Does the Bible have a spiritual gifts list?
There are three main passages that mention spiritual gifts in the New Testament. First Corinthians 12:4-11, 28 lists at least 11 gifts, Romans 12 mentions seven gifts, and 1 Peter notes two gifts for a total of 20 specific gifts. They include:1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 28
Wisdom or Word of Wisdom: Special ability to understand truth or situations.
Knowledge or Word of Knowledge: Special understanding of information that helps others.
Faith: Ability to see what has yet to take place or believe when it is difficult.
Healing: Ability to help those with physical problems.
Special powers/Miracles: Ability over circumstances and/or evil spirits.
Prophecy: Ability to speak truth and/or future information.
Discernment: Special ability to tell right from wrong or truth from deception.
Tongues/Languages: Ability to communicate in other languages.
Interpretation of Tongues/Languages: Ability to interpret other languages.
Helps: Ability to assist those in need; some consider this gift the same as the gift of mercy in Romans 12.
Administration: Ability to organize people and information for more effective service.
Romans 12:6-8
Prophecy: Ability to speak truth and/or future information.
Serving: Likely concerns the ability to help with practical needs.
Teaching: Ability to instruct others in God's truth.
Encouragement: Ability to help others feel encouraged.
Giving: Ability to generously give time, money, or resources to others.
Leadership: Ability to govern, cast vision, and/or organize others.
Mercy: Ability to help others in areas of need.
1 Peter 4:10-11
Speaking: Ability to communicate Christian truth well.
Serving: May be the same gift mentioned in Romans 12.
Some also include Ephesians 4:12 that mentions apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (some consider pastor-teacher one office). However, this passage specifically refers to these roles as offices rather than as spiritual gifts.
There is much dispute regarding the exact definitions of some gifts, which gifts continue to operate today, how many gifts a person can have (all agree a believer has at least one), and whether additional spiritual gifts exist. Brief proposed definitions are listed above.
What spiritual gifts does the Bible mention? Can you give me a survey of the spiritual gifts?
How does God give spiritual gifts? Will God give me the gifts I ask for?
Should I take a spiritual gifts test/inventory/assessment? Do spiritual gifts tests have any value?
What is my spiritual gift?
Is there a difference between a talent and a spiritual gift?
Truth about the Holy Spirit
