There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. (1 Co 12:4–6).
We now delve into a topic that has sparked extensive discussion within the church, particularly over the past century: Spiritual Gifts. In our previous discussion, we noted that Paul begins this topic by informing the initial readers of his epistle that he intends to prevent ignorance regarding spiritual gifts. In the following passage, Paul elaborates on the nature and purpose of these gifts.
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
In this episode, we will list all the gifts of the Spirit found in the New Testament and provide brief definitions. The definitions attached to these gifts are based on common understandings of their functions and meanings. As we proceed through chapters 12 to 14, we will focus on the gifts mentioned in chapter 12, examining each one as we encounter them. We will see if the definitions we assign to these gifts hold true by looking at examples of their operation within the first-century church and as recorded in the Gospels and other New Testament writings.
The apostle makes the first point that there is a diversity of gifts. As we read the New Testament, we find that a comprehensive list of the gifts of the Spirit is not fully represented in any one passage. Below is an expanded list of the Gifts of the Spirit, which still may not be exhaustive.
Wisdom
Definition: The ability to apply knowledge in a practical and spiritual way to help guide others.
Scripture: "To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom" (1 Corinthians 12:8).
Knowledge
Definition: The gift of understanding and interpreting the profound truths of God.
Scripture: "To another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:8).
Faith
Definition: An extraordinary confidence in God's promises, power, and presence.
Scripture: "To another faith by the same Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:9).
Healing
Definition: The ability to heal physical, emotional, or spiritual ailments through divine power.
Scripture: "To another gifts of healing by that one Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:9).
Miracles
Definition: The capacity to perform acts that demonstrate God's power, transcending natural laws.
Scripture: "To another miraculous powers" (1 Corinthians 12:10).
Prophecy
Definition: The gift of speaking forth God's word under divine inspiration.
Scripture: "To another prophecy" (1 Corinthians 12:10).
Distinguishing between spirits
Definition: The ability to discern the influence of the Holy Spirit versus evil spirits.
Scripture: "To another distinguishing between spirits" (1 Corinthians 12:10).
Speaking in different kinds of tongues
Definition: The ability to speak in languages not previously learned.
Scripture: "To another speaking in different kinds of tongues" (1 Corinthians 12:10).
Interpretation of tongues
Definition: The capacity to interpret the meaning of messages spoken in tongues.
Scripture: "To still another the interpretation of tongues" (1 Corinthians 12:10).
Apostleship
Definition: The special calling and commissioning by Christ to spread the gospel, establish churches, and provide spiritual leadership.
Scripture: "And God has placed in the church first of all apostles" (1 Corinthians 12:28); "So Christ himself gave the apostles" (Ephesians 4:11).
Teaching
Definition: The ability to explain and apply God’s Word in a way that others can understand and grow in faith.
Scripture: "If it is teaching, then teach" (Romans 12:7); "And God has placed in the church...teachers" (1 Corinthians 12:28).
Helping
Definition: The capacity to support and assist others in practical and spiritual matters.
Scripture: "And God has placed in the church...those able to help others" (1 Corinthians 12:28).
Administration
Definition: The gift of organizing and managing the affairs of the church effectively.
Scripture: "And God has placed in the church...those with gifts of administration" (1 Corinthians 12:28).
Serving
Definition: The ability to identify and meet the needs of others through various forms of service.
Scripture: "If it is serving, then serve" (Romans 12:7).
Encouraging
Definition: The gift of comforting, consoling, and urging others to persevere in faith.
Scripture: "If it is to encourage, then encourage" (Romans 12:8).
Giving
Definition: The capacity to give generously and willingly to support the church's and its members' needs.
Scripture: "If it is giving, then give generously" (Romans 12:8).
Leadership
Definition: The ability to guide and direct others towards achieving spiritual goals.
Scripture: "If it is to lead, do it diligently" (Romans 12:8).
Showing Mercy
Definition: The gift of showing compassion and kindness to those in need.
Scripture: "If it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully" (Romans 12:8).
Evangelism
Definition: The ability to proclaim the gospel effectively and bring others to Christ.
Scripture: "So Christ gave...the evangelists" (Ephesians 4:11).
Pastoring
Definition: The gift of shepherding, caring for, and guiding a congregation.
Scripture: "So Christ himself gave...the pastors" (Ephesians 4)
Many of the gifts of the Spirit mentioned in the New Testament have their counterparts in the Old Testament, demonstrating that God has consistently endowed His people with these abilities throughout history. Here are compelling examples of these gifts as seen in the Old Testament:
Solomon's renowned wisdom, a divine gift from God, is highlighted in 1 Kings 4:29, where it is described as "measureless as the sand on the seashore." Similarly, Daniel and his companions were endowed with knowledge and understanding in all kinds of literature and learning, as noted in Daniel 1:17. Abraham's faith, credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6), exemplifies extraordinary trust in God's promises.
Naaman's healing through the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 5:14) showcases God's power to heal physical ailments. Moses performed numerous miracles, such as parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21), while prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel spoke God's messages to the people (Isaiah 38:4). The prophet Elijah discerned between the true God and the false prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:38-39).
Nehemiah demonstrated the gift of help and administration by organizing and leading the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls (Nehemiah 6:15). Moses provided leadership to the Israelites, with God promising to help him speak and teach (Exodus 4:12). Joseph served faithfully in various capacities, eventually prospering as a ruler in Egypt (Genesis 39:2). These examples illustrate that the gifts of the Spirit, while prominently featured in the New Testament, have been manifested by God's people throughout biblical history, underscoring their enduring importance in God's plan.
In the New Testament era, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost introduced signs, miracles, and gifts of the Spirit that were not evident in the Old Testament, marking a significant expansion of God's power and presence among His people. One such gift is speaking in tongues, where believers were enabled to speak in languages they had never learned, serving as a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence (Acts 2:4). Accompanying this was the interpretation of tongues, which allowed the meaning of these messages to be understood by others (1 Corinthians 12:10). The New Testament also saw a greater manifestation of healing, with frequent and widespread miraculous healings performed by Jesus and the apostles, such as those recorded in Acts 5:16. Additionally, the casting out of demons became a notable sign of the kingdom of God, as Jesus and His followers demonstrated authority over evil spirits (Mark 16:17).
The baptism in the Holy Spirit emerged as a distinct and powerful experience, often accompanied by speaking in tongues and other spiritual gifts (Acts 1:5). While prophecy existed in the Old Testament, the New Testament emphasized the widespread availability of the gift of prophecy to all believers, fulfilling Joel's prophecy of God's Spirit being poured out on all people (Acts 2:17). The New Testament era also witnessed the gifts of miraculous powers, including raising the dead and performing extraordinary miracles with greater frequency (1 Corinthians 12:10).
Furthermore, the gifts of word of knowledge and wisdom provided believers with specific revelations and insights from the Holy Spirit, offering guidance and solutions to complex situations (1 Corinthians 12:8). The anointing for evangelism empowered believers to effectively preach the gospel and lead others to Christ, resulting in the rapid spread of Christianity (Ephesians 4:11). Lastly, the gift of teaching enabled believers to explain and apply the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, fostering spiritual growth and understanding within the church (Romans 12:7).
These gifts, signs, and miracles underscore the distinctive and transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament era, marking the establishment and expansion of the Kingdom of God in unprecedented ways that were not seen in the Old Testament.
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