πνευματικον and ξηαρισμα

Pneumatikon and charisma.

Dunn explains how 'charisma is a concept which we owe almost entirely to Paul (p.206).

It denotes the gracious act of God- his unmerited generosity in terms of a gracious gift ' the free gift of God is eternal life.'

It is used of particular gifts given to the believer. Celibacy is considered a gift, a charisma. Also the gifts of 1 Cor 12:

To some people the Spirit gives the message of wisdom. To others the same Spirit gives the message of knowledge. To others the same Spirit gives faith. To others that one Spirit gives gifts of healing. To others he gives the power to do miracles. To others he gives the ability to prophesy. To others he gives the ability to tell the spirits apart. To others he gives the ability to speak in different kinds of languages they had not known before. And to still others he gives the ability to explain what was said in those languages.


Paul longs to see the Romans so that 'I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you.' Paul uses the sense of sharing too in what is given. He is confident that when they come together, God will minister through him and they will all receive.

More later