Discerning of spirits is regarded among Charismatics and Pentecostals to be a spiritual gift that supernaturally enables a Christian believer to distinguish between holy and unholy spirits through the power of the Holy Spirit. This gift is thought to be especially necessary in instances when individuals may need to be delivered or healed of demonic oppression. Discerning of spirits is included in the list of manifestation gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:10.
The gift of distinguishing between spirits is not defined in the context of the Corinthian letter. However, in light of 12:2-3, it is evident that the Corinthian believers’ worldview allowed for the existence of spirits of both holy and unholy origin. As the first century church encountered demonic forces, the need for this gift became apparent (Acts 5:16; 8:7; 16:16-18; 19:12-16; 2 Corinthians 11:4; 1 Timothy 4:1; James 2:19, and 1 John 4:1-6).
