1 Corinthians 12:20-31 - Each Contributing His Part
The hand and the foot obviously stand in need of each other; but the same interdependence marks the feebler and humbler parts of our frame. Indeed, it would appear as if we bestow more abundant honor on them by covering them with clothes or ornaments. In this way the least important parts of our nature are leveled up and compensated.
The Apostle's aim throughout this passage is to enforce the interdependence of believers. One gives to others that in which they are deficient, and he derives help from each of them in turn. The Christian Church is not an inert mass of mere learners and subjects who are to be authoritatively taught and ruled by a small fraction of its members. It is a great co-operative society, in which each is for all and all for each, and the object is to bring Christ into every department of our being and our fellowship, as the life-blood nourishes the body of man. A new word has lately come into use, to express the interdependence and mutual interests of men and nations; and nothing could more aptly describe the Apostle's ideal than that word solidarity. [source]
Chapter Summary: 1 Corinthians 12
1Spiritual gifts, 4are diverse, 7yet to profit all 8And to that end are diversely bestowed; 12as the members of a natural body tend all to the mutual decency, 22service, 26and helpfulness of the same body; 27so we should do for one another, to make up the body of Christ
Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 12:29
Are all [μη παντες] The μη mē expects a negative answer with each group. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 12:29
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: διδάσκαλος
Sense: a teacher. 2 in the NT one who teaches concerning the things of God, and the duties of man.
Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 12:29
The μη mē expects a negative answer with each group. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 12:29
Late N.T. word (in late papyri) from χαριζομαι charizomai to give graciously. It is used here by Peter as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4, 1 Corinthians 12:9, 1 Corinthians 12:29-31; Romans 12:6). [source]