11 So Christ himself gave(A) the apostles,(B) the prophets,(C) the evangelists,(D) the pastors and teachers,(E) 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ(F) may be built up(G)

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Humble Service in the Body of Christ

For by the grace given me(A) I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,(B) so in Christ we, though many, form one body,(C) and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts,(D) according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying,(E) then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith;(F) if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;(G) if it is to encourage, then give encouragement;(H) if it is giving, then give generously;(I) if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 12:6 Or the
  2. Romans 12:8 Or to provide for others

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit(A) distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone(B) it is the same God(C) at work.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.(D) To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom,(E) to another a message of knowledge(F) by means of the same Spirit, to another faith(G) by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing(H) by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers,(I) to another prophecy,(J) to another distinguishing between spirits,(K) to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a](L) and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit,(M) and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

Unity and Diversity in the Body

12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body,(N) so it is with Christ.(O) 13 For we were all baptized(P) by[c] one Spirit(Q) so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free(R)—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.(S)

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 12:10 Or languages; also in verse 28
  2. 1 Corinthians 12:10 Or languages; also in verse 28
  3. 1 Corinthians 12:13 Or with; or in

10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,(A) as faithful(B) stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.(C) If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,(D) so that in all things God may be praised(E) through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.(F)

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