Berean Study Bible Spiritual GiftsPaul turns to matters troubling the Corinthian church. God gives different abilities through the Holy Spirit, including prophecy, healing, tongues, and discernment, to strengthen the whole congregation. In Corinth, these gifts had become a source of disorder and pride. Paul will establish that they come from one Spirit and must serve the common good. 1Co 14:1 Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts,… brothers, He addresses the believers as members of one spiritual family. Their varied backgrounds and social standing did not lessen their shared identity in Christ, and their disagreements over gifts were not to divide the church. 1Co 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord… I do not want you to be uninformed. The Corinthians needed instruction because misunderstanding had contributed to misuse. Paul writes to bring order and discernment, so that spiritual gifts would be recognized, exercised rightly, and governed by the truth of the gospel. 1Th 4:13 Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed… You know that when you were pagans, Paul recalls the Corinthians’ former life before they came to faith in Christ. As Gentiles living in a city filled with temples, cults, and public idol worship, many had been shaped by the religious practices surrounding them. Eph 2:11-12 Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles… you were influenced and led astray Their former worship did not arise from truth or freedom but from spiritual deception. They had followed the patterns of their culture and the claims of false religion without knowing the living God. 2Co 11:3 I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived… to mute idols. The idols of Corinth could neither speak, hear, guide, nor save. In contrast, God reveals Himself and speaks through His Spirit, directing believers in truth rather than leaving them captive to lifeless objects of worship. Psa 115:4-8 Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men.… Therefore I inform you Paul gives needed instruction to a church troubled by disorder and competing claims of spiritual experience. 1Co 10:1 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers,… that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” The Holy Spirit never leads anyone to reject, revile, or condemn Christ. Claims of spiritual inspiration had to be tested by their agreement with the truth about Jesus. 1Jn 4:2-3 By this you will know the Spirit of God:… and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” Genuine acknowledgment of Jesus as the risen and sovereign Lord marks true Christian faith. In a world where rulers, idols, and pagan gods were given supreme honor, this confession declared exclusive allegiance to Christ. Rom 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,”… except by the Holy Spirit. Saving faith and a sincere confession of Christ come through the Spirit’s work, who directs believers to honor the Son. Jhn 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send… There are different gifts, Paul recognizes that believers receive a variety of abilities for service in the church. In Corinth, some gifts were more visible than others, creating temptation toward pride, rivalry, and disorder. No believer receives every gift, and no gift exists for personal status; each has a place in strengthening the whole body of Christ. Rom 12:6 We have different gifts according to the grace given us.… but the same Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives and directs every genuine spiritual gift according to God’s purpose. Their common source removes grounds for superiority and calls the church to unity. Though believers serve in different ways, they belong to one people and depend on one another. Eph 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called… There are different ministries, Believers serve in a variety of roles according to the needs of the church. In the early Christian communities, some taught, others cared for practical needs, proclaimed the gospel, guided congregations, or carried the message to new places. These differing responsibilities were necessary as the church grew and faced spiritual and material demands. Rom 12:6-8 We have different gifts according to the grace given us.… but the same Lord. Every ministry belongs to Jesus Christ, who rules over His church. No role exists for personal status or independent authority; each is carried out in submission to Him. The variety of service was meant to strengthen the whole body rather than create rivalry or division. Eph 4:5-6 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;… There are different ways of working, God produces a variety of effects through the gifts He gives to believers. Teaching, service, healing, prophecy, leadership, and other ministries differ in function, yet each contributes to the health of the church. The Corinthians had treated certain gifts as marks of spiritual superiority, but Paul presents them as distinct forms of service within one body. Rom 12:4-8 Just as each of us has one body with many members,… but the same God All gifts and their results come from God alone. Their diversity does not divide the church, because the Father remains the source and ruler of every spiritual work. The Spirit distributes gifts, the Lord Jesus directs service, and God brings about the results. 