Note 1 at 1Co 12:12: There are three main places in Scripture where spiritual gifts are discussed--this passage (1Co 12), Ro 12:4-8, and Eph 4:11-16. It is interesting to note that in each of these instances, the unity of the body of Christ (see note 14 at 1Co 12:27) is stressed in the same context.

In all three instances, Paul made this point by comparing the different gifts to different parts of the physical body. Just as the human body has to have all its parts function together to get the proper results, so the body of Christ has to have each part function in unity to truly demonstrate the fullness of Christ to this world.

This is especially true with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Some of these gifts are more spectacular than others and might seem more necessary than another gift, but that's not true. We need all the gifts in their proper order and relationship for the other gifts to get the full impact of Christ's ministry.

Jesus was an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher (Eph 4:11) all in one. It takes all these gifts functioning together in unity to reproduce the ministry Jesus had here on earth. It takes all of these gifts operating together in His body to see His power manifested as it was during His earthly ministry. Likewise, all the gifts listed in Ro 12 need to function together to release the fullness of His life.

Failure to see all these gifts function together in unity has been a tremendous hindrance to the body of Christ and has kept us from accurately representing Jesus to a lost world. Unity among believers will be the greatest testimony the church has ever given to the reality of Christ (see note 3 at Joh 13:35) and will release such power that it will be one of the main factors that brings the second return of the Lord (see note 7 at 1Co 15:25).