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.