1Co 8:6 Yet for us there is but one God, the Father… works all things God actively accomplishes His purposes through every legitimate gift and ministry. The effectiveness of spiritual service does not rest merely on human ability, status, or effort, but on His power at work. Eph 1:11 In Him we were also chosen as God’s own,… in all people. God works among all believers, giving each member a place in the body of Christ. No believer is unnecessary, and no gift exists for personal display; each is given for the common good of the church. Eph 4:6 one God and Father of all, who is over all…… Now to each one Every believer in the church receives a place in the Spirit’s work. No member is unnecessary, and no gift is meant to make one believer independent of the others. Eph 4:7 Now to each one of us grace has been given… the manifestation of the Spirit The Spirit makes His presence known through abilities and ministries that can strengthen, guide, and serve the gathered church. These works display God’s active care for His people. Heb 2:4 and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders… is given Spiritual gifts are granted by God, not earned through effort, position, or maturity. Their distribution rests in the Spirit’s wisdom and purpose. 1Ti 4:14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you… for the common good. Gifts are intended to build up the whole body of Christ. They are to be exercised for the benefit of others rather than personal recognition or advantage. 1Co 10:24 No one should seek his own good, but the good of others. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, This gift provides God-given discernment for applying divine truth to the needs and decisions of the church. In Corinth’s morally confused and religiously diverse setting, such wisdom enabled believers to distinguish God’s will from human philosophy and worldly values. It reflects the wisdom revealed in Christ and equips the body to act faithfully under His authority. 1Co 2:10-13 But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit.… to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, This gift gives Spirit-directed understanding of spiritual truth and God’s purposes beyond ordinary human insight. It strengthened the Corinthian believers against error and helped preserve the truth of the gospel amid competing religious claims. Both gifts come from the same Holy Spirit, who distributes them for the unity and strengthening of the church. Col 1:9 we have not stopped praying for you and asking God… to another faith by the same Spirit, This gift is a Spirit-given confidence to trust God in circumstances that exceed ordinary human strength or expectation. It enabled believers to act with unusual courage, lead others steadily, and rely on God’s power amid opposition, danger, and need. Such faith strengthened the early church as the Gospel advanced through persecution and hardship. It was not produced by personality or effort but given by the Holy Spirit for the benefit of the whole body. Act 11:24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith… to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, These gifts involved God’s supernatural restoration of physical health through particular believers. Healings displayed His compassion and confirmed the Gospel’s message, drawing attention to God rather than to the person used. The plural form reflects the varied ways healing could be granted and the differing needs among those who were afflicted. Every healing came from the one Spirit, pointing forward to the complete restoration God will bring to His people. Jas 5:14-15 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders… to another the working of miracles, God enabled certain believers to perform supernatural acts beyond natural laws that confirmed the Gospel and apostolic witness. Such works included healings, deliverances, and signs that displayed divine authority beyond ordinary human ability. Act 5:12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders… to another prophecy, God gave messages to strengthen, encourage, warn, and direct the church. New Testament prophets communicated truth suited to the needs of congregations and, at times, revealed coming events. Act 11:27-28 In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem… to another distinguishing between spirits, Some believers were given discernment to recognize the true nature of spiritual messages or manifestations, whether they came from God, human deception, or evil spirits. This protected the church from false prophets and corrupt teaching. 1Jn 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test… to another speaking in various tongues, God enabled believers to speak in languages they had not learned, as occurred at Pentecost when people from many nations heard God’s works proclaimed in their own languages. Tongues could serve as a sign and, when used publicly, required interpretation. Act 2:4-11 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit… and to still another the interpretation of tongues. God gave others the ability to communicate the meaning of what had been spoken in tongues so that the gathered church could understand and be edified. This kept worship orderly and ensured that spiritual gifts served the whole body. 1Co 14:13 Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue… All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, The many gifts present in the church do not come from competing powers or human ability. The Holy Spirit is their single source, producing diversity within the body while preserving its unity. Eph 4:4-6 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called… who apportions them to each one Each believer receives a place of service according to God’s provision. No member is unnecessary, and no gift exists for personal status; each is given for the good of the whole church. Eph 4:7 Now to each one of us grace has been given… as He determines. The Spirit distributes gifts according to His wisdom and purpose, not according to merit, ambition, or social standing. Believers are therefore called to serve faithfully with what they have received and to recognize the value of every member of Christ’s body. Jhn 3:8 The wind blows where it wishes. You hear its sound…
