Paul Invents Charisma

Abstract

The meaning of charisma as a special quality or gift within certain individuals derives from the New Testament writings of Paul. In his epistles, written in Greek in the period c. AD 50–62, Paul endowed the word with a religious significance: he used ‘charisma’ to mean ‘the gift of God’s grace’. The term is strongly linked to the older Greek word charis, which occupies a crucial role in Pauline theology as the grace of God offering salvation. Paul utilised the word ‘charisma’ to signify the various ‘gifts’ — including spiritual and supernatural abilities — ensuing from this divine grace.¹