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Text -- 1 Corinthians 12:13 (NET)

Strongs On/Off
Context
12:13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body. Whether Jews or Greeks or slaves or free, we were all made to drink of the one Spirit.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Greek the language used by the people of Greece
 · Jews the people descended from Israel


Dictionary Themes and Topics: TONGUES, GIFT OF | TONGUES OF FIRE | SPIRITUAL GIFTS | SACRAMENTS | Regeneration | REDEEMER; REDEMPTION | MEMBER | Holy Ghost | HOLY SPIRIT, 2 | HEALING | GIFT | GENTILES | EPHESIANS, EPISTLE TO THE | Church | COMMUNION; (FELLOWSHIP) | CHURCH GOVERNMENT | BODY | BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT | BAPTISM (NON-IMMERSIONIST VIEW) | BAPTISM (LUTHERAN DOCTRINE) | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , Defender , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College , McGarvey , Lapide

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: 1Co 12:13 - -- Were we all baptized into one body ( hēmeis pantes eis hen sōma ebaptisthēmen ). First aorist passive indicative of baptizō and so a refere...

Were we all baptized into one body ( hēmeis pantes eis hen sōma ebaptisthēmen ).

First aorist passive indicative of baptizō and so a reference to a definite past event with each of them of different races, nations, classes, when each of them put on the outward badge of service to Christ, the symbol of the inward changes already wrought in them by the Holy Spirit (Gal 3:27; Rom 6:2.).

Robertson: 1Co 12:13 - -- And were all made to drink of one Spirit ( kai pantes hen pneuma epotisthēmen ). First aorist passive indicative of potizō , old verb, to give to...

And were all made to drink of one Spirit ( kai pantes hen pneuma epotisthēmen ).

First aorist passive indicative of potizō , old verb, to give to drink. The accusative hen pneuma is retained in the passive as often with verbs that in the active take two accusatives. The reference is to a definite act in the past, probably to the inward experience of the Holy Spirit symbolized by the act of baptism.

Vincent: 1Co 12:13 - -- Made to drink ( ἐποτίσθημεν ) The verb means originally to give to drink , from which comes the sense of to water or i...

Made to drink ( ἐποτίσθημεν )

The verb means originally to give to drink , from which comes the sense of to water or irrigate . The former is invariably the sense in the gospels and Revelation; the latter in 1Co 3:6-8, and by some here. The reference is to the reception of the Spirit in baptism. Omit into before one Spirit .

Wesley: 1Co 12:13 - -- For by that one Spirit, which we received in baptism, we are all united in one body.

For by that one Spirit, which we received in baptism, we are all united in one body.

Wesley: 1Co 12:13 - -- Who are at the greatest distance from each other by nature.

Who are at the greatest distance from each other by nature.

Wesley: 1Co 12:13 - -- Who are at the greatest distance by law and custom.

Who are at the greatest distance by law and custom.

Wesley: 1Co 12:13 - -- In that cup, received by faith, we all imbibed one Spirit, who first inspired, and still preserves, the life of God in our souls.

In that cup, received by faith, we all imbibed one Spirit, who first inspired, and still preserves, the life of God in our souls.

JFB: 1Co 12:12-13 - -- Unity, not unvarying uniformity, is the law of God in the world of grace, as in that of nature. As the many members of the body compose an organic who...

Unity, not unvarying uniformity, is the law of God in the world of grace, as in that of nature. As the many members of the body compose an organic whole and none can be dispensed with as needless, so those variously gifted by the Spirit, compose a spiritual organic whole, the body of Christ, into which all are baptized by the one Spirit.

JFB: 1Co 12:12-13 - -- Most of the oldest manuscripts omit "one."

Most of the oldest manuscripts omit "one."

JFB: 1Co 12:12-13 - -- That is, the whole Christ, the head and body. So Psa 18:50, "His anointed (Messiah or Christ), David (the antitypical David) and His seed."

That is, the whole Christ, the head and body. So Psa 18:50, "His anointed (Messiah or Christ), David (the antitypical David) and His seed."

JFB: 1Co 12:13 - -- Literally, "in"; in virtue of; through. The designed effect of baptism, which is realized when not frustrated by the unfaithfulness of man.

Literally, "in"; in virtue of; through. The designed effect of baptism, which is realized when not frustrated by the unfaithfulness of man.

JFB: 1Co 12:13 - -- Literally, "Greeks."

Literally, "Greeks."

JFB: 1Co 12:13 - -- The oldest manuscripts read, "Made to drink of one Spirit," omitting "into" (Joh 7:37). There is an indirect allusion to the Lord's Supper, as there i...

