·
V.8: If we consider Paul’s purpose in writing this, we will perceive that
he is not trying to educate the Corinthians on the meanings of the listed
spiritual gifts. Either they know what
these gifts are through a previous teaching from Paul, or he does not consider
it essential to define them. He lists
the gifts but does not write a dissertation on each. Paul seems more interested in telling the
Corinthians that the variety of spiritual gifts is for the benefit of the
church, and that one gift should not be elevated above another (verses 14-26). I should also note that there is no hint this
list exhaustively covers every spiritual gift, especially considering that
there are other lists in Romans 12 and Ephesians 4.
·
Even though he does not describe each gift, the fact that they are
mentioned at all is significant. Let’s look
at each gift and see what we can learn about it solely based on what the words
meant in the original Greek. I believe
that we must be cautious, not adding anything to the text other than what is
there; otherwise, we might end up inventing a spiritual gift!
o
Utterance of
wisdom: The word “utterance” is the familiar
Greek “logos,” which means “word.” This word is usually spoken, which is likely
why the ESV translators decided to go with “utterance.” Logos also connotes
rationality, which is why we have the English word “logic.” The utterance of
wisdom appears to be an informed, spoken word.
What is the content of this informed, spoken word? It is an utterance of
sophia, wisdom. The following definitions of sophia come from the Hebrew-Greek Key
Word Study Bible: “Skill in the affairs of life, practical wisdom, wise
management as shown in forming the best plans and selecting the best means,
including the idea of sound judgment and good sense….Natural and moral insight,
learning, science, implying cultivation of mind and enlightened understanding….The
ability to regulate one’s relationship with God.” This minimal text does not seem to teach that we are to approach a brother or sister, give them a new,
special revelation from the Lord, and claim it was a word of wisdom. No, it
does not even imply a spontaneous “Thus sayeth the Lord” moment. It pictures the idea of someone being especially
empowered by the Holy Spirit to give valuable, insightful instruction on how to
proceed in life or in a particular circumstance. Also important to note is that Proverbs
declares, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Someone who is
wise will have a deep fear of the Lord.
It is right of us to be skeptical of someone’s advice if he or she has
no relationship with God or is very unlearned in what God declares in His
Word. Christians are capable of steering
someone in the wrong direction if they are not saturated in God’s truth. One who has the gift of the utterance of wisdom
will (or should) not be one who promotes worldly ideals and philosophies,
particularly if they contradict the wisdom found in Scripture.
o
Utterance of
knowledge: To know something is to have a firm
intellectual grasp of it. In the New
Testament, it commonly refers to knowledge of Christian doctrine. The word in the Greek here is “gnosis,” which
comes from the root word “ginosco.”
(Note: If any Spanish speakers are reading this, note that “ginosco”
sounds almost identical to “conozco,” a verb generally used to refer to
personal knowledge of a person or place).
It is from this Greek word that we get the English word “cognizant,”
which means “intellectually aware.” The
person with an utterance of knowledge has received a disclosure of this
knowledge, somehow. Charismatic circles might
claim that this intellectual awareness, expressed verbally for the edification
of other believers, is spontaneously prompted by the Holy Spirit. Conservative circles might declare that this
gift, while also from the Holy Spirit, is less of a spontaneous gift and more
of one that is nurtured by regular communion with scriptural truths—and declared
vocally for the edification of other believers.
What do I believe? I do not think there is enough information in the text
to make a definitive stance on one or the other. This might have been a well-known gift at the
time of Paul’s writing, but we simply do not have enough context to definitively
state that the utterance of knowledge is a spontaneous prompting or something
that the Spirit empowers the believer to boldly provide after long-term review of doctrine. However, I will say that it would be unwise
for one to claim to have the gift of the utterance of knowledge and do nothing
to increase his understanding of theology.
God may grant someone amazing musical talent, but if the musician does
not reinforce his comprehension of his instruments with regular practice, he is
not being a good steward of the gift that God has entrusted to him. I believe it is much the same with the
utterance of knowledge. Vocalize what you
know for the edification of believers, but do not be presumptuous that the Holy
Spirit does not want you to know more of the deep things of God.
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