LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
Leaving Childhood (3)
A third thing dealt with by Paul in the first letter to the Corinthians, and which gives a glimpse of the level of immaturity of the church, has to do with spiritual gifts, and it is recorded in chapters 12, 13 and 14. This is why Paul emphasizes so much, in chapter 12, the idea of diversity (v. 4). It is not just one gift, but many that God has given to the church, and all must function in coordination, and above all, for the edification of the body.
Paul mentions nine gifts of the Spirit, and places them in the context of the body. Then, continuing the reasoning, he touches on the subject of love. If we do not have love, we will see only our own individual plot, and we will not see the important function of others. No gift is sufficient in itself if it is not impregnated with love, because love leads the believer to go out of himself in order to turn towards others.
Finally, Paul's reasoning leads us to prophecy. Chapter 14 revolves entirely around this subject. Beginning with the gifts, and continuing with love, we arrive at prophecy. Verse 1 puts the three issues in order: "Follow after love, and seek spiritual gifts, but above all, that you may prophesy".
Prophecy is Paul's goal. Through prophecy, the whole body edifies the whole body. Unlike the gifts of the Spirit -which not everyone has- everyone can prophesy, everyone has something they have received from God to put before others.
The functioning of the gifts among the Corinthians seemed to be a vain and selfish exercise. On the other hand, prophecy has the advantage of touching other believers, in a double aspect: that of the spirit and that of the understanding (vv. 14-16). Through prophecy, the saints are edified, while unbelievers who might eventually be present at church meetings are convinced.
The use of the gifts, as well as prophecy, should have as its only goal the edification of the church. If it does not fulfill this objective, it will be a simple exercise empty of meaning. The central point is: the church is edified by the church. Just as the Corinthians were to see the plurality in the apostolic ministry (not only Paul, but Apollos and Cephas), so also in the edification of the church; not only one gift, but many, not only one member, but many, not only one prophet edifying the church, but all are prophets called to edify and evangelize.