When God names anything, He is giving us an accurate description of what is in His mind. We should therefore get the names right, especially regarding His gifts as Paul says:
Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God. We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words (1 Cor 2:12-13)
God wants us to know so He's carefully labelled the gifts for us to recognise them - why would we mislabel them? He loves us dearly and has given us much:
Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights (Jas 1:17)
Whether we have natural or spiritual abilities, they all come from God. In His parable of the talents (Matt 25:14-30), Jesus describes the master as entrusting to one servant "five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability." In our Master’s wisdom, none of us are short-changed or overloaded. Based on that parable, our first question should be, when Jesus returns, will He consider us faithful with our talents? Do we even know what He has given us to work with? And are we using them properly, for His benefit? Natural talents such as practical or musical skills are mostly decided by birth and developed by training. The spiritual gifts can come any time and we need to discover and be trained in their use too ( 2 Tim 2:15). Without diminishing in any way the significance of the natural talents, this study is focussed on the spiritual gifts.
Kinds & Measures of Gifting
Every gift comes in different measures. For example, 'all can prophesy' (1Cor 14:24 & 31) but 'not all are prophets' (1 Cor 12:29); all believers can evangelise, teach, heal, cast out demons, and speak in tongues (Matt 28:19-20, Mark 16:17-18) but not all are evangelists, teachers, healers, miracle-workers, or speak in the kind of tongues that needs interpretation (1Cor 12:29-30). We see then that a gift can be so abundant and well-developed as to actually define the person and for some, to be their means of earning a living (1 Cor 9:14). Consider, for example, the very different measures of teaching and the time required to do it:
- Some truths are for all to pass on, e.g. all parents are to teach their children (Deut 6:7, Prov 1:8).
- Secular education requires full-time teachers, i.e. only those with special, natural gifts of communication, enthusiasm for subjects and love of their students.
- 'A teaching', or a part of spiritual truth, is for all to pass on (1 Cor 14:26).
- Being 'able to teach' and refute errors is required of only some, being a qualification of elders (1 Tim 3:2, Titus 1:9). They must also be willing to confront in love.
- 'Teacher', one responsible for preserving and passing on the whole body of Biblical truth, and usually in full-time ministry (Mal 2:7 cf. Lev 10:11, Acts 20:27). James says of this 'measure', 'let not many of you become teachers..., knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgement' (Jas 3:1).
All the gifts then need to be seen in terms of frequency or consistency - all of us on occasion may be used by God in a gift, whereas others are used so frequently they need to leave other employment to devote themselves to that ministry or service (Acts 6:2 & 4). This can be easily misread. When Saul was with the prophets, he prophesied, causing the people to ask:
"Is Saul also among the prophets?" (1 Sam 10:11)
This later became a proverb (1 Sam 10:12) because his carnality showed he wasn’t - his prophesying was a temporary phenomenon.
Definitions Of Gifts And Ministries
These English terms are found in seven passages: Mark 16:17-18, Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:28-30, Ephesians 4:11, Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and 1 Peter 4:11 (NASB). Our biggest problem today in understanding the Biblical usage comes from our English words sometimes inserting incorrect meanings so I often note the literal Greek. I will also note which are inextricably to 'the manifestations of the Spirit' (1 Cor 12:8-10). In alphabetical order, the gifts are:
Administrations - lit. steerings. Our English term applies to people who manage, direct, or organise. Often overlooked, the word is important because it is translated in the Septuagint as 'counsellors' in Proverbs 11:14 and 24:6 where 'guidance' is sought - it therefore describes those who can set a godly direction. In the absence of this term today, we have invented our own such as 'bishop', 'senior pastor', 'leading elder', etc. They should often have, i.e. 'manifest', 'a word of wisdom' (1 Cor 12:8) for us.
Apostles - lit. sent ones. People who are sent on missions of all kinds, i.e. today's missionaries, itinerant ministers, or designated couriers (e.g. 2 Cor 8:23). The Old Testament equivalent term was malak, messenger, angel (Mal 3:1).
Deacons - lit. servants. Popularly thought to be the people in charge of churches' secular affairs but are actually everyone in 'full-time ministry'. Their Old Testament equivalents were the Levites who were literally the servants of the priests; 'deacons' or ministers (Latin, minister, servant) are to serve and equip 'the priesthood of all believers'. Also see 'Helps'. Deacons
Elders - Older or more experienced Christians who are to oversee and shepherd the flock of God so elders are also known as 'overseers' and 'shepherds' (Acts 20:28-31, 1 Pet 5:1-3). They are representatives of the church (James 5:14) and, being like 'steerings', they too should often have 'a word of wisdom'. The first twelve 'devoted [themselves] to prayer, and to the ministry of the word' (Acts 6:4).
