The Manifestations of the Spirit

⁶There are various kinds of workings, but the same God, who works all things in all. ⁷But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all. ¹¹But the one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing to each one separately as he desires. 1 Corinthians 12:6,7,11

The Holy Spirit is so wonderful to His people. Coming forth from the Father of love, through the Son of grace and mercy, the Spirit brings manifestations to profit, build up, and equip God's people for all to which He has called them. This is the grace of Yahweh, that He has freely given us the ability to perform the work He has called us to do.

It is important to distinguish between the various workings of God so that we are wise unto effective service in the Body of Christ. One reason for the gifts was for "the toil of service." Serving is hard work, and our Father has not left us to our own power; He has chosen to pour out upon us specific enablings, through His Son, that we might become up to the task before us.

Paul tells us these manifestations are "being given." In Greek, this is in the present, passive, indicative conjugation. Present, meaning that it is a continuous action by the Spirit. This is not a once for all act of giving—rather, it is a continuous act of giving. Passive, indicating that "each one" is the recipient of the action, and that they are not responsible for the manifestation. The Holy Spirit is not only in a state of continually giving to each one, but it is He alone Who chooses who the recipient will be. Lastly, indicative, tells us that this is something that is for sure. It has happened, is and will be happening. The Spirit, indeed, is continually "distributing [these manifestations] to each one separately" in the Assembly, "as He desires."

The Greek word φανερωσις ("manifestation") comes from the verb meaning "to make manifest, to make known or to make to appear," which comes from the word meaning "evident, well-known, apparent." This noun ultimately comes from a verb meaning "to shine forth, or to bring forth into the light," likely being a form of the ancient Greek word for "light," φως. The word for manifestation is closed linked to the word translated as the επιφανειαν ("appearing") of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the Last Day (Titus 2:13). Thus, "manifestation" holds the idea of an bringing to light of something in particular, that we otherwise would not see. It is a shining forth of something, a bringing into the light to be beheld.

Here we see the glory of God, when the Spirit reveals Himself through various ways He terms "manifestations." Otherwise unseen, and unheard, the Holy Spirit becomes "visible" through the workings He operates through His people. This particular working of God is not only then to manifest the Spirit unto the Assembly, but is also given for the profit of all people in the Assembly.