August 2026

The gift of prophecy occupies a prominent place in Paul’s discussion on spiritual gifts. Interestingly, the gift of prophecy is usually mentioned before the gift of tongues (1 Cor. 12:10, 28; 1 Cor. 13:8). When the gift of tongues is mentioned first, this is only to emphasize its relative unimportance compared to the gift of prophecy (1 Cor. 14:4, 5, 6, 22).

Read Ephesians 4:11–13 and 1 Corinthians 14:3, 4. What do these passages say about the purpose of spiritual gifts in general and the gift of prophecy in particular?

What about the gift of tongues? In line with the manifestation of the gift elsewhere in the Bible (Mark 16:17, Acts 2:1–13, Acts 10:44–48, Acts 19:6), the gift of tongues in 1 Corinthians is most likely the Spirit-granted ability to speak in foreign languages.

“Love is not one gift among many. It is the means through which all of the gifts reach their ultimate purpose.”—Carl P. Cosaert, “1 Corinthians,” Andrews Bible Commentary: New Testament (Berrien Springs, MI: Andrews University Press, 2022), p. 1643.

Read 1 Corinthians 13:1–7 and 1 Peter 4:8–11. What is the role of love as far as spiritual gifts are concerned?

The language of oneness introduced in 1 Corinthians 12:4–6 (“the same Spirit,” “the same Lord,” and “the same God”) is developed in the rest of 1 Corinthians 12. This is evidenced by Paul’s use of phrases such as “one and the same Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:11, NKJV), “the body is one” (1 Cor. 12:12), “one body” (1 Cor. 12:12, 13, 20), “one Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:13 [two times]), and “the same care for one another” (1 Cor. 12:25, NKJV).

In 1 Corinthians 12:1, Paul introduces a new topic with the formula “now concerning.” Scholars discuss whether he is talking about “spiritual gifts” or “spiritual people” because the Greek phrase tōn pneumatikōn allows both interpretations. “Spiritual gifts” is preferable in light of 1 Corinthians 12:4, where Paul clearly refers to spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12:2, 3, Paul points out that the Spirit’s first gift is the bold confession that Jesus is Lord.

Read for This Week’s Study

1 Corinthians 12, Eph. 4:11–13, 1 Corinthians 13, 1 Pet. 4:8–11, 1 Cor. 14:27, Amos 3:7.

Memory Text:

“Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy” (1 Corinthians 14:1, ESV).

Like a human body, the church is one but has many members, each with different roles, functions, and gifts. Practiced with love, these spiritual gifts promote a sense of unity that reflects the character of the triune God.