The Manifestation of the Gift of Holy Spirit: Part 1

What is presented here in this essay is most likely contradicted by corporate church doctrine that the reader has been taught. Such religious doctrine exists outside of the truth of the scriptures.

There is no scriptural evidence that the gifts and callings of God have changed since that great day of Pentecost when the 12 apostles manifested the gift of holy spirit by speaking in tongues. The new birth is the same now as it was in the 1st century. The benefits of the new birth are the same now as it was then. God is NO respecter of persons. Each and every person who has become born again has the indwelling of the gift of holy spirit. Whether they choose to manifest it or not, is another issue.

So, what does the indwelling holy spirit in a believer enable him or her to do? In order to answer this question, first an example from Acts is provided. In part 2, we will examine 1 Corinthians 12.

In Acts 9 is the record of the conversion of Saul who was on his way to Damascus. Involved in this event was a simple, devout disciple named Ananias. In this account, Ananias manifests the indwelling of the gift of holy spirit.

Acts 9:10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”

Note that his name was called just once, and Ananias answered immediately. This man was spiritually sharp and ready to listen to his savior via holy spirit! This is not an occult vision or a trance, but it happened by way of the gift of holy spirit. Here, revelation is presented to him in terms of a vision. The revelation recorded here is word of knowledge and word of wisdom. The revelation presents details about an event that was impossible for him to know anything about, and the specific will of God regarding this event.

Acts 9:11, 12

[11] And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul (that was word of wisdom), for behold, he is praying, [12] and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in (that was word of knowledge) and lay his hands on him (that was word of wisdom) so that he might regain his sight. (that was word of knowledge)”

You see how the word of knowledge and wisdom work together? Instructions for Ananias to perform is wisdom. All the other information is knowledge.

In our dealings with our savior, the conversation isn't one way. We are able and permitted to speak as well. It is a conversation! Ananias had some misgivings about this assignment. What did he do? He honestly shared his concerns.

Acts 9:13, 14

[13] But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. [14] And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.”

What happened then? Was he castigated, rebuked, criticized or rejected? No! He was given more information, more revelation to meet his needs.

Acts 9:15, 16

[15] But the Lord said to him, “Go, (word of wisdom) for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. [16] For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”  (word of knowledge)

What Ananias did NOT do next is singularly important. Did he go report to the "church elders" and consult with them about his assignment? Did he consult with the scriptures or anyone else about whether his assignment was "biblical" or not? NO, he did exactly what he was instructed to do! As you take action on the word of wisdom, kinetic, spiritual believing, sometimes called "faith" goes into action.

Acts 9:17–18

[17] So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him (obedience to the word of wisdom) he said,

The following statements from Ananias contain further details that were revealed to Ananias as he moved on the word of wisdom that was first given to him. These details are the word of knowledge. He spoke as he was instructed by the word of wisdom. As he spoke, kinetic, spiritual believing continued to invoke the power of God.

“Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

[18] And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;

Finally, a miracle happened as Ananias imparted a gift of healing to Saul, resulting in the immediate restoration of his sight.

This account records the action of the indwelling gift of holy spirit in this simple disciple. He received word of knowledge, word of wisdom. He acted upon the word of wisdom, which produced believing/faith. In turn, this believing ministered a gift of healing specifically for Saul. This healing happened immediately, so it was a miracle, a miraculous healing. Additionally, since Ananias was a disciple, he had spoken in tongues at least once.

God is no respecter of persons. This account of Ananias reveals some of what has always been available for every born-again believer, since the first time the holy spirit was manifested by the 12 on the day of Pentecost.

Part 2 will be an examination of 1 Corinthians 12.

2024 Keith Radcliffe