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Chapter Summary
Now there are various spiritual gifts, but one Spirit. If the whole body were an eye, how would it hear? You are the body of Christ.
1Now concerning spiritual things, I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers. 2You know that when you were Gentiles, you approached mute idols, doing what you were led to do. 3Because of this, I would have you know that no one speaking in the Spirit of God utters a curse against Jesus. And no one is able to say that Jesus is Lord, except in the Holy Spirit. 4Truly, there are diverse graces, but the same Spirit. 5And there are diverse ministries, but the same Lord. 6And there are diverse works, but the same God, who works everything in everyone. 7However, the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one toward what is beneficial. 8Certainly, to one, through the Spirit, is given words of wisdom; but to another, according to the same Spirit, words of knowledge; 9to another, in the same Spirit, faith; to another, in the one Spirit, the gift of healing; 10to another, miraculous works; to another, prophecy; to another, the discernment of spirits; to another, different kinds of languages; to another, the interpretation of words. 11But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one according to his will.
12For just as the body is one, and yet has many parts, so all the parts of the body, though they are many, are only one body. So also is Christ. 13And indeed, in one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether servant or free. And we all drank in the one Spirit. 14For the body, too, is not one part, but many. 15If the foot were to say, “Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body,” would it then not be of the body? 16And if the ear were to say, “Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body,” would it then not be of the body? 17If the whole body were the eye, how would it hear? If the whole were hearing, how would it smell? 18But instead, God has placed the parts, each one of them, in the body, just as it has pleased him. 19So if they were all one part, how would it be a body? 20But instead, there are many parts, indeed, yet one body. 21And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need for your works.” And again, the head cannot say to the feet, “You are of no use to me.” 22In fact, so much more necessary are those parts of the body which seem to be weaker. 23And though we consider certain parts of the body to be less noble, we surround these with more abundant dignity, and so, those parts which are less presentable end up with more abundant respect. 24However, our presentable parts have no such need, since God has tempered the body together, distributing the more abundant honor to that which has the need, 25so that there might be no schism in the body, but instead the parts themselves might take care of one another. 26And so, if one part suffers anything, all the parts suffer with it. Or, if one part finds glory, all the parts rejoice with it.
27Now you are the body of Christ, and parts like any part. 28And indeed, God has established a certain order in the Church: first Apostles, second Prophets, third Teachers, next miracle-workers, and then the grace of healing, of helping others, of governing, of different kinds of languages, and of the interpretation of words. 29Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all Teachers? 30Are all workers of miracles? Do all have the grace of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31But be zealous for the better charisms. And I reveal to you a yet more excellent way.