Expert: Dean Gade - 9/6/2009

Question
I am teaching a SS Class. My subject is the Fruit of the Spirit. I would like to know if those items listed in Gal 5:22, 23 are "fruits" of the Spirit or are they manifestations of the "fruit" of the Spirit.

Answer
In the sense that these fruits are "apparent" to yourself and others, you could say that they are manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit.

To explain this I'll point out that the Greek word for "manifestation" is used only twice in the NT.   These are:

1 Co 12:7-9

7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,
NIV

2 Co 4:2

2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth/(manifestation) the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
NIV

The word is:
phanerosis   exhibition, i.e. (figuratively) expression, (by extension) a bestowment:


The "fruit" is by the working of the Spirit in our hearts, but it is our being-renewed heart that is producing the "fruit";  whereas the "gifts of the Spirit" are purely from Him to us.   

The difference is in: something given and something produced. We don't have to do anything, or really "can't" to anything, for a "gift".  But a "fruit" takes our cooperation and activity as we grow in the life of sanctification.  You might say, (very carefully and with explanations), that there is some synergism in the fruits, but there is still no room for us to boast of our flesh since it is God who is working in us or we could not produce any "fruit" for God in our lives.

Another point is that the manifestation of the gifts are received full grown whereas the fruit often begins as the little "mustard seed" and grows to the maturity of the "tree".

The line between fruits and gifts appearing/manifesting in us is thin and since we are talking about truly spiritual matters, I don't mean to be dogmatic about this topic and only cover it as a matter of interest and not debate.