Why We Believe
4a. The Gifts of the Spirit Part 1
4a. The Gifts of the Spirit Part 1
The classic discussion of the gifts of the Spirit in the New Testament is in 1 Corinthians 12-14, but this most certainly is not a complete listing and of course there are references to the gifts throughout the New Testament (Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:7, 8). The best description of the gifts of the Holy Spirit can be found in Donald Gee’s classic "Concerning Spiritual Gifts".
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. Knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues and to still another the interpretation of tongues.” (1 Cor. 12:7-12)
“a message of wisdom” | λόγος σοφίας A specific word of wisdom (cf. Matt 12:42; Acts 6:3, 10; 7:10, 22; 1 Cor 1:19f; 2:13; Col 1:28; James 3:13, 15, 17; 2 Peter 3:15). In Greek antiquity (6th to 2nd BC) σοφία the noun had derived from an adjective and, therefore, denotes a quality, not an activity.1 In the OT, wisdom (חָכָם) is used most often for rules of conduct/impartation of insights or counsel to others.2 Paul, attacking the pre-gnostic usage of the same term in 1 Cor. 1:17 precisely because it is devoid of the cross of Christ, uses the phrase to refer to the cross in 1 Cor. 12:8.3 A word of wisdom will testify of the cross of Christ. |
| “a message of knowledge” | λόγος γνώσεως A specific word of knowledge; knowledge (cf.Lk 1:77; 11:52; Rom. 11:33; 1 Cor 8:1, 7, 11; 12:8; 2 Cor 6:6; 10:5; 2 Pt 1:5f; 3:18); This is in contradistinction to pre-gnostic views on “knowledge” which is excusive mystical visions. For Paul and other N. Testament writers, knowledge is a “movement of the will” or knowledge that accepts the consequences of what one knows.4 The Christian who hears a distinctive word of knowledge will understand it is from God and obey. |
| “faith” | πίστις the placement of confidence in that which can be trusted; faith is active, so it is better translated ‘believing,’ (cf. Mt 9:2; Mk 11:22; Lk 18:42; Ac 14:9; 26:18; Ro 4:5, 9, 11–13; Gal 2:16; Eph 1:15; Col 2:12; Hb 12:2; Js 1:6; 1 Pt 1:21). |
| “gifts of healing” | χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων multiple giftings of healing of special gifts bestowed on individual Christians (cf.1 Cor 7:7; 1 Ti 4:14; 2 Ti 1:6; 1 Pt 4:10). Of spiritual gifts in a special sense (cf. Ro 12:6; 1 Cor 12:4, 9, 28, 30f). |
| “working of miracles” | ἐνεργήματα δυνάμεων workings (activity) of power power, might, strength, force Mt 14:2; 22:29; Ac 1:8; Ro 1:4; Col 1:11; 2 Ti 3:5; Hb 7:16; 2 Pt 1:3. δ. = God Mk 14:62. Ability, capability Mt 25:15; 2 Cor 1:8; meaning 1 Cor 14:11. Specialized senses deed of power, miracle Mt 11:20f; Mk 6:5; 2 Cor 12:12; Hb 2:4. |
“prophecy” |
προφητεία being a prophet (cf. Rom 12:6; 1 Cor 12:10; 13:2, 8; 14:22; 1 Th 5:20; Rv 19:10); προφητεία is used for the Hebrew word נָּבִ֔יא (2 Chron 32:32) from which נְבִיאִ֔ים (Num 11:29) is derived, means “to call” and the word is best interpreted in a passive sense: “one who is called of God” and has God’s favor.5 Following the O. Testament usage, this appears to be an office. |
| “distinguishing of spirits” | διακρίσεις (1Co 12:10 BGT) 1. distinguishing, differentiation 1 Cor 12:10; Heb 5:14.—2. quarrel Ro 14:1; Ac 4:32 v.1 πνευμάτων 1.a spirit as an independent being that cannot be perceived by the physical senses—a. as a description of God J 4:24a.—b. lesser good spirits or spirit-beings Ac 23:8f; Heb. 1:14; 12:9; Rv 1:4; 5:6.—Ghost Lk 24:37, 39.—c. evil spirits Mk 1:23, 26f; Luke 11:24, 26; Ac 5:16; 16:18; 19:15f; Rv 18:2.—2. the Spirit as that which differentiates God from everything that is not God—a. the Spirit of God or Christ Mt 3:16; Lk 4:18; Ac 5:9; 16:7; Ro 8:9f; 1 Cor 2:11b, 12b, 14; Gal 4:6; Eph 3:16; 1 Pt 1:11. |
| “different kinds of tongues” | ἑτέρῳ γένη γλωσσῶν The expressions γλῶσσαι, γένη γλωσσῶν, ἐν γ. λαλεῖν etc. refer to the ecstatic speech of those overcome by strong emotion in a cultic context. The latter expression is usually rendered speak in tongues. Ac 19:6; 1 Cor 12:10; 13:1, 8; 14 |
| “interpretation of tongues” | ἑρμηνεία γλωσσῶν translation, interpretation (1 Cor 12:10; 14:26). In pre-Christian Greek, γλωσσ- can mean “an expression which in speech or manner is strange and obscure and needs explanation.”6 Tongue-speaking is a sign of God’s power (14:22), but to service the congregation must be accompanied by an interpretation. |
“And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.” (1 Corinthians 12:28)
Since this second list in I Corinthians is somewhat repetitive, I will just list the gifts not covered earlier in the chapter
“Apostles” | ἀπόστολος 1. delegate, envoy, messenger Lk 11:49; J 13:16; 2 Cor 8:23; Eph 3:5; Phil 2:25; Hb 3:1; Rv 2:2; 18:20.—2. apostle, one holding the most responsible position of service in the Christian communities (1 Cor 12:28f), esp. of Jesus’ original 12 disciples (Mt 10:2; Ac 1:26; Rv 21:14), but also of other prominent leaders outside their number Ac 14:14; Ro 1:1; 16:7; Gal 1:19. In the LXX, the word expresses “the authorization of the messenger.” Under Jesus and in the New Testament, the apostle is commissioned as a Spirit-empowered witness of the resurrection. 7 |
| “Teachers” | διδάσκαλος teacher Ro 2:20; Hb 5:12. As a term of honor and respect Mt 8:19; Mk 10:17; Lk 9:38; J 3:10. Of teachers in the Christian church Ac 13:1; 1 Cor 12:28f; Js 3:1. *The systematic imparting of knowledge or technical skills.”8 It is an office alongside apostles and prophets charged with explaining the Christian faith.9 |
| “Helps” | ἀντίλημψις help pl. helpful deeds 1 Cor 12:28. * In 2 and 3 Maccabees, it carries the idea of “offering assistance” 2 Mac. 8:19, 3 Mac 5:50. See also Ps. 83:6 “strength”, Ps. 88:19 “shield” “protection.” |
| “Administration” | κυβέρνησις administration 1 Cor 12:28. Derived from sailors in the Mediterranean world and related to Latin gubernare “to govern” “to guide” Was used by helmsmen on ships in Homer’s time. Comparable with modern expression “ship of state.” Dependance on divine rule or guidance.10 |
