1 Corinthians 12:1

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 12:1 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
1 Corinthians 12:1 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Now concerning spiritual gifts, etc.] Though the word “gifts” is not in the original text, it is rightly supplied by our translators, as it is in the Arabic version: for the apostle does not mean spiritual graces, nor spiritual words, or doctrines, nor spiritual meats and drinks, nor spiritual men, each of which are mentioned before in this epistle; though the latter is thought by some to be here intended, and that the apostle’s view is to show the difference between those that are spiritual, and those that are not; but as spiritual gifts are the subject of the apostle’s discourse throughout this chapter, and the two following, they seem very manifestly to be designed here. The apostle…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“THE USE AND THE ABUSE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS, ESPECIALLY PROPHESYING AND TONGUES. (1Co. 12:1-31) spiritual gifts--the signs of the Spirit's continued efficacious presence in the Church, which is Christ's body, the complement of His incarnation, as the body is the complement of the head. By the love which pervades the whole, the gifts of the several members, forming reciprocal complements to each other, tend to the one object of perfecting the body of Christ. The ordinary and permanent gifts are comprehended together with the extraordinary, without distinction specified, as both alike flow from the divine indwelling Spirit of life. The extraordinary gifts, so far from making professors more…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Now concerning - it is now time that I should speak of spiritual endowments. He had no doubt been consulted in regard to them, and probably various questions had been proposed, which he now proceeded to answer. Spiritual gifts - The word “gifts” is not in the original. The Greek refers to “spiritual” things in general, or to anything that is of a spiritual nature. The whole discussion, however, shows that he refers to the various endowments, gifts, or graces that had been bestowed in different degrees on the members of the church - including the distinctions in graces, and in degrees of office and rank, which had been made in the Christian church in general 1 Corinthians 12:0, as well as the…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Now concerning spiritual gifts - The abundance of these in the churches of Greece strongly refuted the idle learning of the Greek philosophers. But the Corinthians did not use them wisely, which occasioned St. Paul's writing concerning them. He describes, The unity of the body, 1Co. 12:1-27. The variety of members and offices, Co1 12:27-30. The way of exercising gifts rightly, namely, by love, Co1 12:31, Co1 13:1. throughout: and adds, A comparison of several gifts with each other, in the fourteenth chapter. 1 Corinthians 12:2”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“12:1–14:40 The church at Corinth had placed too much emphasis on the gift of tongues (see 14:1-25, 27; cp. the lists in 12:8-10, 28, where Paul places tongues last), so Paul gives corrective advice regarding the value and use of spiritual gifts. 12:1-3 Paul introduces the topic, emphasizing the active presence of the Holy Spirit in believers.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“spiritual: Co1 12:4-11, 14:1-18, Co1 14:37; Eph 4:11 I would not: Co1 10:1; Co2 1:8; Th1 4:13; Pe2 3:8 1 Corinthians 12:2”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification