List of Spiritual Gifts in the New Testament

The New Testament describes spiritual gifts as special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the purpose of building up the church and serving God’s kingdom. These gifts are not earned but freely given, empowering Christians to encourage, teach, heal, and lead. Understanding these gifts helps believers discover their calling and live more fully in God’s purpose. This guide provides a complete list of New Testament spiritual gifts, their meanings, and resources to help you identify and use them.

Quick Picks: Best Resources on Spiritual Gifts

• Discover Your Spiritual Gifts – Best Overall resource for identifying and applying spiritual gifts.
• Network: The Right People, in the Right Places – Best Budget-friendly guide with assessments for small groups.
• The Spiritual Gifts Handbook – Best Premium in-depth biblical and practical exploration of gifts.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing Resources on Spiritual Gifts

When looking for resources on spiritual gifts, consider:

• Biblical Foundation – Reliable Scripture references from Romans, Corinthians, and Ephesians.
• Practical Tools – Self-assessments or exercises for discovering your gifts.
• Application – Guidance on how to use gifts in church and daily life.
• Balance – Sound teaching that combines theology with practical encouragement.
• Accessibility – Choose a resource suited to your knowledge level, from beginner-friendly to advanced study.

List of Spiritual Gifts in the New Testament

The primary lists of gifts are found in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4. Below are the key gifts mentioned:

• Prophecy – Speaking truth under divine inspiration.
• Teaching – Explaining Scripture and guiding others in truth.
• Wisdom – Applying spiritual insight to life’s challenges.
• Knowledge – Understanding deep spiritual truths.
• Faith – Extraordinary confidence in God’s power and promises.
• Healing – Restoring health through prayer and God’s power.
• Miracles – Supernatural acts that confirm God’s presence.
• Discernment of Spirits – Recognizing truth versus deception in spiritual matters.
• Tongues – Speaking in spiritual languages for prayer or edification.
• Interpretation of Tongues – Explaining the meaning of tongues for understanding.
• Encouragement (Exhortation) – Uplifting and motivating others in faith.
• Giving – Generosity and sharing resources joyfully.
• Leadership (Administration) – Guiding and organizing people toward God’s purposes.
• Serving (Helps) – Meeting practical needs in love and humility.
• Evangelism – Sharing the gospel with clarity and passion.
• Pastoring/Shepherding – Caring for and guiding God’s people.

Biblical References

• Romans 12:6–8 – Prophecy, serving, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, mercy.
• 1 Corinthians 12:8–10 – Wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, interpretation.
• 1 Corinthians 12:28 – Apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, healing, helps, administration, tongues.
• Ephesians 4:11–12 – Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers.

Detailed Reviews: Best Books on Spiritual Gifts

Discover Your Spiritual Gifts

Who it’s for: Believers wanting a practical guide to finding and using their gifts.

• Key Benefits: Includes a self-assessment tool and practical steps for serving with gifts.
• Pros: Clear, practical, church-friendly.
• Cons: More introductory than in-depth.

Final Verdict: Best overall choice for beginners and church groups. See price.

Network

Who it’s for: Churches and small groups helping members find their gifts.

• Key Benefits: Combines spiritual gift assessments with practical applications.
• Pros: Interactive, group-friendly, easy to use.
• Cons: Geared toward group settings, less individual focus.

Final Verdict: Best budget option for group discovery. Check details.

The Spiritual Gifts Handbook

Who it’s for: Readers wanting an in-depth biblical and practical approach.

• Key Benefits: Explains each gift with theology, history, and modern application.
• Pros: Comprehensive, balanced, Spirit-filled.
• Cons: More detailed than casual readers may want.

Final Verdict: Best premium resource for serious study. See more.

God’s Empowering Presence

Who it’s for: Theological readers exploring Paul’s writings on the Spirit.

• Key Benefits: Deep study of the Holy Spirit and gifts in Paul’s letters.
• Pros: Scholarly, thorough, insightful.
• Cons: Academic, not light reading.

Final Verdict: Excellent for advanced biblical study. See Amazon.

Spiritual Gifts: What They Are and Why They Matter

Who it’s for: Believers seeking a practical introduction.

• Key Benefits: Explains the role of gifts in the church today.
• Pros: Easy to understand, encouraging.
• Cons: Less depth compared to scholarly works.

Final Verdict: A solid, accessible introduction. Check Amazon.

Forgotten God

Who it’s for: Christians wanting to rediscover the Holy Spirit’s role.

• Key Benefits: Encourages believers to live Spirit-filled lives using their gifts.
• Pros: Inspiring, modern, widely read.
• Cons: More inspirational than technical.

Final Verdict: Great for renewing passion for spiritual gifts. See price.

Comparison Table

FAQ: Spiritual Gifts

What are spiritual gifts?

They are abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for serving God and building the church.

How many spiritual gifts are listed in the New Testament?

There are about 16–20, depending on how they are categorized across Romans, Corinthians, and Ephesians.

Do all Christians have spiritual gifts?

Yes. Every believer receives at least one gift to serve others (1 Corinthians 12:7).

Can spiritual gifts change over time?

Some gifts may grow or shift as God leads and as circumstances change.

What is the difference between natural talents and spiritual gifts?

Talents are natural abilities, while spiritual gifts are empowered by the Holy Spirit for God’s work.

Conclusion

The spiritual gifts in the New Testament remind us that God equips every believer to play a vital role in the body of Christ. From teaching and serving to healing and prophecy, each gift reflects God’s Spirit at work. By discovering and using your gifts, you can live with greater purpose and impact in your faith journey.

Your next step: Reflect on which gifts may be active in your life. Use one of the recommended resources above to identify your spiritual gifts and start using them today for God’s glory.