The Body of ChristPaul compares the Church to a human body, where many different members share one life and purpose. Rom 12:4-5 Just as each of us has one body with many members,… though it is composed of many parts. Each believer has a distinct place and function, and no member is unnecessary. 1Co 10:17 Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body;… And although its parts are many, The Corinthian church included people of differing backgrounds, social standing, and gifts, yet all had been brought into fellowship through Christ. Eph 4:11-12 And it was He who gave some to be apostles… they all form one body. Their unity did not erase their differences but joined them in mutual dependence and service. Eph 2:15-16 by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments… So it is with Christ. Christ is identified with His Church so closely that believers together are called His body, living under His authority and carrying out His work in the world. Col 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church;… For in one Spirit The Holy Spirit brings believers into a shared life under the new covenant, indwelling and sanctifying all who belong to Christ. Eph 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called… we were all baptized into one body, At salvation, the Spirit unites every believer with Christ and incorporates each one into His Church, regardless of background or status. Gal 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ… whether Jews or Greeks, The gospel removes the former division between Jews and Gentiles, fulfilling God’s purpose to gather people from every nation into one people. Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free… slave or free, Social rank does not determine standing in Christ; all believers share equal membership in His body. 1Co 7:21-22 Were you a slave when you were called?…… and we were all given one Spirit to drink. The Spirit continually dwells within and sustains God’s people, giving them spiritual life and binding them together in Christ. Jhn 7:37-39 On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up… For the body Paul compares the Church to a human body, a living whole made up of all who belong to Christ. Believers are joined to Him and therefore to one another. Eph 1:22-23 And God put everything under His feet and made Him head… does not consist of one part, No single believer, gift, office, social group, or ethnic background can represent the whole Church. The Corinthian congregation included people of differing status and background, yet each had a place in Christ’s body. Rom 12:4 Just as each of us has one body with many members,… but of many. God has appointed many members with differing responsibilities so that the Church may serve, grow, and function according to His design. Rom 12:5 so in Christ we who are many are one body,… If the foot should say, Paul pictures a member of the church who feels overlooked or inferior. Though less prominent than the hand, the foot is essential to the body’s movement and stability. Rom 10:15 And how can they preach unless they are sent?… “Because I am not a hand, The hand represents a role that appears more visible or capable. In Corinth, believers were tempted to measure their worth by gifts that drew public attention. 2Co 10:12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves… I do not belong to the body,” No believer’s place in Christ’s church depends on possessing the same gifts or duties as others. God has joined each member to the body and assigned each one a needed role. 1Co 6:15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?…… that would not make it any less a part of the body. Feelings of inferiority do not change God’s design. The less visible members remain genuine, necessary parts of the church. Rom 12:4-5 Just as each of us has one body with many members,… And if the ear should say, Paul continues the illustration of the human body to address believers who felt overlooked or less important within the congregation. The ear represents a member whose service may be less visible but remains necessary. Rom 12:4-5 Just as each of us has one body with many members,… “Because I am not an eye, The comparison reflects envy toward gifts or responsibilities that appeared more prominent. Some in Corinth evidently measured their value by outward recognition rather than by God’s design for the church. Pro 20:12 Ears that hear and eyes that see—the LORD has made them both… I do not belong to the body,” No believer’s place in Christ’s body depends on possessing the same gift, status, or public role as another. God joins each member to the body and assigns each one a needed