In chapter 10, verse I, he said, “Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware…” In chapter 11, verse 3, he said, “But I want you to know…” In Colossians 2:1, the same apostle said, “For I want you to know…” He said virtually the same thing in the earlier chapters, when dealing with other problems. This is a typical emphasis of the apostle. He is here emphasizing the importance of knowledge, in order that errors may be dispelled. Note what Paul is saying he says, “…I do not want you to be ignorant”. Paul begins by saying, “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant” (12:1). The first three verses of chapter 12 therefore serve as the introduction, not only to this chapter, but also to the whole passage, from chapter 12 to chapter 14. Remember that chapters 12, 13 and 14 belong together. Let us come to the first section of this chapter. That is why we say that this chapter emphasizes the one important principle, namely that the church is one body. It is this truth, in the middle section, which gives unity to the whole chapter. It teaches the truth that the body is one. This middle section acts very much like the spine of a book, which connects the front cover to the back cover. These two sections are connected by the middle one, which is made up of verses 12 and 13. Verses 14 to 31 form the last section, in which is taught the truth that there is diversity in unity. Verses 1 to 11 form the first section, in which is taught the truth that there is unity in diversity. This truth is developed in three basic sections. Here, in 1 Corinthians 12, the apostle wishes to emphasize the truth that the church is one body. Other important principles are given in 1 Corinthians 13 and 14, before practical instructions are given on how tongues and prophecies are to be used in public worship. The first basic principle is taught in this chapter of 1 Corinthians. Furthermore, when the underlying principles were understood, the readers would be able to apply them to some other similar situations, and not just to the immediate problem. Understanding the reasons behind the practical instructions will help so much in securing obedience (cf. However, if you tell them that you are taking the family out after dinner, they are more likely to finish their homework with greater willingness and joy. But they might be wondering why it is that they have to finish their homework early today. If you tell your children to finish their homework before dinner, they will do it if they are already trained to be obedient. By dealing with the underlying principles first, he knows that the readers will be more convinced of the practical instructions later. In this letter, he deals with some important underlying principles before coming to the problem of “the gifts”. The chapter and verse divisions were added by scholars to help us in the study of the Bible. Remember that the original Bible did not have chapter and verse divisions. All three chapters deal with the one subject of the use of “the sign gifts” in public worship. We must note that chapters 12, 13 and 14 belong together. We must therefore make a careful study of this passage before we consider the others. Of the many passages in the Bible that are relevant to this subject, the 1 Corinthians passage is the fullest. To find the solution to the problem we are lacing today, we must come back to the Scriptures and determine what they teach about this matter. This is exactly the problem we are observing in many of today’s churches. There was disorder, chaos and disagreement concerning the use of these gifts in public worship. The gifts of prophecy and tongues, and especially tongues, are singled out. One of the problems faced by the Corinthian church was the exercise of spiritual gifts in public worship. In this first letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul deals with various problems that the church was facing: for example, sectarianism, immorality, a believer suing another in the law court, and food offered to idols. THE CHURCH IS ONE BODY (1 Corinthians 12:1-31)
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