The work of the Trinity in Spiritual Gifts
1 Corinthians 12:4–6 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Next, Paul emphasizes that a variety of gifts are needed. But this variety must have the underlying unity of the Trinity, as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit cooperate to bring a harmonious expression that edifies the assembly. The Holy Spirit wants to honor Jesus, not only by calling Him Lord but by distributing “different kinds” of spiritual gifts ( Gk. charismata, freely given, gracious gifts; cf. charis, “grace”). The one Holy Spirit is the source of them all. Similarly, the variety of kinds of service, or ministry, (Gk. diakoniōn) has its source in the one Lord Jesus , and the different kinds of working, or activities, (Gk. energēmatōn) come from the one God who works effectively in all of them and in everyone (see Eph. 3:20; Col. 1:29). The terms “gifts,