Yes, the Bible provides several lists of spiritual gifts in the New Testament. These gifts are given by the Holy Spirit to believers to serve and strengthen the church and to fulfill God’s mission. While the lists are not identical, they emphasize different gifts that serve various functions within the church body.
Here are the key passages on spiritual gifts:
1. Romans 12:6-8
In Romans, Paul describes spiritual gifts that relate to the functions of serving and building up the body of Christ.
- Prophecy: Speaking God’s truth and messages, often for guidance, warning, or encouragement.
- Serving: The practical ministry of helping and meeting the needs of others.
- Teaching: The gift of explaining and applying God’s word and Christian doctrine.
- Encouraging (Exhortation): Strengthening and comforting others in their faith.
- Giving: Generosity in providing for the needs of others, especially those in financial or physical need.
- Leadership (Administration): The ability to lead and guide others in the church, particularly in organizational matters.
- Showing Mercy: Compassionate ministry to those who are suffering or in need.
Romans 12:6-8: “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
2. 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-30
Paul lists more spiritual gifts here, with a focus on manifestations of the Spirit that build up the church and demonstrate God’s power.
- Word of Wisdom: Insight and practical wisdom applied to complex situations.
- Word of Knowledge: Special understanding or insight given by the Holy Spirit about certain facts.
- Faith: Extraordinary trust in God’s promises and actions, even in seemingly impossible situations.
- Gifts of Healing: The ability to heal physical, mental, or spiritual ailments through the Spirit’s power.
- Miraculous Powers: Performing supernatural acts by the Holy Spirit’s power.
- Prophecy: Speaking God’s words to people, often for exhortation or revelation.
- Distinguishing between Spirits: The ability to discern spiritual influences, whether they are from God or not.
- Speaking in Tongues: Speaking in languages unknown to the speaker, often as a sign to non-believers.
- Interpretation of Tongues: Understanding and explaining the message given in tongues.
1 Corinthians 12:8-10: “To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.”
1 Corinthians 12:28-30: “And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues.”
3. Ephesians 4:11-13
In Ephesians, Paul focuses on leadership gifts that are foundational to building up and equipping the church body for maturity in faith.
- Apostles: Sent ones, often pioneers of the church who establish churches and expand the gospel.
- Prophets: Those who speak God’s truth and guidance, often with a revelatory or directional focus.
- Evangelists: Those who are particularly gifted in sharing the gospel and leading others to Christ.
- Pastors: Shepherds of the church, providing care, oversight, and spiritual guidance.
- Teachers: Those gifted in explaining and instructing in the Word of God for understanding and growth.
Ephesians 4:11-13: “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
4. 1 Peter 4:10-11
Peter’s list emphasizes the purpose of gifts in serving others and glorifying God, dividing gifts into speaking and serving gifts.
- Speaking: Using one’s words to teach, encourage, or guide others according to God’s will.
- Serving: Practical acts of service that build up the body of Christ.
1 Peter 4:10-11: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”
Summary List of Spiritual Gifts
Combining these lists, the spiritual gifts include:
- Prophecy
- Serving
- Teaching
- Encouraging (Exhortation)
- Giving
- Leadership (Administration)
- Showing Mercy
- Word of Wisdom
- Word of Knowledge
- Faith
- Gifts of Healing
- Miraculous Powers
- Distinguishing between Spirits
- Speaking in Tongues
- Interpretation of Tongues
- Apostleship
- Evangelism
- Pastoring (Shepherding)
- Helping
- Guidance
Purpose of Spiritual Gifts
The primary purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up the church, help believers grow in faith, and extend God’s love and grace to others. Spiritual gifts are not for self-promotion or personal gain but are meant to be used in humility, service, and love:
- 1 Corinthians 12:7: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
- 1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Summary
The spiritual gifts listed in the New Testament reveal a variety of ways God equips believers to contribute to the health, unity, and mission of the church. Through these gifts, believers serve one another, grow in Christlikeness, and share the gospel with the world. The Holy Spirit distributes these gifts as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11), making each believer’s unique role vital to the body of Christ.