1. 1 Peter 4:11 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What is the significance of Peter's mention of only two possible gifts, speaking and serving?

1 Peter 4:11 (ESV)

11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Other lists in Scripture mention numerous other gifts (Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11. Given the suffering that Peter’s readers endured on account of the faith, words of encouragement were distinctly in place as well as deeds of charity. In the circumstances, all other gifts would fall broadly into these two categories. Further, these two categories capture all that God has done for sinners: he has given his Word and then fulfilled his Word in deeds of redemption.