Translation
But to each is given the manifestation
Go to footnote numberof the Spirit for the advancement. (See comment below.)
Go to footnote numberParaphrase
Each follower of Jesus is given a clear sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence and power intended for the common benefit of all the followers of Jesus. (See comment below.)
Footnotes
1
This word comes from a root word meaning “to illuminate, bring to light, make visible, make manifest, make clear, or make plain.”
2
“Advancement”: This is a compound word made from the preposition “with” and the verb “bring or carry.” When combined they express the idea of “a combination that brings a profit, a benefit or an advancement.” As it is used in this context it is intended to communicate “for the common good” or “for the benefit of every [believer].”
ALL GIFTS FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT MUST BENEFIT OTHERS
This is one of the key rules about the use of spiritual gifts, possibly the most important rule. The Holy Spirit graciously gives us giftings for ministry that we don’t deserve and which we should not use to make ourselves look good; they are given so we can help others. That is their purpose, and we must use them according to their intended purpose. This rule is solid, immovable, inviolable. If anything violates this rule, it is not a proper, God-given spiritual gift; it is something else.
Where did Paul get this rule?
I believe he got it from the Old Testament. Paul knew that the Law taught them about faith, righteousness and mercy (see Jesus’ statement in Matt 23:23). Therefore, Paul knew that the principles involved in one of those major categories could not violate the principles involved in the other two. The principles that lead us into faith would never violate the principles involved in Holiness, or those that lead us toward mercy and compassion.
Relating that truth to tongues, Paul knew that God’s Holy Spirit would never create a spiritual gift that violated any of the principles He had been teaching His followers since the time of Adam. He would not create a means for getting closer to God (such as a prayer language) that would violate the principles of looking out for others, or the principles that lead us into proper, God-given holiness. It is never just about self; it is always be about God and others.
The Old Testament clearly shows that God’s heart is for the widows, orphans, and strangers, the blind and deaf, the exploited, the weak, the helpless and the lonely, etc. Here are a couple examples among many: Job 29:12-17 and Isaiah 1:17. He commanded His followers to love God and love their neighbors (Lev 19:18). It was never about self-glory, but about God’s glory; and God says He will not share His glory with any other (Is 48:11). Therefore, the rule that spiritual gifts must benefit others, not self, fits perfectly with everything taught in the Old Testament.
Then Jesus came and gave us many examples of how to live by the principles taught in the Former Covenant, “put others first” being one of those principles. This rule fits the New Testament as well.