Definitions of All the Gifts
Spiritual Gifts
When Holy Spirit ministers divine revelation of sound judgment, insight, or expertise of skill into a particular area or situation. Words of wisdom is a spiritual gift given by Holy Spirit for the strengthening of the church (see 1 Cor 12:8).
Lk 2:40, Lk 2:52, Lk 21:15, Ac 6:10, Ac 6:3
Words of Wisdom
When Holy Spirit ministers divine revelation of understanding into a particular area or situation. A word of knowledge is sharing a fact or understanding surrounding something that has already happened or is happening. Words of Knowledge is a spiritual gift given by Holy Spirit for the strengthening of the church (see 1 Cor 12:8).
Lk 1:77, Lk 2:15, Lk 5:20, Ac 10:1-6, Ac 8:20
Words of Knowledge
When Holy Spirit ministers divine revelation through proclaiming God’s word, his will, guidance, or instruction towards past, present, or future events. Prophecy is for building up, encouraging, and bringing consolation to the church. Prophecy is a spiritual gift given by Holy Spirit for the strengthening of the church (see 1 Cor 12:10).
1 Cor 13:2, 1 Cor 13:9,1 Cor 14:3-4, Lk 1:67, Ac 19:6, Ac 21:9, Rev 19:10, Rom 12:6
Prophecy
Holy Spirit ministers a bold confidence and trust to believe. Faith is always accompanied by a second expression. It’s a bold belief in something. Faith is a spiritual gift given by Holy Spirit for the strengthening of the church (see 1 Cor 12:9).
Lk 5:20, Lk 7:50; Ac 14:27, Ac 24:24, Lk 8:48, Lk 17:19, Lk 18:38, Ac 3:16, Ac 14:9, Ac 6:7, Ac 16:5, Ac 6:5, Ac 11:24, Lk 17:5, Lk 22:32
Faith
When Holy Spirit ministers divine repair to physical, mental, spiritual, or social areas needing restoration. Jesus healed various diseases and infirmities. Gifts of healing is a gift given by Holy Spirit to believers for the strengthening of the church (see 1 Cor 12:9, 1 Cor 12:28).
Lk 4:40, 8:2, 22:51, Lk 9:41, Lk 8:4, Lk 7:22, Ac 3:6-8, 5:16, 12:6-16, Ac 20:12
Gifts of Healing
When Holy Spirit ministers a supernatural power that overrides the natural world. Working of miracles is a gift given by Holy Spirit to believers for the strengthening of the church (see 1 Cor 12:10, 12:28).
Lk 10:13, Lk 4:36, Ac 10:38, Lk 5:17, 6:19, 8:46, Ac 2:22, Lk 21:26-27, Ac 1:8, Ac 4:33, Lk 9:1, Lk 10:19; Ac 19:11, Ac 2:22
Working of Miracles
When Holy Spirit gives the ability to speak in different languages. Also called Glossolalia which is a manifestation of the Spirit where someone speaks in tongues or a heavenly language (see Acts 2:4, Romans 8:26-27). Speaking in tongues is a gift given by Holy Spirit to believers for the strengthening of the church (see 1 Cor 12:10, 1 Cor 12:28).
Ac 2:4, Ac 10:46, Ac 19:6, Mark 16:17, 1 Cor 13:1
Speaking in Various Tongues
When Holy Spirit gives the ability to make sense of a different language. This gift is connected to speaking in various kinds of tongues. Interpretation of tongues is a gift given by Holy Spirit to believers for the strengthening of the church (see 1 Cor 12:10, 1 Cor 12:30)
Ac 2:6-11, Ac 10:46
Interpretation of Tongues
Distinguishing Between Spirits
When Holy Spirit gives the ability to discern or judge between supernatural beings. The New Revised Standard Bible translation calls this gifting “the discernment of spirits.” This is why you may also hear this gift referred to as “discernment.” Distinguishing between spirits is a gift given by Holy Spirit to believers for the strengthening of the church (see 1 Cor 12:10).
Lk 9:37–43, Ac 5:1-11, Ac 16:16-18, 1 John 4:1-
Service in Ministry
A person who serves in ministry that is sent out proclaiming a message. They act as a special messenger from God. In the New Testament, these individuals were appointed by Jesus or authorized and sent by other apostles to serve as foundation leaders, carrying out the mission of spreading the Gospel and establishing the church (see 1 Cor 12:28, Ephesians 4:11–16, Ac 6:1-7).
