Schaff's Bible Dictionary
GIFTS. The word "gifts" is employed to describe those graces or qualities with which Christ endues his disciples. Eph 4:8, Eph 4:11-12. Some of these, which were bestowed on the early apostles, were miraculous, and designed to confirm their claims to apostolic authority, such as the gift of tongues, of prophecy, etc. The "ministry of gifts" ceased with the apostles, although some hold that they have been continued, and are still dispensed; as, for example, the Irvingites.