Reading Plan · Day 329
Changes this passage only. Set your default for every passage.
1 Corinthians 10-12
Day 329
The second topic the church in Corinth wrote about that Paul wanted to address was "things sacrificed to idols." In Chapter 8, Paul began his three chapter answer for whether believers ought to eat food sacrificed to idols. Paul stated love, not knowledge, ought to guide the believer's actions. Paul explained that the WHAT (eating food sacrificed to idols) was not wrong, it was the HOW and WHY supporting this WHAT. Paul gave an example where knowing that it was possible to eat food sacrificed to idols could result in sinning against a believer who was weaker in the faith, which ultimately could lead to sinning against Christ. Paul referred to the context he presented in Chapter 5 concerning being a stumblingblock to support this Doctrine. In the previous chapter, Paul turned the focus on himself and his own liberty. Paul stated that he needed to have the causes (HOW and WHY) for the effects (WHAT) that he represented, otherwise he was a castaway. Paul defended his receiving carnal resources for giving spiritual value. The following chapter was the third and final part of Paul's answer to this complex question.
Day 329 Read
Where You Stopped
1 Corinthians 10
1For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3and did all eat the same spiritual food; 4and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of a spiritual rock that followed them: and the rock was Christ.
1Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
4And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
Commentary · verses 1-4
5Howbeit with most of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
5But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
Commentary · verse 5
This event Paul referenced was recorded in Numbers 14. These first five verses showed that during the Dispensation of the Law, God had provided everything necessary for Salvation, and people chose not to accept it.
6Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
6Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
Commentary · verse 6
This verse and the next five were a reminder to people of our dispensation that God had also provided everything necessary for Salvation and we should learn from the mistakes others had made, otherwise we will end up like them. This was learning by understanding. Learning by mistakes you make yourself is learning by experience.
7Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
7Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
Commentary · verse 7
Paul referenced Exodus 32:6.
8Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
8Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
Commentary · verse 8
Paul mentioned an event that was recorded in Numbers 25.
9Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents.
9Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
Commentary · verse 9
Paul mentioned an event that was recorded in Numbers 21.
10Neither murmur ye, as some of them murmured, and perished by the destroyer.
10Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
Commentary · verse 10
Paul mentioned an event that was recorded in Numbers 11.
11Now these things happened unto them by way of example; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come.
11Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
Commentary · verse 11
Paul mentioned these examples to warn us.
12Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
12Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Commentary · verse 12
Pride comes before the fall. Pride is the cause of falling. This verse was similar to the three verses that immediately preceded Paul's answer to this second doctrinal question: 1 Corinthians 8:1-3.
13There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it.
13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Commentary · verse 13
Temptation is common to all men. However, God will not suffer us to be tempted above that which we are able. God will always make a way to escape (grace) that we can bear it. God's influence on your heart will give you an escape from temptation, it is your choice to allow it to be reflected in your life.
14Wherefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
15I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
14Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
15I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
Commentary · verses 14-15
Doctrine: Flee from idolatry. Paul said he was speaking as if the Corinthians were wise. He was giving them an opportunity to hear "meat" instead of "milk."
16The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a communion of the body of Christ?
17seeing that we, who are many, are one bread, one body: for we all partake of the one bread.
18Behold Israel after the flesh: have not they that eat the sacrifices communion with the altar?
16The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
17For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
18Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
Commentary · verses 16-18
Paul showed that taking communion (which involved eating and drinking) caused a bond (covenant) to be formed between the believer and Christ. Likewise, eating with those who eat to something other than God have communion with other gods.
19What say I then? that a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything?
19What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
Commentary · verse 19
Again, Paul was getting across the fact that idols are void of truth. Idols are unprofitable. The WHAT (idols and food) were not the issue.
20But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have communion with demons.
21Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons: ye cannot partake of the table of the Lord, and of the table of demons.
20But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
21Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.
Commentary · verses 20-21
Paul used the principle of non-contradiction to show that you cannot serve the Lord and demons at the same time. What is sacrificed to demons is not sacrificed to God.
22Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
23All things are lawful; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful; but not all things edify.
22Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
23All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
Commentary · verses 22-23
Paul repeated this critical sentence: All things are lawful but all things do not edify and all things are not profitable. Paul was focused on being profitable (what to do), not on laws (what not to do). Paul was focused on the HOW and WHY, not the WHAT.
