Have you ever found yourself wondering, "How many spiritual gifts are there?" For many Christians, understanding the scope of spiritual gifts is key to discovering how we’re uniquely equipped to serve others and God.

While most people agree that many spiritual gifts are mentioned in New Testament passages, some say there are only 18 spiritual gifts, while others include additional ones, bringing the total to 22. In this article, we will explore these views and understand why the count varies.

How Many Spiritual Gifts Are There?

Most Christians agree on 18 spiritual gifts based on three main passages in the Bible:

1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-30 – This passage includes gifts like wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, discernment of spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues.
Romans 12:6-8 – Here, Paul describes gifts that foster the practical side of church life, like serving, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, and mercy.
Ephesians 4:11-12 – This passage focuses on leadership roles within the church, including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.

While there’s some overlap among these lists, each emphasizes different ways God equips people to build up the church and encourage others in faith. The 18 gifts from these three passages can be grouped as follows:

List of the 18 Spiritual Gifts from the Bible:

Wisdom – Applying insights to life’s situations (1 Corinthians 12:8).
Knowledge – Deep understanding of spiritual truths (1 Corinthians 12:8).
Faith – Extraordinary trust in God’s power (1 Corinthians 12:9).
Healing – Healing through prayer and faith (1 Corinthians 12:9).
Miraculous Powers – Performing miracles by God’s power (1 Corinthians 12:10).
Prophecy – Communicating messages from God (1 Corinthians 12:10, Romans 12:6).
Discernment of Spirits – Identifying the source of spiritual influences (1 Corinthians 12:10).
Speaking in Tongues – Speaking in unknown languages to edify the church (1 Corinthians 12:10).
Interpretation of Tongues – Translating messages spoken in tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10).
Apostleship – Pioneering church planting and outreach (Ephesians 4:11).
Teaching – Explaining God’s Word clearly (Romans 12:7, Ephesians 4:11).
Encouragement (Exhortation) – Motivating others in their faith journey (Romans 12:8).
Giving – Generous sharing of resources (Romans 12:8).
Leadership – Guiding others in a way that honors God (Romans 12:8).
Mercy – Showing compassion and empathy (Romans 12:8).
Evangelism – Sharing the gospel effectively (Ephesians 4:11).
Pastoring (Shepherding) – Caring for a group of believers (Ephesians 4:11).
Service – Offering practical help to the community (Romans 12:7)

Each of these gifts reflects a unique way the Holy Spirit equips believers to serve, encourage, and build up the church. The Bible emphasizes that each gift, whether visible or behind-the-scenes, has a valuable purpose in God’s kingdom.

What Are the 22 Spiritual Gifts in the Bible?

Some Christians believe the list expands from 18 to 22 spiritual gifts, including additional roles or abilities mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament. These “extra” gifts are found in verses that focus on unique forms of service or dedication. Here are the four gifts that some theologians add:

Celibacy – The gift of remaining single to dedicate oneself fully to God’s work. Paul calls this a gift in 1 Corinthians 7:7, given to some believers.
Hospitality – The gift of welcoming others, often by opening one’s home or resources to provide for those in need. While not listed as a “spiritual gift” in the core passages, it’s emphasized in Romans 12:13 and 1 Peter 4:9 as a valuable service.
Voluntary Poverty – The gift of choosing a life of poverty to serve others and focus on God’s kingdom. 1 Corinthians 13:3 refers to this sacrificial lifestyle, which has been a mark of faith for many saints and early Christians.
Intercession – The gift of fervently praying for others, often with a strong sensitivity to their needs. James 5:16 and 1 Timothy 2:1 highlight the power and importance of intercessory prayer.

These four additional gifts aren’t part of the traditional lists, but they’re valued by some Christian traditions as unique ways to serve God’s kingdom. Adding them brings the total to 22, which acknowledges the diversity of spiritual gifts and roles within the church.

Why Does the Number of Spiritual Gifts Vary?

The differences in the count arise because some scholars and believers see spiritual gifts lists as representative rather than exhaustive. The Bible's core lists of spiritual gifts don’t seem to capture every possible way the Holy Spirit empowers believers, leaving room for unique callings. Including additional gifts also reflects a flexible approach to God’s work through the church, recognizing that gifts may appear in various forms based on the needs of each community.

Conclusion

Whether there are 18 or 22 spiritual gifts, it’s clear that God’s purpose is to equip believers to serve each other, grow in faith, and build a strong church community. Each person’s gifts—whether in leadership, prayer, teaching, compassion, or any other area—serve a specific purpose in God’s plan. As we explore and develop our spiritual gifts, we can feel empowered, knowing that God’s Spirit works through us to share His love and wisdom.