function. Eph 5:30 For we are members of His body. that would not make it any less a part of the body. Feelings of inferiority do not alter the ear’s true place in the body. In the same way, every believer belongs to the church and contributes to its proper life and service. Eph 5:29 Indeed, no one ever hated his own body, but he nourishes… If the whole body were an eye, The church could not function as God intends if every member had the same role. Though sight is valuable, an eye cannot perform every task needed by the body. Paul corrects the Corinthians’ tendency to elevate certain spiritual gifts and members above others, reminding them that God has assigned different roles for the good of the whole congregation. Rom 12:4-5 Just as each of us has one body with many members,… where would the sense of hearing be? Without hearing, the body would lack another necessary capacity. In the same way, the church needs members who receive, understand, and faithfully carry out God’s word. Pro 20:12 Ears that hear and eyes that see—the LORD has made them both… If the whole body were an ear, “If the whole body were an ear” illustrates that hearing is essential but cannot replace sight, movement, service, or other functions. No gift, office, or member is sufficient alone, and none should be treated as unnecessary. Deu 29:4 Yet to this day the LORD has not given you… where would the sense of smell be? Even functions that seem less prominent contribute to the health and completeness of the body. God’s design for the church requires the varied gifts and service of all its members. Gen 27:27 So he came near and kissed him. When Isaac smelled… But in fact, Paul corrects the Corinthians’ tendency to measure importance by public gifts or social standing. Rom 9:20-21 But who are you, O man, to talk back to God?… God has arranged The church must be ordered under God’s authority, not shaped by human preferences or competition. God Himself has arranged each member in the body according to His purpose. Act 17:26 From one man He made every nation of men,… the members of the body, Believers differ in gifts and responsibilities, yet each belongs to the same body and serves its proper function. Rom 12:4-5 Just as each of us has one body with many members,… every one of them, No member is accidental or unnecessary, including those whose service is less visible. Eph 4:7 Now to each one of us grace has been given… according to His design. God’s ordering of the church reflects His wisdom and gives each believer a fitting place within the life and mission of Christ’s body. Pro 16:4 The LORD has made everything for His purpose—… If they were all one part, Paul stresses that the church cannot function if every believer has the same role or gift. The Corinthian congregation included people of different backgrounds, abilities, and levels of maturity, and divisions had arisen over spiritual gifts. God distributes gifts according to His purpose so that each member may serve the whole body. Rom 12:4-5 Just as each of us has one body with many members,… where would the body be? A body made of only one member could not carry out its proper work. In the same way, the church needs the varied service of its members while remaining united under Christ. Differences among believers are not grounds for pride, envy, or separation, but demonstrate God’s wise design for the health and mission of His people. Ezk 37:7-8 So I prophesied as I had been commanded.… As it is, Paul summarizes his teaching on the church’s life together. The Corinthian believers differed in gifts, responsibilities, and maturity, yet none could rightly claim independence from the others. Eph 4:4-6 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called… there are many parts, God has arranged each member of the church to serve a needed role. Differences in ability and service were not grounds for rivalry but part of God’s design for the good of the whole. Rom 12:4 Just as each of us has one body with many members,… but one body. All believers belong to Christ and therefore to one another. Their unity rests on their common union with Him, not on having identical gifts or functions. Rom 12:5 so in Christ we who are many are one body,… The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you.” Paul compares the Church to a human body, where each member depends on the others. Those entrusted with discernment or teaching cannot regard practical service as less necessary. No gift, office, or work within the congregation stands alone, and no believer has grounds for pride or independence. Rom 12:4-5 Just as each of us has one body with many members,… Nor can the head say to the feet, “I do not need you.” Even what appears to lead or direct the body depends on parts that provide support and carry it forward. In the divided and status-conscious culture of Corinth, Paul insists that spiritual standing is not measured by prominence. Christ’s body functions through the faithful service of every member, including those whose work receives little notice. Ecc 4:9-10 Two are better than one, because they have a good return… On the contrary, Paul corrects any tendency to measure believers by outward prominence or ability. 1Co 1:27-28 But God chose the foolish things of the world…… the parts of the body The church is one body made up of many members, each joined to Christ and needed by the others. Rom 12:4-5 Just as each of us has one body with many members,… that seem to be weaker Some believers may have less visible roles, lower social standing, or fewer public gifts, yet their apparent weakness does not lessen their value. 