1 Corinthians 12 - Introduction

FIRST CORINTHIANS-CHAPTER 12:

OUTLINE AND COMMENTARY-MARK DUNAGAN

I. OUTLINE OF CHAPTER 12:

I. The Test For Alleged Inspiration: 1 Corinthians 12:1-3

II. The Unity Behind The Various Gifts: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

III. The Gifts Enumerated: 1 Corinthians 12:8-11

IV. An Appeal For Unity/The Body And It's Members: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

II. INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER 12:

This chapter begins. discussion of the problems that the Corinthians were having with the spiritual gifts given them (1 Corinthians 1:4-7). In this section we will find: (1) Their variety. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 28-30) (2) Their interdependence. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; 1427-29) (3) The proper motive for their use, which was more important that the actual gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:31-1 Corinthians 13:8) (4) Their duration. (1 Corinthians 13:8-13) (5) Their regulation in the assembly. (Chapter 14)

In Chapter s 12-14, we observe that the Corinthians had some specific problems in relation to these gifts. (1) They seemed ignorant of the interdependence of the various gifts. (2) They were exercising such gifts in. very unloving and prideful way. (3) Those who didn't possess such gifts or the more flamboyant among the various gifts, were looked down upon (1 Corinthians 12:21-25). And such "ungifted" members were thinking that they were unneeded. (1 Corinthians 12:14-20) (4). spirit of competition had developed in the assembly over who would be allowed to speak. (1 Corinthians 14:26-33) (5) They had lost sight of the main purpose of such gifts, i.e. the edification of the whole body and not merely the individual who possessed them. (1 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Corinthians 14:3-5)

'These supernatural endowments were being regarded by the Corinthian Christians as ends in themselves. They were being displayed for the pride and gratification of their possessors.' (Erdman p. 118)

'And the gifts of God which were given to upbuild and bring benefit to the whole community of believers became another occasion of stumbling...Arrogance was present in the gifted, jealousy and feelings of uselessness lived in the ungifted..Some wished to dominate the assembly time in the exercise of their ministry..' (McGuiggan p. 165)

Willis cites an interesting point of view, when he says, 'Several commentators are of the opinion that the Corinthian problem was caused by the pagan influences in Corinth. The idolatrous religions in Corinth are reported to have experienced ecstatic utterances as well..No doubt the pagan converts tended to look upon the miraculous spiritual gifts in terms of their past experiences..The Corinthian who was used to seeing. pagan priest in ecstacy undoubtedly tended to view the miraculous spiritual gifts...in the same way..Hence, he probably did not think that it made any difference whether what one said was understood or not by the congregation..' (pp. 412-413)

Before we proceed into this section, let us consider two points:

1. The spiritual gifts had divine purpose: (a) To demonstrate that the speaker was from God and what he said was truth, especially important when no New Testament as yet had been compiled. (John 3:2; Acts 2:22; Hebrews 2:4) (b) They aided in the spread of the gospel. (Acts 2:6 ff) (c) They gave the church. body of revealed truth, in the absence of. completed New Testament. (1 Corinthians 13:9) (d) 'They assured weak converts that God was indeed in that church for which they had abandoned their former religions.' (McGarvey p. 120) (1 Corinthians 14:25)

2. 'The principles which Paul sets forth in discussing these gifts apply to those natural and providential talents and abilities which are granted at the present time to equip men for the propagation of the gospel and for the upbuilding and extension of the church.' (Erdman p. 118)

III. COMMENTARY ON CHAPTER 12: