Re-orienting the "gifts": Part III

I Corinthians 12
The message of I Corinthians 12 is that every part of the body has a function. Paul includes a lengthy metaphor discussing the human body in order to illustrate this. The question for the Corinthian church then seems to be “What ministry do you have to contribute” instead of “What is your special ability”.

The word for “gifts” in verse 4 is a common usage that comes from the same word for “grace” and emphasizes “that which is given freely and generously.” In verse 5 Paul then mentions “varieties of ministries” which puts the focus on “the role or position of serving.” In verse 6 Paul mentions “varieties of effects.” This word for “effects” means “activities or deeds” and stresses “that which is done with possible focus on the energy or effort involved.” Lastly in verse 7 Paul speaks of the “manifestation of the Spirit” where this word “manifestation” means revelation and refers to something that is made known.

Each of these words are significant because Paul seems to be using them interchangeably in these texts to communicate the same ideas – ideas which he uses language regarding role and action, not power or supernatural capacity. Much like the Romans passage there seems to be significant evidence which would lead us to believe that the gifts being referred to are better understood as divinely given ministries to be performed as opposed to divinely imparted special abilities for ministry. It is the role that is highlighted, not the power or right to fulfill it even if divinely given. This accented by Paul’s statement that these manifestations are “for the common good” or the well being of the community as a whole.