1 Corinthians 12:7

King James Version (KJV)

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

The manifestation of the Spirit - Φανερωσις του Πνευματος . This is variably understood by the fathers; some of them rendering φανερωσις by illumination, others demonstration, and others operation. The apostle's meaning seems to be this: Whatever gifts God has bestowed, or in what various ways soever the Spirit of God may have manifested himself, it is all for the common benefit of the Church. God has given no gift to any man for his own private advantage, or exclusive profit. He has it for the benefit of others as well as for his own salvation.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

But the manifestation of the Spirit - The word “manifestation” ( φανέρωτις fanerōtis) means properly that which makes manifest, conspicuous, or plain; that which illustrates, or makes any thing seen or known. Thus, conduct manifests the state of the heart; and the actions are a manifestation, or “showing forth” of the real feelings. The idea here is, that there is given to those referred to, such gifts. endowments, or graces as shall “manifest” the work and nature of the Spirit‘s operations on the mind; such endowments as the Spirit makes himself known by to people. All that he produces in the mind is a manifestation of his character and work, in the same way as the works of God in the visible creation are a manifestation of his perfections.

Is given to every man - To every man whose case is here under consideration. The idea is not at all that the manifestation of the Spirit is given to all people indiscriminately, to pagans, and infidels, and scoffers as well as to Christians. The apostle is discoursing only of those who are Christians, and his declaration should be confined to them alone. Whatever may be true of other people, this statement should be confined wholly to Christians, and means simply that the Spirit of God gives to each Christian such graces and endowments as he pleases; that he distributes his gifts to all, not equally, but in a manner which he shall choose; and that the design of this is, that all Christians should use his endowments for the common good. This passage, therefore, is very improperly adduced to prove that the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit are conferred alike on all people, and that pagans, and blasphemers, and sinners in general are under his enlightening influences. It has no reference to any such doctrine, but should be interpreted as referring solely to Christians, and the various endowments which are conferred on them.

To profit withal - ( πρὸς τὸ συμθέρον pros tosumtheron). Unto profit; that is, for utility, or use; or to be an advantage to the church; for the common good of all. This does not mean that each one must cultivate and improve his graces and gifts, however true that may be, but that they are to be used for the common good of the church; they are bestowed “for utility,” or “profit;” they are conferred in such measures and in such a manner as are best adapted to be useful, and to do good. They are bestowed not on all equally, but in such a manner as shall best subserve the interests of piety and the church, and as shall tend harmoniously to carry on the great interests of religion, and further the welfare of the whole Christian body. The doctrine of this verse is, therefore:

(1)That the Holy Spirit bestows such endowments on all Christians as he pleases; and,

(2)That the design is, in the best manner to promote the common welfare - the peace and edification of the whole church.

It follows from this:

(1)That no Christian should be unduly elated, as if he were more worthy than others, since his endowments are the simple gift of God;

(2)That no Christian should be depressed and disheartened, as if he occupied an inferior or unimportant station, since his place has also been assigned him by God;

(3)That all should be contented, and satisfied with their allotments in the church, and should strive only to make the best use of their talents and endowments; and,

(4)That all should employ their time and talents for the common utility; for the furtherance of the common welfare, and the advancement of the kingdom of Christ on earth.

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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

7. Manifestation of the Spirit. This may be understood either as a manifestation that the Spirit gives or as a manifestation that reveals the Holy Spirit in His true nature and operations. The meaning is not too different. The reference is to spiritual gifts, which were manifestations produced by the Spirit, and at the same time manifestations that revealed the character and work of the Spirit.

Made myself servant. Literally, “enslaved myself.” Paul was willing to labor for others, as a slave does without reward or pay, to advance their welfare. Like a slave, wishing to please his master, or because he is forced to do so, he was willing to comply with the habits, customs, and opinions of others as far as possible, without compromising principle. God’s ministers must be ready at all times to adapt themselves and their ministry to the nature of those for whom they labor (see 2T 673).

To every man. That is, every Christian. It appears that the gifts in the early church were widely if not universally distributed among the various members. However, the phrase “to every man” may simply mean, to every man to whom a special gift is given.

Gain the more. All things in Paul’s life were made subject to his great objective of preaching the gospel and winning souls for Christ. He was prepared to be of no account if by so doing some might be drawn to the Lord (see Rom. 9:3). The apostle’s laudable ambition was that he should be used by the Holy Spirit to lead the greatest number possible to accept salvation from sin through Christ. This is the ambition of every true minister of the gospel.

To profit withal. That is, for the common good or advantage of the church as a whole, though personal benefit is not excluded (see ch. 14:4, 12). The gifts are imparted according to the needs of the church in special situations. In the wisdom of God the church at Corinth received a liberal endowment of gifts (ch. 1:7). The supernatural manifestations confirmed the faith of the early believers, who had not the historical evidence of the power of Christianity that men possess today. Nor had they trained and experienced leadership or men skilled in the Word of God. Bibles, consisting of only the OT, were rare. To supply the lack and to meet the need, supernatural gifts were liberally bestowed.

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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
The Upward Look, 379.3

God has put men and women in possession of precious gifts. To different ones He has given different gifts. Not all have the same strength of character or the same depth of knowledge. But each one is to use his gifts in the Master's service, however small this gift may seem to be. The faithful steward trades wisely on the goods entrusted to him. UL 379.3

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