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1 Corinthians 12:28,29
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues…

Romans 12:6-8
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy,let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; …

Ephesians 4:11,12
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; …

but.

1 Corinthians 8:6
But to usthere is but one God, the Father, of whomare all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whomare all things, and we by him.

Matthew 23:10
Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master,even Christ.

Acts 10:36
The word whichGod sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

but the same Lord
This phrase emphasizes the unity and centrality of Jesus Christ as the head of the church. Despite the diversity of ministries, all are under the authority of the same Lord, Jesus Christ. This unity is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, as he often addresses divisions within the church and calls believers to focus on their common faith in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). The term "Lord" (Greek: "Kyrios") was used in the Roman Empire to denote authority and ownership, and its application to Jesus signifies His divine authority and leadership over the church. This unity under one Lord is also a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, where the Messiah is depicted as the shepherd and ruler of God's people (Ezekiel 34:23-24).

Paul opens with a simple declaration of reality—spiritual gifts and avenues of service truly exist within the church. He is not musing about possibilities; he is acknowledging what the risen Christ has already supplied. •Romans 12:6 affirms, “We have different gifts according to the grace given us,” rooting this diversity in God’s gracious initiative. •Ephesians 4:7 echoes, “To each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” The abundance of ministries is therefore a present, observable fact, not a theory or ideal.

The word “ministries” highlights practical, hands-on service. It reminds us that gifts are not trophies but tools.

•1 Peter 4:10–11 urges believers to “use whatever gift he has received to serve others…so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ,” tying ministry directly to God’s glory.

•Acts 6:1–4 shows distinct ministries emerging—food distribution and prayer-and-Word leadership—both necessary, both Spirit-directed.

These passages underline that differences in assignment are God-designed, not accidental. Variety prevents bottlenecks, meets multifaceted needs, and showcases God’s creativity.

This tiny conjunction guards against two errors: envy (wishing for someone else’s role) and elitism (exalting one role above another). •Galatians 5:26 warns, “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.” •1 Corinthians 12:15-21 pictures body parts needing each other. The “but” calls us to hold diversity and unity together, refusing to pit one against the other.

Here Paul names the unifying Person: Jesus Christ. All ministries answer to Him, draw life from Him, and aim toward His honor.

•Colossians 3:24 reminds servants that they “will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

•John 13:13-14 records Jesus saying, “You call Me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so…Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” Our Lord modeled humble service, setting the tone for every ministry under His name.

Because the same Lord commissions every servant, rivalry evaporates. We cooperate rather than compete, knowing we will all stand before the same Master to give an account (Romans 14:10-12).

1 Corinthians 12:5 teaches that the church is filled with a rich assortment of Spirit-given ministries—each distinct, each necessary—yet all operate under the singular authority of Jesus Christ. The verse invites us to embrace diversity without division, to serve vigorously yet humbly, and to measure success not by visibility or applause but by faithfulness to “the same Lord.”