1 Corinthians 12:29-31 – The transcendent path!

Not all are apostles. Not all are prophets. Not all are teachers. Not all have powers. Not all have the graces of healing. Not all are speaking languages. Not all are interpreting. Yet be zealous for the greater graces. And still I am showing you a path, suited to transcendence.

In Corinth, many believed that certain spectacular spiritual expressions were of a higher order. Speaking in (never learned) languages ​​in particular was highly regarded. But Paul brings this overvaluation back to the healthy proportions. All ministries and utterances have their meaning and purpose insofar as GOD has provided it. Therefore, try not to be what the other is, or to do what the other does. We are not all the same and we should not want that either.

Paul urges the Corinthians as a whole to be passionately committed to “the greater effects of grace.” He thereby refers to the appreciation for prophecy (14: 1,39) because this expression has a greater constructive, encouraging and comforting (14: 3) capacity than all other expressions. At the same time, Paul is preparing his readers for an even more excellent path. Because speaking in languages ​​would silence in some time and prophesying would cease (13: 8). But what will remain afterwards (13:13), that is all transcendent!

Delen: