Keraia
1 Corinthians 12

1 Corinthians 12:31

The Greater Gifts · 1 Corinthians 12:27–31
Read 1 Corinthians 12

Translations

Modern
But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.
Traditional
But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Literal
But zealously desire the greater gifts. And now I show to you a more surpassing way.
Latin
Æmulamini autem charismata meliora. Et adhuc excellentiorem viam vobis demonstro.

Original

Greek
English
But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.

Notes

1 Corinthians 12:31

  • Believers should eagerly seek the most helpful gifts, those with the greatest potential to strengthen the church (see 14:12). They should remember that God distributes gifts as he chooses (12:11, 18, 28). Paul encourages the Corinthians to look beyond their desire for the gift of tongues (compare 14:1–25, 27; see 12:10) because it has the least potential to strengthen the church.

  • And now I will show you the most excellent way: This statement leads to Paul’s description of love in 13:1–13. Love is the best way of life.

1 Corinthians 12:28–31

Paul describes various roles assigned to individuals in the church (see also the list in 12:8–10; compare Romans 12:6–8; Ephesians 4:11).

1 Corinthians 12:12–31

The church is like a body (see 12:27) made up of many different parts. Each part has its own role, as determined by God (see 12:11, 18, 28; Romans 12:4–5).

1 Corinthians 12:1–14:40

The church in Corinth focused too much on the gift of speaking in tongues (see 14:1–25, 27; compare the lists in 12:8–10, 28, where Paul lists tongues last). Paul offers advice to correct their understanding of the value and use of spiritual gifts.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Charismata First Letter to the Corinthians Love Mystery Prophecy Spiritual Gifts Tongues, Speaking in

Topics

Holiness: General Scriptures Concerning Miracles: Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: To be Sought After Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be Sought After