The oldest manuscripts read, "Made to drink of one Spirit," omitting "into" (Joh 7:37). There is an indirect allusion to the Lord's Supper, as there is a direct allusion to baptism in the beginning of the verse. So the "Spirit, the water, and the blood" (1Jo 5:8), similarly combine the two outward signs with the inward things signified, the Spirit's grace.

JFB: 1Co 12:13 - -- Rather as Greek, "were . . . were" (the past tense).

Rather as Greek, "were . . . were" (the past tense).

Clarke: 1Co 12:13 - -- For by one Spirit are we all baptized, etc. - As the body of man, though composed of many members, is informed and influenced by one soul; so the Ch...

For by one Spirit are we all baptized, etc. - As the body of man, though composed of many members, is informed and influenced by one soul; so the Church of Christ, which is his body, though composed of many members, is informed and influenced by one Spirit, the Holy Ghost; actuating and working by his spiritual body, as the human soul does in the body of man

Clarke: 1Co 12:13 - -- To drink into one Spirit - We are to understand being made partakers of the gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost agreeably to the words of our Lord, J...

To drink into one Spirit - We are to understand being made partakers of the gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost agreeably to the words of our Lord, Joh 7:37, etc.: If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink: this he spake of the Spirit which they that believed on him should receive

On this verse there is a great profusion of various readings, which may be found in Griesbach, but cannot be conveniently noticed here.

Calvin: 1Co 12:13 - -- 13.For we are all baptized by one Spirit Here there is a proof brought forward from the effect of baptism. “We are,” says he, “engrafted by...

13.For we are all baptized by one Spirit Here there is a proof brought forward from the effect of baptism. “We are,” says he, “engrafted by baptism into Christ’s body, so that we are by a mutual link bound together as members, and live one and the same life. Hence every one, that would remain in the Church of Christ, must necessarily cultivate this fellowship.” He speaks, however, of the baptism of believers, which is efficacious through the grace of the Spirit, for, in the case of many, baptism is merely in the letter — the symbol without the reality; but believers, along with the sacrament, receive the reality. Hence, with respect to God, this invariably holds good — that baptism is an engrafting into the body of Christ, for God in that ordinance does not represent anything but what he is prepared to accomplish, provided we are on our part capable of it. The Apostle, also, observes here a most admirable medium, in teaching that the nature of baptism is — to connect us with Christ’s body. Lest any one, however, should imagine, that this is effected by the outward symbol, he adds that it is the work of the Holy Spirit.

Whether Jews or Greeks He specifies these instances, to intimate, that no diversity of condition obstructs that holy unity which he recommends. This clause, too, is added suitably and appropriately, for envy might at that time arise from two sources — because the Jews were not willing that the Gentiles should be put upon a level with them; and, where one had some excellence above others, with the view of maintaining his superiority, lie withdrew himself to a distance from his brethren.

We have all drunk in one Spirit It is literally, “We have drunk into one Spirit,” but it would seem that, in order that the two words ἐν (in) and ἑν (one) might not immediately follow each other, Paul intentionally changed ἐν (in) into ἐις (into,) as he is accustomed frequently to do. Hence his meaning seems rather to be, that we are made to drink through the influence, as he had said before, of the Spirit of Christ, than that we have drunk into the same Spirit. It is uncertain, however, whether he speaks here of Baptism or of the Supper. I am rather inclined, however, to understand him as referring to the Supper, as he makes mention of drinking, for I have no doubt that he intended to make an allusion to the similitude of the sign. There is, however, no correspondence between drinking and baptism. Now, though the cup forms but the half of the Supper, there is no difficulty arising from that, for it is a common thing in Scripture to speak of the sacraments by synecdoche. 752 Thus he mentioned above in the tenth chapter (1Co 10:17) simply the bread, making no mention of the cup. The meaning, therefore, will be this — that participation in the cup has an eye to this — that we drink, all of us, of the same cup. For in that ordinance we drink of the life-giving blood of Christ, that we may have life in common with him — which we truly have, when he lives in us by his Spirit. He teaches, therefore, that believers, so soon as they are initiated by the baptism of Christ, are already imbued with a desire of cultivating mutual unity, 753 and then afterwards, when they receive the sacred Supper, they are again conducted by degrees to the same unity, as they are all refreshed at the same time with the same drink.

Defender: 1Co 12:13 - -- The verb should be "were," denoting an event of the past. Also note the word "all," twice used in this verse. Thus, all true Christians, those who hav...

