Special Gifts of the Spirit
Special gifts of the Spirit (charismata; e.g., Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-11, 28-31). There is some dispute as to whether these gifts were all meant as permanent endowments of the Christian church or as gifts only for its early days. In modern times, charismatics claim to exercise particular gifts, especially “tongues,” “healing,” and “prophecy.” Other believers emphasize the fruit of the Spirit more than spiritual gifts (Gal. 5:22-23).