1 Corinthians 12:10: To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
Miraculous powers may refer to exorcising demons (Acts 19:12) or inducing physical disability (Acts 13:11) or even death (Acts 5:5, 9). Prophecy is the ability, like that of the Old Testament prophets, to declare a message of God for His people (1 Cor. 14:3). Ability to distinguish between spirits is the gift to differentiate the Word of God proclaimed by a true prophet from that of a satanic deceiver (1 John 4:1). If the Corinthians possessed this gift (1 Cor. 1:7), it was not being put to good use (12:1–3). Tongues refers to the ability to speak an unlearned, living language (Acts 2:11). Interpretation was the ability to translate an unlearned, known language expressed in the assembly (1 Cor. 14:27) 1
Application
- When was the last time you fought a spiritual battle for the welfare of another?
- How often do you declare the gospel message to others? What will it take for you to make sharing the love of Christ a greater priority in your life?
Thought to Share
God’s spiritual gifts can make a spiritual difference every day. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, help us to pray in faith for all the gifts we need in order to do all the work You have asked us to do.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.