<p>12:11 - see on Mt. 25:15.</p><p><i>All these gifts are energized by one and the same Spirit, apportioned to each man according as he is willing to receive it- </i>I have commented earlier on the emphasis upon the &quot;same Spirit&quot; being at work (see on :4), and upon the way that &quot;each man&quot; had been given a gift (:10). So much spiritual energy and potential lay wasted and idle in Corinth. But the key was the fact that they were given to each man &quot;as he is willing to receive it&quot;. They were unwilling; because they were self centered and did not perceive that the gifts were given for the good of others (:7). If they had had a true passion to serve others, then they would have been willing to receive the gifts. The situation recalls the parable where the poor man is brave enough to knock on the door of his rich neighbour at midnight because he needs bread to give to another- an unexpected visitor. And the rich man will give him whatever he needs- in order to give to others (Lk. 11:8).</p>