Does the Bible have a spiritual gifts list?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible provides several lists of spiritual gifts in the New Testament, highlighting the various ways God equips believers for service. First Corinthians 12:4-11, 28 describes gifts, such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, interpretation, helps and administration. Romans 12:6-8 adds serving, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, and mercy, while 1 Peter 4:10-11 emphasizes speaking and serving. Additionally, Ephesians 4:11 identifies roles like apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, which are functions within the church rather than being personal gifts. The Holy Spirit gives many diverse spiritual gifts to believers for the good of others, for building up the body of Christ, and for glorifying Christ. Understanding these gifts helps believers recognize their calling, reflect on how they can serve, and actively engage in using their God-given abilities for His glory.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Spiritual gifts lists are given in the New Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Three main passages mention spiritual gifts in the New Testament: First Corinthians 12:4-11, and 28 list at least eleven gifts, Romans 12 mentions seven gifts, and 1 Peter notes two gifts for a total of twenty specific gifts.
• First Corinthians 12:4-11, 28 lists the following gifts:
• 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 lists the following gifts:
• 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.
• First Peter 4:10-11 lifts the following gifts:
• Speaking: Ability to communicate Christian truth well.
• Serving: May be the same gift mentioned in Romans 12.
• Ephesians 4:12 also 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.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Recognizing and using our spiritual gifts begins with seeking God in prayer, studying His Word, and being attentive to how He works in our lives. As we serve in different ways, we often discover where He has gifted us, whether through teaching, encouraging, leading, or acts of mercy. Our gifts are not meant for personal gain but to build up the body of Christ, strengthen others, and bring glory to God. No one gift is better than others, even though some are more visible than others. When we step out in faith and use our gifts, we not only grow spiritually but also help others experience God’s love and truth. We get to be faithful stewards of the gifts God has given us, using them with humility and joy to reflect Him to the world around us.

UNDERSTAND

• The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to equip believers, build the church, and glorify Christ.
• There are several passages that list our spiritual gifts.
• Spiritual gifts should be used in faith, love, and humility to serve others.

REFLECT

• How have you sought God’s guidance in discovering and developing your spiritual gifts?
• How have you seen spiritual gifts at work in your own life, and how can you better use them to serve others?
• What steps can you take to use your gifts more intentionally to glorify Christ and build up the body of Christ?

ENGAGE

• How can we help one another identify, develop, and use our spiritual gifts within the body of Christ?
• What are some ways our church or community might be missing out on spiritual gifts that are not as visible?
• How does understanding spiritual gifts shape our perspective on service, leadership, and unity in the church?