Spiritual Matters We Need to Know

Bible historians say Paul wrote 1 Corinthians around AD 55, during his third missionary journey, while ministering in Ephesus. You can see this from Acts 19:1—20:1 and with the epistle itself [16:8,9]. Paul started the church at Corinth during his second missionary journey [Acts 18:1–17] between AD 50 to 52, staying there for about 18 months.

He covered a wide variety of subjects with these Christian believers, as can be seen by this overall structure of what he wrote to them about in his “first” letter.

I Corinthians—overall structure

A. Salutation [1:1-3]

B. Behind in no gift; ministers: Paul and Apollos and others [1:4-17]

C. Preaching of the cross; Mystery in the church today [1:18—2:16]

D. No pride: receiving a full reward [3:1-23]

E. Love and service to the church [4:1-21]

F. Earthly matters [5:1-13]

G. Holy lifestyle [6:1-20]

H. Marriage: Standards [7:1-40]

I. Idolatry: food offered [8:1-13]

J. Paul’s authority as a minister [9:1-27]

I. Idolatry: food and drink [10:1-33]

H. Marriage: Authority [11:1-16]

G. Holy communion [11:17-34]

F. Spiritual matters [12:1-31]

E. Love and working together in the church [13:1-13]

D. No pride: serving in the church [14:1-40]

C. Preaching of the gospel; Mystery of resurrections in future [15:1-58]

B. Collections, no gatherings; ministers: Paul, Timothy, Apollos, others [16:1-18]

A. Salutation [16:19-24]

Notice that this is a beautiful inverted structure, with Paul’s authority at the center. Earthly matters and spiritual matters [Sections F.] are juxtaposed. The Spiritual matters section [12:1-31] has its own internal structure as follows:

Section F. Spiritual matters [12:1-31]

A. Spiritual abilities in the body of Christ [12:1-11]

B. Members and functions in the body of Christ [12:12-31]

Each of these sections [A. and B.] have a structure that helps us understand spiritual matters:

A. Spiritual abilities in the body of Christ [12:1-11]

A. Spiritual matters: don’t be ignorant; make Jesus lord by holy spirit [12:1,2]

B. Different/same: different gifts, same spirit that gives [12:4]

C. Different/same: different services, same Lord served [12:5]

D. Different/same: different energizing, same God energizing [12:6]

B. Manifestations: given to every man for profit [12:7]

C. Manifestations/profit: word of wisdom; word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing [12:8,9]

D. Manifestations/profit: miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, interpretation [12:10]

A. Spiritual source: all abilities from same spirit, distributed to each man [12:11]

B. Members and functions in the body of Christ [12:12-31]

A. One body: many members in body of Christ [12:12]

B. One body: Judean or Gentile, bond or free [one spirit] [12:13]

C. Body is not one member but many: foot/hand; ear/eye [12:14-17]

D. Body has members set by God’s design: eye/hand; head/feet [12:18-21]

E. Body members: feeble are necessary; less honorable have abundant honor; uncomely abundant comeliness [12:22-23]

C. Body tempered together: abundant honor to members lacking [12:24]

D. One body no schism: members care for each other [12:25]

E. Body members: one suffers—all suffer with it; one honored—all rejoice with it [12:26]

A. One body: members in particular [12:27]

B. One body: different gifts and abilities; apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues; desire the best gifts [12:28-31]

Greek Text of I Corinthians 1-12

Now let’s focus on “A. Spiritual abilities in the body of Christ [12:1-11].”

One area Paul needed to address was the spiritual abilities that believers had when they were born again. He explained “spiritual matters” to them and what God had given in Christ.

The original Greek text shows a beautiful arrangement of concepts. Paul received this revelation and it was written down [or translated] into Greek. This color-coded chart shows corresponding words and ideas.

I Corinthians 12:3-11 [Original Greek Order]

διὸ γνωρίζω ὑμῖν ὅτι οὐδεὶς ἐν Πνεύματι Θεοῦ

λαλῶν λέγει ἀνάθεμα ᾿Ιησοῦν,

καὶ οὐδεὶς δύναται εἰπεῖν Κύριον ᾿Ιησοῦν

εἰ μὴ ἐν Πνεύματι ἁγίῳ.

Διαιρέσεις δὲ χαρισμάτων εἰσί, τὸ δὲ αὐτὸ Πνεῦμα·

καὶ διαιρέσεις διακονιῶν εἰσι, καὶ ὁ αὐτὸς Κύριος·

καὶ διαιρέσεις ἐνεργημάτων εἰσίν, ὁ δὲ αὐτὸς ἐστι Θεός,

[ὁ ἐνεργῶν τὰ πάντα ἐν πᾶσιν.]

ἑκάστῳ δὲ δίδοται ἡ φανέρωσις τοῦ Πνεύματος

πρὸς τὸ συμφέρον.

