In 1 Corinthians 12:1 – 14:40 we find six different lists of spiritual gifts (see 1 Corinthians 12:8–10; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 1 Corinthians 13:1–3; 1 Corinthians 13:8; 1 Corinthians 14:6; and 1 Corinthians 14:26). Two more lists can be found in two of Paul’s later letters (see Romans 12:6–8; Ephesians 4:11).
The brief list of gifts that follows (1 Corinthians 12:8–10) is arranged in pairs and in a group of three (the three gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:9–10a). The purpose of this arrangement is perhaps to emphasize the interdependency of the gifts. The gift of tongues, for example, cannot function without the gift of interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10).
Paul’s intention is not to give a comprehensive list of gifts. Moreover, many of the gifts overlap in practice.
Paul uses two overlapping terms, wisdom
and knowledge,
perhaps in order to emphasize the importance of intelligible teaching (as opposed to unintelligible speaking; see 1 Corinthians 14:4–5). Words of wisdom and knowledge can be revealed directly by God (as in the case of prophecy) or deduced from Scripture (as in the case of teaching). In either case, such words are a gift from the Spirit.
Paul will return to the topic of knowledge in 1 Corinthians 13:1–13 where he will argue that knowledge without love is worthless (1 Corinthians 13:2).
8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit,