1 Corinthians 14:12

12 Thus *ye* also, since ye are desirous of spirits, seek that ye may abound for the edification of the assembly.

1 Corinthians 14:12 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 14:12

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts,
&c.] Gr. "of spirits"; that is, "of the gifts of the Spirit", as the Syriac version renders it; and we rightly, "spiritual gifts"; the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, for which the apostle does not blame them; these being what he had before exhorted them to covet earnestly, and zealously affect and desire: but then he further advises,

seek that ye may excel, to the edifying of the church:
above all, be desirous of such gifts, and of excelling in them, and abounding in the exercise of them, which may be most profitable and edifying to the members of the church; and what these were, and in what manner to be used, he had before signified: the Alexandrian copy reads, seek that ye may prophesy.

1 Corinthians 14:12 In-Context

10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of undistinguishable sound.

11 If therefore I do not know the power of the sound, I shall be to him that speaks a barbarian, and he that speaks a barbarian for me.

12 Thus *ye* also, since ye are desirous of spirits, seek that ye may abound for the edification of the assembly.

13 Wherefore let him that speaks with a tongue pray that he may interpret.

14 For if I pray with a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.

Footnotes

• [a]. 'Spiritual gifts,' though in sum the sense, deprives the phrase of its force here. As Gentiles, they were in danger of confounding demons' action with the Holy Spirit; and they did not adequately hold the unity of the Spirit, but looked for a spirit's power and action to distinguish themselves. The apostle was obliged to point out the difference between demons and the Holy Spirit. But the word further tends to show the reality of a personal spirit acting, though for the Christian there be but one, the Spirit of God.