Desire the Greater Gifts

Read aloud

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. He gives apostles, prophets and teachers a stated order, then names other forms of service, including helping and administration. All are God's appointments for His church; variety does not make their purpose unimportant.

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 chapter 14 he will explain the value of gifts that build up the gathered church, especially intelligible prophecy. First he introduces the most excellent way: love. Even a gift that could help many people is empty when used without love.

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.