1 Corinthians 12:5

King James Version (KJV)

And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

Differences of administrations - Διακονιων· Various offices in the Church, such as apostle, prophet, and teacher; under which were probably included bishop or presbyter, pastor, deacon, etc.; the qualifications for such offices, as well as the appointments themselves, coming immediately from the one Lord Jesus Christ.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

Of administrations - Margin, “Ministries.” The word properly denotes “ministries;” so that there are different ranks and grades in the ministries which Christ has appointed, to wit, those specified in 1 Corinthians 12:9-10, 1 Corinthians 12:28.

But the same Lord - This refers evidently to the Lord Jesus, by whom these various orders of ministers were appointed, and under whose control they are; see the note at Acts 1:24; compare Ephesians 4:5. The term “Lord,” when it stands by itself in the New Testament, usually refers to the Lord Jesus, the name by which he was commonly known by the disciples; see John 20:25. The fact also that this stands between the mention of the work of the Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:4 and the work of God 1 Corinthians 12:6, and the fact that to the Lord Jesus appertained the appointment of these various grades of officers in the church (compare Matthew 10:1 ff, and Luke 10:1 ff), is further proof that this refers to him. The design of the verse is, to show that all these offices had their appointment from him; and that since all were his appointment, and all were necessary, no one should be proud of an elevated station; no one should be depressed, or feel himself degraded, because he had been designated to a more humble office.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

Spiritual gifts were extraordinary powers bestowed in the first ages, to convince unbelievers, and to spread the gospel. Gifts and graces greatly differ. Both were freely given of God. But where grace is given, it is for the salvation of those who have it. Gifts are for the advantage and salvation of others; and there may be great gifts where there is no grace. The extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit were chiefly exercised in the public assemblies, where the Corinthians seem to have made displays of them, wanting in the spirit of piety, and of Christian love. While heathens, they had not been influenced by the Spirit of Christ. No man can call Christ Lord, with believing dependence upon him, unless that faith is wrought by the Holy Ghost. No man could believe with his heart, or prove by a miracle, that Jesus was Christ, unless by the Holy Ghost. There are various gifts, and various offices to perform, but all proceed from one God, one Lord, one Spirit; that is, from the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the origin of all spiritual blessings. No man has them merely for himself. The more he profits others, the more will they turn to his own account. The gifts mentioned appear to mean exact understanding, and uttering the doctrines of the Christian religion; the knowledge of mysteries, and skill to give advice and counsel. Also the gift of healing the sick, the working of miracles, and to explain Scripture by a peculiar gift of the Spirit, and ability to speak and interpret languages. If we have any knowledge of the truth, or any power to make it known, we must give all the glory of God. The greater the gifts are, the more the possessor is exposed to temptations, and the larger is the measure of grace needed to keep him humble and spiritual; and he will meet with more painful experiences and humbling dispensations. We have little cause to glory in any gifts bestowed on us, or to despise those who have them not.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

5. Administrations. Gr. diakoniai, “ministrations,” “services” (see Rom. 15:31). The word is often translated “ministry” (see Acts 1:17, 25; 6:4; 20:24; Rom. 12:7; 1:12). There are different kinds of services in the church, but all are controlled by one Lord.

Without charge. That is, without soliciting funds from his converts for his support.

Lord. In the NT this term standing by itself generally refers to Christ. It is one of the names by which He was known among the disciples (John 20:25). The purpose of this verse seems to be to establish the fact that all the various forms of ministry in the church originated with Christ. Because of this, and because all the kinds of ministrations are necessary, no individual should be unduly proud of his particular appointment to a responsible position in the church; nor should anyone feel disappointed because he has been assigned to a humble post of duty (cf. Matt. 23:8; 1 Peter 5:2, 3).

Abuse. Gr. katachraomai, “to use up,” “to use to the full,” or simply, “to use,” as doubtless here, for Paul was not claiming or receiving partial support. The word need not be construed in a bad sense. Paul repeatedly asserted his authority to claim support from the believers (see vs. 4, 5, 11, 12), but he does not plan to exercise his right. To do so in his case would be a hindrance to the gospel and would deprive him of his coveted reward of offering salvation, without any kind of charge or fee, to all whom he addressed (see v. 12).

It cannot be argued from Paul’s statements in vs. 15-18 that ministers of the gospel should necessarily labor with their hands at some trade or other for their support and not expect the churches to provide for them. The apostle was careful to make plain that his own attitude was the exception rather than the rule (see vs. 5-7, 9). God has definitely instructed His church concerning His plan for the support of His ministers (see v. 14; AA 338-341).

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Ellen G. White
The Faith I Live By, 292.1

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.... The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 1 Corinthians 12:1, 7. FLB 292.1

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Ellen G. White
Selected Messages Book 3, 25.1

But God has set in the church different gifts. These are all precious in their place, and all are to act a part in the perfecting of the saints. 3SM 25.1

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Ellen G. White
Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1, 53.1

Like the branches of the True Vine, the Word of God presents unity in diversity. There is in it a perfect, superhuman, mysterious unity. It contains divine wisdom, and that is the foundation of all true education; but this Book has been treated indifferently. 1MCP 53.1

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