1 Corinthians 12:13

For by one Spirit Literally, in one Spirit, i.e. in virtue of His operation.

are we all baptized Literally, were we all baptized. All is the work of the Holy Spirit the first arresting of the thoughts and awakening the dormant instincts of the spirit of man, the gradual process whereby conviction is produced and strengthened, until at last the inquirer formally enrolls himself as a member of the Church of Christ, -which is His Body," Ephesians 1:23, and becomes entitled to all the privileges which belong to the members of that body. Cf. St John 3:3-5, and notes on ch. 1 Corinthians 1:5.

into one body "Does baptism teach of a difference between Christians? Does it not rather teach that all the baptized are baptized into one body?" Robertson.

whether we be Jews or Gentiles Literally, as margin, Greeks. Cf. Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:12-17; Colossians 3:11. The Gospel of Christ was intended to abolish all national animosities, and to unite all men in one brotherhood, inspired by the Holy Spirit.

whether we be bond or free See notes on ch. 1 Corinthians 7:21-22.

and have been all made to drink into one Spirit The word intois omitted in many MSS. Some would translate, as in ch. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, watered. Such is St Chrysostom's interpretation. The usual signification of the word is to give to drink, as in ch. 1 Corinthians 3:2, and St Matthew 10:42. But the aorist tense here, as well as the unusually large number of various readings, seems to lead to the conclusion that the reference is to Baptism (St Chrysostom refers it to Confirmation), and not, as the words would seem at first sight to imply, to the Holy Communion. If this be the case, they refer to the altered condition of him who has entered into fellowship with Christ. Henceforward the Holy Spirit becomes an abiding possession with him, guaranteed by the Christian covenant (see St John 3:3-5, as above, and 1 Corinthians 4:14; 1 Corinthians 7:38-39Co 14:16-17, 1 Corinthians 15:26; 1 Corinthians 16:7, and cf. St Matthew 3:11) so long as he himself is willing to be bound by the terms of that covenant. This change of relation to God, involving as it does a change of habits, dispositions, tempers, nature, in fact, is called in Scripture the new birth.