12:101 Corinthians 12:10

1 Corinthians 12:10 names five distinct gifts the Spirit gives — working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, different kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues — alongside wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing and other workings.COL 327.1+2 The Spirit divides these gifts to different persons individually as He wills, so no one receives all and no two are constituted alike.COL 327.1+2 They are given to be exercised together in one body under Christ as head, for the common good and the edification of the church to the end of time, especially amid the perils of the last days.Ms 128, 1901, par. 8–9+3 Because no member is self-sufficient, the gifts forbid contempt, envy, rivalry and measuring one gift by another, and require respect, unity and blending of varied talents into one harmonious whole.Ms 128, 1901, par. 8–9+3 Prophecy is divinely illuminated insight into past and future to share light and salvation, while genuine tongues with interpretation are distinct from noisy excitement, unintelligible gibberish and false manifestations that bear bad fruit.GC88 bB.7+4

The verse names five distinct gifts — working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, divers kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues — given along with wisdom, knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, and other workings.COL 327.1+3 The Holy Spirit gives different gifts to different members and different people individually as he wills, so not everyone receives the same gifts.COL 327.1+3 Every servant is promised some gift of the Spirit, and these varied gifts serve distinct appointed work while one Spirit moves through them all.COL 327.1+2 They are exercised within one body whose head is Jesus Christ, to serve the common good and to work in harmony under the same Spirit.Ms 128, 1901, par. 8–9+2 No member should be self-sufficient, judge another's gift, or claim not to need another, for all members belong to one body and are needed.Ms 128, 1901, par. 8–9

All Christians are to be guided and controlled by the same Spirit without all having the same gifts, for God sets every member in the body as He pleases and assigns each person a post of duty and a given work.Lt 170, 1902, par. 4–6 That appointed place is to be known by prayer for guidance, to meet the necessities that arise.Lt 170, 1902, par. 4–6 All these different operations are worked by one and the selfsame Spirit to bring them into perfect harmony, with all members acting their different parts under Christ until all come into the unity of the faith.Lt 170, 1902, par. 4–6 Diversity of gifts with unity in expressing them makes a complete whole for the great and solemn work of carrying the message.Ms 158, 1907, par. 1–4 Each person has liberty of expression yet must blend capabilities with those chosen, working harmoniously with unity and love and the glory of God in view, without selfishness, without inventing separate plans for raising means, supporting schools, or sustaining the ministry, and without launching out against another.Ms 158, 1907, par. 1–4 The many differing manifestations are all unto holiness, with every soul aiming at the perfection of the character of Jesus Christ, and this pledged union in action sustains the truth of the Bible against strange fanaticism, heresy, opposition and conflict and gives glorious victory instead of confusion.Ms 158, 1907, par. 1–4

The verse belongs to a larger teaching that there are diversities of operations but it is the same God which works in all, and the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.Ms 69, 1901, par. 6–8 To one is given wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, divers kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues, but all these are worked by that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.Ms 69, 1901, par. 6–8 For as the body is one and has many members, so also is Christ.Ms 69, 1901, par. 6–8 God gives diverse gifts and operations to members who are closely joined as parts of one whole, with Christ as their source and center; each member must fill a proper place according to ability and cannot be independent of the others.Ms 4, 1891, par. 1–2 Those laboring in ministry or in medical missionary lines must understand this and do no haphazard work.Ms 69, 1901, par. 6–8 This instruction is of vital importance to be practiced at this time above all other times in the history of the earth, and leaving it out of practice brings discord and strife, dishonors God, and withholds the power He would impart to glorify His name before the world and before the heavenly universe, because church members are not doing the work they should do.Ms 69, 1901, par. 6–8

The chapter containing the verse uses the figure of the members which compose the body to represent the church of God and the relation its members should sustain to one another.Ms 82, 1898, par. 31–33 It should be committed to memory, written in the mind and heart, and studied and digested, not ignored, by professed people of God brought together in church capacity.Ms 82, 1898, par. 31–33 The Lord placed these subjects for consideration so that those brought together in church capacity will be united, understandingly and intelligently.Ms 82, 1898, par. 31–33 Their one grand necessity is to walk humbly with God in the path of obedience.Ms 82, 1898, par. 31–33 The verse does not by itself explain each gift named in it individually, but it is connected with the principle that God works by His Spirit through each person's mind and that each worker should use personal judgment and conscience rather than merely echo another person's thoughts.JIOKP 22.2–23.1

