Spiritual Gifts

Prophecy

Romans 12:6 · 1 Corinthians 12:10 · Ephesians 4:11

Speaking God's truth into a present moment so the church is built up, encouraged and consoled (1 Cor 14:3). In Scripture it is always tested by the community and measured against what God has already revealed.

Serving (diakonia)

Romans 12:7 · 1 Peter 4:11

Practical, often unseen work that meets real needs. The Greek word gave us 'deacon' — the church's earliest organised care for widows and the poor (Acts 6).

Teaching

Romans 12:7 · 1 Corinthians 12:28 · Ephesians 4:11

Explaining Scripture faithfully so others can understand and obey it. James 3:1 warns teachers are judged more strictly, because words form people.

Exhortation / Encouragement

Romans 12:8

Coming alongside someone (parakaleō — the same root as the Spirit's title, Paraclete) to urge, comfort and steady them so they keep going.

Giving

Romans 12:8 · 2 Corinthians 9

Generosity offered 'with simplicity' — without strings, display or leverage. Paul ties it to trusting the God who supplies rather than to wealth itself.

Leading

Romans 12:8 · 1 Timothy 5:17

Standing in front to care for a people, done 'with diligence'. In Jesus' definition, leadership in the kingdom is measured by service, not status (Mark 10:42-45).

Mercy

Romans 12:8

Drawing near to suffering with active compassion, offered 'with cheerfulness' — presence that does not shame the person being helped.

Word of wisdom

1 Corinthians 12:8

Knowing how the truth applies here, now, to these people. Wisdom in Scripture is skill for living, not merely knowledge.

Word of knowledge

1 Corinthians 12:8

Insight into God and His ways that clarifies a situation for the church. Paul immediately reminds them that knowledge without love puffs up (1 Cor 8:1).

Faith

1 Corinthians 12:9

Not saving faith (which every believer has) but an unusual confidence in God's character and promises that steadies a whole community.

Healing

1 Corinthians 12:9, 28

God restoring bodies and minds through people. Christians disagree in good faith about how these gifts function today; both continuationists and cessationists affirm that God still heals.

Miracles

1 Corinthians 12:10, 28

Acts of power that point beyond themselves to the kingdom breaking in. In the Gospels signs always serve the message; they never replace it.

Discerning of spirits

1 Corinthians 12:10 · 1 John 4:1

Telling the difference between what is of God, what is merely human, and what is deceptive — a protective gift for the community.

Tongues & interpretation

1 Corinthians 12:10 · 1 Corinthians 14

Prayer or praise in a language not one's own, with interpretation so the church is built up. Paul values it, orders it, and subordinates it to clarity and love.

Apostle

1 Corinthians 12:28 · Ephesians 4:11

'Sent one' — pioneering work that plants the gospel where it has not been. The unrepeatable eyewitness apostles are distinguished by most traditions from ongoing sent-out ministry.

Evangelist

Ephesians 4:11 · Acts 21:8

A particular grace for announcing the good news to those who have not heard it, and stirring the church to do the same.

Shepherd (pastor)

Ephesians 4:11 · 1 Peter 5:2

Feeding, protecting and knowing a specific flock over time — Ezekiel 34 is the background, and Jesus is the Good Shepherd the gift imitates.

Helps & administration

1 Corinthians 12:28

Bearing burdens for others (antilēmpsis) and steering the ship (kybernēsis — a helmsman's word). Ordinary competence, given by the Spirit, keeps a church afloat.

Hospitality

1 Peter 4:9 · Romans 12:13

Philoxenia, 'love of the stranger' — making room at your table for people who cannot repay you. In the first century it was how the mission travelled.