];
⁷ Or [1535] ministry [1248], let us wait on [1722] our ministering [1248]: or [1535] he that teacheth [1321], on [1722] teaching [1319];
⁸ Or [1535] he that exhorteth [3870], on [1722] exhortation [3874]: he that giveth [3330], let him do it with [1722] simplicity [572]; he that ruleth [4291], with [1722] diligence [4710]; he that sheweth mercy [1653], with [1722] cheerfulness [2432].

¹¹ But [1161] all [3956] these [5023] worketh [1754] that one [1520] and [2532] the selfsame [846] Spirit [4151], dividing [1244] to every man [1538] severally [2398] as [2531] he will [1014].

²⁷ Now [1161] ye [5210] are [2075] the body [4983] of Christ [5547], and [2532] members [3196] in [1537] particular [3313].

¹¹ But [1161] all [3956] these [5023] worketh [1754] that one [1520] and [2532] the selfsame [846] Spirit [4151], dividing [1244] to every man [1538] severally [2398] as [2531] he will [1014].

⁷ But [1161] the manifestation [5321] of the Spirit [4151] is given [1325] to every man [1538] to [4314] profit withal [4851].

¹⁴ [2532] For [1063] the body [4983] is [2076] not [3756] one [1520] member [3196], but [235] many [4183].
¹⁵ If [1437] the foot [4228] shall say [2036], Because [3754] I am [1510] not [3756] the hand [5495], I am [1510] not [3756] of [1537] the body [4983]; is [2076] it therefore [3756] [3844] [5124] not [3756] of [1537] the body [4983]?
¹⁶ And [2532] if [1437] the ear [3775] shall say [2036], Because [3754] I am [1510] not [3756] the eye [3788], I am [1510] not [3756] of [1537] the body [4983]; is [2076] it therefore [3756] [3844] [5124] not [3756] of [1537] the body [4983]?
¹⁷ If [1487] the whole [3650] body [4983] were an eye [3788], where [4226] were the hearing [189]? If [1487] the whole [3650] were hearing [189], where [4226] were the smelling [3750]?
¹⁸ But [1161] now [3570] hath [5087] God [2316] set [5087] the members [3196] every [1538] one [1520] of them [846] in [1722] the body [4983], as [2531] it hath pleased him [2309].
¹⁹ And [1161] if [1487] they were [2258] all [3956] one [1520] member [3196], where [4226] were the body [4983]?
²⁰ But [1161] now [3568] [3303] are they many [4183] members [3196], yet but [1161] one [1520] body [4983].
²¹ And [1161] the eye [3788] cannot [3756] [1410] say [2036] unto the hand [5495], I have [2192] no [3756] need [5532] of thee [4675]: nor [2228] again [3825] the head [2776] to the feet [4228], I have [2192] no [3756] need [5532] of you [5216].
²² Nay [235], much [4183] more [3123] those members [3196] of the body [4983], which seem [1380] to be [5225] more feeble [772], are [2076] necessary [316]:
²³ And [2532] those [3739] members of the body [4983], which we think [1380] to be [1511] less honourable [820], upon these [5125] we bestow [4060] more abundant [4055] honour [5092]; and [2532] our [2257] uncomely [809] parts have [2192] more abundant [4055] comeliness [2157].
²⁴ For [1161] our [2257] comely [2158] parts have [2192] no [3756] need [5532]: but [235] God [2316] hath tempered [4786] the body [4983] together [4786], having given [1325] more abundant [4055] honour [5092] to that part which lacked [5302]:
²⁵ That [3363] there should be [5600] no [3363] schism [4978] in [1722] the body [4983]; but [235] that the members [3196] should have [3309] the same [846] care [3309] one for [5228] another [240].
²⁶ And [2532] whether [1535] one [1520] member [3196] suffer [3958], all [3956] the members [3196] suffer with it [4841]; or [1535] one [1520] member [3196] be honoured [1392], all [3956] the members [3196] rejoice with it [4796].

¹² For [1063] as [2509] the body [4983] is [2076] one [1520], and [2532] hath [2192] many [4183] members [3196], and [1161] all [3956] the members [3196] of that one [1520] body [4983], being [5607] many [4183], are [2076] one [1520] body [4983]: so [3779] also [2532] is Christ [5547].

¹³ For [1063] [2532] by [1722] one [1520] Spirit [4151] are [907] we [2249] all [3956] baptized [907] into [1519] one [1520] body [4983], whether [1535] we be Jews [2453] or [1535] Gentiles [1672], whether [1535] we be bond [1401] or [1535] free [1658]; and [2532] have been [4222] all [3956] made to drink [4222] into [1519] one [1520] Spirit [4151].

³¹ But [1161] covet earnestly [2206] the best [2909] gifts [5486]: and [2532] yet [2089] shew I [1166] unto you [5213] a more [2596] excellent [5236] way [3598].