The work of the Trinity in Spiritual Gifts

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1 Corinthians 12:4–6
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

Next, Paul emphasizes that a variety of gifts are needed. But this variety must have the underlying unity of the Trinity, as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit cooperate to bring a harmonious expression that edifies the assembly.

The Holy Spirit wants to honor Jesus, not only by calling Him Lord but by distributing “different kinds” of spiritual gifts (Gk. charismata, freely given, gracious gifts; cf. charis, “grace”). The one Holy Spirit is the source of them all. Similarly, the variety of kinds of service, or ministry, (Gk. diakoniōn) has its source in the one Lord Jesus, and the different kinds of working, or activities, (Gk. energēmatōn) come from the one God who works effectively in all of them and in everyone (see Eph. 3:20; Col. 1:29).

The terms “gifts, service[s], working[s]” express similar aspects of the gifts and ministries needed for the edification and maturing of believers. Though each of these terms “is associated with a member of the Holy Trinity,” all “are operations of the Holy Spirit (see verse 11).” Thus, all are manifestations of the Holy Spirit (v. 11) and all are gifts of the Spirit (v. 4). As “services” the gifts serve the Lord Jesus and His Body, especially the local assembly gathered together. As “workings, or activities,” they express the power of God. As R. L Brandt points out, “our concern is more with seeing God in the gifts than with seeing the gifts in people.”

That God works in everyone, that is, in every believer, (cf. Phil. 2:13) shows God wants all, both Jew and Gentile, to be channels for charismatic gifts. Ultimately it is His purpose to become the “all in all” (Gk. ta panta en pasin) when the resurrection and Rapture bring the end of alienation and death for all believers (1 Cor. 15:25–28).

Horton, S. M. (1999). I & II Corinthians: A Logion Press Commentary (pp. 111–112). Springfield, MO: Logion Press.

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