Finally Paul turns to the matter of spiritual gifts. For a proper perspective on the gifts, it is necessary to understand both their diversity (there are varieties of gifts
) and their common source (the same Spirit
).
In 1 Corinthians 12:4–6 Paul outlines the trinitarian nature of the gifts. The gifts come from, and point to, the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4), the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 12:5), and God the Father (1 Corinthians 12:6).
In 1 Corinthians 12:4–7 the workings of the Spirit are described with various synonomous terms, each term highlighting a specific truth concerning them.
The term gift
highlights the basis of the workings of the Spirit. The Greek word for gift
(charisma) denotes something that has been given freely and undeservedly. The workings of the Spirit, then, have their basis in God’s grace in Christ. Not only the workings of the Spirit, but the Spirit himself is a gracious gift to those who belong to Christ (see John 7:39; John 14:26; John 15:26; Acts 1:4–5, Acts 1:8; Acts 2:33).
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;