rs419 Textbook1

A Theological Pilgrimage J. Rodman Williams, Ph.D.
ATheological
Pilgrimage
ACharismaticPentecostal
SystematicTheology
Content Copyright 1996, 2001 by J. Rodman Williams, Ph.D. Page 1

All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
J.RodmanWilliams,Ph.D.


TABLEOFCONTENTS
1. Preface
2. RenewalintheSpirit
3. ANewErainHistory
4. TheUpsurgeofPentecostalism
5. ThePersonandWorkoftheHolySpirit
6. BaptismintheHolySpirit
7. TheMissingDimension
8. TheCharismaticMovementandReformedTheology
9. God'sMightyActs
10. WhySpeakinTongues?
11. TheHolySpiritandEschatology
12. APentecostalTheology
13. TheGreaterGifts
14. BiblicalTruthandExperience:AReplytoJohnF.MacArthur,Jr.
15. TheologicalPerspectivesofthePentecostal/CharismaticMovement
16. GiftsoftheHolySpiritandTheirApplicationtotheContemporaryChurch
17. TheEngagementoftheHolySpirit
18. Conclusion
19. Abbreviations
20. Bibliography


Thisbookisacollectionofwritingsand
PREFACE
addressesintheareaoftheHolySpirit
thatdatefrom1971to1995.Includedare
ATheologicalPilgrimagederivesitstitle selectionsfromseveralbooksaswellas
fromthefactthatthematerialincluded variousarticlesandaddressesrelatingto
inthisbookrepresentsanongoing adiversityofsituations.Becauseofthe
theologicalpilgrimage.Foranumberof spanofyears,somematerialsreflectthe
yearsIhavebeengrippedbythereality particularperiodwhenwritten.However,
oftheHolySpiritandhavesoughtin bytheSpirit'shelp,Ibelievethat
variouswaystoexpressthisreality throughoutthereisacontrollingunity.
throughspeaking,teaching,andwriting.
Ithasbeen,andcontinuestobe,an
excitingtheologicalpilgrimage.
Mytheologicalpilgrimagebeganin
Inalargersensethisbookreflectsthe November1965.Allofthewritingsonthe
contemporaryspiritualrenewalknownas HolySpiritincludedinthisbookderive
"Pentecostal"or"charismatic."Asa fromaspiritualencounterontheday
theologian,Ihavebeenactiveinthe beforeThanksgiving.Iwillnowrelate
renewalsince1965.Thewritingsinthis someoftheeventsleadinguptothat
bookaccordinglyaresetwithinarenewal date,givesomedescriptionofthe
context. encounter,andthenwhathashappened
sincethattime.
DuringthistimeIhaveservedas
professoroftheologyinthreeinstitutions:
AustinPresbyterianTheological
Seminary,Austin,Texas;Melodyland Duringtheacademicyear196465Iwas
SchoolofTheology,Anaheim,California; onsabbaticalleavewithmyfamilyfrom
andRegentUniversitySchoolofDivinity, AustinSeminary.InAugust1964,asa
VirginiaBeach,Virginia.Ihaveauthored theologicalconsultant,Iattendedan
fourbooksthatdealwiththeHolySpirit: officialgatheringinFrankfurt,Germany,
TheEraoftheSpirit(1971);The ofdelegatesfromPresbyterianand
PentecostalReality(1972);TheGiftofthe Reformedchurchesaroundtheworld.1
HolySpiritToday(1980);andRenewal Thethemeforthemeetingwas"Come,
CreatorSpirit!"Thethemeitselfwas
Theology,Volume2,Salvation,theHoly
significantbecause
Spirit,andChristianLiving(1990).AlsoI Presbyterian/Reformedchurcheshave
haveparticipatedinmanygatherings, traditionallybeenmoreinclinedtostress
spokentonumerousgroups,and thesovereigntyofGodorthelordshipof
generallyhelpedtogivedirectiontothe Christthantotakecognizanceofthe
renewal. HolySpirit.Further,thethemewasnot

simplydoctrinal(as,forexample,"The whichatonepointassertsabouttheHoly
HolySpiritandtheChurch"wouldbe) Spirit:"AllottingHisgifts'toeveryone
butactuallyaprayer,anentreaty,forthe accordingtoHiswill'(1Cor.12:11),He
HolySpirittocome.TheNewTestament, distributesspecialgracesamongthe
itwaspointedout,ismuchmore faithfulofeveryrank....Thesecharismatic
concernedaboutthequestion"Didyou gifts,whethertheybethemost
receivetheHolySpirit"(Acts19:2)than outstandingorthemoresimpleand
"WhatdoyouknowabouttheHoly widelydiffused,aretobereceivedwith
Spirit?"InanarticlethatIlaterwrotefor thanksgivingandconsolation,forthey
theAustinSeminaryBulletin2entitled areexceedinglysuitableandusefulfor
"TheConcernsofFrankfurt,"Isummed theneedsoftheChurch."4Thisnew
upwiththesewords:"Whateverelsemay officialopennesstotheHolySpiritand
comefromthemeeting,noonewhowasa Hischarismaticactivitywouldhave
partofitwillsoonforgetthat significanceforthefutureofmany.
PresbyteriansandReformedsfromall
overtheworldhaveseriouslyprayed ThroughoutthefallandearlywinterI
'Come,CreatorSpirit!'andexposed spentmuchofmytimedoingresearch
themselvestowhatevermayhappenin nearGeneva,Switzerland,forabookon
answertosuchaprayer."Ihadabsolutely systematictheology.Iwroteseveral
noideaatthetimeofwritinghow preliminarychapters,sentthemofftoa
prophetic,indeedinmycasehow Presbyterianpublishinghouse,but
personallyprophetic,thesewordswould receivedonlyanegativeresponse.Much
be.IrecallonePresbyterianleader betterwasmysuccesswithabookon
saying,"Iwonderwhatwouldhappento existentialism,whichwasfinally
usPresbyteriansiftheHolySpiritreally publishedinthesummerof1965under
didcome."Inanyeventweexposed thetitleofContemporaryExistentialism
ourselves"towhatevermayhappen"and andChristianFaith.Althoughthisbook
thatindeedwasariskyprayer! wasessentiallyavigorouspolemic
againstexistentialism"Existentialismis
InNovember1964IwentdowntoRome ultimatelywrong,becauseitfailsto
asaguestobserveratseveralsessionsof understandmaninthelightofGod"5I
theRomanCatholicEcumenicalCouncil, didseektodrawouttheexistentialist
VaticanII.3ThisCouncilhadbeenearlier valueofrecognizingthatultimatetruth
convokedbyPopeJohnXXIIIwhoina mustbeinwardly,evenpassionately,
prayertotheHolySpiritsaid,"Renew appropriated,ifitistohaveanyvital
Yourwondersinourtimeasforanew significance.Bothphilosophyand
Pentecost."Iwasimpressedbythe theologymaybesodispassionately
continuinginvocationoftheHolySpirit, concernedwiththerational,theobjective,
andthespiritofopennesstotherenewal astomissthisaltogether.However,
ofthechurch.LateinthefalltheCouncil existentialismdidprobemyinwardness,
promulgatedthedocumententitled butofferedlittleornothingbywayof
DogmaticConstitutionoftheChurch positiveresults.AsIlatercametolook

