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Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for serving the church and glorifying God. Lists appear in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4—including teaching, serving, prophecy, healing, leadership, mercy, and more. Every believer has at least one gift to use for others' benefit.
Why this answer? It starts with 1 Corinthians 12:7, then cross-checks Romans 12:6-8 and 1 Peter 4:10 so the summary stays anchored in Scripture.
This answer explains spiritual gifts in the Bible by connecting the Holy Spirit's gifts, 1 Corinthians 12, the common good, church service, and the body of Christ.
Spiritual gifts in the Bible are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to every believer for the common good of the church. First Corinthians 12 is the most comprehensive passage on this topic, where Paul explains that there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit distributes them. The spiritual gift list found across 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4:11 includes the gift of prophecy, gift of teaching, gift of tongues, healing, administration, mercy, leadership, and many others. Paul uses the metaphor of the body of Christ to explain how these gifts function together—just as a body has many parts with different roles, so the church needs diverse gifts of the Holy Spirit working in unity. Romans 12 emphasizes using gifts according to the grace given, while Ephesians 4:11 highlights leadership gifts given to equip the saints for ministry. No single believer has every gift, and no gift is insignificant. The purpose is always building up the church and glorifying God, not personal prominence.
“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
- 1 Corinthians 12:7
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity—fully God, distinct from the Father and Son. He convicts of sin, regenerates believers, indwells Christians, and empowers them for service. The Spirit guides into truth, produces spiritual fruit, and distributes spiritual gifts.
The church is the community of all believers in Jesus Christ—His body on earth. It's not primarily a building but people called out by God to worship Him, grow together, and serve the world. The local church gathers for worship, teaching, fellowship, and mission.
The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) describes the character traits produced in believers by the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These aren't achieved by effort but grown through walking with the Spirit.
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Answers are informed by Scripture and trusted theologians including Matthew Henry, John Calvin, and John Wesley. Always verify with Scripture and consult your local church for pastoral guidance.