Note 13 at 1Co 12:7: The Greek word that was translated "manifestation" in this verse is "PHANEROSIS," and it means "exhibition, i.e. (figuratively) expression, (by extension) a bestowment" (Strong's Concordance). The American Heritage Dictionary defines "manifestation" as "an indication of the existence, reality, or presence of something." All of these meanings make it clear that all believers who have been baptized in the Holy Spirit (see note 6 at Ac 2:4) have the ability to demonstrate the reality of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit through some gift of the Holy Spirit if they will but believe.

In the beginning of the church age, the preaching of the Gospel was always confirmed with signs and wonders following (see note 2 at Mr 16:20). Even Jesus used the miraculous manifestations of the Holy Spirit to confirm His teaching and authority (Heb 2:4). One of the main functions of the Holy Spirit is to demonstrate the reality of an unseen God to a lost world.

Yet, today many people have chosen to preach the Gospel without the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. This has done great damage to the credibility and the impact of the Gospel. The Lord never intended His Gospel to be spoken in word only (see note 4 at Ac 4:30 and note 9 at 1Co 4:20).

Note 14 at 1Co 12:7: The "every man" of this verse has to be qualified to harmonize with other scriptures. Jesus said in Joh 14:17, "the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive." A nonbeliever cannot receive the Holy Spirit (see note 27 at Joh 14:17). Also, becoming a Christian does not automatically grant people the baptism of the Holy Spirit (see note 3 at Ac 8:16).

So, this is speaking of every born-again Christian who has received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. All those who fit into that category each have some gift of the Holy Spirit.

Note 15 at 1Co 12:7: The New American Standard Bible and the New International Version both translate this phrase, "to profit withal," as "for the common good." Paul was saying that these manifestations of the Holy Spirit are given to benefit, or help, others. They are not for ministering to ourselves.

People who operate in the gifts of the Spirit in ministry to others cannot depend on their own gift in ministering to themselves. For instance, those with the gifts of healing may have great faith in their gifts and see many people healed, but they may not know how to receive healing for themselves by faith alone. It is possible to become so dependent on a gift of the Spirit that people substitute that for their own faith. That is not the way the Lord intended the gifts of the Spirit to operate (see note 17 at 1Co 12:8).

This is why some people with healing ministries have died sick. They became proficient in their gift in ministry to others, but their personal faith for their own healing was lacking.