Lk 6:13-16, Ac 1:2, Lk 9:1-6, Lk 9:10, Lk 11:49, 17:5, 22:14, 24:10, Ac 1:26, 2:37, 2:42-43, 4:35-36, 5:2, 5:12, 5:18, 5:29, 5:40, 6:6, 8:1, 8:14, 8:18, 9:27, 11:1, 14:4, 14:14, 15:2, 15:4, 15:6, 15:22, 15:23, 16:4, 2 Cor 12:12, Ac 6:1-7, Ac 14:21-23, 1 Tim 4:11-16
Apostle
A person who serves in ministry and is a messenger for God to His people, sharing His truth, providing guidance, God’s will, and correction through received divine revelation (see 1 Cor 12:28, Ephesians 4:11–16).
Lk 7:16, Lk 24:19, Lk 7:39, Lk 13:33-34) Lk 7:26, Lk 20:6, Lk 9:8, 9:19, Lk 16:29, Lk 18:31, Ac 2:16, Ac 2:30, Ac 3:21, Ac 8:28, Ac 24:24, Lk 11:49-50, Ac 11:27, Ac 21:10, Ac 13:1, Ac 15:32, Lk 2:36
Prophet
A person who serves in ministry as an evangelist is appointed to proclaim the good news of Christ and lead people into the Christian faith (see Eph 4:11–16).
Ac 21:8, Ac 6:5, 2 Tim 4:5
Evangelist
A person who serves in ministry and oversees and cares for the flock; the church. This role could consist of leaders in the church that serve as ministers, elders, or pastors (See Eph 4:11–16)
Ac 20:28, 1 Peter 5:2-11, John 21:16-17
Shepherd /Minister
Teacher
A person who serves in ministry instructs and illuminates the truth of God’s Word by educating with sound Christian doctrine. Teachers reveal who triune God is and how to apply biblical principles to one's life by properly interpreting Scripture (see 1 Cor 12:28, Eph 4:11–16, Rom 12:6–8).
1 Cor 12:28, Eph 4:11–16, Rom 12:6–8, Lk 2:46-47, Lk 3:12, Ac 13:1, Lk 7:40, Lk 8:49, Lk 9:38
Serving Gifts
(Activities & Tasks)
The gift of helps involves coming alongside others with practical assistance and offering support to meet their physical or emotional needs. It includes tasks like organizing, serving behind the scenes, and providing relief.
Acts 6:2-4, Galatians 6:2
Helping
Acts of Service
Acts of service refer to practical actions done out of love to support others, often in ways that go unnoticed. Hospitality is included within acts of service. This gift emphasizes humility and meeting the tangible needs of the community, showing God's love through actions.
John 13:12-15
Administration involves managing, organizing, and leading tasks to ensure smooth operations within the Church or ministry. It includes planning, coordinating, and making decisions that align with God’s mission.
Titus 1:5
Administrating
Exhortation is the gift of encouraging, comforting, or motivating others to live out their faith boldly and remain faithful. It involves speaking biblical words of encouragement to help believers grow spiritually.
Acts 11:23-24
Exhortation
The gift of generosity involves giving selflessly, often beyond what is expected, to meet the needs of others. This includes joyfully sharing resources, money, time, or talents without expecting anything in return.
Acts 4:32-35
Generosity
The gift of leadership involves guiding, inspiring, and shepherding individuals or groups toward a God-given goal. It includes setting direction, motivating others, and making wise decisions to promote unity and growth.
Exodus 18:25-26
Leadership
Acts of mercy refer to showing compassion and kindness to those who are suffering or marginalized. It involves empathizing with the hurting and offering comfort, assistance, and hope
Luke 10:33-35
Acts of Mercy
For the Bible Nerds
Below are (just for fun) charts displaying the number of Scripture references for each manifestation of the Spirit, offering a comprehensive view of how the Holy Spirit is actively revealed throughout the Bible, both directly and indirectly.
Spiritual Gifts
Service in Ministry
Serving with Activities & Tasks
This Assessment is just one of many tools to help you discern which of the 21 gifts God has given you. The ultimate goal is to use your gifts to serve others, share the Gospel, and build up the Body of Christ.
Ready to grow in your gifts for the glory of God and good of other?
Get equipped to operate confidently in your supernatural gifts and to walk in the fullness of knowing Christ, impacting lives for His kingdom.