Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; The word gifts (χαρίσματα, charismata) derives from charis (grace)—spiritual gifts are grace-gifts, freely given by God, not earned abilities. They differ according to the grace that is given to us (κατὰ τὴν χάριν τὴν δοθεῖσαν ἡμῖν, kata tēn charin tēn dotheisan hēmin), reinforcing that diversity in the body flows from God's sovereign distribution. Paul lists seven representative gifts in verses 6-8, beginning with prophecy (προφητείαν, prophēteian), the inspired speaking forth of God's word for edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3).
Prophecy must be exercised according to the proportion of faith (κατὰ τὴν ἀναλογίαν τῆς πίστεως, kata tēn analogian tēs pisteōs). This difficult phrase probably means 'in accordance with the faith'—the apostolic deposit of doctrine. Prophecy isn't private revelation but inspired application of revealed truth, always consistent with Scripture. Some interpret it as 'in proportion to one's faith'—speak only as far as God enables. Either way, prophecy is accountable speech, tested by the word and the community (1 Corinthians 14:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21).
Historical Context
Prophecy in the early church wasn't primarily foretelling the future but forth-telling God's word—Spirit-empowered preaching and exhortation in corporate worship. With the New Testament canon not yet complete, prophets played a vital role in applying apostolic teaching to specific situations. However, false prophets also threatened the church (Matthew 7:15, 1 John 4:1), requiring discernment. Paul's qualifier—prophecy must align with 'the faith'—protected the church from subjectivism while valuing the Spirit's ongoing speech through gifted members.
Questions for Reflection
How do you distinguish true prophecy (Spirit-inspired application of Scripture) from personal opinion or manipulation?
If you have teaching gifts, are you exercising them 'according to the proportion of faith'—faithfully grounded in apostolic doctrine?
What role does prophetic exhortation (applying God's word to current situations) play in your church's worship and discipleship?
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Analysis & Commentary
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; The word gifts (χαρίσματα, charismata) derives from charis (grace)—spiritual gifts are grace-gifts, freely given by God, not earned abilities. They differ according to the grace that is given to us (κατὰ τὴν χάριν τὴν δοθεῖσαν ἡμῖν, kata tēn charin tēn dotheisan hēmin), reinforcing that diversity in the body flows from God's sovereign distribution. Paul lists seven representative gifts in verses 6-8, beginning with prophecy (προφητείαν, prophēteian), the inspired speaking forth of God's word for edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3).
Prophecy must be exercised according to the proportion of faith (κατὰ τὴν ἀναλογίαν τῆς πίστεως, kata tēn analogian tēs pisteōs). This difficult phrase probably means 'in accordance with the faith'—the apostolic deposit of doctrine. Prophecy isn't private revelation but inspired application of revealed truth, always consistent with Scripture. Some interpret it as 'in proportion to one's faith'—speak only as far as God enables. Either way, prophecy is accountable speech, tested by the word and the community (1 Corinthians 14:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21).