Gifts for the Edification of the Church in 1 Corinthians
The concept of gifts for the edification of the church is rooted in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14, where Paul discusses the various spiritual gifts bestowed upon the Corinthian church. According to Paul, these gifts are given for the common good and the edification of the church [1, 10].
In 1 Corinthians 12:1, Paul introduces the topic of spiritual gifts, stating that he does not want the Corinthian believers to be ignorant about them [2]. The Greek term used for "spiritual gifts" is "charismata," which refers to gifts supernaturally bestowed on the early Christians for the edification of the body of Christ [4]. These gifts include speaking with tongues, casting out devils, healing, and others, usually communicated by the laying on of the hands of the apostles.
The purpose of these gifts is not for personal edification but for the strengthening of the entire church [10]. As Paul writes, "So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church" [1]. The edification of the church is the primary goal, and believers are encouraged to seek gifts that have the greatest potential to build up the church [12].
The church is described as the body of Christ, composed of many different members, each with its own function as determined by God [5]. This diversity is essential for the church's unity and harmony, as each member has a vital role to play in the body [6, 7]. As John Gill notes, "all are united together, and make up one complete body, and which without each of them would not be perfect" [7].
The distribution of gifts is according to God's sovereign will, and believers are encouraged to earnestly desire the most helpful gifts while realizing that God is the one who distributes gifts as He chooses [12]. The gifts are not limited to the apostolic era but are a characteristic of the church as a whole [3].
In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul provides guidelines for the use of spiritual gifts in the church, emphasizing the importance of order and edification. He instructs believers to seek to prophesy one by one, rather than speaking in tongues without interpretation, to avoid confusion and ensure that the church is edified [11].
The concept of gifts for the edification of the church is closely tied to the unity of the church. As the Tyndale House commentary on Colossians 3:15 notes, "Just as Christ is one, so there can be only one body of Christ" [8]. The unity of the church is rooted in the fact that believers are all one in Christ Jesus, regardless of their background or social status [9].
Sources
- 1 Corinthians “1 Corinthians 14:12 (NASB) — So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.”
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Corinthians 12:1 — Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit — Foretold -- Isa 35:4-6; Joe 2:28,29. Of different kinds -- 1Co 12:4-6. Enumerated -- 1Co 12:8-10,28; 14:1. Christ was endued with -- Mt 12:28. Poured out on the day of Pentecost -- Ac 2:1-4. Communicated Upon the preaching of the gospel. -- Ac 10:44-46. By the laying on of the Apostles' hands. -- Ac 8:17,18; 19:6. For the confirmation of the gospel. -- Mr 16:20; Ac 14:3; Ro 15:19; Heb 2:4. For the edification of the Church. -- 1Co 12:7; 14:12,13. Dispensed according to his sovereign will -- 1Co 12:11. Were to be sought after -- 1”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Gifts, spiritual — (Gr. charismata), gifts supernaturally bestowed on the early Christians, each having his own proper gift or gifts for the edification of the body of Christ. These were the result of the extraordinary operation of the Spirit, as on the day of Pentecost. They were the gifts of speaking with tongues, casting out devils, healing, etc. (Mark 16:17, 18), usually communicated by the medium of the laying on of the hands of the apostles (Acts 8:17; 19:6; 1 Tim. 4:14). These charismata were enjoyed only for a time. They could not continue always in the Churc”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:12: 12:12-31 The church is like a body (see 12:27) composed of many different parts, each with its own function as determined by God (see 12:11, 18, 28; Rom 12:4-5).”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 12:27: members in particular--that is, severally members of it. Each church is in miniature what the whole aggregate of churches is collectively, "the body of Christ" (compare Co1 3:16): and its individual components are members, every one in his assigned place.”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 12:20: But now are they many members,.... Of different make and shape, in different parts and places, and of different use and service: yet but one body; all are united together, and make up one complete body, and which without each of them would not be perfect: so there are many members in the body of Christ, the church; some are teachers, others are hearers; some give, and others receive; but all make up but one church, of which Christ is the head; nor can anyone of them be spared; was anyone wanting, even the meanest, there would be a deficiency, and the church ”
- Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 3:15: 3:15 Just as Christ is one, so there can be only one body of Christ (see 1:18; Eph 4:4-6). Allegiance to Jesus as Lord must transcend differences and will result in peace (harmonious relationships).”
- Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 3:28: 3:28 There is no longer: Everyone comes to Christ and receives God’s promises in exactly the same way (cp. 1 Cor 12:12-13; Eph 2:14; Col 3:11). • male and female: Cp. Gen 1:27. • you are all one: The community of believers is one body, the body of Christ (see Rom 12:4-5; 1 Cor 12:27; Eph 2:15-16, 19-22). • in Christ Jesus: See Col 2:6–3:11.”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 14:4: 14:4 The primary purpose of spiritual gifts is not self-edification, but the strengthening of the entire church (see 12:7; cp. 8:1; 14:12).”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 14:31: For ye may all prophesy one by one - The gifts which God grants are given for the purpose of edification; but there can be no edification where there is confusion; therefore let them speak one by one.”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:31: 12:31 Believers are to earnestly desire the most helpful gifts, those that have the greatest potential to build up the church (see 14:12), while realizing that God is the one who distributes gifts as he chooses (12:11, 18, 28). Paul encourages the Corinthians to move beyond their desire for the gift of tongues (cp. 14:1-25, 27; see 12:10) because it has the least potential, of all the gifts, to build up the church. • But now let me show you: This statement transitions to Paul’s description of love in 13:1-13. Love is a way of life that is best of all.”