Who is the "one Spirit" in 1 Corinthians 12:13?
The 'one Spirit' in 1 Corinthians 12:13 is the Holy Spirit. The transcript explains the phrase as 'that one and only Holy Spirit,' confirming that the Spirit in view is the Holy Spirit. This is the Spirit Paul references while writing to the believers at Corinth.
Les explains that in 1 Corinthians 12:13, the phrase 'by one Spirit' refers to 'that one and only Holy Spirit.' He notes Paul is still writing to the same Corinthian believers addressed in chapter 1—those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called saints. Even with their shortcomings and failures, they are still in the Body of Christ. Therefore, the 'one Spirit' is the Holy Spirit.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Who has been baptized into the Body of Christ by the one Spirit?
Every believer—Jew or Gentile, bond or free—has been baptized into the Body of Christ by the one Spirit. Paul says all were placed or made to drink into one Spirit, not just a few more spiritual ones. Even the carnal Corinthians were in Christ, though still babes.
Does the baptism of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12 have anything to do with speaking in tongues?
Paul's teaching on the baptism of the Holy Spirit has no connection to speaking in tongues. It is the Holy Spirit placing every true believer into the Body of Christ at salvation. The passage contains not a word about tongues, and it is the only Pauline teaching on Spirit baptism.
More Questions
What does 'by one Spirit' mean in 1 Corinthians 12:13?
The 'one Spirit' in 1 Corinthians 12:13 is the one and only Holy Spirit.
Who baptizes believers in 1 Corinthians 12:13?
1 Corinthians 12:13 says believers are baptized by the one Spirit, meaning the Holy Spirit is the one who baptizes them.