The Holy Spirit gives different gifts to different members, including working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, various kinds of tongues and interpretation of tongues, along with wisdom, knowledge, faith and healing.COL 327.1+4 The distribution is individual as He wills and as God chooses and pleases, so believers are not all alike or constituted alike, no one person receives everything or has all knowledge and wisdom, and not everyone receives the same gifts.COL 327.1+4 These different operations are worked by one and the same Spirit within one body whose head is Jesus Christ, for the good of all and the common good, to bring members into perfect harmony and unity of faith under Christ.Ms 128, 1901, par. 8–9+4 Recognizing this guards against self-sufficiency, judging another's gift, competing, pride, envy, contempt and despising one another, and it strengthens unity and mutual love with less friction.Ms 128, 1901, par. 8–9+3

Every servant of Christ is promised some gift of the Spirit, and God gives to every individual member his own personal work and responsibility as a laborer together with God and Christ, with not one excused and no idlers allowed.COL 327.1+4 The church is made up of people with different abilities and levels of training, and God has work for each willing humble trusting soul without expecting all to have the same gifts, for there is a variety of gifts and all are needed to do the appointed work.SBAWP 71.4–5+2 Diversities of gifts are moral and spiritual capital entrusted by God to be appreciated, not treated with indifference, and to be traded on by working where one can and doing the best possible service for the Master.Ms 21, 1909, par. 1+1 No one is accountable for talents never had and none should complain of smallness, but every professed son and daughter of God should give evidence of a heart impressed by the Holy Spirit through communion with God, sanctifying grace, submissiveness and willingness to engage in appointed service in the grand finishing work.Ms 21, 1909, par. 1+1

The workings named are positions, offices, talents and gifts appointed by Christ and given by God, received from God rather than created by recipients, to be used for His glory and honor without waste, pride or self-exaltation.LSEGW 472.3+2 The Spirit is the heavenly teacher and guide who imparts them as He sees fit and makes real in heart and life what Christ made possible through His death.LSEGW 472.3+1 Each person must recognize the position and capabilities God gives to another, without envy, suspicion or demeriting another's gift and work when used for God.Ms 158, 1898, par. 18+1 God sets every member in the body as He pleases and assigns each a post of duty and given work to be known by prayer for guidance to meet necessities as they arise, whether in business, ministry of the Word, trades, teaching others to fit them for service, or other lines under His supervision linking the human and the divine through Christ.Lt 170, 1902, par. 4–6+2 The first lesson for one surrendered to Christ is to find what the Master would have him do and then do it with other laborers in whole-hearted love, so the work goes forward soundly and healthfully and every act becomes consecrated in training for above; when a laborer has found his appointed place he should remain in it and not step out to take other duties that interfere with it.Lt 107, 1900, par. 13–14+1

The same gifts given to the apostles are given to workers now, each placed in his own appointed place.PP xxi.1+1 Faith, healing, prophecy and the other gifts named stand on the same footing as pastors, teachers, helps and governments, since all were equally set in the church at the beginning; as the latter are still acknowledged as continuing, no one is competent to draw a line saying the former have been set out.PP xxi.1+1 The gifts belong to the Bible argument for their perpetuity and are to be manifested in the church in the last days.SG2 203.2+2 They can be slighted and neglected, but God can revive them to live in the church to encourage the fainting and to correct and reprove those who err, including prophecy communicating knowledge of God's will in connection with the third angel's message in warnings, reproofs and encouragement whose divine origin should be made prominent rather than concealed by human reasoning, arresting and convicting and converting a large class who believe the gifts continue and would not otherwise be reached.SG2 203.2+1

