1 Corintios 12:4

διαιρέσεις. This word is variously translated in the A.V., according to the custom of the translators, differences and diversities, in this passage. It signifies originally the act of dividing. But it comes to mean the results of such division. Thus in 1 Crónicas 26:1; 2 Crónicas 8:14; Esdras 6:18 (LXX.

) it is applied to the classes or courses into which the Priests and Levites were divided for the temple service just as we use the word division. Marcus Aurelius (Medit. IV. 21) uses it for the division of things into their various species; τίς ἐπὶ τοῦτον ἡ ἱστορία τῆς�; διαίρεσις εἰς τὸ ὑλικὸν καὶ τὸ αἰτιῶδες. Thus here it means not the act, but the fact of distribution, not the difference between the gifts in themselves, but the fact that they are variously apportioned.

Translate, there are various kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are various kinds of ministries, but the same Lord, and there are various kinds of operations, &c. The word only occurs here in the N. T.

χαρισμάτων. See ch. 1 Corintios 1:7; 1 Corintios 7:7. The word is of N. T. origin. It usually signifies something granted in consequence of peculiar grace or favour, a special gift from God, a favour, as we say.

It applies to any gift whatever over and above the gift of life in Christ which is the common property of all. See for instance Romanos 12:6; 1 Timoteo 4:14; 2 Timoteo 1:6; 1 Pedro 4:10.

But in Romanos 5:15-16; Romanos 6:23, it is applied to the gift of life in Christ itself, as flowing from the Divine χάρις or goodwill towards man.

τὸ δὲ αὐτὸ πνεῦμα. The unity of the source is strongly insisted upon, to put an end to the mutual jealousy of the Corinthians. And it is remarkable that each person in the Blessed Trinity is introduced to emphasize the argument, and in contrary order (as Estius remarks), in order to lead us step by step to the One Source of all. First the Spirit, Who bestows the ‘gifts’ on the believer.

Next the Lord, to Whom men render service in His Church. Lastly God the Father, from Whom all proceeds, Whose are all the works which are done to Him and in His Name. Cf. ch. 1 Corintios 3:7; 1 Corintios 3:9; 1 Corintios 3:23; 1 Corintios 8:6.