Charisma #52

Charisma is built from charis, “grace,” with an ending that marks the result of an action, so it means a gift freely given. The word is almost entirely a New Testament and Pauline term, and it is the source of the modern words “charismatic” and “charisma,” which now carry meanings that Paul did not have in mind.

Biblical Usage

Paul uses charisma for the free gift of God in salvation: “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). More often he uses it for the particular abilities given to members of the church. Romans 12:6 says that believers have gifts that differ according to the grace given to them, and names prophecy first. In 1 Corinthians 12:4 he says there are diversities of gifts, “but the same Spirit,” and the chapter goes on to list gifts, including wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, and tongues, and compares the church to a body of many members.

The word is also linked to particular people. Paul tells Timothy not to neglect the gift that is in him, given through prophecy with the laying on of hands (1 Timothy 4:14), and adds elsewhere that he should stir up the gift of God (2 Timothy 1:6). Paul says he hopes to impart to the Romans “some spiritual gift” for their strengthening (Romans 1:11). First Peter 4:10 tells believers to use whatever gift they have received to serve one another as good stewards of God’s grace.

Theological Significance

The word stresses that these abilities are gifts of grace and are not earned, and so are to be used for the church rather than for the person’s own standing. Traditions differ over which gifts continue. Cessationist readings hold that gifts such as tongues and prophecy ended with the apostolic age, while continuationists, including Pentecostal and charismatic churches, hold that all the gifts are still given. Catholic and Orthodox traditions understand the gifts within the life of the church and its sacraments. Debate also continues over the relation between natural talents and spiritual gifts.