19. The Spirit  190
in the Church;
Charisms and 
Ministries

The Holy Spirit (see 143 and 144) who proceeds from the Father (Jn 14:16; 15:26; 16:15) and is sent by the Son (Jn 14:16; 15:26; 16:7). The Spirit of God (1 Cor 2:11; 7:40; 1 Jn 4:2) and Spirit of Jesus (Acts 8:39; 16:7; 2 Cor 3:7 Gal 4:6; Rev 3:1).

191

Already before Christ there was mentioned of the Spirit of Yahweh, a supernatural power given to liberators (Jdg 6:34; 11:29; 14:6), to prophets (Num 11:25 Ezk 37), to artists (Ex 31:3) and to the wise (Wis 1). An active power in creation (Gen 1:2; Ps 104:30 and com. on Jn 7:37).

192

As a result of Jesus’ glorification, the Spirit is given to believers (Jn 7:39. See 153 and Acts 9:17; 19:2; Rom 5:5; Gal 3:2; Eph 1:3; 1 Jn 3:24). Upon entrance into the Church, the Spirit is received in the rite of the imposition of the hands (Acts 8:15; 19:6) which normally accompanies baptism (Acts 2:38; Tit 3:5; Jn 3:5). God can however, make exceptions; He is not bound to the sacraments (Acts 10:45).

193

The spirit is given to everyone according to the degree of Christ’s gift (Rom 12:3; Eph 4:7; Heb 2:4) and He manifests His presence in different gifts (1Cor 12:3; 12:7-11; Gal 3:5; Phil 1:19). These gifts of the Spirit makes us members of one same body diversified (Rom 12:5-8) and organized (Eph 4:16).

194

The spiritual gifts (often called charisms which means gifts: 1 Cor 1:7; 7:7; 12:31; 1 P 4:10) are for the good of the community (1 Cor 14:1-6; 14:19; 14:32). For this reason, they can also be called services (or ministries) and works (Rom 12 :7; 1 Cor 12:5). Even though we know that the gifts and ministries are valid inasmuch as they encourage real love and communion (1 Cor 12:31; Eph 4:3), the most important of them are the apostolic ministries of the founders and those responsible for the churches (1 Cor 12:28; Eph 4:11).

195

Regarding ruling ministries, see com. on Acts 14:21. Some are called apostles, not only the twelve (1 Cor 1:1; 9:1-6). The prophets (1 Cor 12:28; Eph 2:20; 3:5; 4:11; Rev 11:10; 16:6; 18:20). Apollos was most probably a prophet and so were Timothy and Titus (see com. on Acts 11:19; 13:1; 15:32; 1 Thes 5:19; Heb 7:1; 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6). The bishops (or inspectors) had an active part in the councils of presbyters (Acts 20:28; Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 3:1; Tit 1:7). The presbyters (or elders): Acts 11:30; 14:23; 15:2-23; 21:18; 1 Tim 5:19; Tit 1:5; James 5:14; 1 P 5:1. The deacons: Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 3:1 and com. on Acts 6.

196

The spiritual gifts, however varied they may be, come from Christ, the only head, and they must be aimed at the unity of the growing body: Jn 17:21; Eph 2:18-22; 4:3; 4:12-13.