1 Corinthians 14:12

OLBGrk;

This proves that the members of the church of Corinth were very ambitious of spiritual gifts. The particle outw, which our translation here renders so, plainly signifies therefore in this place. In the Greek it is, because, or forasmuch as ye are zealous of spirits; the efficient is put for the effect, the Spirit, which is the author of those gifts, for the gifts themselves. Seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church; seek that ye may excel in them, and that will be, if you most desire those which tend to the edifying the church, and use those with which God hath blessed you in the best order and manner for that end. From whence it is observable, that the improvement of the people to whom we preach in the knowledge of God, and in faith and obedience, is the great end which we ought to propose to ourselves in the discharge of our office, and in the use of our gifts.