DISCERNING of Spirits. This is one of the gifts of God, mentioned by St. Paul, 1 Cor. xii. 10. It consists in discerning among those who say they are inspired by God, whether they are animated or inspired by a good or evil spirit; whether they are true or false Prophets. This gift was of very great importance both in the Old Testament, wherein we find that false Prophets often rose up, and seducers who deceived the people; and in the New, in the primitive ages of the Church, when supernatural gifts were common; when the Messenger of Satan was sometimes transformed into an Angel of light, and false Apostles under the outward appearance of sheep, concealed the sentiments of ravening wolves. Wherefore St. John cautioned Believers, saying, Believe John iv. 1.not every Spirit, but try the Spirits, whether they be of God. See in Deuteronomy xviii. 20, 21, 22. the marks which are given by God to distinguish true from false Prophets.
Library / Calmet's Dictionary of the Holy Bible, Complete and Unabridged
Volume I · D
Discerning of Spirits
Spotted an error in this section? Report it
To cite this page
Augustin Calmet, O.S.B., “Discerning of Spirits,” in Calmet's Dictionary of the Holy Bible, Complete and Unabridged, English translation, Mind of the Church, https://mindofthechurch.com/works/calmet-dictionary/d/discerning-of-spirits/.