Bible Verse Lookup
1 Cor 12:28-30
Chapter 12
28
So, God has appointed us in the Church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers. Then come miracles, then the gift of healing, material help, administration in the Church, and the gift of tongues.
29
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers?
30
Can everyone perform miracles, heal the sick, speak in tongues, or interpret what was said in tongues?
Commentaries
Spiritual Gifts.
Paul now uses the image of the “body of Christ” to address another issue facing the community in Corinth: rivalries, jealousy, and quarrels over the different spiritual gifts—charisms—that Christians received and practiced within and outside the community.
What, then, was the problem? The same as always: those who performed the most humble tasks were undervalued, despised, and subordinate. On the other hand, some leaders stood out from the group and ended up dominating and silencing the others, often the poorest and least influential. Paul therefore aims to stop the abuse of discrimination and arrogance by some privileged individuals, affirming that ministries, charisms, and activities all originate from the Lord, his Spirit, and God.