1 Corinthians 12:12-31

The believers are being compared to a body. There are different parts to a body representing the different people who follow Jesus. Though different parts, we are all parts of the same body. We are all also different, just like a body that is made up of different parts and not all the same. If a body were made up of all the same part, it would be missing something and wouldn't really be much of a body. In addition, parts cannot simply be dismissed as unnecessary or unimportant. Instead, those that seem less important are in fact extremely important.

Paul gives a few specific examples of different things that people are. Some are teachers and some have gifts of healing. With respect to these, not everyone is a teacher. There are different gifts just like there are different parts of a body and we all are a part of the body of Christ for those who are saved. He also adds that we should desire the greater gifts. It's as if there is a hierarchy to the gifts. In addition, he seems to number them when listing them. Yet, he follows it saying that there is a better way or the best way that he will show them. Something seems to trump all. If you peaked ahead to chapter 13, you probably already know that he's going to be talking about love. That is the "most excellent way" that he's referring to.