Romans 12:6–8 | 1 Corinthians 12:8–10 | 1 Corinthians 12:28–30 | Ephesians 4:11 | 1 Peter 4:11 |
1. Prophecy
2. Serving 3. Teaching 4. Exhortation 5. Giving 6. Leadership 7. Mercy |
1. Word of wisdom
2. Word of knowledge 3. Faith 4. Gifts of healings 5. Miracles 6. Prophecy 7. Distinguishing between spirits 8. Tongues 9. Interpretation of tongues |
1. Apostle
2. Prophet 3. Teacher 4. Miracles 5. Kinds of healings 6. Helps 7. Administration 8. Tongues |
1. Apostle
2. Prophet 3. Evangelist 4. Pastor 5. Teacher |
1. Whoever speaks
2. Whoever renders service[10] |
Christians believe that the charismata were foretold by the Prophet Joel (2:28) and promised by Christ (Gospel of Mark 16:17–18). This promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost and elsewhere as the church spread. In order to correct abuses concerning the spiritual gifts at Corinth, Paul devoted much attention to spiritual gifts in his First Epistle to the Corinthians (chapters 12–14).
In 1 Corinthians 12, two Greek terms are translated as “spiritual gifts”. In verse 1, the word pneumatika (“spirituals” or “things of the Spirit”) is used. In verse 4, charisma is used. This word is derived from the word charis, which means “grace“. In verses 5 and 6, the words diakonia (translated “administrations”, “ministries”, or “service”) and energemata (“operations” or “inworkings”) are used in describing the nature of the spiritual gifts. In verse 7, the term “manifestation (phanerosis) of the Spirit” is used.
From these scriptural passages, Christians understand the spiritual gifts to be enablements or capacities that are divinely bestowed upon individuals and are to be used for the benefit of others. The purpose of the spiritual gifts is to edify (build up), exhort (encourage), and comfort the church.
It is generally acknowledged that Paul did not list all of the gifts of the Spirit, and many believe that there are as many gifts as there are needs in the body of Christ. Some have categorized the various gifts in the following way: “gifts of knowledge” (word of wisdom, word of knowledge, distinguishing between spirits), “gifts of speech” (tongues, interpretation, prophecy), and “gifts of power” (faith, healing, miracles).