24Let no man seek his own, but each his neighbor’s good.
24Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.
Commentary · verse 24
Paul referenced love: giving to others without expecting anything in return from the person to whom we give. This is the guiding principle. Next, Paul specifically applied it.
25Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, eat, asking no question for conscience’ sake; 26for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.
27If one of them that believe not biddeth you to a feast, and ye are disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience’ sake.
25Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
26For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.
27If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
Commentary · verses 25-27
Ask no question for conscience sake!?!? This was right in line with the definition of sin ("that which is done apart from faith"). If you do not know that the meat set before you was sacrificed to idols then it is not sin since you are not acting apart from faith (understanding and experience), even if you suspect it was sacrificed to idols. Paul just stated you can eat meat sacrificed to idols and it would not be sin if you did not know it was sacrificed to idols...and if you suspect it is, do not ask so you can eat it. Anyone who says "sin is sin" to mean that the action (WHAT) is sinful in and of itself, and is sin for everyone who does it, is actually contradicting God's Word.
28But if any man say unto you, This hath been offered in sacrifice, eat not, for his sake that showed it, and for conscience’ sake:
28But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof:
Commentary · verse 28
If you find out that it was sacrificed to idols, do not eat the meat "for conscience sake"…
29conscience, I say, not thine own, but the other’s; for why is my liberty judged by another conscience?
29Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?
Commentary · verse 29
…but, not your conscience but the conscience of others (who have a weak conscience). Paul explained a guideline for evangelism. If we want to reach others for Christ, we can participate in their rituals as long as we do not know they are sinful. However, when we find out that they are sinful, we need to not participate in them so that we do not mislead the people we are evangelizing.
30If I partake with thankfulness, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
30For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
Commentary · verse 30
Paul then asked why his liberty (the subject of Chapter 9) was judged by another person's conscience and why was he spoken of negatively when he did something well.
31Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
31Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Commentary · verse 31
Doctrine: Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God...which is loving God: giving God a value.
32Give no occasion of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God: 33even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved.
32Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
33Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
Commentary · verses 32-33
Paul's answer was that he loved everyone in order to evangelize to them, which meant his HOW and WHY needed to be seeking the benefit of others so that they get saved.
Commentary · verse 33
Theme of Chapter 10: Paul concluded his answer to the question: "Can we eat meat sacrificed to idols?" The answer: Whatever we do, we ought to do it for the glory of God so that others benefit and become saved.
Doctrines on this passage
Where You Stopped
1 Corinthians 11
1Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.
1Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Commentary · verse 1
Be followers of Paul in the things as Paul was a follower of Christ.
2Now I praise you that ye remember me in all things, and hold fast the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.
2Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
Commentary · verse 2
Paul also praised these believers for holding to the traditions that Paul taught, which would have been from God's Word and not from man like the Pharisees taught.
3But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
3But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
Commentary · verse 3
God is the head of Christ. Christ is the head of man. Man is the head of woman.
4Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoreth his head.
4Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.
Commentary · verse 4
The Jewish custom was the opposite of this verse. Paul was stating that Christianity promoted people having an open face to God.
5But every woman praying or prophesying with her head unveiled dishonoreth her head; for it is one and the same thing as if she were shaven.
5But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
Commentary · verse 5
Do not miss the big point in this verse: women could pray and prophesy. During that time, prostitutes did not veil their face and women's hair was shorn as punishment for whoredom and adultery.
6For if a woman is not veiled, let her also be shorn: but if it is a shame to a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be veiled.
6For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
Commentary · verse 6
Paul made two if/then statements. Today, is it a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven?
7For a man indeed ought not to have his head veiled, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
8For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man: 9for neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man: 10for this cause ought the woman to have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels.
7For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
8For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
9Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
10For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
Commentary · verses 7-10
Remember, the only thing Paul said we ought to judge was a believer putting a stumblingblock in the path of another believer. These customs were Paul's way of making sure the church in Corinth did not put a stumblingblock in the path of believers.
11Nevertheless, neither is the woman without the man, nor the man without the woman, in the Lord.
11Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
Commentary · verse 11
Regardless of who is the "head," man and woman are nothing without the Lord.