backonbothmyunsuccessfulefforttoget ofNovember1965.First,therewasthe
abookintheologypublishedandmy riseinthemid60softhesocalled"death
successinthepublicationofthebookon ofGod"theology.6Thelanguageisstill
existentialism,onefactstoodout bothshockingandabsurd,butitbecame
startlinglyclear:thealmosttotallackof the"in"thingforseveralyounger
referencetotheHolySpiritinboth. theologians.TherealityofGod'spresence
hadbecomesodistantandseemingly
Thesecondhalfofmysabbaticalwas unattainablethat,astheyviewedit,only
spentinTaiwan.Onthelongtripto "death"couldexpressthetotalloss.I
TaiwanfromGeneva,wevisitedmany knewtwoofthethreeleaderspersonally,
places,themostmemorablebeingthe sofeltallthemoredeeplydisturbedby
MountofBeatitudesinIsrael.Whilewe thepathstheyhadtaken.Myproblem,
stayedthereinaFranciscanconvent however,wasthatIseemedunableto
hospice,astormquicklyaroseonedayon makeanyvitalresponse.Theclimax
theSeaofGalileebelowandabeautiful camewhenIheardapublicaddressof
doublerainbowappearedintheclouds. oneofthemwhoassertedthatthetaskof
ThepresenceoftheLordwasstrongly thetheologianwastoexplaintopeople
sensed,andtherainbowseemedasignof howtoliveinthedarknessofGod'stotal
God'sfutureblessing. absence,indeedHisdeath.Thisaddress
precipitatedformeadeepcrisisthatin
FromFebruarythroughJune1965,I partledtoaThanksgivingweekof
taughtacourseonsystematictheologyat spiritualbreakthrough.Iwillsaymore
theTainanTheologicalCollege,Taiwan, lateraboutthis.
andlikewisegavelectureson
existentialismattheTunghaiChristian
UniversityinTaichung.SoitwasthatI
continuedwithboththeologyand Second,andofmuchsignificance,during
philosophy;andthoughtherewasmuch thelatesummerandfallof1965Ibecame
satisfactioninteachingTaiwanese acquaintedwiththeoppositeextreme:a
students,Iincreasinglyfeltanemptiness movementofspiritualrevitalization
inwhatIwasdoing.TherewereSunday amongmanyChristians.RatherthanGod
eveningmeetingsforfellowshipand beingdead,Heseemedtothemvery
prayerwiththeEnglishspeakingfaculty, muchalive!MywifeandIbeganto
andtherebysomeuplift.Butbythetime attendsomemeetingsofthesebelievers
weleftTaiwanfortheUnitedStatesin andatfirstwereputoffbytheirhighly
June1965,Ipersonallyfeltmuch enthusiasticfaith:God,theLord,Jesus,
spiritualhunger. theywereconstantlypraising.The
peopleaboutadozenofthemfrom
severalmainlinedenominationsgathered
togetheronSundayeveningsinthe
Nowletmeputinplaceseveralfactors kitchenofaPresbyterianchurch,not
thatfurtherledtothespiritualencounter beingallowedbythechurchauthoritiesto

meetinthemainsanctuary.Althoughfor ThusinarelativelyshorttimeI
manyyearsIhadknownChristandHis experiencedtheutterincongruity
presence,thesepeopleseemedtohavea betweenthetwoworldsofaGodso
fardeeperandmoreintimateawareness. totallydistantastobecalleddeadand
TheyreadtheBiblewithmuchzeal, thatofaGodsodynamicallypresentasto
spokeoutwordsofprophecy(Ihadnever bealmostshockinglyalive.Coulditbe
heardsuchbefore),werequicktominister thatwhatwasgoingoninachurch
toanyexpressedneed,andprayed kitchenwasatleastonewayoftheliving
expectantlyformiraclestooccur.They GodmakingHimselfvividlymanifest?I
alsonowandthenreferredtoan begantowonderifthedeathofGod
experienceofbeing"baptizedintheHoly theologywasnotacryofdespairoverthe
Spirit."Iwasamazedbyitalland lackofvitalityinmuchofthechurchand
confused.Thesepeopleweresurelynone thecallforadeeperexperienceofthe
otherthanfellowbelievers,anditwasa realityofGod.CoulditbethattheHoly
meetingoutwardlynottoodifferentfrom Spiritwasthekeytoananswer?
innumerableonesIhadattendedoverthe
years;butherewasacertainalmost
qualitativedifferencefromanythingIhad
beforeexperienced.Anditwasall Third,andofcriticalimportance,a
happeninginachurchkitchen! particularScripturepassagebeganto
speakinafreshwaytome.ItwasLuke
Afterabouttwohoursthemeeting 11:513,theparableofJesuswhich
concluded,whereuponthegroupmoved climaxesthus:"Ifyouthen,whoareevil,
quietlyintothechurchsanctuarytopray knowhowtogivegoodgiftstoyour
atthealtar(suchactionpresumablywas children,howmuchmorewillthe
notprohibited!).MywifeandIsatinthe heavenlyFathergivetheHolySpiritto
backfranklyalittlefearfulbynowof thosewhoaskhim?"Ibegantowonder
whatthesestrangepeoplewoulddonext; forthefirsttimeseriouslyifIpersonally
however,oneofthemsooncalledbackto hadreceivedthatgift.Butletmefirst
me,requestingthatIcomeforwardand brieflyreviewthisScripture.
saythebenediction.Ifeltsomewhat
relievedsinceIknewIcouldofficiallydo ThebackgroundforJesus'wordsabout
thatastheonlyordainedminister thegiftoftheHolySpiritisthatofaman
present!ButbythetimemywifeandI who,havingnobreadtogiveafriendwho
weredownfrontatthealtarIwas hasarrivedlateonajourney,goesto
sensingmyneedforabenedictionmore anotherfriend'shouseatmidnighttoask
thanthey,andbeggedtheminsteadto forbread:"Friend,lendmethreeloaves."
prayforme.AndpraytheydidnotasI Themaninside,alreadyinbedwithhis
hadexpected,someoneofferingasingle children,replies,"Donotbotherme."
prayerbutaskingustokneelandthen However,thisdoesnotstophisfriend
layinghandafterhanduponustoreceive outsidefrompersisting.ThenJesusadds,
God'sblessing. "Becauseofhisimportunityhewillrise

