The subject of “spiritual gifts” is an interesting one, but it also tends to spark some heated debate and bring about division. This is sadly ironic, given Paul’s emphasis on unity in the context of teaching on spiritual gifts in this chapter.
Rather than attempt a comprehensive, end-all-be-all study of this topic, we’ll be focusing mainly on what this specific passage is saying about it. For more on this issue, I’d highly recommend reading Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 7:7 and Ephesians 4:11 and the contexts surrounding these passages.
In verse 1 of this chapter, the word “gift” is assumed incorrectly in some English translations. The verse is better translated “concerning spiritual matters”. In general, Paul is less interested in emphasizing specific teaching on spiritual gifts here, and more interested in teaching the Corinthians how to discern and think about the source of spiritual things.
Paul recognizes their pagan background and the false spiritual ideas and philosophies that fooled the Corinthians before, so he doesn’t want them to be “ignorant” when it comes to spiritual things.(v.1-2)
So how can we tell when someone or something is worth following? Is supernatural power an indicator of someone speaking the truth? If someone heals, or channels spirits of the departed, are they a reliable source of truth?
The indicators and “red flags” Paul lists have nothing to do with supernatural demonstrations of power and everything to do with Jesus. No one speaking in line with the Holy Spirit (God himself) will say that Jesus is cursed. And only the Holy Spirit allows someone to say that Jesus is “Lord”. It’s important to note that the Greek word for “Lord” here (and many times throughout the New Testament) refers to the name God gave for himself in the Old Testament: Yahweh. (v. 3)
The assumption, in both of these cases, is that the speaker is speaking honestly. Someone who honestly believes and says that Jesus is cursed and doomed, nothing more than a tragic story, is not speaking with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Someone who honestly believes and says that Jesus is the one and only God, as described and named in the Old Testament, is speaking by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Comparison to the truth is the determining factor.
The Greek word for “gifts” in verse 4 is “Charisma”. Not to be confused with the modern English word, this Greek word means “gift of grace”. An undeserved gift of favor from God.
Paul’s emphasis in verses 4-6 is the source of these gifts. While the Holy Spirit guides the use of spiritual gifts, it’s not biblically the most fitting to call them “gifts of the Holy Spirit”. Verses 4-6 identify all three members of the trinity as the source. Spirit, Lord and God (an added article in the Greek identifies this use of “God” as referring to the Father specifically).
Verse 7 indicates that these gifts are “manifestations” of the Holy Spirit “for the common good”. In other words, the genuine use of spiritual gifts will draw attention to the Holy Spirit and it will in some way bless the community of believers.
Although Paul seems to be listing types of “gifts” at random as he thinks of them, let’s see if we can clarify their meaning a little.
“Word of wisdom” and “word of knowledge” in verse 8 do not imply supernaturally revealed knowledge. These gifts would come into play for decision making and understanding scripture or other difficult ideas.
“Faith” in verse 9 does not refer to faith that leads to salvation, but the kind of faith that brings about growth and that remains a source of encouragement to others in difficult times. The phrase “gifts of healing” actually has a double plural in the Greek (“gifts of healings”), implying that God brings about healing on a case-by-case basis, rather than giving the power of healing to someone for them to use as they see fit.
In verse 10, “miracles” refers to unusual, even supernatural effectiveness or power(which could display itself in any number of ways). “Prophecy” might involve revealing future events, but it may otherwise involve a declaration of God’s will, either in general or for the moment. “Distinguishing spirits” would have been related to discerning whether or not a prophetic statement is valid, or if it comes from something other than God. “Tongues” here can refer to speaking in human languages the speaker normally does not know or speaking in non-human languages known to God. “Interpretation” can mean a direct translation, or conveying the general sense of what is spoken in another “tongue”.
Once again, we should remind ourselves that this passage was not written to strictly define these gifts. Given Paul’s seemingly random list of them (and each list of these gifts elsewhere is also different) it may even be that they were not intended to be formally defined. Although we shouldn’t neglect to seek out the truth on this issue, we should acknowledge that passages on the spiritual gifts were not written to clearly define them and that expending too much effort toward this goal may result in adding ideas to scripture that are not there. At the very least, we can say that spiritual gifts are undeserved, they are controlled and granted by God, and they are used to draw attention to him. (v. 11)
Paul again emphasizes unity in verses 12 and 13. He compares the church to a body. Specifically to Christ’s body. Christ sent the Holy Spirit to those who did and will believe. All those who trust in the sacrifice and identity of Christ(God himself) are given the Holy Spirit the moment they believe. In the book of Acts there are several instances of this happening accompanied by “manifestations”, or outward signs, of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2, 10, 11 and 19). But all believers are “baptized” in the Holy Spirit, regardless of their experience at the moment of conversion. This baptism is what unites us and gives us common ground.
Next Week- Unity And Diversity
Coffee House Question
What are some of the hot-button issues that seem to divide Christians and how can we practically develop unity despite our differing views?
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