Bible Students

The Spirit gives gifts for a whole manner of reasons in the New and Old Testament. In the Old Testament, it seems the Spirit gives gifts of strength to figures such as Samson in order to bring deliverance for Israel. The New Testament, however, has a much more clearly defined Pneumatology, and by extension understanding of the gifts of the Spirit. The spiritual gifts in the New Testament are given for the building of the body, the edifying of the individuals, and the converting of unbelievers. 

First, gifts are given for the building of the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul speaks of the way the Spirit has given the whole body of Christ different abilities and gifts, in order that the whole body would function as one body. A body is made of different strengths and weaknesses, and different parts are used for different things. In the same way, the body of Christ is brought together through the utilization of all parts, rather than a chosen few. 

Second, the gifts are given for the edification of the individual. Paul speaks of tongues as edifying the individual Christian. The will of the Spirit for tongues (without interpretation) is for the edification of the one who speaks in tongues. In charismatic circles, this is often understood to be praying in tongues, which is not for the edification of others, but for the edification of the individual. Additionally, the practice of spiritual gifts will naturally edify the one who practices them if they allow them to. For example, prophecy, speaking a good word to another, can bring tremendous fulfillment as one is being clearly used by the Spirit to build up another in the body. 

Lastly, the gifts are given for the converting of unbelievers. In Acts 2, the Spirit gives the gift of tongues to the Apostles in order that many Jewish peoples from foreign nations would know the gospel of Christ. Additionally, Paul speaks in 1 Corinthians 14 claims that tongues are not for believers (primarily), but for unbelievers. What purpose could they serve for unbelievers other than to convert them to the Way? Additionally, all who see spiritual gifts in the body functioning properly can be convicted, especially by prophecy, and come to believe in the gospel. 

The gifts are clearly for the use of all people, not only for the individual believer. The Spirit cares about the body of Christ, the individual, and the unbeliever, and desires all to come to saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus.