What are Words of Knowledge and Words of Wisdom? 1 Corinthians 12 Explained
What are Words of Knowledge and Words of Wisdom? 1 Corinthians 12 Explained  
Podcast: The Remnant Radio's Podcast
Published On: Wed Feb 25 2026
Description: Paul lists words of wisdom and words of knowledge in 1 Corinthians 12:8 alongside healings, miracles, prophecy, tongues, and interpretation. But he never defines them. That silence has sparked a real debate in the body of Christ, and in this episode Michael Rowntree works through it carefully.Are these giftings simply elevated Bible teaching, or are they something more? Are they specific, Spirit-initiated operations that reveal hidden things, provide supernatural guidance, and speak into real-life situations? Michael walks through the major interpretive positions, from cessationist scholars like Dr. Tom Schreiner to charismatic perspectives.He'll examine the biblical moments that make you stop: Jesus knowing the woman at the well's full story before she said a word (John 4:17–18). Peter confronting Ananias and Sapphira with information no one told him (Acts 5:1–11). Paul warning a ship's captain of coming disaster before a storm cloud appeared (Acts 27:9–10). Are those words of knowledge and words of wisdom in action?By the end you'll have working definitions of revelation, prophecy, word of knowledge, and word of wisdom. And you'll sit with Paul's deeper question: are we using these gifts to exalt Jesus and build up the body of Christ, or to build a platform for ourselves?0:00 – Introduction0:04 – Defining the question0:34 – Reading 1 Corinthians 121:52 – Cessationist teaching view3:17 – Contextual pushback5:22 – Word of knowledge defined6:15 – Word of wisdom defined7:19 – Cluster of extraordinary gifts8:24 – Knowledge under prophecy11:05 – Blending gift categories14:34 – Defining key terms16:00 – Using gifts rightly16:37 – Closing thoughtsSubscribe to The Remnant Radio newsletter and receive our FREE introduction to spiritual gifts eBook. Plus, get access to: discounts, news about upcoming shows, courses and conferences - and more. Subscribe now at TheRemnantRadio.com.Support the showABOUT THE REMNANT RADIO: The Remnant Radio exists to equip believers who are hungry for the radical middle of both Word and Spirit. Subscribe for twice-weekly content on theology, church history and the gifts of the Spirit.📧 SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER 📚 COURSES & CONFERENCES 🛒 SHOP MERCH 💝 SUPPORT OUR MINISTRY: • Leave a Tip• Become a Patron• Make a Tax-Deductible Donation  🌐📧 Check Out Our Church PagesJosh's ChurchMiller's ChurchRowntree's Church