12For as the woman is of the man, so is the man also by the woman; but all things are of God.
13Judge ye in yourselves: is it seemly that a woman pray unto God unveiled?
14Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a dishonor to him?
15But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
12For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.
13Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
14Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
15But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
Commentary · verses 12-15
Paul was showing them how man and woman naturally have the customs of the Corinthians fulfilled by their hair.
16But if any man seemeth to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
16But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
Commentary · verse 16
Notice, Paul concluded this section by telling people to judge for themselves. Paul stated that if any man would argue these points we ought to let it go because God's Church holds to no such custom/tradition. This chapter seemed to be another example of "Paul's permission."
17But in giving you this charge, I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better but for the worse.
18For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and I partly believe it.
17Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
18For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
Commentary · verses 17-18
Paul transitioned from his permission to the issue he introduced in the beginning of this letter: he had heard of divisions in the church. Paul's measure was profitability: coming together for the better. However, instead of profitability as an effect of love, Paul heard about divisions.
19For there must be also factions among you, that they that are approved may be made manifest among you.
19For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
Commentary · verse 19
Paul thought factions would make the excellent individuals apparent to all. Remember, in Chapter 5 Paul thought disputes between the believers would be settled by "wise men."
20When therefore ye assemble yourselves together, it is not possible to eat the Lord’s supper: 21for in your eating each one taketh before other his own supper; and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
22What, have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and put them to shame that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you? In this I praise you not.
20When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper.
21For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
22What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
Commentary · verses 20-22
There were disorders in the taking of the Lord's Supper. They were focused on the WHAT of the Lord's Supper: eating and drinking.
23For I received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which he was betrayed took bread;
23For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
Commentary · verse 23
Paul taught about the Lord's Supper. In the same night Jesus was betrayed, He took bread.
24and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, This is my body, which is for you: this do in remembrance of me.
24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Commentary · verse 24
In the Passover meal (Seder), the bread (Afikomen) represented Christ's body.
25In like manner also the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood: this do, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
Commentary · verse 25
In the Seder, the cup of wine after the meal (third cup) represented the new covenant by Christ's blood, which represented Redemption.
26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink the cup, ye proclaim the Lord’s death till he come.
27Wherefore whosoever shall eat the bread or drink the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord.
26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.
27Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
Commentary · verses 26-27
Participating in the Lord's Supper showed Christ's death and whoever drank and ate unworthily was guilty of the body and blood of Christ. Notice, Paul's answer to eating food sacrificed to idols focused on the HOW and WHY instead of the WHAT. Likewise, Paul's explanation for eating the Lord's Supper focused on the HOW and WHY instead of the what.
28But let a man prove himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup.
28But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
Commentary · verse 28
We ought to take the time while partaking in this memorial, to prove (to test, think, to see whether a thing is genuine or not) ourselves in the HOW and WHY. This is a time to be contrastive on yourself.
29For he that eateth and drinketh, eateth and drinketh judgment unto himself, if he discern not the body.
30For this cause many among you are weak and sickly, and not a few sleep.
29For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
30For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
Commentary · verses 29-30
Paul stated every believer ought to take communion to find out if they were worthy or not. If you are not right with God and you partake, God will show you (even through sickness and death) and then you have an opportunity to repent of whatever you have done wrong.
31But if we discerned ourselves, we should not be judged.
32But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.
31For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
32But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
Commentary · verses 31-32
Paul stated the HOW: that we ought to judge ourselves and give God the opportunity to judge us...and then the WHY: both of these were done for our benefit. Paul concluded this section with a specific HOW and WHY...
33Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, wait one for another.
34If any man is hungry, let him eat at home; that your coming together be not unto judgment. And the rest will I set in order whensoever I come.
33Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.
34And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
Commentary · verses 33-34
Theme of Chapter 11: Paul began to address the causes of divisions among the people. Throughout this chapter, he alluded to previously explained Doctrine.
Where You Stopped
1 Corinthians 12
1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
Commentary · verse 1
Apparently, the church of Corinth wrote about spiritual gifts. The gifts mentioned in this chapter were the Manifestational Spiritual Gifts. These gifts were different from the Motivational (Romans 12) and Positional (Ephesians 4). These gifts only happened by the Holy Spirit flowing through a believer. Any of these Manifestational Spiritual Gifts could happen through any believer for the benefit of others, for the benefit of the church.
