In the New Testament, First Corinthians contains the chapter known for its discussion of spiritual gifts and the “body of Christ.”
First Corinthians 12 describes different gifts, services, and activities as coming from the same Spirit, Lord, and God. Paul then compares the Christian community to a body with many parts: an eye cannot say it has no need of a hand, and the members must care for one another. The chapter also identifies apostles, prophets, teachers, and other roles.
The discussion continues into chapter 13, famous for its description of love, and chapter 14, which addresses prophecy and speaking in tongues. This broader sequence is why references to spiritual gifts are sometimes mistakenly attributed to First Corinthians 13 alone.
Paul wrote First Corinthians to address disputes and practical questions in the church at Corinth. The letter’s topics include divisions, lawsuits, marriage, food offered to idols, the Lord’s Supper, resurrection, and the collection for believers in Jerusalem.