Opening the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Since revival broke out on Azusa Street in Los Angeles a century ago, Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians have emphasized the importance of the "gifts of the Spirit." Some gifts--including serving, teaching, leading, and giving--are listed in Romans 12:6-8. But the centerpiece of Pentecostal and Charismatic theology and practice is the list of nine gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11. What do these gifts mean, and how are they used? Let our primer guide you.

Click a phrase in the Bible passage below to read a description of each gift. Click here for explanations of additional Pentecostal terms, such as "slain the spirit."

"Gifts of the Spirit," according to 1 Corinthians 12:7-11:

Message of Wisdom: A message or "word" of wisdom is a special ability to offer advice or guidance. Christians might experience this gift in a worship service and share it with the congregation, encouraging people to trust God more, pray with greater faith, be generous with others, or embrace a deeper spiritual life. Some also might experience a message of wisdom in daily life.

Message of Knowledge: A message or "word" of knowledge is a direct revelation of information that the recipient might share with the community or another person. Often these messages are quite specific: "Apply for that school." "Pray for the church in Nepal." "Don’t take that job." At other times, a message will be more vague: "God is preparing to do a great thing in our midst." Some believe Jesus referenced this gift when he told his disciples that they would know what to say under persecution (Matt. 10:19). 

Faith: The gift of faith is an unusual ability to believe. Some Christians experience this as a sudden and overwhelming trust in the Bible, others as faith that God can or will intervene in a particular situation (Mark 14:23–24).

Healing: The gift of healing is an ability to restore or heal someone who is unwell (Acts 3:1–10). Some Pentecostal and Charismatic ministries, such as those of Oral Roberts and Benny Hinn, focus heavily on this gift. They have claimed dramatic success, including healing cancer, paralysis, and blindness, and raising people from the dead.

Continued on page 2: Can all Christians speak in tongues? »