What's in a Name? (3) Romans 12

In his letter to the Romans, Paul begins by explaining that he is speaking with authority that is part of his calling as an apostle (Rom 12:3).

By the grace (charis) given (didomi) to me, I say to every one of you (Rom 12:3).

He then explains to the Roman Christians that different members of the body of Jesus have different functions (Rom 12:4). They have each received a calling in a similar way to those described in Ephesians 4. The wording is similar.

We have different gifts (charismata), according to the grace (charis) given (didomi) to each of us; whether prophesying… (Rom 12:6).

Many English translations use the word gifts twice, but charismata is only in the Greek text once. I presume Paul uses the word “charismata” in Romans because these gifts are similar to those in Ephesians 4. The lists overlap, but we miss the parallels because Ephesians names the eldership roles, whereas Romans describes what they do.

Ephesians 4	Romans 12
Prophet	Prophesying
Pastor/Teacher	Teaching/Encouraging
Apostle	Leading/Steering
Evangelist

The other gifts link to the ministry of the deacon. It is not an eldership role, but can become one.

Deacon	Service
	Giving
	Showing Mercy

If we understand that many deacons become evangelists (Stephen is the first), the last three gifts in Romans 12 link to the role of the evangelist. This structuring explains that the gifts in Romans 12 parallel those in Ephesians 4.

Because the callings are similar, using the expression “gracious gift” as the primary name of the phenomena described in 1 Corinthians 12 is misleading. Paul uses the word “charismata” in that passage to explain that these gifts are given graciously to people who don’t deserve them. In contrast, for the gifts in Ephesians 4 and Romans 12, people have to have done enough to deserve the trust required.