2Co 4:7 Now we have this treasure in jars of clay… are indispensable, God has assigned every member a necessary place in the life and health of the church. Ecc 4:9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good return… and the parts we consider less honorable, Paul recognizes that some members of the body receive little public notice or social esteem. In the church, no believer is unnecessary because God has arranged the body so that each member contributes to its health and work. Rom 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud.… we treat with greater honor. Rather than following the world’s ranking of people by wealth, position, or visible ability, the church is to give deliberate care and respect to those easily overlooked. This preserves unity and acknowledges God’s purpose for every member. 1Ti 5:17 Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor… And our unpresentable parts are treated with special modesty, Private parts of the human body are properly covered and protected, yet they remain essential. In the same way, believers and ministries that are less visible should be treated with discretion, dignity, and care rather than neglect or shame. Exo 28:42 Make linen undergarments to cover their bare flesh,… whereas our presentable parts have no such need. The visible and socially honored members of the church do not need special recognition. Paul’s illustration assumes that every part of a human body has a proper function, whether visible or hidden, and applies that truth to believers within the congregation. 1Pe 3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment,… But God has composed the body God Himself has arranged the Church, joining believers together under Christ and assigning each member a place of service. No member is unnecessary, and no role exists apart from His purpose. Eph 4:16 From Him the whole body, fitted and held together… and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, God calls the church to show particular care and respect toward members who might otherwise be overlooked because of weakness, poverty, limited ability, or an inconspicuous role. His order overturns human pride and preserves the unity of the body. Rom 15:1-2 We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings… so that there should be no division in the body, Paul applies the image of the human body to the church, where believers have different roles yet belong to one Christ. Corinthian divisions over leaders, status, spiritual gifts, and social standing contradicted this unity. God has arranged the members of Christ’s body so that none is unnecessary or independent. 1Co 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord… but that its members should have mutual concern for one another. Believers are to recognize one another as fellow members of the same body and respond to each other’s needs with care. In a city marked by sharp distinctions between wealthy and poor, Jew and Gentile, slave and free, the church was to display a shared life in which honor, suffering, and need were not ignored. Php 2:4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests,… If one part suffers, Believers belong to one body and cannot regard another member’s hardship as unrelated to them. Corinth’s divisions, social differences, and competition for prominence contradicted this reality. When one part suffers injury, grief, persecution, or need, the whole church is called to share its concern and provide practical care. Heb 13:3 Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them,… every part suffers with it; When one member suffers, every member is affected. The church is not a collection of independent individuals but a people joined to Christ and responsible for one another. 2Co 1:6-7 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation;… if one part is honored, Recognition of a member’s faithful service, spiritual gift, or blessing should not produce envy. In a city shaped by status and public honor, Paul redirects attention from personal advancement to the good of the whole church. When one part is honored, the entire body shares in that honor. Rom 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.… every part rejoices with it. The blessing of one believer belongs, in a real sense, to all. Shared joy strengthens unity, encourages faithful service, and reflects the mutual love Christ requires among His people. Rom 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
