Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

1 Corinthians 12:28

expounds the μέλη ἐκ μέρους. οὓς μὲν (cf. 8 ff.) should be followed by οὒς δέ; but πρῶτον intervening suggests δεύτερον, τρίτον in the sequel “instead of a mere enumeration P. prefers an arrangement in order of rank” (Wr [1939], pp. 710 f.); and this mode of distinction in turn gives place to ἔπειτα, at the point where with δυνάμεις abstract categories (as in 1 Corinthians 12:8 ff.) are substituted for the concrete a striking instance of P.'s mobility of style; the last three of the series are appended asyndetically. The nine functions of 1 Corinthians 12:8 ff. are replaced by eight, which may be thus classified: (1) three teaching orders, (2) two kinds of miraculous, and (3) two of administrative functions, with (4) the one notable ecstatic gift. Three are. identical in each list viz., δυνάμεις, χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων, and γένη γλωσσῶν, taking much the same position in both enumerations (see the earlier notes). The apostles, prophets, teachers (ranged in order of the importance, rather than the affinity of their powers) exercise amongst them the word of wisdom, prophecy, and word of knowledge “the Apostles” possessing a rich measure of many gifts; these three will be expanded into the five of Ephesians 4:2. The ἑρμηνία γλωσσῶν (1 Corinthians 12:10), omitted at this point, appears in the sequel (1 Corinthians 12:30); and the διάκρισις πνευμάτων (1 Corinthians 12:10) is tacitly understood as the companion of προφητεία, while the πίστις of 1 Corinthians 12:9 pervades other charisms. Nothing is really wanting here that belonged to the χαρίσματα of § 39. while ἀντιλήμψεις and κυβερνήσεις “helpings, governings” enrich that previous catalogue; “helpings” stands in apt connexion with “healings”. The two added offices became the special functions of the διάκονος. and ἐπίσκοπος of a somewhat later time (Philippians 1:1; cf. Romans 12:7 f.). No trace as yet appears of definite Church organisation at Cor [1940]; but the charisms here introduced were necessary to the equipment of the Christian Society, and the appointment of officers charged with their systematic exercise was only a question of time (see Introd., chap, i., p. 732; ii. 2.4). A sort of unofficial ἀντίλημψις and κυβέρνησις is assigned to Stephanas and his family in 1 Corinthians 16:15 f. These vbl [1941] nouns, from ἀντιλαμβάνομαι and κυβερνάω, mean by etymology taking hold of (to help) and steering, piloting, respectively. The figurative use of the latter is rare outside of poetry; so κυβέρνησις πολίων in Pindar, Pyth., x., 112, and in the newly discovered Bacchylides, xiii., 152. “Government” of the Church implies a share of the “word of wisdom” and “knowledge” (1 Corinthians 12:8); see 1 Timothy 5:17; 2 Timothy 2:2; Titus 1:9. For ἔθετο ὁ Θεός, cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18 : “God appointed (set for Himself) in the church ” meaning the entire Christian Society, with all its “apostles” and the rest. The earliest N.T. example of ἐκκλησία in its ecumenical sense; see however Matthew 16:18, and note on 1 Corinthians 1:2 above.

[1939] Winer-Moulton's Grammar of N.T. Greek (8th ed., 1877).

[1940] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.

[1941] verbal.

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Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

1 Corinthians 12:28

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