“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7)

by Pastor Patrick Cho

There are few theological issues that have confused Christians more than the doctrine of spiritual gifts. A clear line of demarcation can be seen between the two sides of the issue. There are many good and well-intentioned churches who teach that God still bestows miraculous sign gifts upon individuals today, and many Christians practice what they perceive to be miraculous sign gifts. On the other hand, there are many Christians who understand that these miraculous sign gifts have ceased and are no longer truly practiced today. They would argue that these gifts ceased at the latest with the ministry of the Apostles.

There are several terms used to describe spiritual gifts in Scripture. All of these terms can be found in the opening verses of 1 Corinthians 12.

• The first is “spiritual gift” (1 Cor. 12:1; Gr. pneumatikos). This expression has at its root in the word for “Spirit.” It signifies that spiritual gifts were indeed spiritual as opposed to natural. The exercise of spiritual gifts is not just enhanced natural ability.
• The second term is “gift” (1 Cor. 12:4; Gr. charisma). This word shares the same root as “grace.” In other words, the gifts God bestows upon believers are demonstrations of His grace. No spiritual gift is earned or deserved. God gives gifts to show His kindness and grace.
• A third term is “ministries” (1 Cor. 12:5; Gr. diakonia). This is related to the word “deacon” or “servant.” By identifying spiritual gifts as “ministries,” the Apostle Paul helps to denote their purpose. The gifts were intentionally given to believers to serve one another and edify the church (cf. 1 Cor. 12:4-7; 14:4-5, 12, 17, 26).
• A fourth term for spiritual gifts is “activities” (1 Cor. 12:6; Gr. energēma). This is a word that connotes work. God is ultimately the one who works in and through believers, thus “energizing” their gifts.
• A fifth term is “manifestation” (1 Cor. 12:7; Gr. phanerōsis). To manifest something is to bring it to light or reveal it. The gifts were never intended to be an end in themselves, but a means to an end. They were signs, and as signs do, they pointed to something. One of the purposes of the spiritual gifts was to authenticate the messengers of God. Jesus had ascended to the Father from the Mount of Olives, but He left His Apostles behind to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. The “signs of a true Apostle” were given to authenticate these Apostles and their message as truly of God. This is why Paul defends his apostleship by claiming his ability to perform signs of a true Apostle (2 Cor. 12:12).

There was a high frequency of spiritual, supernatural activity during the time of Moses when he spoke on behalf of the Lord. There was likewise great spiritual, supernatural activity during the ministries of the prophets Elijah and Elisha. It is no surprise that the Bible also shows heightened spiritual, supernatural, miraculous activity during the time of Christ and the Apostles. In these periods of special revelation, signs, wonders, and miracles were performed to authenticate the ones delivering God’s Word.