The gifts listed — working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, kinds of tongues and interpretation of tongues — are distributed by the Spirit to different people as He wills and are to be exercised together in one body whose head is Jesus Christ.Ms 128, 1901, par. 8–9+2 They are given for the common good and to work in harmony under the same Spirit, with varied gifts serving different purposes through the same God.AA 91.2–92.1+2 Each has distinct appointed work, yet one Spirit moves through all, and members with different roles and strengths all serve under Christ to meet varied needs and minds.9T 144.3–4+2

No member is self-sufficient and no two act the same part, so one must not say to another that he has no need of him.Ms 128, 1901, par. 8–9+1 There is to be no crowding, no judging, and no measuring of one gift by another, but respect for each other's gifts.Ms 128, 1901, par. 8–9+1 Despising, envying, belittling, rivalry and contempt have no place, for every gift even the smallest is to be valued and used, and gifts grow by faithful effort.6MR 107.3–108.1+1 No one has every qualification, so the members are dependent on one another and together form a complete whole; each is to recognize the position and capabilities God gives to another and never demerit the gift and work God has given him.6MR 107.3–108.1+1

It is God's order for some to serve in one line and others in other lines, all under the same Spirit and all for the good of the whole body.STB 553.2+2 Recognizing this plan guards against competing, carnal emulation, pride, envy, contempt and rivalry, and strengthens unity and mutual love.STB 553.2+2 Respecting the diversity of gifts and work brings less friction, while leaving this instruction out of practice brings discord and strife, dishonors God and withholds the power He would impart to glorify His name before the world and the heavenly universe.Ms 69, 1901, par. 6–8+1 This is of vital importance to be practiced now above all other times, with no haphazard work in ministry or in medical missionary lines.Ms 69, 1901, par. 6–8+1

No one worker or method alone is complete or sufficient to mold souls, carry a series of meetings through to perfection, or meet every need.Ms 1b, 1874, par. 23+2 The deficiencies of one are supplied by another, with one strong on an essential point where another is weak, and contrasts between workers allow varied minds to be reached.Lt 197, 1901, par. 1–4+2 All must blend together in love as Christ loved, in perfect unity amid diversity, so the work is not one-sided but a complete, strong, harmonious whole.STMW7 48.3+2 To despise a fellow laborer and refuse to let his gifts mingle with the work hinders the work, and one mind must not mold the work after his special ideas; cooperation is essential, each doing his God-given work in his appropriate position, including the brethren in the church encouraged and educated to bear responsibilities.Ms 1b, 1874, par. 23+2

God ordained men to be associated in His service so that the varied talents of many minds are blended, and contact of mind with mind quickens thought and increases capabilities.Ms 102, 1905, par. 6+1 When physicians and teachers thus associated unite in imparting their knowledge, the youth under their training receive a symmetrical, well-balanced education for service.Ms 102, 1905, par. 6+1 God's wisdom and power are revealed as successfully through the spotless example of a poor, illiterate, humble devoted worker who lives his religion as through the labors of a talented and eloquent minister, and more fully than through an educated man who does not rely fully on God's help.12MR 9.1–2

Diversity is God's purpose and design that workers labor together in the same field in harmonious action, each following his own line while looking to Jesus and learning to blend together in kindness and love.Lt 170, 1902, par. 4–6+1 One person's gifts must not be made the measure for everyone else, for God sets every member in the body as He pleases and assigns each a post of duty and given work to be known by prayer, to meet the necessities that arise.Lt 170, 1902, par. 4–6+1 All these different operations are worked by one and the selfsame Spirit to bring them into perfect harmony, with all members acting their different parts under Christ until all come into the unity of the faith.Lt 170, 1902, par. 4–6+2

The gifts named in the verse, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues and interpretation, were placed in the church to fulfill Christ's promise to send the Holy Spirit as Comforter and Guide to lead into all truth.PP xiii.2–xiv.2 They were given for the edification and instruction of the church to the end of time, operating in both ordinary and extraordinary ways as evidence of God's care and love for His people.PP xiii.2–xiv.2 They are needed by the church more as it enters the perils of the last days than in any other part of its experience, with prophecy continuing as the testimony of Jesus in the closing experience before Christ's appearing.PP xiii.2–xiv.2