andgivehimwhateverheneeds.AndI "gettingitalltogether,"orofsaying
tellyou,Ask,anditwillbegivenyou; anythingthatwouldmakeasignificant
seek,andyouwillfind;knock,anditwill impactonothers.Myproblem,Imust
beopenedtoyou.Foreveryonewhoasks quicklyadd,wasnotthatIwasan
receives,andhewhoseeksfind,andto outsidertofaith.IntermsofJesus'
himwhoknocksitwillbeopened."Then parable,IcouldcallGod"Friend"andHe
shortlythewordsfollowaboutthe wasindeedmy"heavenlyFather,"butI
heavenlyFathergivingtheHolySpiritto stilllackedthespiritualdynamicfortruly
thosewhoaskHim. deliveringthebreadoftheword.Indeed,
inmanywaysIfeltliketheapostles
Severalthingsinthispassageof probablydidbeforePentecost.Theyhad
Scripturebegantostandoutforme. beencommissionedbyJesustoproclaim
First,sincethegiftofbreadbeingsought thegospel(Matt.28:1920),butstill
wasnotforthepersonalbenefitoftheone neededthegiftoftheSpirittoimpartlife
seekingbutforthatofanotherperson,it (Acts1:8).However,Iidentifiedmore
followsthatthegiftoftheHolySpiritis withthemaninJesus'parablewhowas
thesame:tohelp,possiblytobless, almostdesperatetoreceivethatsame
others.Second,evenastheseeker gift.Iwasreadytoask,andseek,and
expressedhisearnestnessbypersistent knock.
asking,seeking,andknocking,sothere
needstobeearnestzealonthepartofone
askingforthegiftofGod'sHolySpirit.
Third,thisgiftbeingsoughtwasfroma Butnowbeforeproceedingtotheclimax,
friend,notastranger;evenso,thegiftof letmereviewmyrathercomplex
theHolySpiritisfromtheheavenly situation.First,therewasthe
Father:itisavailabletoHischildren. backgroundofFrankfurt(andtoalesser
degreeofRome)withthetheme"Come,
ThepassageinLukespoketome CreatorSpirit!"andmyownstatement
increasingly.Duringthefallof1965Iwas thatthepeoplethere"exposedthemselves
backatmyregularjobofteaching towhatevermayhappeninanswerto
students.MoreandmoreIyearnedto suchaprayer."Second,inmybookon
ministerthelifegivingbreadofthe existentialism,whiledecryingitsbasic
gospel,butoftenfeltempty.Theright orientation,Istressedthevalueofthe
wordsweregenerallyspoken,my existentialconcernthatultimatetruth
theologywasevangelicalandorthodox, mustbeinwardlyappropriated.Third,
buttherewasadefinitelackofspiritual the"deathofGod"theologybroughthome
fervor.Mystudentswerenotbeingtruly deeplytomeboththedespairofmanyfor
fed.AtthesametimeIsoughttocontinue whomGodwasnomoreandmyown
thewritingonsystematictheology,but spiritualincapacitytoofferanyvital
foundmyselfwritingandrewriting, response.Fourth,ourmeetingswiththe
especiallyintheareaofthedoctrineof smallgroupinAustincameasatotal
God.Idespairedmoreandmoreof oppositetobothexistentialistand"death

ofGod"humancenteredorientations:God notthoughtmuchaboutit,sawlittle
wasindeedaliveandatthecenterof reasonforit,andcertainlyhadnodesire
everything.Fifth,andmostimportantly,I todoit.Thenonedaymywifegreetedme
foundmyselfagainandagainpondering withthenewsthatshehadjustbegun
Luke11:513andprayingaboutthegift prayingintongues!Despiteherobvious
oftheHolySpirit.Ididthatnotonlyin joy,Ithereuponfeltlikewithdrawing
relationtomyfeltneedforlifegiving fromallassociationwiththegroup:
breadinteachingandwriting,butalsoin thingsweregettingtoocloseforcomfort.
regardtothesurroundingtheological WhatifIsomehowlikewisebecamea
emptiness. "tonguespeaker"?Whatwould"people"
think?Howwouldtheseminaryreact?
Ishouldaddinrelationtothesmall Whatmighthappentomyprofessional
groupthat,althoughmywifeandI future?Tobesure,Iwaseagertoreceive
attendedmostSundayeveningsand thegiftoftheHolySpiritbutsurelynot
sensedGod'spresencethere,Iwasalso tongues!
oftenquiteuncomfortable.Theyseemed
tomovemuchmorefreelythanIina HereImustinterjectabriefaccount
dimensionoftheSpirit'spresenceand concerningDennisBennettandhis
power.IknewthatIwasabeliever(Ihad ministrytome.DenniswastheEpiscopal
apowerfulconversionexperiencemany priestwhoafewyearsbeforeinVan
yearsbefore),butIstilldidnotreallyfit Nuys,California,hadreceivednational
in.PerhapsIwasevenbeingledastray publicityforannouncingfromhispulpit
fromthetruepatternoffaith.YetIcould thathehadrecentlybeguntospeakin
notreallybelievethiswasso.They tongues.OnoneoccasionDenniscameto
recognizedtheScripturestobeGod's Austin,andIwasmuchimpressedbyhis
infallibleWord,theirfaithwasinthe testimonytohisownbaptisminthe
TriuneGod,theyrejoicedinChrist's Spirit.Hespokewithenthusiasmand
salvation;indeed,atnopointcouldthis sincerityandnotwiththeleasttouchof
groupbecalledheretical.Infact,itwas irrationality.Afterward,uponmy
theverydeepexperienceoftherealityof invitation,Dennisgraciouslyagreedto
Christinfaiththatseemedtomarktheir visitmeinmyseminaryofficeandtopray
existence.Theonlynewareaofoutward onmybehalfabouttheHolySpirit.Igot
experienceformewasthatthemembers outofmychair(oftheology)andknelton
occasionallyspokeintongues. thefloorwhileDennislaidhandson,and
prayedoverme.Atonepointinhis
prayerheaskedifIcaredwhetherhe
continuedbyprayingintongues.Isurely
Nowawordabouttongues.Iofcourse hadnotexpectedorwantedthatto
knewthattherewasreferenceintheNew happen,butstillmanagedtorespond:
Testamenttospeakingintonguesin "It'sallrightifyouthinkitwilldoany
JerusalemontheDayofPentecostandat good."TothisDennisreplied:"Yes,I
someotherplacesandtimes,butIhad thinkthatyouparticularlyneedtohear