2Ye know that when ye were Gentiles ye were led away unto those dumb idols, howsoever ye might be led.
3Wherefore I make known unto you, that no man speaking in the Spirit of God saith, Jesus is anathema; and no man can say, Jesus is Lord, but in the Holy Spirit.
2Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
3Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Commentary · verses 2-3
Doctrine: no man who is speaking by the Holy Spirit will say Jesus is cursed (anathema) and no man can say (as an effect of belief) that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
Commentary · verse 4
There are different gifts that are all from the same Spirit. Again, these gifts are directly from the Holy Spirit.
5And there are diversities of ministrations, and the same Lord.
6And there are diversities of workings, but the same God, who worketh all things in all.
7But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal.
5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
Commentary · verses 5-7
Again, these gifts only happened by the Holy Spirit flowing through a believer. Any of these gifts could happen through any believer for the benefit of others, for the benefit of the church.
8For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom; and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit: 9to another faith, in the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, in the one Spirit; 10and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discernings of spirits: to another divers kinds of tongues; and to another the interpretation of tongues:
8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
Commentary · verses 8-10
A list of gifts: word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues. All of these gifts were from the same Spirit.
11but all these worketh the one and the same Spirit, dividing to each one severally even as he will.
11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
Commentary · verse 11
These gifts were divided as God wills. They were manifested through believers who allowed the Holy Spirit to freely flow through them based on the need of the church.
12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ.
12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
Commentary · verses 13-27
Verses 13-27: concerned with the principle of uniqueness.
13For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit.
14For the body is not one member, but many.
15If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; it is not therefore not of the body.
16And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; it is not therefore not of the body.
17If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18But now hath God set the members each one of them in the body, even as it pleased him.
19And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20But now they are many members, but one body.
21And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee: or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22Nay, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be more feeble are necessary: 23and those parts of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness; 24whereas our comely parts have no need: but God tempered the body together, giving more abundant honor to that part which lacked; 25that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26And whether one member suffereth, all the members suffer with it; or one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27Now ye are the body of Christ, and severally members thereof.
13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14For the body is not one member, but many.
15If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
24For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
25That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
27Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
Commentary · verse 27
The church is one body that has many parts (uniqueness) that all work together for the same good. God has set the parts of the body where it pleases Him. All parts of the body are connected: there are no divisions, all parts care for the others, suffer with the others, are honored together, and rejoice together. Notice, the parts of the body that are attractive (we think are honorable) are not necessary: eyes, ears, nose, hair, etc. However, the parts of the body that are not attractive (we think are uncomely) are necessary (more honorable): heart, lungs, brain, etc.
Doctrines on this passage
28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, divers kinds of tongues.
28And 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.
Commentary · verse 28
Another list of gifts: apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, healing, helps, governments, tongues. A church begins with an apostle and then a prophet. An apostle travels to a new place and begins the work. The prophet gets a message/revelation from God in this new place. Both apostles and prophets are called by God. Both are persecuted, even unto death.
29Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30have all gifts of healings? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
29Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
Commentary · verses 29-30
Paul listed the gifts that not all of us were. The two Paul left out were "helps and governments":
- Governments are the leaders in the church.
- Helps is everyone else.
Everyone in the church is either in Governments or Helps.
31But desire earnestly the greater gifts. And moreover a most excellent way show I unto you.
31But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Commentary · verse 31
Paul suspended this teaching on the Manifestational Spiritual Gifts and uniqueness by stating he would show a most excellent way. The next chapter was a parenthetical teaching during his explanation of spiritual gifts.
Theme of Chapter 12: Paul began another three chapter answer. This time the topic was spiritual gifts. Paul began his explanation of Manifestational Spiritual Gifts as gifts that happened by the Holy Spirit flowing through a believer. Any of these gifts could happen through any believer for the benefit of others, for the benefit of the church. Paul told people to desire the greater gifts, but paused in this answer to explain a most excellent way (HOW) to operate in spiritual gifts.
Paul began this portion of his answer showing that people in the Dispensation of the Law were baptized and ate and drank spiritual food and spiritual drink. The "spiritual food" that Paul referenced was manna. The rock that gave water in the wilderness was Christ.