A Shorter Guide to the Holy Spirit

A Shorter Guide to the Holy Spirit

Bible, Doctrine, Experience

Anthony C. Thiselton
2016
WILLIAM B. EERDMANS PUBLISHING COMPANY
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

Doctrinal Themes

  • Pannenberg's Explanation of the Holy Spirit

    • Stresses that "the Holy Spirit is the power that publicly installs the Christ."

  • Welker's Insights

    • Highlights the Holy Spirit's role in the birth and baptism of Jesus.
    • Emphasizes the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness, healings, exorcisms, and Old Testament messianic promises.
    • The Spirit either "drove" (as per Mark) or "led" (as per Matthew) Jesus to be tested for his messianic vocation.
      • Purpose:
        • To test the goals for which Jesus would work.
        • To demonstrate his obedience to God's methods.
    • Notes the Jewish expectation tied to the "open heaven" seen in the baptism accounts (Mark 1:10-11; Matt. 3:16-17; Luke 3:21-22) which symbolizes salvation.
    • The act of baptism symbolizes Jesus' self-abasement and solidarity with sinful humans.
    • The public sphere of Jesus' mission is asserted as empowered by the Spirit:
      • Mercy towards the sick and weak.
      • Righteousness for Israel and Gentiles, though Jesus did not want his identity revealed solely through healings.
    • John's Perspective: Through the Paraclete, Jesus and His teachings are made relevant in various experiential contexts.
    • Concludes that in the person of Christ, the Holy Spirit is both universalized and made concrete, overcoming general and specific powerlessness.

  • Kärkkäinen's Overview

    • Provides a broad panorama of writers addressing the Holy Spirit through the ages.
    • Cites Puritan theologian Richard Sibbes on the relationship between the Holy Spirit and Christ:
      • "He [Christ] received the Spirit without measure (John 3:34), that is in abundance."
      • "We do not receive the Holy Ghost directly from God but through Christ’s sanctifying work, and what the Holy Ghost does in us, he first does in Christ."
The Holy Spirit and the Church
  • Undertones of tautology in relating the Holy Spirit to the Church; absence of the Holy Spirit means no Church existence.
  • The New Testament emphasizes that the Spirit is given to individuals for the Church’s benefit:
    • "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good" (1 Cor. 12:7).
Key Passages Illustrating the Holy Spirit's Role:
  1. The Great Commission (Acts 1:8)
    • Jesus commands the apostles to wait for power from the Holy Spirit.
    • This is connected to Pentecost, the Church's birthday when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the apostles (Acts 2:1-4).
  2. Paul's Usage of Koinōnia
    • Paul writes about the "communion of the Holy Spirit" in 2 Corinthians 13:13 and Philippians 2:1, emphasizing shared participation in the Holy Spirit.
      • The Greek term "koinōnia" denotes fellowship and common possession among believers.
  3. Jesus' Promises (John 14-16)
    • Jesus refers collectively to the Spirit being given to His disciples, illustrating the corporate possession of the Holy Spirit within the Church.
    • Other references in 1 Peter and Ephesians underscore Church identity via the Spirit:
      • The Church as a temple (1 Pet. 2:5) and Christ's body (Eph. 1:22-23).
Continuing Reference throughout the New Testament:
  • Paul's Teachings
    • References to the Spirit’s work in ecclesial matters, maintaining the unity of the Spirit (Eph. 4:3-4).
    • The Spirit's gifts (charismata) in 1 Cor. 12 are for communal benefit, serving the whole Church.
  • Acts Narratives
    • The structure of the Church is driven by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing apostles' teachings, prayers, and fellowship (Acts 2:42).
    • Notable events such as the "Samaritan Pentecost" and Gentile receptions of the Spirit display continuity and inclusivity in God's mission.
      • Example of Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit in Acts 10:44 without hands laid upon them.
      • Regulating unusual situations as seen in Acts 19:6-7 when Paul laid hands on disciples for normativity.
The Importance of Gifts:
  • Diversity of Gifts in the Church
    • Gifts include wisdom, teaching, prophecy, and administrative roles as per 1 Cor. 12:4-11, each for the common good (1 Cor. 12:7).
    • Organizational aspects emphasized by Elmer Towns, noting that structural aspects of Church life are as crucial as spiritual practices.
    • Ephesians 4:11-13 reiterates that these gifts foster maturity in the Church.
Infrastructure and Order in Leadership
  • Pastoral Epistles
    • 2 Tim. 1:14 discusses the Holy Spirit’s nature in preserving church teaching integrity.
    • Apostolic writings emphasize qualities expected in bishops and deacons relate to the Holy Spirit's influence.
Historical Context and Early Church Fathers
  • Ignatius and Irenaeus: Advocated for communal order and doctrinal purity, emphasizing unity under the bishop guided by the Holy Spirit.
  • The Didache: Provides guidance on appointing church leaders, the importance of the Holy Spirit, and community unity.
  • Tertullian: Notes the connection between the Holy Spirit, baptism, and the Church’s administration.
Development of Theological Perspectives
  • Reflections on the Holy Spirit's role by Augustine, Luther, Calvin, and contemporaries like Karl Barth and Jürgen Moltmann on the relationship between the Church and the Spirit, emphasizing communal identity and mission.