1 Corinthians 12:29- 31 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.
Paul asks a series of simple rhetorical questions that have the same answer: No, not all people have these various gifts. Each person is unique. Some people will be gifted with the ones that Paul lists here: apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, healers, speakers, and interpreters. The church is made up of people with different gifts so that together, the church will be stronger and better able to do God’s will. If everyone has the same gift, then something would be missed and neglected in the ministry of the church. The church needs only a certain number of apostles and teachers. Not everyone can or should speak in tongues. Certain people will be healers. The implication is that we should not try to do something that someone else can do. Don’t be jealous of someone else’s gift. Be satisfied with the gift the Holy Spirit is growing within you.
There is a universal gift given to all that everyone should desire to have. Paul will discuss this gift in ch. 13. The “greater gifts” are to be desired. Paul will rank some of the gifts are more to be sought after than others. These gifts will lead people to Jesus and help proclaim the gospel. The Corinthians may have sought to have the gifts that exalt individuals, like tongues. These types of gifts can too easily cause divisions within the church.
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