SEV Biblia, Chapter 12:1
¶ Y acerca de las cosas espirituales, no quiero, hermanos, que los ignoris.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 12:1
Verse 1. Now concerning spiritual gifts] This was a subject about which they appear to have written to the apostle, and concerning which there were probably some contentions among them. The words peri twn pneumatikwn may as well be translated concerning spiritual persons, as spiritual gifts; and indeed the former agrees much better with the context. I would not have you ignorant.] I wish you fully to know whence all such gifts come, and for what end they are given, that each person may serve the Church in the capacity in which God has placed him, that there may be no misunderstandings and no schism in the body.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 1. Now concerning spiritual gifts , etc.] Though the word gifts is not in the original text, it is rightly supplied by our translators, as it is in the Arabic version: for the apostle does not mean spiritual graces, nor spiritual words, or doctrines, nor spiritual meats and drinks, nor spiritual men, each of which are mentioned before in this epistle; though the latter is thought by some to be here intended, and that the apostles view is to show the difference between those that are spiritual, and those that are not; but as spiritual gifts are the subject of the apostles discourse throughout this chapter, and the two following, they seem very manifestly to be designed here. The apostle having gone through various heads of discourse, which he either of himself, or at the request of others, wrote upon, proceeds to a new subject, that of spiritual gifts, which he seems to have been desired to give his thoughts upon, and advice about; since there were some in this church who were discouraged, because they had not the gifts which some had; and others that had them were elated and puffed up with them, and treated those below them with neglect and contempt; and with a view to both these the apostle writes as follows, brethren, I would not have you ignorant ; neither of the author of these gifts, who is the Spirit of God, who dispenses them according to his sovereign will and pleasure, and not according to the deserts of men, and are not acquired by the industry, or through the merit of any, but are his free grace gifts; nor of the nature of them, for there are differences and diversities of them, some have one, and some another, but no man all; nor of the design and use of them, which is the edification of the whole body; and every gift, though ever so mean, is of service; and therefore as, on the one hand, none ought to be discouraged, so, on the other hand, none should be lifted up with pride, or give way to a boasting spirit.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-11 - Spiritual gifts were extraordinary powers bestowed in the first ages to convince unbelievers, and to spread the gospel. Gifts and grace greatly differ. Both were freely given of God. But where grace is given, it is for the salvation of those who have it. Gifts are for the advantage and salvation of others; and there may be great gifts wher there is no grace. The extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit wer chiefly exercised in the public assemblies, where the Corinthians see to have made displays of them, wanting in the spirit of piety, and of Christian love. While heathens, they had not been influenced by the Spirit of Christ. No man can call Christ Lord, with believin dependence upon him, unless that faith is wrought by the Holy Ghost. N man could believe with his heart, or prove by a miracle, that Jesus wa Christ, unless by the Holy Ghost. There are various gifts, and variou offices to perform, but all proceed from one God, one Lord, one Spirit that is, from the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the origin of all spiritual blessings. No man has them merely for himself. The more he profits others, the more will they turn to his own account. The gift mentioned appear to mean exact understanding, and uttering the doctrines of the Christian religion; the knowledge of mysteries, an skill to give advice and counsel. Also the gift of healing the sick the working of miracles, and to explain Scripture by a peculiar gift of the Spirit, and ability to speak and interpret languages. If we have any knowledge of the truth, or any power to make it known, we must giv all the glory of God. The greater the gifts are, the more the possesso is exposed to temptations, and the larger is the measure of grac needed to keep him humble and spiritual; and he will meet with mor painful experiences and humbling dispensations. We have little cause to glory in any gifts bestowed on us, or to despise those who have the not. (1Co 12:12-26)
Greek Textus Receptus
περι 4012 PREP δε 1161 CONJ των 3588 T-GPN πνευματικων 4152 A-GPN αδελφοι 80 N-VPM ου 3756 PRT-N θελω 2309 5719 V-PAI-1S υμας 5209 P-2AP αγνοειν 50 5721 V-PAN
Vincent's NT Word Studies
1. Spiritual gifts. The charismata, or special endowments of supernatural energy, such as prophecy and speaking with tongues."Before this consciousness of a higher power than their own, the ordinary and natural faculties of the human mind seemed to retire, to make way for loftier aspirations, more immediate intimations of the divine will, more visible manifestations of the divine power.... It resembled in some degree the inspiration of the Jewish judges, psalmists, and prophets; it may be illustrated by the ecstasies and visions of prophets in all religions; but in its energy and universality it was peculiar to the christian society of the apostolic age" (Stanley).
Robertson's NT Word Studies
12:1 {Now concerning spiritual gifts} (peri de twn pneumatikwn). Clearly one of the items asked about in the letter to Paul (#7:1) and introduced precisely as the problem of meats offered to idols (#8:1). this question runs to the end of chapter 14. Plainly much trouble had arisen in Corinth in the exercise of these gifts.
