1 Corinthians 12:4-7

The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts

Different gifts allowed their possesser to accomplish different tasks, but one Spirit gave all gifts. Further, the apostle said different services were rendered by Christians in behalf of their Lord. For instance, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gave the apostles the ability to speak in languages they had never studied. Each listener was able to hear in the tongue, or language, in which he was born. They thereby knew God was speaking through the men standing before them. The Almighty was witnessing that their words were true (Acts 2:1-21; Hebrews 2:3-4).

God, through the various workings of Christ and the Holy Spirit, showed his support for the church. Each member of the Godhead had his part or role to play. Christ came to speak the words the Father had given him. The Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus to reveal all truth (John 7:16; John 12:44; John 12:49; John 16:12-13; Acts 2:32-33). Similarly, gifts were given for the benefit of the whole church and should not have been a source of false pride (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).