Understanding the nature and intent of spiritual gifts is necessary for churches who desire to grow and become mature, unified, and functional by the power of God's Spirit. It starts with understanding the positional gifts or the gifts of office.

Paul summarizes the gifts that are manifested in the church noting that each gift is from the one and same Spirit of God for the purpose of declaring God’s gift of the grace of life.

Beginning in chapter 12 Paul turns from rebuking the church’s carnality to encouraging them to stop being ignorant of their spirituality. The introductory verses lead into what will be a four chapter explanation of gifts, ministry, and the power of God to accomplish his plan.