I’ve notice that since tongues is mentioned last that some people try to relegate it to insignificance. That makes no sense though, because there are entire passages and chapters in the Bible which discuss it (1 Cor 13 &14) and demonstrate its powerful effect in advancing the kingdom (Acts 2). It seems like some claim that they “don’t emphasize” tongues (the lesser gift) and instead desire the greater gifts. However, I have yet to meet someone who skipped tongues and went onto working miracles on a regular basis. Perhaps this is because the scripture does not present it as such an “either/or” decision, but a progression.
Let’s look at the word “greater” in verse 31:
31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.
Greater-
3185 meizon
(mide'-zon); neuter of 3187;
(adverbially) in greater degree: KJV-- the more.
Everybody should want to take it to the next level. That means that people that have not even mastered the bottom level should, and then move upward from there. As the Greek word tells us, we should also desire a greater degree of the gifts we have.
Try this for verse 31:
I personally prefer #1. Yes, I admit that it does switch the word placement of “gifts” and “greater”. However, so does the latin vulgate, according to http://www.blueletterbible.org/
|
aemulamini
autem charismata maiora et adhuc
excellentiorem viam vobis demonstro |
Strong’s 4th definition of this word
is as follows:
grace or gifts denoting extraordinary powers, distinguishing
certain Christians and enabling them to serve the
their souls by the Holy Spirit
So, allow me to summarize:
Charismata
- supernatural gifts of the
Holy Spirit
Maiora
- in
greater degree.
charismata
maiora – supernatural gifts
in greater degree.
I threw the phrase “all of the” in the third translation because people do not seem to notice the bold “s” that makes the word “gifts” plural. Neither do most readers notice the implications of the plural, which I will explain.
This interpretation includes pursuing more of all the gifts-- Not ignoring tongues as a “lesser gift” or trying to skip past it.
1 Cor 12:28-31
28 And in the church God has appointed
1) first of all apostles,
2) second prophets,
3) third teachers,
4) then
5) workers of miracles,
6) also those having gifts of healing,
7) those able to help others,
8) those with gifts of administration,
9) and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.
I outlined verse 28 because Paul enumerated only 1-3. I can’t assume that the rest of the list is ordered. I know it looks that way, and I apologize. I’m not saying that a tongue talker can’t skip administration & helps in order to heal someone. According to the Greek interpretation of verse 31 above, any true believer should desire each of all the gifts, and especially the greater gifts (1-3).
verse 31:
But
eagerly desire the gifts in greater degree.
That is why I emphasize the plural “s” in gifts. If each gift in the list was mutually exclusive to the others, then other scriptures would not make sense. When I cite these scriptures later on, I hope it will become clear why I had to dabble so much in the translation of this anomaly verse. Making sense of these other scriptures is the reason why many interpreters believe that one person can have many of the gifts. I take it a step further. I am teaching that it is possible for ANY true believer to operate in ANY or ALL the gifts. Beyond that, I am teaching that they should eagerly desire to do so:
verse 31:
But
eagerly desire the gifts in greater degree.