1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Bible Text

[12] For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. [13] For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all given to drink into one Spirit. [14] For the body is not one member, but many. [15] If the foot would say, "Because I'm not the hand, I'm not part of the body," it is not therefore not part of the body. [16] If the ear would say, "Because I'm not the eye, I'm not part of the body," it's not therefore not part of the body. [17] If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the smelling be? [18] But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body, just as he desired. [19] If they were all one member, where would the body be? [20] But now they are many members, but one body. [21] The eye can't tell the hand, "I have no need for you," or again the head to the feet, "I have no need for you." [22] No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. [23] Those parts of the body which we think to be less honorable, on those we bestow more abundant honor; and our unpresentable parts have more abundant propriety; [24] whereas our presentable parts have no such need. But God composed the body together, giving more abundant honor to the inferior part, [25] that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. [26] When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. Or when one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. [27] Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. [28] God has set some in the assembly: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and various kinds of languages. [29] Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all miracle workers? [30] Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with various languages? Do all interpret? [31] But earnestly desire the best gifts. Moreover, I show a most excellent way to you.