What spiritual gifts does the Bible mention? from Compelling Truth
The New Testament mentions certain spiritual gifts in three passages (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 28; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Peter 4:10-11). Some also include a fourth passage, Ephesians 4:11, though these are technically “offices” or “roles.” In the three passages noted, 1 Corinthians 12 lists at least 11 gifts, Romans 12 mentions seven gifts, and 1 Peter 4 notes two gifts for a total of 20 specific gifts. They include:
1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 28
(some areas are listed as offices or roles and are not included here as gifts)
Wisdom
Knowledge
Faith
Healing
Special powers/Miracles
Prophecy
Discernment
Tongues/Languages
Interpretation of Tongues/Languages
Helps
Administration
Romans 12:6-8
Prophecy
Serving
Teaching
Encouragement
Giving
Leadership
Mercy/Service
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1 Peter 4:10-11
Speaking
Serving
Each believer has at least one gift to be used to the glory of God, for the benefit of other believers, and to reach unbelievers. No one will have every gift, yet together God gives gifts as He has sovereignly chosen to build up the church.
Beyond these essentials there is much dispute. For example, some believe each person has only one gift (though at least Paul and some other biblical examples had more than one gift). Further, there are a wide variety of interpretations regarding the definitions of many spiritual gifts. For example, is the gift of healing only defined as supernatural healing or can it include the skills God has given to a medical professional?
In addition, many note that Peter and Paul were not attempting to be all-inclusive regarding their lists of gifts. There may be additional spiritual gifts not directly mentioned in the Bible.
Of great controversy among many believers is whether certain gifts continue to operate today. For example, Christians agree there are people with the gift of teaching or gift of serving today. However, do people still have the gift of prophecy? Do people still have the gift of healing or tongues? These questions, addressed in other articles, have long been an important area of both discussion and controversy within the church.