The Holy Spirit by these gifts qualifies people for the responsibilities God calls them to bear, giving different gifts to different people so they need and help one another and labor together in the same field in harmonious action and unity.6MR 386.4+2 The gifts are for service to profit all and to help God's people carry out their different duties and faithfully complete their work, not to glorify their possessors or uplift humanity but to uplift the world's Redeemer by representing truth, not falsehood.6MR 386.4 Miracles and tongues themselves do not convert the world; the world is converted by preaching Christ crucified, with the Holy Spirit at work.STMW10 13.2 By the different gifts the truth is to be proclaimed to arouse slumbering senses and bring a decided influence for good to bear on the world, with contrasts between workers allowing varied minds to be reached and making the work complete, all gifts controlled by the same Holy Spirit as workers follow their own line while looking to Jesus the Author and Finisher of faith and labor in unity revealing kindness and love, with the Lord as Helper.Lt 197, 1901, par. 1–4

Claims of special gifts must not be accepted without evidence, for disorderly fanaticism can be Satan's deception, yet fanaticism is no reason to deny that these gifts and operations are from God.1T 229.2–230.1 False visions, fanaticism, mesmerism, and mysterious rapping that have led sincere people to doubt spiritual manifestations are likewise no reason to dismiss the operations of the Spirit.EW iv.2

When believers are low, divided by prejudice and false reports, and have lost power, the gifts are to be taught and exercised in the church.Lt 8, 1851, par. 1–6 This includes prophecy by vision that reveals the hidden state of persons and meetings, discerning of spirits that exposes a wrong spirit and an accursed thing in the camp, and working of miracles and healing by which the sick are anointed with oil, prayed over, and healed every whit.Lt 8, 1851, par. 1–6 The work requiring these different talents and capabilities is like the erection of a large building, where some bring stones from the quarry, others square, shape and measure them, others place them in proper position, and others fell trees in the mountains for timber and float them down the stream, with experienced workers in charge of different departments and a master builder superintending the whole.Ms 75, 1903, par. 8–10 Every one is to do something and do his best faithfully, in united action and perfect order, all working under the direction of Christ Jesus as the great Head of the church.Ms 75, 1903, par. 8–10

Prophecy stands among the gifts the Holy Spirit gives to the church, and through it the Spirit shows followers things to come with divinely illuminated insight into past events and the future.GC88 bB.7 It is a divine bestowal manifested through revelations from God and a calling to share a message of light and salvation.LSEGW 468.1–469.2 The gift of prophecy is the spirit of prophecy, which is the testimony of Jesus Christ kept by the remnant, the last generation living on earth at the second coming who keep the commandments of God.PP xxi.2–3

The setting of the gifts in the church does not mean every individual exercises them, for they are divided among members as God pleases, yet when bestowed on even one member the gift is in the church and the church has it.PP xxi.2–3 One manifestation communicates knowledge of God's will in connection with the third angel's message, giving light in warnings, reproofs and encouragement.Ms 31, 1890, par. 21 The divine origin of that light should be made prominent rather than concealed by human reasoning to make truth more readily received, because a large class who believe the gifts continue will have attention arrested and will be convicted and converted by it who would not otherwise be reached.Ms 31, 1890, par. 21

These gifts are given for the church's benefit, so the prophetic gift and its instruction should not be rejected or opposed by those who have not experienced it.GW92 279.3–4 Its claims may be judged by fruits, doubters without personal experience should be treated with patience and brotherly love, and opposition that could lead others astray calls for careful attention.GW92 279.3–4 The gift of prophecy signifies the ability to prophesy, but it is only one part of and does not by itself encompass all the work a messenger appointed by God may be called to do.Lt 225d, 1906, par. 3–6+1

Unintelligible sounds called tongues, when joined to wild excitement and strange manifestations, are not evidence of God's Spirit at work but come from another spirit.SG4 310.2+1 The gift of tongues and its interpretation must be presented in proper light, distinct from false and fanatical excitement.SG4 310.2+1 Noisy excitement and gibberish called tongues that are manufactured by people and produce bad fruits are not gifts God has placed in the church.1T 412.1 A meeting's emotional intensity is not proof of faith or of a genuine gift; lasting spiritual fruit matters, and genuine growth is marked by solemn self-examination, humility and earnest learning from Christ.1T 412.1