Evangelists - lit. speakers of good news. Preachers or proclaimers of the gospel (lit. good news), whether in conversation with individuals or speaking to crowds (Rom 10:14). Their primary call is to win others to Christ and secondly, to equip the church to win others to Christ. Closely allied to 'exhortation'.
Exhortation - Given to encourage, strengthen, or motivate others. One teacher, renamed by the apostles as Barnabas, lit. "son of encouragement" (Acts 5:36), was not only generous (Acts 4:37) but also encouraged and instructed a new move of God (Acts 11:22-24), got Paul going (vv. 25-26), and stuck with Mark when Paul gave up on him (Acts 15:37-39). Exhorters see and bring out the best in everyone, giving 'that kind of comfort and consolation in distress which keeps a man on his feet when, left to himself, he would collapse. It is the comfort which will enable a man to pass the breaking point and not to break' (William Barclay’s comment on the Septuagint’s use of the word). They manifest 'faith by the Spirit' (1 Cor 12:9).
Faith by the Spirit - The enabling for unusual works of faith, as seen in 'exhortation'. Some are also practical, e.g. George Mueller's famous reliance on God’s provision for his orphanage. Also seen in martyrdom where faith is tested 'until death' (Rev 2:10).
Gifts of healings - Note the plurals. Healings can be of the body (Matt 9:22), soul (Psalm 23:3), and of the spirit (Prov 17:22). Jesus came to heal bodies and to 'heal the broken-hearted' (Psalm 147:3). Linked to 'miracles' and exorcism (Matt 8:16).
Giving - While all are to be generous and give, some have a particular ability to earn more and contribute more. Paul urges people 'who are rich in this present world' to 'do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share' (1 Tim 6:17-18), and this is how Jesus and the Twelve were supported (Luke 8:3). Giving is also showing hospitality (Gk, philoxenos, loving strangers).
Helps - From Greek verb used in Acts 20:35. Also referred to as 'those who give' (Rom 12:80), 'helps' assist practically, e.g. the seven set aside to distribute the food to the needy (Acts 6:1-6), although these seven are often mistakenly called 'deacons'. Our secular social welfare programmes today meet most material needs but churches often help anyway. 'Helps' are obviously linked to 'those who show mercy'.
Leaders - Those who accept responsibility and diligently take initiative. Needed in every area of God's service, the greatest is the 'slave of all' (Mark 10:44). See 'How Leaders are to Lead'.
Mercy - 'Those who show mercy' (Rom 12:8). While we are all to demonstrate love and compassion by feeding and clothing the poor, welcoming strangers, visiting the sick or imprisoned (Matt 25:31-46), some excel in these areas, e.g. Christians Against Poverty and Prison Fellowship. Allied to 'helps' (practical), 'exhortation' (strengthening the inner man or woman), and the caring aspect of shepherding (see 'Pastors').
Miracle-working - Miracles are events impossible in the natural realm that attest to the spiritual realm, e.g. walking on water or turning it into wine, raising the dead, picking up serpents, surviving poison etc. Exorcism (often today called 'deliverance') is the working of a miracle (Mark 10:38-39) and usually requires 'the distinguishing of spirits' (1 Cor 12:10). Also closely allied to 'gifts of healings' and usually to confirm the truth spoken in evangelism (Mark 16:17-18, Acts 8:5-7) but also in prophecy (1 Kin 13:2-3) and teaching (Luke 4:31-36).
Overseers - The Greek, episkopos, gave us the English words 'bishop' and 'episcopal' 500 years ago but these have unBiblical, unhelpful meanings today. 'Epi' means 'over' and 'skopos' means 'to see' so today's translations use 'overseer'. They are also called elders and are to shepherd the flock. See 'Elders' and 'Pastors.'
Pastors - lit. shepherd. This popular name for the one in charge of a church is not quite Biblical since the Scriptures always refer to 'elders' (i.e. plural) who are to shepherd every church. Their work is to 'oversee' the flock of God, caring for each member, and protecting them against 'wolves' and 'thieves' (John 10:8-13, Acts 20:28-29). Also to keep each other faithful (Acts 20:30-31, Tit 1:10-11).