The verb should be "were," denoting an event of the past. Also note the word "all," twice used in this verse. Thus, all true Christians, those who have "the Spirit of Christ" (Rom 8:9), have been baptized ("immersed") into the spiritual Body of Christ when saved by grace through faith. They are all members of that Body, each with a particular gift or gifts, serving in ways analogous to the various functions of the different members of a physical body. Not all believers have the gift of tongues or of teaching, any more than all members of a body function as eyes or ears.

Defender: 1Co 12:13 - -- There are numerous references to the baptism of the Holy Spirit, all consistent with the teaching here that all true believers in Christ have been bap...

There are numerous references to the baptism of the Holy Spirit, all consistent with the teaching here that all true believers in Christ have been baptized into His body, thus sharing His eternal life (Mat 3:11; Mar 1:8; Luk 3:16; Joh 1:33; Act 1:5; Act 11:16). Note that the Greek preposition en, here translated "by," can just as well be rendered "in" or "with.""

TSK: 1Co 12:13 - -- by : 1Co 10:2; Isa 44:3-5; Eze 36:25-27; Mat 3:11; Luk 3:16; Joh 1:16, Joh 1:33, Joh 3:5; Act 1:5; Rom 6:3-6, Rom 8:9-11; Eph 4:5, Eph 5:26; Col 2:11,...

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: 1Co 12:13 - -- For by one Spirit - That is, by the agency or operation of the same Spirit, the Holy Spirit, we have been united into one body. The idea here i...

For by one Spirit - That is, by the agency or operation of the same Spirit, the Holy Spirit, we have been united into one body. The idea here is the same as that presented above 1Co 12:7, 1Co 12:11, by which all the endowments of Christians are traced to the same Spirit. Paul here says, that that Spirit had so endowed them as to fit them to constitute one body, or to be united in one, and to perform the various duties which resulted from their union in the same Christian church. The idea of its having been done by one and the same Spirit is kept up and often presented, in order that the endowments conferred on them might be duly appreciated.

Are we all - Every member of the church, whatever may be his rank or talents, has received his endowments from the same Spirit.

Baptized into one body - Many suppose that there is reference here to the ordinance of baptism by water. But the connection seems rather to require us to understand it of the baptism of the Holy Spirit Mat 3:11; and if so, it means, that by the agency of the Holy Spirit, they had all been suited, each to his appropriate place, to constitute the body of Christ - the church. If, however, it refers to the ordinance of baptism, as Bloomfield, Calvin, Doddridge, etc. suppose, then it means, that by the very profession of religion as made at baptism, by there being but one baptism Eph 4:5, they had all professedly become members of one and the same body. The former interpretation, however, seems to me best to suit the connection.

Whether we be Jews or Gentiles - There is no difference. All are on a level. In regard to the grand point, no distinction is made, whatever may have been our former condition of life.

Bond or free - It is evident that many who were slaves were converted to the Christian faith. Religion, however, regarded all as on a level; and conferred no favors on the free which it did not on the slave. It was one of the happy lessons of Christianity, that it taught people that in the great matters pertaining to their eternal interests they were on the same level. This doctrine would tend to secure, more than anything else could, the proper treatment of those who were in bondage, and of those who were in humble ranks of life. At the same time it would not diminish, but would increase their real respect for their masters, and for those who were above them, if they regarded them as fellow Christians, and destined to the same heaven; see the note at 1Co 7:22.

And have been all made to drink ... - This probably refers to their partaking together of the cup in the Lord’ s Supper. The sense is, that by their drinking of the same cup commemorating the death of Christ, they had partaken of the same influences of the Holy Spirit, which descend alike on all who observe that ordinance in a proper manner. They had shown also, that they belonged to the same body, and were all united together; and that however various might be their graces and endowments, yet they all belonged to the same great family.

Poole: 1Co 12:13 - -- The apostle proveth the oneness of the church, as the body of Christ, from the same sacraments of the New Testament instituted for all Christians, a...

The apostle proveth the oneness of the church, as the body of Christ, from the same sacraments of the New Testament instituted for all Christians, and wherein they jointly partake. He saith, we are

baptized into one body by which he must mean the universal church, for Christ is the Head of that; particular churches are but parts of that church, of which Christ is the Head. Let men be of what nation they will, whether Jews or Gentiles, turning to the Christian religion, and of what condition they will, when they are baptized they are by it made members of that one body, of which Christ is the Head; though for the more convenient administration of, and participation in, the ordinances, they are divided into smaller societies, which also have the denomination of churches; as the smallest drop of water may be called water, though there be but one element of water.

