Healing, Miraculous Powers, Tongues, and Interpretation: Gifts in Ministry X

If we examine the key passages that reference spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12; Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 4), we discover that along with gifts like wisdom, knowledge, faith, and helps, we also see gifts of healing, miraculous powers, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. Two sample passages:

1 Corinthians 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

…27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?

These are sometimes called “sign” gifts.  (However, all gifts are actually a “sign” of God’s presence and power.  We need to be careful not to elevate one gift or group of gifts over another.) Most people who have the gifts of Healing, Miraculous Powers, Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues either know they have them as they have seen God at work through them to perform them, or they haven’t had the opportunity to explore if they have these gifts.  In addition, effective use of these gifts is dependent on much prayer and sensitivity to God’s leading, as with all the gifts, and may be given as a one-time ability or a longer-term gifting.

Some gifts studies separate Healing and Miraculous Powers into two separate gifts.  Others combine them, understanding that healing is a form of miracle.  Either way, these gifts are given to the church often to authenticate a ministry, to encourage a body of believers or an individual believer, and to show the power of God.  In the life and ministry of Jesus, healing was physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.  His miracles included the feeding of the multitudes, turning water into wine, raising of the dead, and walking on water.

Scriptures that reference Healing or Miraculous Powers or show someone exhibiting these gifts:

Exodus 15 (Moses throws wood into bitter water and the water miraculously becomes fit to drink); Matthew 16 (when the Pharisees demand a sign, Jesus called them “wicked”); Mark 2 (Jesus heals paralyzed man—it “amazed everyone”; showed Jesus has “authority on earth”); Mark 4 (Jesus calms the wind and the waves); Mark 10 (Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus; immediate healing); Luke 5 (full nets; healing of leper); Luke 10 (the 72 disciples sent by Jesus to heal the sick; demons submit to the 72 in Jesus’ name); Luke 22 (Jesus heals a man’s ear); John 2 (Jesus turns water into wine and the disciples believe in Him); Acts 2 (Peter speaks of Jesus—“accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs”); Acts 3 (Peter and John heal a lame man who walks “instantly” by faith in Jesus.  “It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Him that has completely healed him as you can all see” and all came running to them); Acts 5 (“the apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people” including healing the sick and “those tormented by impure spirits” and “all were healed”); Acts 6; Acts 15 (signs and wonders done among the Gentiles through Barnabas and Paul); 1 Corinthians 12. 

Tongues

Speaking in tongues can be anything from speaking in an actual language (as at Pentecost) that others understand to a clarion call to God’s gathered people to a private prayer language where one’s spirit communes with God’s Spirit and the meaning is understood or felt, but not necessarily translated. 

Scriptures that reference Tongues or show someone exhibiting this gift:  

Acts 2 (Pentecost:  all were filled with the Holy Spirit and “began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” and visitors—each one—heard their own language being spoken “declaring the wonders of God”; actual languages of the nations); 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13 (“If I speak in the tongues of men or angels…”);  1 Corinthians 14 (“does not speak to people but to God”;  if no one understands, need one with the gift of Interpretation of Tongues; tongues “utter the mysteries of the Spirit”; meant to “sound a clear call” to God’s people); 1 Corinthians 14 (Paul says he has this gift).

Interpretation of Tongues

Interpretation of Tongues is the ability to understand the meaning of a message spoken in Tongues and speak that meaning to the hearers. Interpretation is not necessarily an exact translation, but a conveyance of the sense or gist of the message to those present.

Scriptures that reference Interpretation of Tongues or show someone exhibiting this gift:  

1 Corinthians 12; 1 Corinthians 14 (necessary with Tongues so all understand the message; people with the gift of Tongues may pray for the interpretation). 

  These gifts along with over twenty others are part of how God has equipped the church to function.  Do you have the gifts of Healing? Miraculous Powers? Tongues? Interpretation of Tongues?  Are you using your gifts in ministry, following God’s leading?  Using your God-given gifts makes a far greater impact than simply using your own talents and abilities.   Each gift is a necessary part of the body of Christ!

If you would like more information about gifts, get the God. Gifts. You. workbook (includes access to six online videos) and review additional resources at GodGiftsYou.com.  Shirley Giles Davis is also happy to consult with your church on implementing an effective discovery process that aids in people-engagement. Contact Shirley.

Photo © Shirley Giles Davis