1 Corinthians 12:1

¶ Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

Now {G1161} concerning {G4012} spiritual {G4152} gifts, brethren {G80}, I would {G2309} not {G3756} have {G2309} you {G5209} ignorant {G50}.

But, brothers, I do not want you to go on being ignorant about the things of the Spirit.

Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed.

Now concerning spiritualgifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 12:1 (KJV)

The Apostle Paul opens a foundational discussion concerning the operation of the Holy Spirit within the early Christian community in Corinth. This verse serves as a crucial introduction to the broader topics of spiritual gifts, their purpose, and their proper use, which Paul elaborates on throughout 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14.

Context

The church in Corinth was dynamic and charismatic, yet also plagued by significant issues including divisions, immorality, and disorder in their corporate gatherings. It appears they had misunderstandings or even abuses concerning spiritual manifestations, perhaps influenced by their pagan backgrounds and previous encounters with ecstatic experiences that were not Spirit-led. Paul addresses this directly, stating, "I would not have you ignorant," highlighting the urgency and importance of proper theological understanding regarding these divine empowerments. This sets the stage for his corrective and instructive teaching.

Key Themes

  • Eliminating Ignorance: Paul's primary intent is to educate the Corinthian believers, and by extension, all believers, about spiritual realities. He emphasizes that understanding the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts is not optional but essential for a healthy church.
  • Introduction to Spiritual Matters: This verse signals the beginning of an extensive discourse on *pneumatika* (spiritual things). It prepares the reader for the detailed explanation of how the Holy Spirit works through believers for the common good.
  • Foundation for Unity in Diversity: While not explicitly stated in verse 1, this introduction sets the stage for Paul's teaching on the unity of the Spirit amidst the diversity of gifts, a core theme of 1 Corinthians 12.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "spiritual [gifts]" in the King James Version has the word "gifts" supplied in italics, indicating it's not present in the original Greek text. The Greek word used here is pneumatika (πνευματικά), which literally means "spiritual things" or "spirituals." This broader term suggests that Paul is not just referring to specific abilities, but to all matters pertaining to the Spirit's activity and manifestation within the church. This expansive understanding helps to frame the subsequent discussion, encompassing various manifestations of the Spirit, not just limited "gifts."

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 12:1 serves as a timeless call to seek knowledge and understanding regarding the work of the Holy Spirit. We are not meant to be ignorant concerning spiritual matters or the spiritual gifts God bestows upon His church. This verse encourages us to:

  • Seek Knowledge: Actively learn about the Holy Spirit and the various ways He empowers believers for service.
  • Embrace Divine Enablement: Recognize that spiritual gifts are given by God to build up the body of Christ, as further explained in Ephesians 4:11-12 and Romans 12:6-8.
  • Promote Order and Edification: Understand that spiritual manifestations should always lead to order, love, and the edification of others, as taught in 1 Corinthians 13 and 1 Corinthians 14.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 12:4 (12 votes)

    Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:11 (12 votes)

    But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:37 (5 votes)

    If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may prophesy.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:18 (4 votes)

    I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

  • Ephesians 4:11 (2 votes)

    And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

  • 2 Peter 3:8 (0 votes)

    ¶ But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day [is] with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.