andacceptthisbecauseyouarestilltoo teachinginthepast,IsimplyfeltIhadno
lockedupinthemind."Attheconclusion ideawhereorhowtobegin.ForawhileI
ofDennis'sprayerformyreceptionofthe turnedasidetowritealettertooneofthe
HolySpiritIremarkedthatIdidnot "deathofGod"theologians(apersonal
senseanythinghadhappened.Hisreply friend)urginghimnottogiveuponGod,
wassimplythatImightyethaveto thechurch,orprayer.However,Ifound
becomemorechildlike,humble,and mylettertobesopowerlessthatrather
willingtoreceivewhatGodhadtogive. thanmailingit,Isimplythrewitintothe
wastebasket.BylateafternoonIwasin
abjectmiseryandbegantocryout,"O
God,OGod,whatshallIdowhat,what,
Weekswentby.Icontinuedtoprayfor what?"Ifeltemptythroughandthrough.
thegiftoftheHolySpirit.Thegracious
heavenlyFatherheardmyprayerand Tuesdaywasadayofrelativecalm.
answeredduringThanksgivingweek, SomehowIsensedGod'speaceand
1965.Ishallbeforeverthankful.Praise blessing.Thebook?Thecourse?Afteran
HisgloriousName! hourortwoofworkinmystudyanew
outlineonthedoctrineofGodbeganto
emerge:oneinwhichGod'sglorywas
paramountandHisloveoccupieda
IhadreturnedthepreviousSaturday centralplace.The"deathofGod"?the
fromAtlanta,Georgia,whereIheardone wholeideaseemedevenstranger,more
ofthedeathofGodtheologiansgotothe absurdthanever.SoIfeltcalm:allwas
ultimateextremebyproclaiming(hear somehowO.K.Iwasnotsurequitewhat
this):"Thetheologianmustwillthedeath washappening,buteverythingwasin
ofGod."Iwassickofmindandheart. goodhands;thisIknew.
Sundaywasaratherdismalday.Whenit
cametoadecisionaboutwhetherto
attendtheprayergroupthatnight,Isaid
no.Thetensionbetweenthedeadnessof ThencameWednesday,thedaybefore
theologyandthealivenessofthegroup ThanksgivingTHEDAY!Ifeltatease,
wassimplytoomuchtotake.Sowe andbegantoturntolettersonmydesk.
stayedhomeandsoughttorelax. Oneletterwasfromapastorwho
describedhisexperienceofrecently
OnMondaywithanextraeffortof visitingtheseminaryandbeingprayed
willpowerIturnedagaintowritingthe forbyastudenttoreceivethegiftofthe
bookontheology.AlthoughIlaboredat HolySpirit.Hewroteabouthowlaterhe
mydeskthroughtheday,Ifeltmyself begantospeakintonguesandpraiseGod
accomplishingabsolutelynothingitall mightily.AsIreadandrereadtheletter,
seemedwordy,dull,lifeless.Also,Iknew thewordssomehowseemedtoleapoffthe
thatonthefollowingMondayIwasto page,andIfoundmyselfbeingovercome.
beginlecturingattheseminaryon"The Iwassoononmykneespracticallyin
DoctrineofGod."Butinspiteofallmy

tearsprayingfortheHolySpirit,and theflowwheneverIwanted,butin
poundingonthechairasking,seeking, operationIhadabsolutelynocontrolover
knockinginawayIneverhaddone thenatureorarticulationofthesounds.
before.NowIintenselyyearnedforthe Mytongue,myjaws,myvocalchords
giftoftheHolySpirit.ThenIstoodand weretotallypossessedbutnotbyme.
begantobeseechGodtobreakmeopen, Tearsbegantostreamdownmyfacejoy
tofillmetothefullestwithsometimesan unutterable,amazementincredible.Over
almosttorturouscrytowhatwasin andoverIfeltbornedowntothefloorby
myselftopossessmytotalbeing.Butfor thesheerweightofitallandsometimesI
atimeallseemedtonoavail.Withhands wouldcry:"Idon'tbelieveit;Idon't
outstretchedIthenbegantopraytoGod believeit!"Itwassocompletelyunlike
theFather,Son,andHolySpiritand anythingIhadeverknownbefore.7
mixedinwiththeentreatywasaverseof
Finally,Isatdowninmychair,butstill
ScriptureIkeptcryingout:"Blessthe
feltbuoyedupasifbyavastinnerpower.
Lord,Omysoul;andallthatiswithin
IknewIwasonearth,butitwasasif
me,blesshisholyname!"Iyearnedto
heavenhadintersecteditandIwasin
blesstheLordwithallmybeingmytotal
both.GodwassomuchtherethatI
self,body,soul,andspiritallthatwas scarcelymovedamuscle:Hisdelicate,
withinme.ThenIknewitwas lush,ineffablepresence.
happening:IwasbeingfilledwithHis
HolySpirit.Also,forthefirsttimeI Suddenly,itdawnedonmethatIhadnot
earnestlydesiredtospeakintongues yetsomuchasglancedataBible.
becausetheEnglishlanguageseemed QuicklyIopenedoneuptoActs2.Tobe
totallyincapableofexpressingthe sureIhadreadthePentecostalstory
inexpressiblegloryandloveofGod. manytimes,butthiswasincredibly
InsteadofarticulatingrationalwordsI different.IfeltIwasthere.AsIreadthe
begantoejaculatesoundsofanykind, wordswithmyeyesandmymind,and
prayingthatsomehowtheLordwoulduse begantodosooutloud,IknewIcould
them.SuddenlyIrealizedthatsomething speak,asIread,inatongue.ThisIdid,
drasticwashappening:mynoiseswere verseafterversereadingtheaccountof
beingleftbehind,andIwasoffwithsuch thefillingwiththeHolySpirit,speaking
utterance,suchwordsasIhadnever inothertongues,andwhatimmediately
heardbefore. followedreadingallthiswiththe
accompanimentofmyownnewtongue!
Wavesafterwave,torrentaftertorrent, BythetimeIarrivedattheverse,"Being
pouredout.Itwasutterlyfantastic.Iwas thereforeexaltedattherighthandof
doingitandyetIwasnot.Iseemedtobe God,andhavingreceivedfromtheFather
utterlydetachedandutterlyinvolved.To thepromiseoftheHolySpirit,he[Christ]
somedegreeIcouldcontrolthespeedof haspouredoutthiswhichyouseeand
thewordsbutnotmuch;theywere hear"(v.33),IwassooverwhelmedthatI
pouringoutataterrificrate.Icouldstop

