instance where Jesus or his apostles were unable to heal others on account of the lack of faith of those seeking a cure. Furthermore, rather than using the gift of healing in curing Timothy of his stomach trouble or attributing his frequent cases of sickness to his lack of faith, the apostle Paul recommended that Timothy use a little wine for the sake of his stomach.—1 Tim. 5:23; see FAITH; HEALING.

“Powerful works”

Powerful works included raising dead persons, expelling demons and even striking opposers with blindness. The manifestation of such powerful works resulted in adding believers to the congregation.—Acts 9:40, 42; 13:8-12; 19:11, 12, 20.

“Prophesying”

Prophesying was a greater gift than speaking in tongues, as it built up the congregation. Moreover, unbelievers were aided thereby to recognize that God was really among the Christians. (1 Cor. 14:3-5, 24, 25) All in the Christian congregation spoke about the fulfillment of the prophecies recorded in God’s Word. (Acts 2:17, 18) However, the particular ones having the miraculous gift of prophesying were able to foretell future events, as did Agabus.—Acts 11:27, 28; see PROPHECY; PROPHET.

“Discernment of inspired utterances”

Discernment of inspired utterances evidently involved the ability to discern whether an inspired expression originated with God or not. This gift would prevent its possessor from being deceived and turned away from the truth and would protect the congregation from false prophets.—1 John 4:1; compare 2 Corinthians 11:3, 4.

“Tongues”

The miraculous gift of tongues attended the outpouring of God’s spirit at Pentecost, 33 C.E. The approximately 120 disciples assembled in an upper room (possibly near the temple) were thereby enabled to speak about the “magnificent things of God” in the native tongues of the Jews and proselytes who had come to Jerusalem from faraway places for the observance of the festival. This fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy proved that God was using the new Christian congregation and no longer the Jewish congregation. In order to receive the free gift of the holy spirit the Jews and proselytes had to repent and be baptized in Jesus’ name.—Acts 1:13-15; 2:1-47.

The gift of tongues proved very helpful to first-century Christians in preaching to those who spoke other languages. It was actually a sign to unbelievers. However, Paul, in writing to the Christian congregation at Corinth, directed that, when meeting together, not all speak in tongues, as strangers and unbelievers entering and not understanding would conclude that they were mad. He also recommended that the speaking in tongues “be limited to two or three at the most, and in turns.” However, if no one could translate, then the one speaking in a tongue was to remain silent in the congregation, speaking to himself and to God. (1 Cor. 14:22-33) If no translating took place, his speaking in a tongue would not result in upbuilding others, for no one would listen to his speech because it would be meaningless to those unable to understand it.—1 Cor. 14:2, 4.

If the one speaking in a tongue was unable to translate, then he did not understand what he himself was saying nor would others not familiar with that tongue or language. Hence, Paul encouraged those having the gift of tongues to pray that they might also translate and thereby edify all listeners. From the foregoing it can readily be seen why Paul, under inspiration, ranked speaking in tongues as a lesser gift, and pointed out that in a congregation he would rather speak five words with his mind (understanding) than ten thousand words in a tongue.—1 Cor. 14:11, 13-19.

“Interpretation of tongues”

The gift of interpretation of tongues was manifest in being able to translate a language unknown to the one having the gift. This gift really enhanced the other gift of speaking in tongues, since the entire congregation would be built up by hearing the translation.—1 Cor. 14:5.

OTHER OPERATIONS OF THE SPIRIT

When mentioning some of the operations of the spirit in conjunction with the placement of the individual members of Christ’s body, Paul states: “God has set the respective ones in the congregation, first, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then powerful works; then gifts of healings; helpful services, abilities to direct, different tongues.” (1 Cor. 12:27, 28) “Helpful services” may have included the organized arrangements for aiding needy brothers materially, such as the distributing of food to needy widows, for which seven men “full of spirit and wisdom” were appointed in the Jerusalem congregation. (Acts 6:1-6) “Abilities to direct” were needed in order to follow through on the commission outlined by Jesus to make disciples. (Matt. 28:19, 20) The missionary work as well as the establishing of new congregations and then guiding the activities of these congregations required skillful direction. In this regard it is noteworthy that Paul, with reference to his part in God’s building program, speaks of himself as “a wise director of works.”—1 Cor. 3:10.

CONTROL OF THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT

Apparently those having the gifts of the spirit were in a position to use them only when Jehovah’s spirit came to be operative upon them to exercise the gift. For example, although at Caesarea Paul stayed in the home of Philip, who “had four daughters, virgins, that prophesied,” it was not one of these daughters who foretold Paul’s arrest, but Agabus, a prophet who had come from Judea. (Acts 21:8-11) At a meeting of the congregation a prophet could receive a revelation while another prophet was speaking. Moreover, those having the gifts of the spirit had control over these when God’s spirit enveloped them, that is, they could refrain from speaking until opportunity was afforded. Therefore, prophesying, speaking in tongues and translating could be done in an orderly way in the congregation, for the edification of all.—1 Cor. 14:26-33.

GIFTS OF MERCY

These are things given to one in need to relieve his situation. while “gifts of mercy” are not directly referred to as such in the Hebrew Scriptures, the Law gave specific directions to the Israelites about their obligations toward the poor. They were to be, not closefisted, but generous, in dealing with their needy brothers.—Deut. 15:7-10.

PROVISIONS FOR THE POOR IN ISRAEL

The Law permitted an individual’s going into the vineyard and the grainfield of another and there eating of the produce to satisfaction; but none of it was to be carried away. (Deut. 23:24, 25) In harvesting their crops, the Israelites were not to reap the edges of their fields completely nor to glean their fields, olive trees and vineyards, for the gleanings were for the alien resident, the fatherless boy and the widow.—Lev. 19:9, 10; Deut. 24:19-21.

Every third year the Israelites were to bring out the entire tenth part of their produce in that year and deposit it inside their gates for the sustenance of the Levites, alien residents, orphans and widows. (Deut. 14:28, 29) Some believe that this was an additional tithe; others hold that it was the regular yearly tithe, to be disposed of in this special manner in the third year.

Every seventh year and every fiftieth or Jubilee year the land was to lie fallow, to enjoy a complete sabbath of rest, and there was no regular harvest ingathering of crops. Then whatever grew of itself was