The Greater GiftsPaul applies the body imagery directly to the Corinthian believers. Though divided by status, background, and personal loyalties, they belonged to Christ and were joined to one another under His authority. Their unity was not merely social but spiritual, created by their shared life in Christ. Eph 1:22-23 And God put everything under His feet and made Him head… and each of you is a member of it. Every believer had a necessary place in the congregation. Differences in gifts, service, and prominence did not determine worth, since each member contributed to the health and work of the whole body. No one could regard another as unnecessary or live independently from the rest. Rom 12:4-5 Just as each of us has one body with many members,… And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, Apostles were personally commissioned by Christ, beginning with the Twelve and including Paul, to establish the church, proclaim the Gospel, and lay its doctrinal foundation. Their authority was unique to the church’s founding era, and their teaching was preserved in the New Testament. Mrk 3:14-15 He appointed twelve of them, whom He designated as apostles… second prophets, Prophets received and communicated God’s revelation for the instruction, encouragement, and correction of believers during the early years of the church, before the New Testament was complete. Act 13:1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets… third teachers, Teachers explain and apply God’s revealed truth, grounding the church in sound doctrine and guarding believers against error. This remains an essential ministry within the church. Rom 12:7 if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching… then workers of miracles, Miracles displayed God’s power and confirmed the message proclaimed by the apostles. They testified that the Gospel came with divine authority. Act 19:11 God did extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul, and those with gifts of healing, Healings showed Christ’s compassion and authority over sickness, offering visible testimony to the coming kingdom of God. Such signs accompanied the church’s early witness. Luk 9:1-2 Then Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power… helping, Those gifted in helping meet practical needs and strengthen the work of others through faithful service, often without public recognition. Rom 16:1-2 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church… administration, Administration enables the church to function orderly and effectively through wise leadership, planning, and care for its responsibilities. Act 6:1-6 In those days when the disciples were increasing… and various tongues. Tongues involved speaking in languages not learned by the speaker and served as a sign when exercised according to God’s order. In public worship, interpretation was necessary so that the whole congregation could be strengthened. Act 2:4-11 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit… Are all apostles? Christ appointed the apostles, meaning “ones who are sent,” as foundational witnesses of His resurrection and authorized representatives of His teaching. The Twelve and Paul held a unique office in establishing churches, preserving the gospel, and laying the doctrinal foundation of the early church. Not every believer held this role. Act 1:21-26 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men… Are all prophets? New Testament prophets communicated revelation from God for the instruction, warning, encouragement, and strengthening of the churches. Their ministry served the church during its formative years and was not given to every Christian. Act 11:27-28 In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem… Are all teachers? Teachers were entrusted with explaining God’s truth accurately and helping believers grow in sound doctrine. Because teaching carried great responsibility, those called to it were accountable for what they taught and how they led others. Rom 12:7 if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching… Do all work miracles? Miraculous works displayed God’s power and confirmed the message preached by Christ’s apostles and other servants. The Spirit did not grant this ability to every believer, but distributed gifts according to His purpose for the good of the whole church. Act 19:11 God did extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul, Do all have gifts of healing? Paul expects a negative answer. The Spirit does not give every believer the same ability, including the ability to bring healing. Healings in the apostolic age displayed God’s power, relieved suffering, and confirmed the gospel, but they were never possessed by every member of the church. Act 3:6-8 Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you:… Do all speak in tongues? Tongues, or glossolalia—speaking in languages unknown to the speaker—were distributed to some believers, not required of all. In Corinth, their public use had become a source of disorder and pride, so Paul later requires that they be exercised in a way that builds up the gathered church. Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit… Do all interpret? No. Interpretation was needed when tongues were spoken publicly so that the congregation could understand and be edified. Without interpretation, the speaker was to remain silent in the assembly. 1Co 14:27-28 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two, or at most three,… But eagerly desire the greater gifts. Believers are to seek gifts that strengthen and instruct the whole church rather than elevate the individual. In Corinth, some placed undue importance on more dramatic gifts, contributing to disorder and division. Paul directs them toward gifts that build up the body and serve others. 1Co 14:1 Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts,… And now I will show you the most excellent way. Love is greater than every spiritual gift because it governs how each gift is used. Without love, even the most visible ministry is empty. Paul’s teaching leads into the truth that love reflects God’s character and must shape the life of the church. Jhn 13:34 A new commandment I give you: Love one another.… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
    |