Each person is to use the gift entrusted in the Master's service, however small it may seem, wisely stewarded and carefully preserved as moral capital to be traded on.ST Feb 24, 1904+1 Even the poorest and least educated, when joined to Christ, can affect hearts with spiritual power that natural abilities and learning alone cannot give to win sinners.COL 328.1+1 Self-indulgence and misuse weaken the powers, while faithful effort allows gifts to grow and each part contributes to the usefulness of the whole.ST Feb 24, 1904+1

Each gift lays its receiver under obligation to be meek and lowly in heart, patient under trial, willing to forgive injuries, and determined to preserve unity and harmony.Lt 142, 1898, par. 30–31+1 God divides gifts among people and works with each heart and mind, for believers are not all constituted alike, so each must form and express opinions of his own and stand in God-given accountability.Lt 142, 1898, par. 30–31+2 No one is raised by voicing another's words, manners and thoughts, and no one is to work another's mind as a machine or submerge identity, but each is to use personal judgment and conscience rather than merely echo another.Lt 142, 1898, par. 30–31+1 The gifts are given for the holiness and happiness of those united with Christ in preparing a people to stand in the day of the Lord, and every endowment is to be appreciated and used rightly.Lt 92, 1901, par. 7–8

The verse is to be studied and applied beginning with self-examination and the continual humbling of self, denying self and taking up one's own cross of self-denial, self-humiliation and self-sacrifice instead of laying the cross on another to carry.Lt 354, 1905, par. 14 It belongs to teaching that should have more weight while believers are tried and tested and seek to be shut in with God so the wicked one has no power over them.Lt 202, 1902, par. 8 Faith that works by love and purifies the soul is a living working principle to be exercised in these gifts of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues and interpretation, with faith and intelligence aroused into sanctified action.Lt 11, 1904, par. 9–10 Believers advance from light to greater light under the Holy Spirit shining on the Word, holding certain truth on the sure foundation of God with living faith, since sentiments, theories and doctrines however true cannot save without it.Lt 11, 1904, par. 9–10

When coming together for counsel, believers are to reveal the Lord's unceasing tenderness toward them by speaking good words to help and strengthen brethren rather than standing apart in self-confidence watching to criticize and condemn.Ms 141, 1902, par. 18–19 Genuine Christians true to faith and duty unite in service and jealously guard one another's interests even though mistakes are made.Ms 141, 1902, par. 18–19 Since no one person receives everything and God teaches one person and another with different gifts and understanding, believers should share plans and thoughts, listen freely to one another, and receive kindly offered counsel without fear of criticism.Ms 141, 1902, par. 18–19+1

The verse teaches simple organization and church order ordained for unity and perfection.Lt 178, 1909, par. 14–16 One holding office stands as leader, adviser and counselor and helper in carrying burdens, and leader in thanksgiving to God, not appointed to order and command laborers, to control and rule fellow laborers, or to exercise kingly authority by virtue of position, for the Lord is over His heritage and will lead His people.Lt 178, 1909, par. 14–16 The Holy Spirit gives each servant a special different work as He impresses heart and mind where to go and what to do, so the work must not be hindered and God's people discouraged by undue exercise of human authority.7MR 404.4–405.1 No one handling sacred responsibilities should arbitrarily tell a fellow worker what he must or must not do, or interpose the human mind to forbid work God has bidden to go forward, and safety is only in committing fully to works of righteousness so that words and spirit testify to God's glory.Lt 178, 1909, par. 14–16+1 Those carrying responsibilities must treat fellow laborers with the same consideration they would wish to receive, for all are brethren, and the work requires the meekness of Christ.Lt 178, 1909, par. 14–16

