1 Corinthians 12:4

4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. ¹

1 Corinthians 12:4 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 12:4

Now there are diversities of gifts
Of spiritual ones, as in ( 1 Corinthians 12:1 ) which spring from the free grace, and good will and pleasure of God, and are not owing to the merits of men; and therefore such who have the largest share of them should not boast of them as acquired by themselves, or be puffed up on account of them; and those who have the smallest measure should be content and thankful; for though the gifts are different, some have greater, and others lesser, none have all, but all have some, yet not alike:

but the same Spirit;
is the author and giver of all as he pleases; the lesser gifts, and the smallest degree of them, come from the Spirit of God, as well as the greater. Gifts here seem to be the general name for all that follow; and

administrations
and

operations
are the two species of them; and of these a particular account is afterwards given.

1 Corinthians 12:4 In-Context

2 You know that while you were still heathen, you were led astray in many ways to the worship of lifeless idols.

3 I want you to know that no one who is led by God's Spirit can say "A curse on Jesus!" and no one can confess "Jesus is Lord," without being guided by the Holy Spirit.

4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them.

5 There are different ways of serving, but the same Lord is served.

6 There are different abilities to perform service, but the same God gives ability to all for their particular service.

Cross References

• 1. 12.4-11Romans 12.6-8.