Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)

Paul wishes that the Corinthians would have a correct understanding of spiritual gifts. A fundamental test is the testimony that one offers about Jesus Christ. The operations of God are diverse. As Peter says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). The basis for their unity is that they come from the same source. And because they come from the same source, they are not to work against one another, or in competition with one another.

Spiritual gifts are the “manifestation” of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is unseen and unheard, but he shows himself by his operations and effects. All of God’s people have wisdom and knowledge, but the Spirit enables some to break forth in messages bearing powerful insights for the edification of the church. All Christians have faith, and saving faith itself is a gift from God, but there is a gift of faith that supercharges a person with confidence, so that he may, without hyperbole, command a mountain to cast itself into the ocean. The workings of powers could cover a broad range of items. There are too many examples to choose from: Elijah alone multiplied matter, called down fire, and raised the dead.

The list is not meant to be complete, since others gifts are specified elsewhere, and there is no reason to believe that all the lists together form an exhaustive inventory. God’s grace is manifold, and the lists merely give us an idea as to the kinds of things that the Spirit enables his people to do. There is no one like our God, and there is no people like his people, endued with power from heaven. Each manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. The gifts are not meant to secure personal glory or benefit. They are distributed according to the Spirit’s will, and Paul suggests that a person may pray for an ability that he lacks (14:13) in order to build up the church.