Each person is to fill his own place and do the fitted, appointed work God has assigned rather than take heavy or unsuitable responsibilities belonging to others, since worry over them crushes life and courage and taking too many lines confuses the mind and hinders the intended work.Lt 192, 1902, par. 13+1 Diversity of workings brings unity in expression that makes a complete whole for the solemn work of carrying the message, with each having liberty of expression yet blending capabilities harmoniously with those chosen in unity and love with God's glory in view.Ms 158, 1907, par. 1–4 This blending excludes selfishness, inventing one's own plans for raising means, supporting schools or sustaining ministry, and launching out against another, with every soul aiming at holiness and the perfection of Christ's character.Ms 158, 1907, par. 1–4 Such pledged union sustains Bible truth against fanaticism, heresy, opposition and conflict and gives glorious victory instead of confusion.Ms 158, 1907, par. 1–4

Gifts are never meant to separate believers, so workers must not use them to become conscience for other men or to gain experience for them, nor teach truth so as to divide converts into separate parties under different heads.Lt 39, 1902, par. 6 Where contention and party spirit appear, investigation is needed and things must be called by their right names, because all dissension comes from narrow conceptions of unsanctified minds and using gifts to divide calls for reformation.Lt 39, 1902, par. 6 Gifts are to be used together rather than conformed to one prescribed method, with each worker allowed room to serve and learn under Christ the great Teacher and no one expected to use gifts God has not given.6MR 108.2–3 Every gift and talent in the church is to be recognized, while all things are carefully tested and only what is good is retained, for no one person's gift is complete enough to meet every need.Lt 29, 1901, par. 20–21+1 They are kept by faithfulness to grace given, continuing in His love and abiding in Christ as branch in vine, bringing bequeathed peace and full joy in perfecting Christian character.Lt 374, 1907, par. 11

The talent of speech is a wonderful gift that can be great power for good or evil, and intellectual ability, good taste, skill, refinement and true elevation become gifts God uses when first placed under His jurisdiction with His presence as controlling power, the heart blending with Christ's heart and conformed in desires and practices to His will.Lt 174a, 1902, par. 19–20 Coveting earnestly the best gifts does not mean seeking to be first but striving earnestly for power to follow Christ's example as heralds of His gospel, which is true religion.Lt 174a, 1902, par. 19–20 God has given every man his work with his own post of duty and appointed work in the great whole under His supervision, linking human and divine through Christ, whether in business, ministry of the Word, or trades, to be done in connection with other laborers so the work goes forward soundly and healthfully.Lt 107, 1900, par. 13–14 Done with love to God with whole heart, mind, soul and strength, this consecration invests the whole life with sacredness, making every act consecrated, done gently, kindly and courteously under Christ in training for above.Lt 107, 1900, par. 13–14

No teacher, physician or minister is a complete whole alone, for no one worker has every gift, so several workers with different gifts must contribute distinct abilities in harmony.7T 41.1–2+2 Some receive special strength to present and make effective the truths of God's Word, which should not be underrated, yet not assumed to be all the work requires.Ms 199, 1898, par. 3 For city work especially, men of varied gifts and very best talent must be brought together to proclaim truth with power in the Spirit so hearts are reached and love of Christ displaces love of error, with no one man feeling it his prerogative to do all the important work.7T 41.1–2+1 The variety is needed in branches including tract work where each contribution matters without one mind controlling another, health teaching at camp meetings, speaking to those outside the faith, and instructing members how to work effectively, in which physicians too should use their gifts.4T 608.3–4+1 Believers must not trust personal ability or wisdom but unite efforts and faith and pray and counsel together.Ms 20, 1885, par. 8–13

In infinite wisdom God gives different gifts to different workers so they can cooperate with Him and with one another for salvation, each working harmoniously in his own special God-given sphere of action.10MR 99.3+1 The gifts are to be used not by judging others but by showing what the Lord has done in transforming character, so that faith, sympathy, forbearance, love, gentleness and temperance shine as light in a dark place.10MR 99.3+1 God's wisdom and power can be revealed as successfully through the spotless example of a poor, illiterate, humble devoted worker living his religion as through a talented eloquent minister, and more fully than through an educated man who does not rely fully on God's help.12MR 9.1–2 The gifts are given that believers may appreciate them and act their part in the grand finishing work of earth's history, which requires communion with God, the sanctifying power of grace on the heart, submissiveness to His will, and willingness to engage in appointed service, with evidence that the heart is impressed by the Holy Spirit meaning everything to success.Lt 92, 1901, par. 7–8+1