Commentaries Dictionaries Concordances

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

1 Corinthians 12:2

Verse 1 Corinthians 12:2. Ye were Gentiles] Previously to your conversion to the Christian faith; ye were heathens, carried away, not guided by reason or truth, but hurried by your passions into a senseless worship, the chief part of which was calculated only to excite and gratify animal propensities.

Dumb idols] Though often supplicated, could never return an answer; so that not only the image could not speak, but the god or demon pretended to be represented by it could not speak: a full proof that an idol was nothing in the world.

Continues after advertising

See also 1 Corinthians 12:2 in other biblical comments:

  • Albert Barnes' Bible Commentary

    YE KNOW ... - This verse is regarded by many as a parenthesis. But it is not necessary to suppose that it is so, or that it does not cohere with that which follows. The design seems to be to remind th...

  • Annotated Bible by A.C. Gaebelein

    2. THE BODY AND THE MEMBERS OF THE BODY CHAPTER 12 _ 1. Concerning spiritual manifestations and diversities of gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:1 .)_ 2. The Body and its members. (1 Corinthians 12:12 .) In...

  • Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

    He begins by distinguishing true gifts of the Spirit from their counterfeit. Unhappily 1 Corinthians 12:2 is far from clear, and the text is perhaps corrupt. Paul may appeal to their experience of ecs...

  • Barclay Daily Study Bible (NT)

    Brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant about manifestations of the Spirit. You know that when you were heathens you were led away to dumb idols, just as any impulse moved you. I want you therefore...

  • Barclay Daily Study Bible (NT)

    THE CONFESSION OF THE SPIRIT (1 Corinthians 12:1-3)...

  • Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes

    KNOW. App-132. GENTILES. Greek. _ethnos._ CARRIED. led. Greek. _apago._ First occurance: Matthew 7:13. UNTO. App-104. THESE. Omit. DUMB. Greek. _aphonos._ See Acts 8:32. Compare...

  • Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

    1 Corinthians 12:1-11. Spiritual Gifts; their origin and character "We have often to remind ourselves that this Epistle was addressed to a Church in a state of faction. One cause of rivalry was the me...

  • Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

    _that ye were Gentiles_ Most modern editors read -that _when_ye were Gentiles" here. The similarity of ὅτε and ὅτι, and the fact that the introduction of the former produces an unfinished construction...

  • Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges Commentary

    ὍΤΕ אABCDE Vulg. Omit FG Peshito. Origen reads ὅτε. Its omission after ὅτι is easily accounted for, especially as the omission improves the grammar. 2. ὍΤΙ ὍΤΕ … ἈΠΑΓΌΜΕΝΟΙ. The sentence ends in an an...

  • Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges Commentary

    1 Corinthians 12:1-11. SPIRITUAL GIFTS; THEIR ORIGIN AND CHARACTER ‘We have often to remind ourselves that this Epistle was addressed to a Church in a state of faction. One cause of rivalry was the me...

  • Charles Box Commentaries

    _MANY MEMBERS WITH DIFFERENT GIFTS 1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-11:_ Sadly the brethren at Corinth were divided over "men." Paul wanted it understood that God had given different spiritual gifts to different me...

  • Charles Rose Commentaries

    ΉΤΕ _impf. ind. act. от_ ΕΙΜΊ (G1510) быть. ΆΦΩΝΟΣ (G880) безгласный, немой, ώς ΆΝ (G5613; G302) используется с _impf._ для указания на повторение (RG, 974). ΉΓΕΣΘΕ _impf. ind. pass. от_ ΆΓ (G71) ве...

  • College Press Bible Study Textbook Series

    BUTLER'S COMMENTS SECTION 1 Sovereign of Diversity (1 Corinthians 12:1-3) 12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2You know that when you were heathen, you w...

  • College Press Bible Study Textbook Series

    APPLEBURY'S COMMENTS _Text_ 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. Now concerning spiritual gifts. brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2 Ye know that when ye were Gentiles ye were led away unto those dumb idols...

  • Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

    Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. THAT YE WERE. (Ephesians 2:11) So B G f. But 'Aleph (') A C Delta g, Vulgate, read 'that WHEN ye were:' thus...

  • Concordant Commentary on the New Testament by A. E. Knoch

    21 The phrase..the Lord's _ supper_ " is misleading. Supper denotes an _ evening _ meal, but the word here employed has no such significance, though its first observance was at night. The word denotes...

  • Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

    _(E) SPIRITUAL GIFTS_ In the early Church various powers, faculties, and graces were bestowed on individual Christians by the Holy Spirit. Some of these were distinctly miraculous, such as prophecy, t...

  • Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

    GENTILES] and so ignorant of all spiritual gifts, and requiring guidance now....

  • EasyEnglish Bible Commentaries

    SERVANTS OF CHRIST 1 CORINTHIANS _HILDA BRIGHT_ CHAPTER 12 *SPIRITUAL GIFTS 12:1-31 1. JESUS IS *LORD 12:1-3 V1 Now about the *Holy Spirit’s gifts, *brothers and *sisters, I do not want to leav...

  • Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

    YE KNOW THAT YE WERE GENTILES. — Better (according to the weight of MSS. evidence), _Ye know that when ye were Gentiles ye were,_ &c. In this and the following verse the Apostle reminds his readers th...

  • Expositor's Bible Commentary (Nicoll)

    CHAPTER 18 CONCERNING SPIRITUAL GIFTS This Epistle is well fitted to disabuse our minds of the idea that the primitive Church was in all respects superior to the Church of our own day. We turn page a...

  • Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

    On the critical reading, οἴδατε ὅτι ὅτε ἔθνη ἦτε … ὡς ἂν ἤγεσθε ἀπαγόμενοι, there are two plausible constructions: (_a_) that of Bg [1815], Bm [1816] (pp. 383 f.), Ed [1817], who regard ὡς as a resump...

  • Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

    § 39. THE VARIOUS CHARISMS OF THE ONE SPIRIT. In treating of the questions of Church order discussed in this Div. of the Ep., the Ap. penetrates from the outward and visible to that which is innermost...

  • Frederick Brotherton Meyer's Commentary

    DIFFERING SPIRITUAL GIFTS 1 Corinthians 12:1 Each believer, being an heir of God, has the _same amount of grace_ placed to his credit in the heavenly bank, on which he can draw in time of need. This...

  • G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

    Now the apostle turned from the corrective section of his letter to the constructive as he proceeded to deal with the spiritualities which negative the carnalities. These are those of the unifying Spi...

  • Gary Hampton Commentaries

    Recognizing God's Spirit It must be remembered that the people of Corinth were primarily Gentiles who had served idols all their lives. They were ignorant of God's will. Spiritual gifts were given by...

  • Geneva Study Bible Commentary

    (2) Ye know that ye were (b) Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. (2) He reproves the same by comparing their former state with that in which they were at this time, bei...

  • George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary

    _You went to dumb idols. He speaks to the Gentiles before their conversion, to put them in mind, how much happier they are by receiving the faith of Christ, and such graces and favours from God. (With...

  • Godet's commentary on Luke, John, Romans, 1 Corinthians

    “Now as to spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2. Ye know that when ye were Gentiles, ye were carried away unto dumb idols, even as ye were driven. 3. Wherefore I give you to und...

  • Godet's commentary on Luke, John, Romans, 1 Corinthians

    Of the three readings given in the note, the first, that of the T. R. (ὅτι alone), is not admissible; would it not be superfluous to say to Corinthian readers, “Ye know that ye were Gentiles”? Holsten...

  • Hawker's Poor man's commentary

    (1) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. (2) Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. (3) Wherefore I give you to und...

  • Introductory Lectures - Commentary by William Kelly

    As usual, the introductory words (1 Corinthians 1:1-3) of the epistle give us no little intimation of that which is to follow. The apostle speaks of himself as such "called [to be] an apostle of Jesus...

  • James Nisbet's Church Pulpit Commentary

    _A RETROSPECT_ ‘Ye were Gentiles.’ 1 Corinthians 12:2 This was language which could only be applied to a section of the early Christians. The change which those had undergone, who had been brought...