Prophecy - Prophets used to be called 'seers' (1 Sam 9:9) because they 'see' the invisible in the spiritual realm, often in visions and dreams, and are to speak what God is saying now (cf. teachers who are to explain from the Scriptures what God has said in the past). Like teaching, prophecy has obviously different measures, from all being urged to prophesy in meetings (1 Cor 14:5) to some prophets being sent to nations (e.g. Jer 1:5).
Serving - See Deacons. Peter says that all their work must be done 'by (lit. from) the strength which God supplies' (1 Pet 4:11).
Speaking - Referring to everyone with vocal gifts such as preaching, teaching, exhorting, and prophesying, Peter says they should speak authoritatively and in a manner worthy of 'the utterances of God' (1 Pet 4:11).
Teaching - As detailed above in "Kinds & Measures of Gifting". Many who are today called 'teachers' are actually exhorters or evangelists/preachers, being very able and persuasive communicators of the gospel, which is a part rather than the whole of Biblical truth. Teachers should be manifesting 'the word of knowledge' (1 Cor 12:8).
Tongues & interpretation - The Holy Spirit manifests Himself in 'kinds of tongues' (1 Cor 12:10). Every believer can speak in tongues to pray to God which needs no interpretation (1 Cor 14:2 & 5), but some have a gift that requires interpretation since they are speaking to people (vv. 5, 6 & 13). That message being given in an 'unknown tongue' is to attract particular attention (1 Cor 14:21, quoting Isaiah 28:11 where Israel had ignored all messages in their own language).
Word of knowledge - 'Word' here means 'the communication of...' so this is 'the communication of knowledge', i.e. teaching from the Scriptures (Prov 14:7, 19:27, 23:12). The opposite, 'words without knowledge', can be seen in how Job and his counsellors spoke, misrepresenting God (Job 38:2, 42:7).
Word of wisdom - Just as 'the word of knowledge' is to communicate knowledge, i.e. teaching, 'the word of wisdom' is to communicate the wisdom of God (Jas 3:13-18) which can be in counselling or in evangelism (Luke 21:15). Wisdom is one of the three primary ways that God leads, along with prophecy and teaching (Jer 18:18), e.g. Ahithophel (2 Sam 16:23). See also Administrations and Elders.
Other Spiritual Gifts
Other spiritual gifts not in the New Testament lists are:
Artisans & artists - The first mention of people 'filled with the Spirit' is of Bezalel and his co-workers, the designers and craftsmen who created and decorated the Tabernacle, its furniture, utensils, garments, anointing oil, and incense (Ex 31:1-11).
Counsellors - Ahithophel's advice was regarded as 'the word of God' (2 Sam 16:23); others famously aided King David (1 Chron 27:32-34), Solomon and Rehoboam (1 Kin 12:6-8). See also 'Elders' and 'the word of wisdom'.
Intercessors - Those who love to pray. To intercede means to plead on behalf of another and 'the Spirit Himself intercedes for us' (Rom 8:26). Moses and Aaron interceded for all Israel (Num 21:7) but not so well-known was Anna the prophetess who was 'in the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers' (Luke 2:37). Paul encouraged others like her, with no or few family responsibilities, to 'continue in entreaties and prayers night and day' (1 Tim 5:3-5) as he did (2 Tim 1:3).
Worship-leaders - They are to lead us into the presence of God to praise and worship Him (1 Chron 25:1-8) so most are musicians or singers. Often gifted in 'exhortation'.
Conclusions
All these gifts are important but none more so than any other (1 Cor 12:15-26). Some come 'first' chronologically (1 Cor 12:28) because we often need apostles or evangelists to lead us to Jesus and His kingdom but we later need all the other gifts either to keep us in His kingdom or to equip us for 'the work of service' (Eph 4:11-12). Any missing gift makes us all poorer in the spiritual realm.
Jesus said:
“He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.
And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you he shall not lose his reward” (Matt 10:41-42)
Notice Jesus' distinctions - “a prophet”, “a righteous man”, and “a disciple” - because each has a reward to give us if we receive them as such. We have to properly recognise and receive each of the gifts of God to get the benefit of each one. We also need to work co-operatively so that each can function.
Lastly, we should remember that all the gifts are to enable us to become servants of all:
As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Pet 4:10)