Victor Kudryavtsev-Platonov on Spiritual Gifts in the Apostolic Church

Abstract

The archival text of the Russian religious philosopher, professor of the Moscow Theological Academy Viktor Dmitrievich Kudryavtsev-Platonov (1828–1891) “On extraordinary spiritual gifts in the Apostolic Church” is published; publication is based on a manuscript from the archival collection of Victor Kudryavtsev-Platonov (RSL, F. 823, cardboard 2, storage unit 2). In this early work, Kudryavtsev-Platonov examines and characterizes the “extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit” described by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians, notes their differences from the “ordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit”, arranging this consideration according to their significance: the gift of the word of wisdom and the word of knowledge, the gifts of prophecy, discernment of spirits (the first row of spiritual gifts), the gifts of faith, healing, miracles, tongues, interpreting tongues (the second row of spiritual gifts). Among the essential signs of the true gifts of the Holy Spirit, Kudryavtsev-Platonov considers the preservation of the clarity of human consciousness and freedom (during the action of such gifts). The archival publication is preceded by a brief introduction describing the difference between continuationism and cessationism, referring the position of Kudryavtsev-Platonov to the latter.