couldonlystandandsing,"PraiseGod, Imentionedaparagraphagohowthe
praiseGod,"overandoveragain. Lordwaspreparingourhomeasa
sanctuary.Inafewweekspeoplebeganto
gathereachSundayeveninginourhome
forprayer,fellowship,andministry.They
Thewholeeventlastedaboutanhour. weremostlyfrommainlinechurches
ThenIfeltstrangelyimpelledbytheHoly Presbyterians,Methodists,Baptists,and
Spirittomovearoundthehouse,room thelikebutsomefromPentecostal
afterroom,eachtimetospeakoutwitha churches,andsomeRomanCatholics
prayerinthetongue.IwasnotsurewhyI begantocome.Indeed,thenumbersgrew
wasdoingthis,butitwasasiftheHoly solargethatpeoplegatheredinevery
Spiritwasblessingeachspot,each roominthehousewithanoverflowtothe
corner.Truly,asitlaterturnedout,He outsideyard.Somesaidthatastheydrew
waspreparingasanctuaryforHis neartheysawflamesofheavenlyfire
presenceandaction. upontherooftop.Sundaynightafter
Sundaynightforsomefiveyearswemet
ShortlyafterthisIdashedovertothe andtheLordblessedrichlyand
nearbyschoolwheremywifewasa bountifully.8
teacher.Atrecesstimewithboth
falteringandexcitedwordsItriedtotell
herallaboutwhathadhappenedandher
tearsflowedingladthanksgiving.When Duringthosesameyears(about196671),
eveningcame,andthechildrenwerein Ialsowroteanumberofrelated
bed,wehadthefinestprayertimeofour theologicalarticles.First,therewasa
marriedlife.AtfirstIwasscaredand replytothe"deathofGod"theology.This
anxioustotrythetongue,butwhenshe articleappearedintheAustinSeminary
prayedfirstinherownsoft,gentle,and
Bulletin,April1966,entitled"Theologyin
cleartongue,Ifinally"cutloose"andhow
TransitionandtheDeathofGod,"and
canoneexpressit?Godwasalmost
waslaterreprintedbythePresbyterian,
terrifyinglyreal.Therewaspraiseinthe
U.S.(Southern)GeneralAssemblyfor
tongues,andthenintercession.Somehow
distributionthroughoutthe
wefeltthewholeworldhadbeenprayed
denomination.InthisarticleIsoughtto
for,bothingeneralandinparticular
giveacarefulexaminationandcritiqueof
(wherevertherewasneed).Finally,my
thewritingsofeachofthethreeleaders.
dearwifeaskedmetolayhandsonher
Neartheend,Iadded:"Itmightturnout
headandprayforthehealingofacold
thatthe'deathofGod'theologydoesnot
thatwasbotheringher.ThatIdidinthe
signifyadeadendbut,exposingthe
tongueandafterseveralmomentsofnear
emptinessofmuchofourtheology,
ecstaticanddelicatesilence,wewentto
confession,andworship,itcallsuponthe
bed.
wholechurchtoarenewedconcernforthe
HolySpirit....Theologyintransitionmay
bethemovementtoatheologyoftheHoly

Spirit."Thiswasmyfarewellstatement andtheologianswerehelpingtoprepare
tothisvainandemptytheology,for, thewaytoapositiverecognitionofthe
praiseGod,byHisgraceIhadpassed significanceofthePentecostalwitnessfor
throughandcouldthereafterfocusona thefutureofthechurch.Fifth,also
theologyoftheSpirit.Second,Iwrotean duringthelate60s,servingaschairman
articleentitled"ANewTheologicalEra."I oftheSouthernPresbyterianChurch
gavethisasanaddressuponmy PermanentCommitteeofTheology,I
inaugurationasfullprofessorof editedthepaperentitled"ThePersonand
systematictheologyandphilosophyof WorkoftheHolySpirit:withSpecial
religionatAustinSeminaryinthefallof ReferencetotheBaptismoftheHoly
1966.9Myopeningstatementbegan:"The Spirit."Thepaperwasadoptedbythe
thesisofthisConvocationaddresswillbe GeneralAssemblyin1971.15This
thatwestandonthevergeofanew representedasignificantstepaheadin
theologicalera.Itcouldbeasprofound givingdenominationalapprovaltoa
andasexcitingasanythingthathas specialworkingoftheHolySpirit.
happenedinthehistoryoftheology.The
focusofthenewerawillbethedoctrineof
theHolySpirit."Inthesecondpartofthe
address10Igaveabriefhistorical NowIwilladdafewwordsaboutwhat
overviewofthechurch'sreflectionabout hashappenedsincethosefirstfiveyears.
theHolySpiritsinceNewTestament 197172wasatransitionalperiod.
times.Third,alsoin1966,asamemberof IncreasinglyImovedbeyondthe
theSouthernPresbyterianChurch'sTask Presbyterian/Reformedcontextintoa
ForceonEvangelism,Iwroteapaper widerministry.Duringthesummerand
entitled"TheHolySpiritand fallof1971Imadetwotrips16through
Evangelism"11inwhichIsaid:"Weneed manycountriesinEuropetomeetwith
tobevisitedbytherealityofGodinsuch pastors,priests,andlaymeninregardto
fashionthatweknowHisfullpresence.... thecharismaticrenewal.Thefirsttrip
[and]thepowerofGod'sHolySpirit mywifeandIwithDavidduPlessis("Mr.
whichalonecanleadmantoadeep Pentecost")17andhiswifewashighlighted
convictionofsinandtofaithinJesus byaJunemeetinginRomeattheVatican
Christ."12Fourth,duringthelate60sI tohelpplanforaforthcomingRoman
servedasamemberoftheNorth Catholic/PentecostaldialogueontheHoly
AmericanAreaCounciloftheWorld Spirit.LaterinthesummerIparticipated
ReformedAllianceandwrotetwopapers: inanInternationalConferenceon"The
"TheHolySpiritandtheWorld"(1967)13 FellowshipoftheHolySpirit"heldatthe
and"TheUpsurgeofPentecostalism: UniversityofSurreyinEngland.ThereI
SomePresbyterian/ReformedComment" spokeon"ANewErainHistory"18andled
(1971).Thelatterpaperwasreprintedin atheologicalworkshopforother
condensedforminTheReformedWorld.14 theologiansandpastors.Inthefallthe
InitIsoughttodemonstratehowmany secondtriptoEuropewasmadeinthe
PresbyterianandReformedchurchmen companynotonlyofDavidduPlessisbut

