1 Corinthians 12:5

KJV

And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} there are {G1526} differences {G1243} of administrations {G1248}, but {G2532} the same {G846} Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also there are different ways of serving, but it is the same Lord being served.

Berean Standard Bible

There are different ministries, but the same Lord.

American Standard Version

And there are diversities of ministrations, and the same Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 12:5 powerfully articulates the divine unity underlying the diverse expressions of Christian service within the church. It highlights that while there are manifold ways in which believers are called to minister and serve—referred to as "administrations" or "ministries"—all these varied functions are ultimately directed, empowered, and overseen by the one Lord, Jesus Christ. This verse serves as a crucial theological anchor, emphasizing Christ's supreme authority and headship over the church's operations, thereby fostering unity amidst functional diversity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's comprehensive teaching on spiritual gifts, unity, and order within the church, spanning [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ") through [1 Corinthians 14](/1_corinthians/14 "1 Corinthians 14 - Order in Worship"). Specifically, [1 Corinthians 12:5](/1_corinthians/12-5 "1 Corinthians 12:5 - Differences of Administrations") forms the second part of a Trinitarian declaration, following [1 Corinthians 12:4](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4 - Diversities of Gifts") ("Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit") and preceding [1 Corinthians 12:6](/1_corinthians/12-6 "1 Corinthians 12:6 - Diversities of Operations") ("And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all"). Paul systematically attributes the gifts to the Spirit, the ministries to the Lord Jesus, and the effects to God the Father, demonstrating the unified source of all spiritual activity despite its varied manifestations. This structure directly counters the Corinthian church's tendencies toward division, elitism, and disorder regarding spiritual manifestations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Corinth was a vibrant but problematic community, situated in a wealthy, cosmopolitan, and morally lax Roman city. Its diverse membership included both Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, leading to various internal conflicts. One significant issue was a misunderstanding and misuse of spiritual gifts, with some members elevating certain "showy" gifts (like speaking in tongues) over others, leading to pride, envy, and disunity. There was a lack of appreciation for less outwardly spectacular but equally vital ministries. Paul's letter, particularly [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - The Body of Christ"), addresses these specific challenges by emphasizing the organic unity of the church as the "body of Christ" and the necessity of every member and every gift for the body's proper functioning, all under the singular authority of Christ.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians "First Corinthians - Paul's Letter to the Church in Corinth") and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Unity in Diversity**, where the church, despite its varied members and functions, remains one cohesive entity. The "differences of administrations" highlight the varied ways believers serve, from teaching to administration to acts of mercy, yet all are united under "the same Lord." This directly relates to the theme of **Christ's Headship and Authority** over the church, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church"), where Christ is declared the head over all things to the church, which is His body. Furthermore, the concept of "administrations" points to the theme of **Service and Stewardship**, emphasizing that spiritual gifts are not for personal aggrandizement but for practical, Christ-honoring service within the community, as further expounded in [Romans 12:6-8](/romans/12-6-8 "Romans 12:6-8 - Gifts for Service").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **differences (Greek, _diaíresis'_):** From the root meaning "to divide" or "to distinguish," this term refers to a distinction, a variety, or a distribution. In this context, it emphasizes that the "administrations" are not uniform but are distinct and varied in their nature and application. It implies a purposeful differentiation rather than a chaotic disarray, reflecting God's design for a multifaceted church.
* **administrations (Greek, _diakonía'_):** This word signifies "service," "ministry," or "office of service." It is the root from which we derive "deacon." Unlike "gifts" (charismata) which are the endowments themselves, _diakonía_ refers to the practical outworking or functional aspect of these gifts. It encompasses the various ways believers serve the church and the world, whether through teaching, leading, helping, or evangelizing. It highlights the active, practical deployment of spiritual abilities.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** Meaning "supreme in authority," "controller," or "master," this title is consistently applied to Jesus Christ throughout the New Testament. In this verse, calling Jesus "the same Lord" underscores His singular and sovereign authority over all forms of Christian service and ministry. It asserts that every "administration," regardless of its nature or prominence, operates under His direction and for His glory, reinforcing His ultimate headship over the church.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there are differences of administrations":** This clause introduces the reality of diverse forms of service within the Christian community. It acknowledges that the ways believers minister and the roles they fulfill are not uniform but are varied and distinct. This "difference" is not a flaw or a source of division, but an intentional design, reflecting the multifaceted needs of the church and the varied callings of its members. These "administrations" are the practical, functional expressions of the spiritual gifts.
* **"but the same Lord":** This contrasting phrase immediately follows, asserting the singular, unifying authority over all these diverse ministries. Despite the "differences" in how service is rendered, the ultimate source of direction, power, and purpose is the one Lord, Jesus Christ. This declaration ensures that no ministry operates independently or boasts of its own merit, but all are accountable to and derive their legitimacy from Christ's sovereign rule. It provides the essential theological glue that binds the varied parts into a cohesive whole.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in [1 Corinthians 12:5](/1_corinthians/12-5 "1 Corinthians 12:5 - Differences of Administrations") to convey his message effectively. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, as this verse forms a direct structural and thematic parallel with [1 Corinthians 12:4](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4 - Diversities of Gifts") ("diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit") and [1 Corinthians 12:6](/1_corinthians/12-6 "1 Corinthians 12:6 - Diversities of Operations") ("diversities of operations, but the same God"). This tripartite structure creates a powerful Trinitarian statement, systematically attributing different aspects of spiritual activity to each person of the Godhead, thereby reinforcing the unified divine origin of all church functions. Additionally, there is a clear **Contrast** within the verse itself: "differences of administrations" is set against "but the same Lord." This juxtaposition highlights that while the expressions of service are varied, the ultimate authority and unifying principle remain singular. This rhetorical strategy effectively counters the Corinthian tendency towards division by emphasizing the overarching unity found in Christ's headship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 12:5 profoundly impacts our understanding of ecclesiology and Christology. It firmly establishes that the church's diverse ministries are not merely human endeavors but divine appointments, all flowing from and accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ. This verse reinforces the concept of Christ's active headship over His body, the church, ensuring that every function, every role, and every act of service is directed by His will and for His glory. It speaks against any form of spiritual hierarchy that would elevate one ministry over another, reminding believers that all service finds its common purpose and ultimate authority in the "same Lord." This theological truth fosters humility, interdependence, and a unified mission within the Christian community, preventing pride and division by rooting all service in Christ.

* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body"): Just as our bodies have many parts, all with different functions, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for Equipping the Saints"): Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.
* [Colossians 3:17](/colossians/3-17 "Colossians 3:17 - Do All in the Name of the Lord Jesus"): Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 12:5 offers timeless guidance for individual believers and the collective church. For individuals, it calls for a humble recognition that whatever ministry or service we undertake, it is not our own, but belongs to the Lord. This perspective guards against pride in our gifts or roles and encourages a spirit of stewardship, knowing that we are merely instruments in the Master's hands. It also liberates us from comparing our "administration" to others, as each is equally valid and necessary under the same Lord. For the church, this verse is a powerful antidote to internal strife and competition. It champions unity by reminding us that despite diverse methodologies, organizational structures, or ministry emphases, our ultimate allegiance is to the one Lord. This shared loyalty should transcend any differences in approach, fostering collaboration, mutual respect, and a singular focus on Christ's mission. When every "administration" is consciously submitted to the "same Lord," the church truly functions as a cohesive, powerful force for God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to elevate my "administration" or spiritual gift above others, and how does acknowledging "the same Lord" correct this tendency?**
* **How can our local church better foster unity and collaboration among its diverse ministries, ensuring all are clearly submitted to the Lordship of Christ?**
* **Considering that all "administrations" are from the same Lord, how does this truth impact my willingness to serve in areas that may not be my primary gifting or preference?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between "gifts," "administrations," and "operations" in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6?**

Answer: Paul uses these three terms to describe different facets of the Holy Spirit's work within the church, each attributed to a different person of the Trinity, showcasing divine unity in diversity. "Gifts" (Greek: _charismata_, [1 Corinthians 12:4](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4 - Diversities of Gifts")) refers to the spiritual endowments or abilities themselves, given by the Holy Spirit. These are the innate capacities or supernatural empowerments. "Administrations" (Greek: _diakoniai_, [1 Corinthians 12:5](/1_corinthians/12-5 "1 Corinthians 12:5 - Differences of Administrations")) refers to the practical ways these gifts are put into service or ministry. It's about the function, the office, or the specific role through which a gift is exercised, all under the direction of the Lord Jesus Christ. "Operations" (Greek: _energēmata_, [1 Corinthians 12:6](/1_corinthians/12-6 "1 Corinthians 12:6 - Diversities of Operations")) refers to the effects, results, or powerful workings produced by these gifts and ministries. These are the actual manifestations or outcomes, which are ultimately empowered by God the Father, who "worketh all in all." In essence, gifts are the abilities, administrations are the ways they are used, and operations are the divine effects.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 12:5 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself, who perfectly embodied diverse "administrations" while always operating under the singular authority of God. As the quintessential servant, Jesus demonstrated the supreme "administration" of love and sacrifice, fulfilling His mission to seek and save the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and to Save the Lost")). He is the "same Lord" who not only directs all Christian ministry but also inaugurated it through His own life of service, His atoning death ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")), and His resurrection. Through His ascension, Christ was given all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and He now pours out the Holy Spirit to empower His church for diverse ministries ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Jesus Exalted and the Spirit Poured Out")). Thus, every "difference of administration" within the church today is a continuation of Christ's own ministry, empowered by His Spirit, and ultimately directed by Him as the living Head of His body ([Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Ephesians 4:15-16 - Christ as the Head of the Body")). The unity in diversity of Christian service therefore points directly to the singular, sovereign Lordship of Jesus Christ, making Him the central figure and unifying force of all true ministry.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 4:11

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

Ephesians 4:12

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Romans 14:8

For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

Romans 14:9

For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

1 Corinthians 12:28

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:29

[Are] all apostles? [are] all prophets? [are] all teachers? [are] all workers of miracles?

Matthew 23:10

Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, [even] Christ.