The apostle Paul gave some important directions to the Corinthians regarding the distribution and use of spiritual gifts in the first century church. He began in 1 Corinthians 12 by writing, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.” In addition, he made the point that there are “different ministries (5), and that there are “diversities of activities”, but, “it is the same God who works all in all” (6).
So, what is the purpose of noting this? If God gives diverse gifts, they are all of value to Him. We should not depreciate them. That is true as well of any ministry or activity that we are privileged to participate in. “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each for the profit of all” (7).
So, the spiritual gifts practiced in the first century in the assembly were to benefit the Christians assembled. They were needed because at that early date the New Testament had not yet been fully written, and questions arose that could only be settled by the divine testimony of God. While God’s word thoroughly equips us, in it’s unfinished state, God supplied spiritual gifts, “that which is in part” (1 Corinthians 13:10) to help the early Christians serve and please Him.
A list of these spiritual gifts are given in chapter 12. “For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, 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. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:8-11).
Now Paul did write to them to “earnestly desire the best gifts” (12:31), so some were of more help than others. But, all were valuable gifts from God. Interestingly, though speaking in tongues was a showy gift, it was not the best gift. Paul wrote, “Pursue love (the better way) and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy” (14:1). The reason for that is the limited value of speaking in tongues, an ability that is still valued too highly in our day and time! “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men” (14:3).
Finally, note that the gifts were for only a short time. As Paul made clear, “But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.” These were in part, but when “that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away” (14:8-10).
God has finally fully equipped us through the “perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25). From this we have all we need, and rejoice in our supply, which even surpasses that supplied to the first century Christians.