alsoofFr.KilianMcDonnell,theRoman Huguenotcountry,whichlongbeforehad
Catholicscholar.Wespoketogetherin beenanareaofcharismaticactivity.It
manyplacesincludingNewCollege, wasajoytosharewiththesepastors
Edinburgh,theWorldCouncilof whatGodwasalsodoinginothersections
ChurchesinGeneva,andagainwentto oftheReformedworld.
Rometoplanfurtherforthe
Vatican/Pentecostaldialogue.During Inthefallof1972Imovedwithmyfamily
197172Iwasonsabbaticalleavefrom fromAustintoAnaheim,Californiaand
AustinSeminarytobearesidentfellow beganaSchoolofTheologyatMelodyland
attheEcumenicalInstitutein ChristianCenter.Atthepeaktimeofthe
Collegeville,Minnesota.Whiletherea "JesusMovement"insouthernCalifornia,
numberofmywritingswerepublished itwasachallengetoprovidebiblicaland
underthetitleThePentecostalReality. theologicaltrainingformanyvery
"turnedon"believers.Theschoolbeganin
Inthesummerof1972Iagaintraveledto January1973,andsoonhaddevelopeda
Europe19forthreereasons.First,Iwent programoftheologicalstudyforhigh
overtoparticipateinthefirst school,juniorcollege,andcollege
internationalRomanCatholic/Pentecostal graduates.Bythemid70sthenumberof
dialogue.Itwasadialoguesponsoredby studentsenrolledwasapproximately700.
theSecretariatforPromotingChristian Iservedasbothpresidentoftheschool
UnityoftheRomanCatholicChurchwith andprofessoroftheologyuntil1982.
bothPentecostalleadersfromPentecostal
churchesaswellasparticipantsinthe
charismaticmovementfromProtestant,
Anglican,andOrthodoxchurches.Forthe Duringtheperiod(197382)Icontinued
dialogueIpresentedpaperson othercharismaticactivity.Iwillmention
"PentecostalSpirituality"20and"Baptism afewhighlights.Inthespringof1973,
intheHolySpirit."21Itwasindeeda theinternationalCharismatic
challengingtime!Second,Iwentto CommunionofPresbyterianMinisters22
Europeasfounderandchairmanofthe (ofwhichIwaspresident)helditsannual
firstEuropeanCharismaticLeaders meetingattheWordofGodCommunity
ConferenceheldatSchlossCraheimin inAnnArbor,Michigan.Thiswasan
Germany.Thepreviouswinterandspring extraordinaryeventinthattheWordof
Ihadsentoutinvitationstomany GodCommunitythathostedthemeeting
Europeanleaderstoattend. waslargelyRomanCatholic!Duringthe
Approximatelyonehundredpersonsfrom summerofthatsameyearIwasin
sometwelveEuropeancountriescame Europeagaintochairthesecond
togetherforunitedstudy,conversation, EuropeanCharismaticLeaders
prayer,andplanning.Third,Iwas ConferenceinSchlossCraheimandlater
privilegedlatertogotosouthernFrance attendedthesecondVatican/Pentecostal
andspeakatameetingofReformed dialogue.(Icontinuedtobeanactive
pastors.Thismeetingwasinold participantonthedialogueeachyear