And saith the apostle, we have been all made to drink into one Spirit which some interpret as if it were, we have all drank of one Spirit, that is, been made partakers of one Spirit, whose benefits are, sometimes set out under the notion of water, living water, Joh 4:10,14 7:38,39 ; and so in the Old Testament, Isa 12:3 Eze 47:1-23 . But many others choose rather to interpret drinking in this place, of drinking at the table of the Lord, partaking of that whole action being set out here by one particular act there performed. This is probable, considering that the apostle, in the former part of the verse, had been speaking of the other sacrament of the gospel, and that he, speaking of the Lord’ s supper. 1Co 10:17 , had used this expression: For we being many, are one bread, and one body.

Gill: 1Co 12:13 - -- For by one Spirit are we all baptized,.... This is to be understood not of water baptism; for the apostle says not in one, and the same water, but "by...

For by one Spirit are we all baptized,.... This is to be understood not of water baptism; for the apostle says not in one, and the same water, but "by", or "in" one Spirit, are we all baptized; the baptism of water, and of the Spirit, are two different things; see Mat 3:11. Besides, all that are baptized in water, are not baptized in or by the Spirit, as the case of Simon Magus, and that of others, show; nor does water baptism incorporate persons into the church of Christ; neither into the invisible church, which is the body of Christ, and here meant; nor into a visible Gospel church state; they being indeed true believers, and baptized, are proper persons to be received into a church; but baptism itself does not put them into it, or make them members of it: persons may be baptized in water, and yet may never be joined to a church. There is indeed an allusion made to water baptism, but it is the grace of the Spirit in regeneration and sanctification which is here intended; which grace, both in the Old and in the New Testament, is frequently signified by water, and called a baptism, or a being baptized, because of the plenty, abundance, and superabundance of it, then bestowed; and is expressed by floods and rivers, and a well of living water; and is what qualifies and fits persons for the ordinance of water baptism. Now this is wrought by the Spirit of God, and is owing to his divine power and energy; not to water baptism, which has no regenerating virtue in it; nor to carnal regeneration, or a being born of blood, or of the best of men; nor to the will of any man; nor to the will of the flesh, or the power of man's freewill; but to God, to the Spirit, who is Lord and God, and the only sanctifier of the sons of men; by which spiritual baptism, or by whose grace in regeneration and conversion they are brought into one body: the mystical body of Christ, the universal and invisible church; that is, openly and manifestatively; for otherwise it is the grace of God in election, and in the everlasting covenant, choosing them in Christ, as members in their head, and constituting them such, that puts them among that number; but spiritual baptism, or the sanctifying grace of the Spirit, makes them appear to belong to that body, and makes them meet for, and gives them a right unto, a particular Gospel church, and the privileges of it, which the Spirit of God directs and brings them to. Whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; it matters not of what nation, or of what state and condition of life persons be; if they are regenerated and sanctified, they appear equally to belong to Christ, to be of his body, and have an equal propriety in all immunities and blessings belonging to his people; see Col 3:11

and have been all made to drink into one Spirit; are all partakers of the same graces of the Spirit, as faith, hope, love, &c. and daily receive under his guidance, direction, and influence, out of the same fulness of grace in Christ, from whence they draw and drink this water with joy; and all drink the same spiritual drink, the blood of Christ, whose blood is drink indeed: and there may be in this clause an allusion to the ordinance of the supper, as in the former to the ordinance of baptism. Moreover, all new born babes, as they desire the sincere milk of the word, so they drink of it, and are refreshed with it, and are nourished by the words of faith, and sound doctrine, under the application, of the Spirit; and being trees of righteousness, and the planting of the Lord, the Spirit, they are watered by his grace, under the ministrations of the Gospel; and as they become one body under Christ, the head, so they are made to drink into one Spirit, or to become of one heart and soul with one another, being knit together in love, the bond of perfectness.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: 1Co 12:13 See the note on the word “slave” in 7:21.

Geneva Bible: 1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into ( n ) one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to (...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: 1Co 12:1-31 - --1 Spiritual gifts,4 are diverse,7 yet all to profit withal.8 And to that end are diversely bestowed;12 that by the like proportion, as the members of ...

MHCC: 1Co 12:12-26 - --Christ and his church form one body, as Head and members. Christians become members of this body by baptism. The outward rite is of Divine institution...

Matthew Henry: 1Co 12:12-26 - -- The apostle here makes out the truth of what was above asserted, and puts the gifted men among the Corinthians in mind of their duty, by comparing t...

Barclay: 1Co 12:12-31 - --Here is one of the most famous pictures of the unity of the Church ever written. Men have always been fascinated by the way in which the different pa...

