Charismata

Charismata is the plural form of charisma, a Greek word from charis meaning grace. In the New Testament, charismata refers to spiritual gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit on believers for the good of the community. The term is used especially in Paul’s letters, including 1 Corinthians 12–14, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4, where these gifts are distributed for the strengthening and edification of the church.

The charismata encompass a range of abilities and empowerments. Typical examples include wisdom, knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. Some passages also speak of offices or ministries such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers as part of the gifted leadership of the church. Across these texts, the common thread is that charismata are manifestations of the Spirit granted for the common good, rather than personal advantage or prestige.

Theological usage and interpretation vary among Christian traditions. Some groups affirm ongoing, or charismatic, gifts (continuationism), while others hold that certain gifts ceased after the apostolic era (cessationism). Practices and governance of gifts differ, with emphasis on discernment, testing, and orderly use within communal worship. The concept has also influenced broader movements, notably the modern Charismatic and Pentecostal movements, which emphasize the contemporary operation of these gifts in diverse settings.