Romans 12 (WEB)

Spiritual Gifts

Word Study· Hershel Wayne House • Steve Stanley
πνευματικός pneumatikós ·Strong's G4152

This adjective essentially means “spiritual.” It can refer to things related to the inner life of the human spirit, or it may refer to the things related to the divine Spirit. In 1 Corinthians it appears to be used also differently than how Paul normally uses the term in Romans and 1 Corinthians. Paul seems to adopt the Corinthian usage of the term in his response to them (12:1, now concerning “spirituals,” pneumatikon) and should be distinguished from the gifts of the Spirit seen in 12:4 and following where the apostle defines the gifts of the Spirit (charismata) as a “manifestation of the Spirit,” and describes them as “given.” The next few verses list a variety of these manifestations. A “spiritual gift” belongs to the human believer, but is sourced in, and empowered by, the divine Spirit. Here, Paul lists a variety of gifts, a list that differs from the list he provides in Rom 12:6-8, which suggests that neither list is comprehensive. Fourteen of the twenty-six NT uses of pneumatikos are in 1 Corinthians. 

See H. Wayne House, "Tongues and the Mystery Religions of Corinth," Bibliotheca Sacra, Vol 140, n. 558 (Apr 83):134-148.  © 1983 H. Wayne House. All Rights Reserved.

Romans 12 (WEB)

1Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. 2Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

3For I say through the grace that was given me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith. 4For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don’t have the same function, 5so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another, 6having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us: if prophecy, let’s prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; 7or service, let’s give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching; 8or he who exhorts, to his exhorting; he who gives, let him do it with generosity; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

9Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good. 10In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor prefer one another, 11not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, 12rejoicing in hope, enduring in troubles, continuing steadfastly in prayer, 13contributing to the needs of the saints, and given to hospitality.

14Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. 16Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits. 17Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. 18If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. 19Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20Therefore

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him.

If he is thirsty, give him a drink;

for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

21Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Spiritual Gifts