ᾧ μὲν γὰρ διὰ τοῦ Πνεύματος δίδοται
λόγος σοφίας,

ἄλλῳ δὲ λόγος γνώσεως κατὰ τὸ αὐτὸ Πνεῦμα,

ἑτέρῳ δὲ πίστις ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ Πνεύματι,

ἄλλῳ δὲ χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ Πνεύματι,

ἄλλῳ δὲ ἐνεργήματα δυνάμεων,

ἄλλῳ δὲ προφητεία,

ἄλλῳ δὲ διακρίσεις πνευμάτων,

ἑτέρῳ δὲ γένη γλωσσῶν,

ἄλλῳ δὲ ἑρμηνεία γλωσσῶν·

πάντα δὲ ταῦτα ἐνεργεῖ τὸ ἓν καὶ τὸ αὐτὸ Πνεῦμα,

διαιροῦν ἰδίᾳ ἑκάστῳ καθὼς βούλεται.

Greek Text of I Corinthians 1-12 with English

Next, we’ll look at the same text, moving the conjunctions [that connect “parts” of the content] to the front of each part. The English translation below the Greek is color-coded to correspond to the original Greek text.

When we put the conjunctions at the beginning of each section, we see an even clearer structure of what Paul was saying. The English translation helps us understand what Paul is explaining. Let’s look at this in more detail based on the Greek text.

I Corinthians 12:3-11 [Reordered by
conjunctions]

With English Translation

διὸ γνωρίζω ὑμῖν ὅτι οὐδεὶς ἐν Πνεύματι Θεοῦ

λαλῶν λέγει ἀνάθεμα ᾿Ιησοῦν,

Wherefore I know to you that no one in the spirit of God

talking says “Cursed Jesus,”

καὶ οὐδεὶς δύναται εἰπεῖν Κύριον ᾿Ιησοῦν

εἰ μὴ ἐν Πνεύματι ἁγίῳ.

And no one is
able to speak “Lord Jesus”

if not in [the] holy spirit.

δὲ Διαιρέσεις χαρισμάτων εἰσί, δὲ αὐτὸ τὸ Πνεῦμα·

And dividings of gracious
gifts there are, And the same Spirit.

καὶ διαιρέσεις διακονιῶν εἰσι, καὶ αὐτὸς ὁ Κύριος·

Also dividings of services
there are, and the same Lord.

καὶ διαιρέσεις ἐνεργημάτων εἰσίν, δὲ αὐτὸς ὁ Θεός ἐστι,

[ὁ ἐνεργῶν τὰ πάντα ἐν πᾶσιν.]

Also dividings of energizings there are, and the same God it is.

[the one energizing the all in all].

δὲ ἑκάστῳ δίδοται ἡ φανέρωσις τοῦ Πνεύματος

πρὸς τὸ συμφέρον.

And to each one is given the
manifestation of the spirit

unto the carrying
with [profit].

μὲν γὰρ ᾧ διὰ τοῦ Πνεύματος δίδοται

λόγος σοφίας,

For on one hand, to one through the spirit is given

the word of wisdom,

δὲ ἄλλῳ κατὰ τὸ αὐτὸ Πνεῦμα

λόγος γνώσεως,

and [on the other hand] to
another according to the same spirit, word of knowledge,

δὲ ἑτέρῳ

ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ Πνεύματι πίστις,

and [on the other hand] to
another [of the same kind]

in the same spirit, faith,

δὲ ἄλλῳ ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ Πνεύματι

χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων,

and [on the other hand] to
another in the same spirit,

gracious gifts of healings,

δὲ ἄλλῳ ἐνεργήματα δυνάμεων,

and [on the other hand] to
another energizings of powers,

δὲ ἄλλῳ προφητεία,

and [on the other hand] to another, prophecy,

δὲ ἄλλῳ διακρίσεις πνευμάτων,

and [on the other hand] to
another judging of spirits,

δὲ ἑτέρῳ γένη γλωσσῶν,

and [on the other hand] to
another [of the same kind]

specific types of tongues,

δὲ ἄλλῳ ἑρμηνεία γλωσσῶν·

and [on the other hand] to
another, interpreting
of tongues.

δὲ πάντα ταῦτα ἐνεργεῖ τὸ ἓν καὶ τὸ αὐτὸ Πνεῦμα,

And all these the one also the same Spirit energizes

διαιροῦν ἰδίᾳ ἑκάστῳ καθὼς βούλεται.

Dividing individually to each even as he does will.

English Translation for the Greek Text of I Corinthians 1-12

Looking at the Greek, we can have this beautiful translation into English.

Wherefore I know to you [want you to know] that no one in the spirit of God talking says “Cursed Jesus,” And no one is able to speak “Lord Jesus” if not in [the] holy spirit.

