Why do different Bible scholars come up with varying numbers of gifts?
Some people look at the key passages on spiritual gifts (Rom. 12; 1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4) and limit the gifts to the ones listed therein. But even within that there is discrepancy. Some people say the gifts of administration (1 Cor. 12:28) and leadership (Rom. 12:8) are the same gift. They also say service (Rom. 12:7) and helps (1 Cor. 12:2) are the same gift. The problem with that is –if you look at the original Greek words, they are all different words with distinct meanings. Click here for a list of what gifts are in which passages. Some people add in craftsmanship and music because of the skilled people that God brought in to help with the Old Testament tabernacle. In Exodus 31 it says God filled Bezalel “with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts…” From passages similar to that, people have concluded that craftsmanship and music are spiritual gifts. Others stick with the gifts listed in the New Testament. Some see craftsmanship as a vehicle to e
