Gifts of the Spirit

The Diverse and Fully Functioning Body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12:1-27

Abstract

This paper consists of a verse-by-verse look at 1 Corinthians 12:1-27, in order to determine the original design and purpose of the spiritual gifts Paul mentions. An examination of the context and background of the passage reveals that the gifts of the Spirit were given to all believers, including the weak and disabled, to unify and equip the body of Christ to carry out its vocation. The implication of this is that all members of the body are necessary, for each member has a unique role to play. This includes those affected by disabilities.