until1976.)Inthefallof1973Itraveled inVirginiaBeach,Virginia,anddevoted
withmywifetoAustraliaandNew myselflargelytoteachingandwriting.
Zealandtospeakandteachatvarious FortheEvangelicalDictionaryof
charismaticseminarsandconferences. Theology(1984)Iwrotearticleson
Particularlysignificantin1974wasa "CharismaticMovement"and"Holiness,"
conferenceatPrincetonTheological
andfortheDictionaryofPentecostaland
Seminaryon"ThePersonandWorkofthe
CharismaticMovements(1988)several
HolySpirit"atwhichIreadapaper
entitled"TheologicalPerspectivesofthe articlesincluding"BaptismintheHoly
PersonandWorkoftheHolySpirit."23In Spirit."AspresidentoftheSocietyfor
1974and1975Iwasaspeakerand PentecostalStudiesIgaveanaddress
entitled"APentecostalTheology,"28atthe
teacheratthefirstandsecondWorld
annualmeetingin1985.Thiswasan
ConferenceontheHolySpiritheldin effortonmyparttoelaborateabasic
Jerusalem.In1975Iwroteanarticlefor Pentecostaltheology.Otherarticlesand
ChristianityTodaymagazineentitled"A papershavebeenwritten.Amongthese
ProfileoftheCharismaticMovement." are:"TheGreaterGifts"29(1985),"The
Thearticlewasalsoexpandedintoa GiftsoftheHolySpirit"30(1992),and
paper,"TheCharismaticMovementand "BiblicalTruthandExperienceaReplyto
ReformedTheology,"24forameetingof JohnF.MacArthur,Jr."31(1993).
theNorthAmericanAreaCouncilofthe
WorldReformedAlliance.In1977in ItraveledtoSeoul,Koreain1994to
KansasCityattheNationalConference deliveraddressesatSoonShinUniversity
onCharismaticRenewalintheChristian entitled"TheologicalPerspectivesofthe
Churches,thePresbyterianCharismatic Pentecostal/CharismaticMovement"32
Communionsection,Igaveanaddress andatYonseiUniversityentitled"The
entitled"NewTheologyforaNewEra: GiftsoftheHolySpiritandTheir
God'sMightyActs."25Thiswasamajor ApplicationtotheContemporary
attemptatprovidingaTrinitarianbasis Church."33Thesecondoftheseaddresses
forthespiritualrenewal.In1978Iwrote wasgivenataconferenceon"TheHoly
anarticleforNewCovenantmagazine SpiritandtheChurch."In1995,Ireada
entitled"WhySpeakinTongues?"26My paperentitled"TheEngagementofthe
thirdbookontheHolySpirit,TheGiftof HolySpirit"34attheEvangelical
TheologicalSocietyEasternRegion
theHolySpiritToday,waspublishedin
conferenceon"TheRoleoftheHolySpirit
1980.In1981Pneumamagazine
intheInterpretationofScriptures."
containedabriefarticlebymeentitled
"TheHolySpiritandEschatology."27 MymajorworksincecomingtoRegent
Universityhasbeenthewritingofa
threevolumeworkentitledRenewal
Sincethefallof1982Ihaveservedas Theology.Volume1issubtitledGod,the
professoroftheologyatRegentUniversity WorldandRedemption(1988);volume2,

Salvation,theHolySpiritandChristian ThethreechiefproponentswereThomasJ.J.
6
Altizer,WilliamHamilton,andPaulvanBuren.
Living(1990);volume3,TheChurch,the See,forexample,RadicalTheologyandtheDeath
KingdomandLastThings(1992).35Under ofGod(1966)editedbyAltizerandHamilton.It
thebooktitleeachvolumecontainsthe wasonApril8,1966,thatTimemagazinehadas
words,"SystematicTheologyfroma itscover,"IsGodDead?"
CharismaticPerspective."Thuseven
thoughvolume2moredirectlyrelatesto
7
Theparagraphaboveistakenwordforwordfrom
whatIwrotedownwithintwentyfourhoursof
thedoctrineoftheHolySpirit,thereisa theevent.
charismaticperspectiveinallvolumes.
Mydeepestconcern,however,isnotthe 8
Theopeningchapterinthisbook,"Renewalin
charismaticassuch,buttospeakforth theSpirit,"takenfrommybookTheEraofthe
thefullcounselofGod.36 Spirit(1971),reflectsthespiritofthesemeetings.
However,wherevertherenewalhashappened,
andcontinuestohappen,thesameHolySpiritof
theLordisgloriouslymanifest.
AsIsaidatthebeginningofthisPreface, 9
SeeAustinSeminaryBulletin,November1966.
thewritingsincludedarepartandparcel
ofatheologicalpilgrimage.Oneachstep
NotincludedintheaboveAustinSeminary
10
ofthewayallthathasbeenwrittenstems
Bulletin,butinessenceappearinginalater
fromapassionateconcernforspiritual addressentitled"ANewErainHistory"(seechap.
truth.Ispeakatonepointof"atheology 2inthisbook).
ofexplosion."37Thatmaywellbethebest
expressiontocapturethedynamicthat SeeThePentecostalReality,chapter5,forthe
11
drivesmywriting.Fortrulyitwasa completearticle.
theologicalexplosioninNovember,1965 12
Ibid.,95.
thatundergirdsallmyactivity.Ithas
resultedinapilgrimagetothepraiseand 13
Notincludedinthisbook.
gloryofGod.
December1971.Chapter3inthisbookcontains
14
Footnotes theentirearticle.
15
Forexcerptsfromthispaperseechapter4.
1
ThiswastheNineteenthGeneralCouncilofthe
AllianceofReformedChurchesthroughoutthe
WorldholdingthePresbyterianOrder(official Afulldescriptionofthesetwotripsentitled
16
title),August313,1964. "CharismaticJourneyI"and"Charismatic
JourneyII"maybefoundinTheCharismatic
2
November1964,page6. CommunionofPresbyterianMinistersNewsletter,
SeptemberandNovember,1971.
3
TheSecondVaticanCouncilmetfrom1962to
1965withlengthysessionseachfall.
17
DaviddePlessiswasarenownedPentecostal
leaderwhoforyearscarriedthePentecostal
4
Section12. messagetotheestablishedchurches.SeeAMan
CalledMr.PentecostbyBobSlosser.
5
Page176.

18
Theaddressisfoundinchapter2ofthisbook. 32
Seechaper14.
This"CharismaticJourneyIII"isdetailedinthe
19 33
Seechapter15.
CharismaticCommunionofPresbyterian
MinistersNewsletter,September1972.
34
Seechapter16.
20
IncludedinThePentecostalReality,chapter4. Nowpublishedasonevolume,Renewal
35
Theology.
21
Includedinchapter5ofthisbook.
36
Acompletebibliographyofmypublished
TheCharismaticCommunionofPresbyterian
22 writingsthrough1993canbefoundinthe
MinisterswasfoundedinMay1966,inAustin, festscriftSpiritandRenewal:EssaysinHonorof
Texas,bysixPresbyterianministers(including J.RodmanWilliams,editedbyMarkWilson.
myself),withGeorgeC.("Brick")Bradfordbeing
namedgeneralsecretary.Alsopresentasadvisees 37
Seechapter1"RenewalintheSpirit."
atthishistoricmeeting(thefirstcharismatic
organizationtobeformedinamainline
denomination)wereJohnA.Mackay,former
presidentofPrincetonSeminary,andDaviddu
Plessis.
Chapter6ofthisbook,appearingas"The
23
MissingDimension."
24
Seechapter7inthisbook.
25
Seechapter8.
26
Seechapter9.
27
Seechapter10.
28
Seechapter11.
Seechapter12.Thisarticlewasfirstanaddress
29
givenattheSocietyforPentecostalStudies
meetingin1982,andlaterappearedinthebook
CharismaticExperiencesinHistory,ed.byCecil
M.Robeck,Jr.(Peabody:Hendrickson,1985),
chapter3.
30
Notincludedinthisbook.Thearticleappeared
inCharismamagazine,November,pages2529.
Seechapter13.Thisarticlewasfirstanaddress
31
givenattheSocietyforPentecostalStudies
meetingin1992,andlaterappearedinParaclete
magazine,Summer,1993.

