How did Paul determine ethical and theological truth? Were all believers expected to be able to 'discern the spirits' (1 Corinthians 12.10)? In contrast to previous studies this conceptual investigation examines all the significant terms referring to discernment, leading to the insight that for Paul ethical and theological knowledge are inherently related. Understanding the will of God requires noetic and existential transformation, in short, the 'renewal of the mind' (Romans 12.2). Munzinger argues that Paul implies a process of inspiration in which the Spirit sharpens the discerning functions of the mind because the believer is liberated from a value system dominated by status and performance. The love of God enables all believers to learn to interpret reality in a transformed manner and to develop creative solutions to questions facing their communities. Authentic discernment - as this study demonstrates - effectuates a comprehensive new sense of meaning.