12:8

speech of wisdom: Or “a message of wisdom.” This expression refers to something more than the wisdom that a Christian might normally acquire by studying God’s Word and living in harmony with its principles. Paul here refers to a supernatural ability to apply knowledge in a successful way. Such wisdom was surely useful in solving some difficult problems that arose in the young Christian congregation. Paul may have received this gift, which he could use, for example, when writing letters that became part of God’s inspired Word. (2Pe 3:15, 16) Jesus had promised that Christians would receive the gift of wisdom when making a defense of their faith.​—Lu 21:15; Ac 6:9, 10.

speech of knowledge: Paul was not here referring to the knowledge of God that all Christians were required to gain in order to be disciples. (Joh 17:3; Ro 10:14) Rather, this knowledge was miraculous, beyond the scope of the learning that was available to all Christians. For example, the apostle Peter may have used “speech of knowledge” when handling the case of Ananias. The holy spirit revealed to Peter what he could not otherwise have known​—that Ananias had secretly lied to the congregation about a financial matter.​—Ac 5:1-5.