1 Corinthians 12
In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul defends himself against misunderstandings and slander regarding his apostleship, emphasizing God’s power revealed amid weakness. In this chapter, the structure is divided into Paul’s visions and revelations (12:1-6), the thorn in the flesh and his weakness (12:7-10), Paul’s love and care for the church in Corinth (12:11-21).
1verseNow concerning spiritual things, brothers, I don’t want you to be ignorant.
2verseYou know that when you were heathen, you were led away to those mute idols, however you might be led.
3verseTherefore I make known to you that no man speaking by God’s Spirit says, “Jesus is accursed.” No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” but by the Holy Spirit.
4verseNow there are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5verseThere are various kinds of service, and the same Lord.
6verseThere are various kinds of workings, but the same God who works all things in all.
7verseBut to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all.
8verseFor to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit,
9verseto another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
10verseand to another workings of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of languages, and to another the interpretation of languages.
11verseBut the one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing to each one separately as he desires.
12verseFor as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ.
13verseFor in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all given to drink into one Spirit.
14verseFor the body is not one member, but many.
15verseIf the foot would say, “Because I’m not the hand, I’m not part of the body,” it is not therefore not part of the body.
16verseIf the ear would say, “Because I’m not the eye, I’m not part of the body,” it’s not therefore not part of the body.
17verseIf the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the smelling be?
18verseBut now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body, just as he desired.
19verseIf they were all one member, where would the body be?
20verseBut now they are many members, but one body.
21verseThe eye can’t tell the hand, “I have no need for you,” or again the head to the feet, “I have no need for you.”
22verseNo, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.
23verseThose parts of the body which we think to be less honorable, on those we bestow more abundant honor; and our unpresentable parts have more abundant modesty,
24versewhile our presentable parts have no such need. But God composed the body together, giving more abundant honor to the inferior part,
25versethat there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.
26verseWhen one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. When one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27verseNow you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
28verseGod has set some in the assembly: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and various kinds of languages.
29verseAre all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all miracle workers?
30verseDo all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with various languages? Do all interpret?
31verseBut earnestly desire the best gifts. Moreover, I show a most excellent way to you.
Paul’s Visions and Revelations (12:1-6)
Paul speaks about the special revelation and visions he received. He mentions with care his experience of being taken up into “the third heaven” in Christ, and emphasizes that, even with all these experiences, he will boast in his weakness. We can see that this is not meant for human boasting, but to reveal God’s grace and power.
The Thorn in the Flesh and God’s Power (12:7-10)
Paul explains that the “thorn in the flesh” God allowed him to have was so that God’s power would be revealed through his weakness. Paul prayed three times for this affliction to leave him, but God said, “My grace is sufficient for you.” This shows that human weakness is precisely the place where you can experience God’s power fully.
Paul’s Sincere Heart for the Church in Corinth (12:11-21)
Paul mentions that he defended himself as though he were a fool, emphasizing that this came solely from his love for the church in Corinth. He reveals his apostolic authority, his pure motives, and his deep longing for the church in Corinth to stand firm spiritually. He continues to encourage them to stand steadfast in the faith.
Reflection Points
- How are you experiencing God’s grace and power amid your weakness and difficulties in life?
- It is worth reflecting on whether your boasting in faith is truly exalting God, or whether it is really for showing yourself.
Applying It to Me
- Let’s put our trust in the fact that, even in the troubles and weakness we face, God says, “My grace is sufficient for you.”
- You can also decide to live a day by imitating Paul’s example of loving and serving others with humility and a sincere heart within the community.
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