But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. (1 Co 12:20–13:1).
Our first experience in a setting where people were speaking in tongues was probably between the ages of 15 and 16. This was also our initial encounter with the idea of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the manifestation of these gifts. The movement we were part of taught about the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which originally referred to sanctification in the old holiness tradition but evolved in the early 1900s to include the manifestations of the gifts of the Spirit. Although the group we were with was not part of the Pentecostal denomination, many within the group believed that speaking in tongues was the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit. We too experienced speaking in tongues as the initial evidence of our baptism in the Holy Spirit and held this view for many years.
As we grew older and attended Bible college, we encountered a more moderate perspective that aligned with the holiness view of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This view emphasized an experience with the Holy Spirit leading to a deeper sense of sanctification. Now, as we consciously try to read the Scriptures free from our previous indoctrination, we ask ourselves what the Scriptures truly say and whether we still believe what we once did about the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit.
When we were younger, we were taught that once a person received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, all the gifts of the Spirit listed in 1 Corinthians were available to them. The idea was that the gift was more of the Holy Spirit Himself, and with this gift, we could manifest these spiritual gifts as the Spirit willed. This belief, however, raises questions. For example, why do some people not speak in tongues even when they seek the baptism of the Spirit? Over the years, we met many who claimed to have been baptized in the Holy Spirit without speaking in tongues.
Today, we suggest examining this passage of Scripture with an open mind and simply asking what it truly says.
Unity in Diversity
Paul underscores that while there are many members, they all form one body. Regardless of its function or perceived importance, each member is essential to the body's overall health and functionality. No part of the body can claim it does not need the other parts. Just as the eye cannot say to the hand, "I do not need you," every church member is necessary, and all depend on each other. Paul points out that those parts of the body that seem weaker or less honorable are indispensable. They are given greater honor and care, indicating that every member has great value, no matter how seemingly insignificant.
In this passage, Paul teaches that God has arranged the body so there is no division and that each member should care for the others. If one member suffers, all suffer; if one is honored, all rejoice. This mutual care should foster unity and compassion within the church. It's disheartening when it does not. Interestingly, Paul acknowledges that God has appointed various roles and gifts within the church, including apostles, prophets, and teachers. Contrary to past views, Paul specifically says that not everyone has the same gift, but all are important for the church's function and mission.
Paul concludes his thoughts by urging believers to desire the best gifts. But what are the best gifts? Interestingly, Paul refrains from specifying gifts here. Why? Because the best gifts are those needed at any given time. Paul encourages believers to seek the most edifying gifts to the community and serve the common good at any moment.
However, Paul immediately follows this exhortation by introducing "a more excellent way," which he explains in 1 Corinthians 13 as the way of love. Paul emphasizes that regardless of which spiritual gifts one possesses, they are meaningless without love. Thus, love is the greatest and most essential gift, which should govern the use of all other spiritual gifts.
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