  • John Darby's Synopsis

    The other branch of the truth, in reference to the assembly of God in general and to the assemblies, is the presence and the gifts of the Holy Ghost. These, as well as the Lord's supper, are in connec...

  • John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

    YE KNOW THAT YE WERE GENTILES,.... That is, by religion; hence the Syriac version renders it חנפא, "profane" persons, given up to wickedness, bigotry, and superstition; for by nation they were Gentile...

  • John Trapp Complete Commentary

    Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Ver. 2. _Even as ye were led_] It is the misery of a natural man that hath not his heart stablished with grace,...

  • Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

    _Now concerning spiritual gifts_ Miraculous gifts of the Holy Ghost, bestowed on many believers in those times, for their confirmation in the faith, and the conviction of infidels. The abundance of th...

  • Justin Edwards' Family Bible New Testament (1851)

    YE WERE LED; by Satan and those under his influence. These words seem to contain the reason why the Corinthians should receive instruction respecting spiritual gifts. They have just come out of the da...

  • Kretzmann's Popular Commentary of the Bible

    OF THE USE AND PURPOSE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS. All spiritual gifts from God:...

  • Kretzmann's Popular Commentary of the Bible

    YE KNOW THAT YE WERE GENTILES, CARRIED AWAY UNTO THESE DUMB IDOLS, EVEN AS YE WERE LED....

  • Leslie M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible

    The Lord's supper has been first considered, being the most important of all gatherings, because it is for the united expression of the affections of the saints toward Him. Now ministry toward the sai...

  • Mark Dunagan Commentaries

    YE KNOW THAT WHEN YE WERE GENTILES YE WERE LED AWAY UNTO THOSE DUMB IDOLS, HOWSOEVER YE MIGHT LED. 'that when ye were Gentiles' -i.e. before their conversion. 'when you were pagans.' (NASV) Indicati...

  • Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible

    1-11 Spiritual gifts were extraordinary powers bestowed in the first ages, to convince unbelievers, and to spread the gospel. Gifts and graces greatly differ. Both were freely given of God. But where...

  • Matthew Poole's Concise Commentary On The Bible

    YE KNOW THAT YE WERE GENTILES; so they were still in respect of their birth and country; but he speaketh with reference to their religion and way of worship. CARRIED AWAY UNTO THESE DUMB IDOLS; carrie...

  • McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries

    Ye know that when ye were Gentiles ye were led away unto those dumb idols, howsoever ye might be led....

  • Patchworkid's Personal Study Bible Notes

    1 Corinthians 12:2 know G1492 (G5758) that G3754 were G2258 (G5713) Gentiles G1484 away G520 (G5746) to...

  • Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

    A WARNING THAT SPIRITUAL GIFTS CAN BE IMITATED BY EVIL FORCES (12:1-3) 'Now concerning spiritual things (‘what is spiritual'), brothers, I would not have you ignorant. You know that when you were Gen...

  • Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

    SPIRITUAL GIFTS FOR THE WELL-BEING OF CHRIST AND HIS BODY (12:1-14:33). Paul now begins his reply to their question about spiritual gifts ('concerning spiritual things') and immediately gives an initi...

  • Philip Schaff's Popular Commentary on the NT (4 vols)

    1 Corinthians 12:2. YE KNOW THAT WHEN [2] YE WERE GENTILES (heathen), _ye were_ LED AWAY UNTO THOSE DUMB IDOLS, HOWSOEVER YE MIGHT BE LED: ‘As for your gods, they were “dumb idols” which, whatever cra...

  • Philip Schaff's Popular Commentary on the NT (4 vols)

    _First principle:_ ‘Recognition of “Jesus as the Lord” is an unfailing test of the reality of spiritual gifts.' This is stated both negatively and positively. Ver. 3. WHEREFORE I GIVE YOU TO UNDERSTA...

  • Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament

    YE WERE LED AWAY (απαγομενο). The copula ητε is not expressed (common ellipsis) with the participle (periphrastic imperfect passive), but it has to be supplied to make sense. Some scholars would ch...

