1 Corinthians – Chapter 12

New Testament31 Verses

1Now concerning spiritual things, my brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

2You know that when you were heathens, you went to dumb idols, according as you were led.

3Wherefore, I give you to understand that no man, speaking by the Spirit of God, saith Anathema to Jesus. And no man can say The Lord Jesus, but by the Holy Ghost.

4Now there are diversities of graces, but the same Spirit.

5And there are diversities of ministries. but the same Lord.

6And there are diversities of operations, but the same God, who worketh all in all.

7And the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man unto profit.

8To one indeed, by the Spirit, is given the word of wisdom: and to another, the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit:

9To another, faith in the same spirit: to another, the grace of healing in one Spirit:

10To another the working of miracles: to another, prophecy: to another, the discerning of spirits: to another, diverse kinds of tongues: to another, interpretation of speeches.

11But all these things, one and the same Spirit worketh, dividing to every one according as he will.

12For as the body is one and hath many members; and all the members of the body, whereas they are many, yet are one body: So also is Christ.

13For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether bond or free: and in one Spirit we have all been made to drink.

14For the body also is not one member, but many.

15If the foot should say: Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body: Is it therefore not of the Body?

16And if the ear should say: Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body: Is it therefore not of the body?

17If the whole body were the eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?

18But now God hath set the members, every one of them, in the body as it hath pleased him.

19And if they all were one member, where would be the body?

20But now there are many members indeed, yet one body.

21And the eye cannot say to the hand: I need not thy help. Nor again the head to the feet: I have no need of you.

22Yea, much, more those that seem to be the more feeble members of the body are more necessary

23And such as we think to be the less honourable members of the body, about these we put more abundant honour: and those that are our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

24But our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, giving to that which wanted the more abundant honour.

25That there might be no schism in the body: but the members might be mutually careful one for another.

26And if one member suffer any thing, all the members suffer with it: or if one member glory, all the members rejoice with it.

27Now you are the body of Christ and members of member.

28And God indeed hath set some in the church; first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly doctors: after that miracles: then the graces of healings, helps, governments, kinds of tongues, interpretations of speeches.

29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all doctors?

30Are all workers of miracles? Have all the grace of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

31But be zealous for the better gifts. And I shew unto you yet a more excellent way.

Reflection for Today

As you read 1 Corinthians Chapter 12, the Catholic Church invites you to encounter God's living Word through the lens of Sacred Tradition. The Catechism teaches that Scripture must be read "within the living Tradition of the whole Church" (CIC 113). The same Holy Spirit who inspired these words continues to guide the Church in understanding them today.

In Catholic theology, every passage of Scripture points ultimately to Christ and finds its fullest meaning in the Church's sacramental life. The Magisterium—the teaching authority of the Pope and bishops—guides the faithful in authentic interpretation. As you meditate on these verses, consider how the Church Fathers and saints have understood them.

Through lectio divina—the ancient Catholic practice of prayerful reading—allow these words to transform your mind and heart, drawing you deeper into communion with Christ and His Church. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate these verses and show you how they call you to deeper faith, hope, and love.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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