And dividings of gracious gifts there are, And the same Spirit.
Also dividings of services there are, and the same Lord.
Also dividings of energizings there are, and the same God it is. [the one energizing the all in all].

And to each one is given the manifestation of the spirit unto the carrying with [profit].

For on one hand, to one through the spirit is given the word of wisdom,
and [on the other hand] to another according to the same spirit, word of knowledge,
and [on the other hand] to another [of the same kind] in the same spirit, faith,
and [on the other hand] to another in the same spirit, gracious gifts of healings,
and [on the other hand] to another energizings of powers,
and [on the other hand] to another, prophecy,
and [on the other hand] to another judging of spirits,
and [on the other hand] to another [of the same kind] specific types of tongues,
and [on the other hand] to another, interpreting of tongues.

And all these the one also the same Spirit energizes, dividing individually to each even as he does will.

Comparing the King James Version Translation with the Greek

1 Corinthians 12:3:
Wherefore 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.

The text states that no one who curses Jesus is speaking by the spirit of God in them. It also says that no one can really say Jesus is their Lord without being born again by the Holy Spirit. We see that the Father has given full Lordship to His Son. We have the “spirit of Christ” in us, and that allows us to speak what is right.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6:
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

This section shows 1) how God as the “same” Holy Spirit to each of us, graciously gives spiritual abilities; 2) when we serve with these abilities, we all serve our “same” Lord Jesus; 3) it is the “same” all-powerful God Who energizes these abilities in us.

The verb διαίρεω (diareō) means “to divide” or “to distribute.” It shows the action of separating or apportioning something into parts. This compound word comes from the Greek preposition διά (dia, meaning “through” or “across”) and the verb αιρέω (haireō, meaning “to take” or “to choose”). The term διαίρεω is used in the New Testament of the act of dividing or distributing. It is used in the context of dividing land, inheritance, or other possessions. It can also refer to the division of people or groups. Here it shows how God works in the body of Christ to make sure each need is met in the body.

1 Corinthians 12:7:
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every [each] man to profit withal.

This is a great truth. The word for “manifestation” comes from the Greek word meaning to “shine forth.” We can show forth God’s power within us. And this shining forth is given to each person in the body of Christ so that they can carry out God’s will. This manifestation is given TO each person for the profit of the entire body of Christ. Just as one healthy cell or organ will help the entire human body. The dative case is often translated “to” or “for” because it shows an indirect object. It is the one that something is given TO.

1 Corinthians 12:8-10:
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
To 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.

The English word “to” occurs before each manifestation. That is because the relative pronoun [translated “to one” in verse 8] and the words for “other” [Greek allos and heteros] are in the dative case. These abilities are energized TO individuals as they decide to use the spiritual ability within them. The Greek word men opens the list and means “on the one hand.” It is then followed by the words de and kai, which mean “on the other hand.”

1 Corinthians 12:11:
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

The question arises, who is the “he” in “as he will.” The Greek indicates that God is the one dividing as He wills. He knows who will believe.

After listing nine evidences of spiritual ability in verses 9 and 10, we see that God divides to “each” as He wills.

But it can also mean “as the person wills.” God will not force anyone to use their spiritual abilities. God is always ready to energize the abilities in His children. We have the “spirit of Christ” and a direction connection to the Father. But we must decide to use what He has given us. This is seen at the end of this chapter.

1 Corinthians 12:28-31:
And 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.
Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

Not everyone in the church will be an apostle, prophet, or teacher. Not everyone will minister healing, speak in tongues, and interpret in every situation. Just as in the human body, not all organs or cells do everything. There are specialized organs and systems to build, clean, grow, and build. But if a person loses the use of one arm, can’t he use the other? The same is true in the body of Christ. God wants to work in each believer to carry out His will in that spiritual body. Christ is the head who directs the body. But if a spiritual “arm” doesn’t know how to work or refuses to do its job, God will work in another “arm” to get the job done.

What Does It All Mean?

So, what is the “bottom line” of all this? God has given us gifts of grace that we can use in serving our Lord Jesus Christ, as God energizes His power within us [by the spirit of Christ in each of us].

Those gifts include the ability to manifest, show and shine forth, God’s power in nine ways: word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, gracious gifts of healings, energizings of powers, prophecy, judging of spirits, specific types of tongues, interpreting of tongues.

The same Spirit, God Himself, energizes these abilities to individually to each person. God calls people to use these abilities. But they are only operated as each person “wills” to do so. In the body of Christ [like the human body], if one person does NOT do God’s will in manifesting His power, God can call on another person in the body of Christ to do that. For example, in the human body a person may lose the use of an arm. He can still use the other arm to carry out the work needed. The same is true in the body of Christ. Christ is the “head,” and the “spirit of Christ” in us allows the Father to direct us where we need to go and what we need to do.

Let’s do our part each day, serving our Lord Jesus Christ with God’s gracious abilities that He energizes as we will for Him to do so.