Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
Read Chapter 12
Ambrose of Milan
AD 397
This does not pertain to the fullness nor to a portion of the Spirit, because neither does the human mind grasp God’s fullness, nor is God divided into any portions of himself. But he pours out the gift of the grace of the Spirit in which God is adored, as he is also adored in truth, for no one adores him except he who draws in the truth of his godhead with pious affection.
There are diversities of graces. Literally, divisions of graces; but all from the same spirit, from the same Lord, from the same God: and all these gifts are designed, and to be made use of for the profit of the faithful. (Witham)
St. Justin Martyr, St. Iren us, and Origen bear testimony, that these special gifts of the Holy Spirit were not unusual in their time. St. Paul, in order to curb the vanity of such as seemed to be a little puffed up with the gifts they had received, and likewise to comfort those who had received no such spiritual and extraordinary favours, wishes to teach both parties, that the same Holy Spirit distributes these graces according as t hey are more conducive to the welfare of his Church, and the glory of God. (Calmet)
Yet as to us "there are diversities of gifts, differences of administrations, and diversities of operations; ".
But the apostle expounded this very passage, when he said, "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are differences of ministrations, but the same Lord; and there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."
And first he attends on him that had the lesser gift, and was grieved on this account. For wherefore, says he, are you dejected? Because you have not received as much as another? Still, consider that it is a free gift and not a debt, and you will be able to soothe your pain. For this cause he spoke thus in the very beginning: but there are diversities of gifts. And he said not of signs, nor of wonders, but of gifts, by the name of free gifts prevailing on them not only not to grieve but even to be thankful. And withal consider this also, says he, that even if you are made inferior in the measure of what is given; in that it has been vouchsafed you to receive from the same source as the other who has received more, you have equal honor. For certainly you can not say that the Spirit bestowed the gift on him, but an angel on you: since the Spirit bestowed it both on you and him. Wherefore he added, but the same Spirit. So that even if there be a difference in the gift, yet is there no dif...
Even if the gift bestowed on you is less than the gift bestowed on someone else, the Giver is the same, and therefore you have equal honor with him. It is the same Fountain from which you draw refreshment.
