1 Corinthians 12:10, Discerning of Spirits

1 Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

William MacDonald said well, “Discerning of spirits describes the power to detect whether a prophet or other person is speaking by the Holy Spirit or by Satan. A person with this gift has special ability to discern if a man is an imposter and an opportunist, for instance.”

The example is given of Peter who was able to expose Simon as one who was poisoned by bitterness and in the bond of iniquity (Acts 8:20–23).

Acts 8:20-23 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

May the Lord bless this gift in the lives of God’s people to the exposing of falsehood and establish truth and righteousness. Amen.