Constable: 1Co 7:1--16:13 - --III. Questions asked of Paul 7:1--16:12 The remainder of the body of this epistle deals with questions the Corin...

Constable: 1Co 12:1--14:40 - --E. Spiritual gifts and spiritual people chs. 12-14 Paul had been dealing with matters related to worship...

Constable: 1Co 12:4-31 - --2. The need for varieties of spiritual gifts 12:4-31 Paul planned to return to the subject of gl...

Constable: 1Co 12:12-14 - --The body and its members 12:12-14 Paul now compared the body of Christ, the universal church, though by extension the local church as well, to a human...

College: 1Co 12:1-31 - --1 CORINTHIANS 12 VII. MISUNDERSTANDING OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS (12:1-14:40) A. SPIRITUAL GIFTS (12:1-11) 1. Influence of the Spirit (12:1-3) 1 Now abou...

McGarvey: 1Co 12:13 - --For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit . [Paul h...

Lapide: 1Co 12:1-31 - --CHAPTER 12 SYNOPSIS OF THE CHAPTER In this and the two following chapters S. Paul discusses Christian gifts and graces. In this chapter he points ou...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: 1 Corinthians (Book Introduction) First Corinthians From Ephesus a.d. 54 Or 55 By Way of Introduction It would be a hard-boiled critic today who would dare deny the genuineness o...

JFB: 1 Corinthians (Book Introduction) The AUTHENTICITY of this Epistle is attested by CLEMENT OF ROME [First Epistle to the Corinthians, 47], POLYCARP [Epistle to the Philippians, 11], and...

JFB: 1 Corinthians (Outline) THE INSCRIPTION; THANKSGIVING FOR THE SPIRITUAL STATE OF THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH; REPROOF OF PARTY DIVISIONS: HIS OWN METHOD OF PREACHING ONLY CHRIST. ...

TSK: 1 Corinthians 12 (Chapter Introduction) Overview 1Co 12:1, Spiritual gifts, 1Co 12:4, are diverse, 1Co 12:7, yet all to profit withal; 1Co 12:8, And to that end are diversely bestowed; 1...

Poole: 1 Corinthians 12 (Chapter Introduction) CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 12

MHCC: 1 Corinthians (Book Introduction) The Corinthian church contained some Jews, but more Gentiles, and the apostle had to contend with the superstition of the one, and the sinful conduct ...

MHCC: 1 Corinthians 12 (Chapter Introduction) (1Co 12:1-11) The variety of use of spiritual gifts are shown. (1Co 12:12-26) In the human body every member has its place and use. (1Co 12:27-30) T...

Matthew Henry: 1 Corinthians (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians Corinth was a principal city of Greece, in that partic...

Matthew Henry: 1 Corinthians 12 (Chapter Introduction) In this chapter the apostle, I. Considers the case of spiritual gifts, which were very plentifully poured out on the Corinthian church. He conside...

Barclay: 1 Corinthians (Book Introduction) A GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE LETTERS OF PAUL The Letters Of Paul There is no more interesting body of documents in the New Testament than the letter...

Barclay: 1 Corinthians 12 (Chapter Introduction) The Confession Of The Spirit (1Co_12:1-3) God's Differing Gifts (1Co_12:4-11) The Body Of Christ (1Co_12:12-31)

Constable: 1 Corinthians (Book Introduction) Introduction Historical Background Corinth had a long history stretching back into the...

Constable: 1 Corinthians (Outline) Outline I. Introduction 1:1-9 A. Salutation 1:1-3 B. Thanksgiving 1:4-9 ...

Constable: 1 Corinthians 1 Corinthians Bibliography Adams, Jay. Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible. Phillipsburg, N.J.: Presb...

Haydock: 1 Corinthians (Book Introduction) THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL, THE APOSTLE, TO THE CORINTHIANS. INTRODUCTION. Corinth was the capital of Achaia, a very rich and populous city...

Gill: 1 Corinthians (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 1 CORINTHIANS This was not the first epistle that was written by the apostle to the Corinthians, for we read in this of his having ...

Gill: 1 Corinthians 12 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 1 CORINTHIANS 12 In this chapter the apostle discourses concerning spiritual gifts, showing the author, nature, use, and excellency...

College: 1 Corinthians (Book Introduction) FOREWORD Since the past few decades have seen an explosion in the number of books, articles, and commentaries on First Corinthians, a brief word to t...

College: 1 Corinthians (Outline) OUTLINE I. INTRODUCTION - 1:1-9 A. Salutation - 1:1-3 B. Thanksgiving - 1:4-9 II. DISUNITY AND COMMUNITY FRAGMENTATION - 1:10-4:21 A. ...

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