  • Spurgeon's Bible Commentary

    1 Corinthians 12:1. _Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led._ Although the mem...

  • Summarized Bible Commentary

    CONTENTS: Spiritual gifts in the Body of Christ, for ministry and worship. CHARACTERS: God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Paul. CONCLUSION: The Body of Christ in the world is for the service for, and manifesta...

  • Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

    1 Corinthians 12:1. _Now concerning spiritual gifts,_ and gifts promised to old men, to young men, and to handmaids, according to Joel 2:28, I would now speak, in the third part of this epistle, and a...

  • The Bible Study New Testament

    WHILE YOU WERE STILL HEATHEN. The pagans were led by no intelligent, conscious guidance (which the Holy Spirit gives), but by an occult power (_of demons,_ 1 Corinthians 10:19-21) through the idol. [S...

  • The Biblical Illustrator

    _Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols._ THE GREAT CHANGE AND ITS OBLIGATIONS Observe-- I. The condition of the heathen. 1. Worshippers of dumb idols. 2. Carried away...

  • The Biblical Illustrator

    _Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant._ SPIRITUAL GIFTS The particular gifts to which St. Paul was referring were not exactly as a whole like anything that is to be...

  • The ESV Global Study Bible's Study Notes

    1 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1 CORINTHIANS 12:2 PAGANS. Literally, “Gentiles” or non-Jews. The Corinthians, although not ethnic Jews, are now part of God’s people. They are connected to OT Israel. See v....

  • The ESV Global Study Bible's Study Notes

    1 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 1 CORINTHIANS 12:1 Some Corinthian Christians seem to have been creating divisions over spiritual gifts. Paul’s use of the body analogy in 1 Corinthians 12

  • The Great Commentary of Cornelius à Lapide

    CHAPTER 12 SYNOPSIS OF THE CHAPTER In this and the two following Chapter s S. Paul discusses Christian gifts and graces. In this chapter he points out I. That gifts are variously distributed by the...

  • The Great Commentary of Cornelius à Lapide

    _Ye know that ye were Gentiles_, &c. You were led like slaves, by custom, by the institutions of your ancestors, by religious tradition, and by diabolic agency to these dumb idols. For the Hebraism in...

  • The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary

    _CRITICAL NOTES_ 1 Corinthians 12:1.—GIFTS is a translators’ supplement; right in fact, as 1 Corinthians 12:4 show; slightly too precise in word. Almost certainly _neuter_, and so very general, “_spir...

  • The Pulpit Commentaries

    EXPOSITION 1 Corinthians 12:1.—1 Corinthians 14:1.—ON SPIRITUAL GIFTS, AND THE DANGER WHICH AROSE FROM THE

  • Through The Bible C2000 Serie by Chuck Smith

    Now concerning the spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you be ignorant (1 Corinthians 12:1). An interesting statement of Paul, because I think that in the church one of the areas where the gre...

  • Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

    1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Peter 1:18; 1 Peter 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:9;...

  • Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament (4 Volume Set)

    Ye were carried away [α π α γ ο μ ε ν ο ι]. Blindly hurried. Rev., led. Dumb idols. Compare Psalms 115:5; Psalms 115:7. And Milton : "The oracles are dumb, No voice or hideous hum Runs through the a...

  • Wells of Living Water Commentary

    CONCERNING SPIRITUAL GIFTS 1 Corinthians 12:1 INTRODUCTORY WORDS 1. A contrast between the spiritual and the carnal in Abram and Lot (Genesis 18:1 and Genesis 19:1). 2. A contrast between

  • Wesley's Explanatory Notes

    Ye were heathens — Therefore, whatever gifts ye have received, it is from the free grace of God. Carried away — By a blind credulity. After dumb idols — The blind to the dumb; idols of wood and stone,...

  • William Burkitt's Expository Notes

    Observe here, 1. How the apostle reminds the Corinthians of what they were in their heathenish state; namely, idolatrous Gentiles, serving DUMB IDOLS; for though the devil sometimes spake in and by th...

Continues after advertising