1 Corinthians 14:12
So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Even though you're excited about spiritual gifts, the verse points out that the real goal isn't just experiencing them, but using them to strengthen others. This means our desire for the Spirit's power should be channeled into serving the community, making sure our gifts build up, not just stand out.
Paul is addressing the Corinthian church's enthusiastic, but often chaotic, use of spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues. He's just explained how tongues need interpretation to be understandable, and he's about to contrast them with prophecy, which builds up the whole community. This verse is a direct call to channel their spiritual fervor towards actions that genuinely strengthen everyone, not just create impressive displays.
It's great to be excited about spiritual gifts! But Paul has a gentle correction for the Corinthians. What's the ultimate goal?
Paul acknowledges the Corinthian church's enthusiasm for spiritual manifestations (gifts of the Spirit). However, he immediately redirects their focus. Their eagerness should be channeled towards a higher purpose: building up the church. This means their spiritual pursuits shouldn't be about personal glory or impressive displays, but about strengthening the community of believers. True spiritual maturity isn't just about receiving or using gifts; it's about using them in a way that benefits everyone.
Paul uses a strong word here: 'excel.' It's not just about doing spiritual things, but about doing them exceptionally well for a specific purpose.
The word 'strive to excel' (or 'eagerly desire' in some translations) implies a passionate pursuit and a desire for excellence. Paul isn't saying to abandon spiritual gifts, but to pursue them with the intention of building up the church. Imagine a gifted musician who only plays solos for personal applause versus one who uses their talent to lead a congregation in worship. The latter exemplifies excelling in edification. The Corinthian church was likely focused on the spectacle of gifts, but Paul calls them to focus on the spiritual construction that these gifts should foster.
Understand the original words
pneumatikos · Greek Noun (plural)
Refers to the supernatural gifts or distinct workings of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, intended for the edification of the body of Christ.
ekklēsia · Greek Noun
The body of believers or the local assembly; the community of God's people called out for His purposes and assembly.
Paul's letter addresses a specific situation in Corinth where the enthusiastic, but sometimes chaotic, use of spiritual gifts was hindering, rather than helping, the community's spiritual growth.
c. AD 30-33
Pentecost and the Early Church
The Holy Spirit empowers the apostles, leading to the birth of the Christian church. Early believers shared a strong sense of community and spiritual gifts were evident.
c. AD 40s
Paul's Missionary Journeys Begin
The Apostle Paul starts his extensive missionary work, establishing churches throughout the Roman Empire, including Corinth.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul spends significant time in Corinth, founding the church there and teaching them about Christian doctrine and practice.
c. AD 55— this verse
Letter to the Corinthians Written
Paul writes 1 Corinthians from Ephesus in response to issues and questions from the Corinthian church, addressing divisions, immorality, and the use of spiritual gifts.
This passage highlights that spiritual gifts are given for the common good, directly aligning with the idea in 1 Corinthians 14:12 that gifts should be used to build up the church.
Ephesians 4:12This verse explains the purpose of equipping the saints is for the work of ministry and building up the body of Christ, echoing the directive to excel in building up the church.
Romans 15:2Paul urges believers to please their neighbor for his good, to build him up, which is the core principle behind using spiritual manifestations for the church's edification.
1 Thessalonians 5:11This verse encourages believers to encourage one another and build each other up, providing a direct parallel to the application of spiritual gifts for mutual strengthening.
Even though you're excited about spiritual gifts, the verse points out that the real goal isn't just experiencing them, but using them to strengthen others. This means our desire for the Spirit's power should be channeled into serving the community, making sure our gifts build up, not just stand out.
Paul is addressing the Corinthian church's enthusiastic, but often chaotic, use of spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues. He's just explained how tongues need interpretation to be understandable, and he's about to contrast them with prophecy, which builds up the whole community. This verse is a direct call to channel their spiritual fervor towards actions that genuinely strengthen everyone, not just create impressive displays.
Paul is addressing the Corinthian church's enthusiastic, but often chaotic, use of spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues. He's just explained how tongues need interpretation to be understandable, and he's about to contrast them with prophecy, which builds up the whole community. This verse is a direct call to channel their spiritual fervor towards actions that genuinely strengthen everyone, not just create impressive displays.
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c. AD 55
Disputes Over Spiritual Gifts
The Corinthian church experienced significant disorder in their worship services, particularly regarding the exercise of spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues and prophecy.
"So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church." — Even though you're excited about spiritual gifts, the verse points out that the real goal isn't just experiencing them, but using them to strengthen others. This means our desire for the Spirit's p…
