Desire the Greater Gifts

Paul lists people and works God has appointed in the church: apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, gifts of healing, helps, administration, and various kinds of tongues. The list is not identical to the earlier list, and that is part of the point. God is not using one fixed inventory to make every church look the same.

Paul asks a series of questions: Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles, have gifts of healing, speak in tongues, or interpret? Every expected answer is no. The church needs variety, and no one person's gift can stand in for the whole body.

Paul tells the Corinthians to eagerly desire the greater gifts. In the next chapter he will show what makes any gift truly great: love. A gift is “greater” when it serves the church more effectively, not when it gives the user a more impressive reputation.

The church can therefore encourage aspiration without encouraging rivalry. Someone may desire to teach, lead, help, heal, interpret, or speak a prophetic word, but the desire must remain under the common good and the character of Christ.

The final transition matters. Paul says he will show them a way that surpasses all others. The next chapter is not a sentimental interruption. It supplies the measure by which every gift and every ministry must be judged.