1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31a
Chapter 12
12
Just as a body is one, with many members, and all the members, though many, form one body, so it is with Christ.
13
All of us, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, have been baptized in one Spirit to form one body, and all of us have been given to drink from the one Spirit.
14
The body has many members, not just one.
27
Now, you are the body of Christ, and each of you individually is a part of it.
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?
31
But regardless, desire the most valuable gifts, and I will show you a better way.
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.