This passage focuses our attention on the four principles which Paul is concerned to underline and drive home.
The inclusive scope of his gifts-of-grace (charismata) is made clear at the outset. Notice the terms which run like a thread through Paul’s treatment: “in every one” (12:6); “to each” (12:7); “all these” (believers who exercise some spiritual gift, 12:11). As every Christian as a believer and member of Christ’s body is indwelt, baptized and watered by the Holy Spirit (12:12-13), so they receive some endowment which equips them for useful service within the fellowship.
It is this feature which stamps the Christian church as a unique social institution in the world; it is a community in which, ideally, every member has a part to play and a task to perform. Everyone in the church is important—irrespective of what social group they belong to (and the church at Corinth had different social groups—see those passages which speak of division, rivalries and snobbery based on wealth)—although no one is indispensable.
The rich variety of the Spirit’s gifts is displayed by the phrase “varieties of gifts” (12:4), all of which are attributed to the same Spirit. All Christians have some gift, but not the same gift. 12:8-10 enumerate nine specimen activities (12:6). This list, along with the others in the New Testament (Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:7-12), are probably representative rather than exhaustive.
In case the Corinthians imagined that the lack of some spectacular gift (tongues, healings, miracle-working?) was a sign of disfavor, the apostle reminds them that the Spirit’s sovereign disposing (12:11) is the final rule. “As he wills” should sound the death-knell to jealousy and envy as Christians were evidently in fierce competition in desiring the more remarkable phenomena in their church life. The lesson is not lost today. It is tragic when we try to serve the Lord in a job for which we have no spiritual ability or aptitude.
The invariable purpose of the gifts is clearly spelled out: “for the common good” (12:7), ie for the well-being and growth of the entire community. See also 14:12 and especially Ephesians 4:12-16.