thetruthofGodhasopenedup!How
strangeandwonderfulagainto
Chapter1 contemplatewaysinwhichtheSpiritof
Godismovingupontheinnerlifeofthe
expectantcommunity,andbringingforth
RENEWALINTHE powersthathavelonglaindormantor
ceasedtobe!Whatnewopportunitiesfor
SPIRIT
thechurchtoministertomankindunder
theimpactanddirectionoftheHoly
Itisindeedanexcitingtimetobealivein
Spirit,andtobebuiltupinitsownlife
thechurch!Forthereistakingplacein
andfellowship!Itistrulyawonderfulday
ourdayadynamicmovementoftheHoly
tobealivewhensuchthingsare
Spiritforrenewal.Thisishappeninghere
happeninginthechurchofJesusChrist.
andthereinmanyProtestant
denominationsandinRoman
Whatfollowsisbutafurtherreflectionon
Catholicism.Whatisoccurringcanonly
someofthesematters.Theremaybe
bedescribedastheresurgencewithinthe
repetition,backtracking,reflectionsof
formsandstructuresofChristendomof
variouskindshereandthere.Butitis
thevitalityoftheearlyChristian
hopedthatthereaderwillcatch
community.Itisanextraordinary
somethingofthejoyandexcitement
renewalthroughthepresenceandpower
whichmanyofusshare.
oftheHolySpirit.
Whenithappenswefindourselves
I
almostoverwhelmedatthemarvelofit
all.Itishardstilltobelievethatlifecan
besopervadedbytherealityoftheSpirit! Letusspeakfirstofthisrenewedsenseof
Thereisakindofawesomedelight,a therealityofGod.Hemayhaveseemed
rejoicinginGod,asenseofHisvital absent,distant,evennonexistenttomany
presenceasFather,Son,andSpirit. ofusbefore,butnowHispresenceis
SomethinghashappenedbyHisSpirit vividlymanifest.SuddenlyGodishere,
thathasmadeitallstandoutwith notinthesenseofavagueomnipresence
intensevividness.Atthesametimewe butofacompellingpresence.Stillmore,it
findourselvesrenewedasafellowshipof isasifonewerenowsubmergedinthe
theSpiritinwayswonderfulto flowingstreamofGod'sreality!Or,to
contemplate.Whatajoytodiscover changethefigure,itisasifoneknowsfor
afreshsomeoftheprofounddepthsofthe thefirsttimethewonderofan
praiseofGodinthecontextofadeepened atmospheresoladenwiththedivine
loveandunity!Howtheancient Realitythateverythingaroundbecomes
Scriptureslikewisehavecometolifeas gloriouswiththesenseofGod'sineffable
fellowwitnessestoGod'spresentaction, presence.
andthewholerealmofunderstandingof

ButitisthemarvelnotonlyofGod Him.TheLordisnotonlythedistantone
movingwithoutbutalsowithin!Itwere "attherighthandoftheFather";Heis
enoughweightofgloryperhapstobecome notonlytheOnewhohasbroughtusinto
alivetoHiscompellingpresence,but anewlifeorientation;HeisalsotheOne
thereisalsoHismovementthroughthe whohasvisiteduswithHispromised
wholeofone'sexistencewhereinthereis Spirit.TheLordisalsotheSpiritand
theindescribableknowledgeofbeing theplenitudeoftheSpiritisthefullness
somehowfilledwithHisdivineSpirit.It ofHispresenceandgrace!
isasif,aftermanyyearsofnowandthen
sensingHispresence(butalwaysina ThismeansthatChristisaliveindeed!
fleetingfashion),thefullrealityhas Notonlyisthissobecauseofthe
brokenthrough!Itisamazingaswellas resurrectionofJesusofNazarethfrom
overwhelmingbutatlastsomethinglike thedead,butbecauseitisthroughHis
thegloryofGodwhichfilledthe livingrealitythattheSpirithascome.If
tabernacleofold,comesnowtofillthe theresurrectionhadbeforebeena
tabernacleofHishumancreature. doctrinetobebelievedonthetestimony
ofScriptureandthechurchitisnowa
Atthesametimewestronglyaffirmthat certitude,confirmedbyHispresencein
thismovementoftheSpiritcentersin theHolySpirit.Ifthereweredoubtthat
JesusChrist.Forwefindithappeningin theresurrectionsignifiedanythingother
thefellowshipofthosewhohaveheard thanthememoryofachallenginglife
thegoodnewsaboutJesusChrist.He thatdeathcouldnotovercome,thensuch
throughwhomwehavereceived doubthasbeentotallyerased.Forwhat
forgivenessofsinsisHimselfthe hashappenedisthatChristhascometo
mediatorofthisplenitudeoftheSpirit. possessHisownandinthatpossession
Manyofuswerelongtimedisciplesof throughtheHolySpiritwecanbutcry
Christthoughthiswasnotalwaysthe forththecertitudeoftherealityofthe
casebut,inanyevent,thereis livingLord.
convictionthatonlyagainstthe
backgroundofwhatGodhasdone Butthereisonefurtherwordofwitness
throughJesusChrististheSpiritnowso aboutJesusChrist.Itisinthevery
abundantlypouredout. knowledgeofChrist'spresenceinthe
SpiritthatweallthemoreyearnforHis
JesusChristisLord!Notonlyinthe adventinthebody.Come,LordJesus!
sensethatwearecommittedtoHimand NotbecauseHeisabsentdoesthiscrygo
seektoserveHim,butbecausetheHoly forthbutitisbecauseHeispresentin
SpiritisalsoHisSpirit,andthisSpiritis livingexperiencethattheyearningisall
nowfreshlymovinginourmidst.Lives themoreintensetobeholdHiminHis
havebeenstrangelyenrichedbythe fullglory.Further,thishopeforthe
abundanceofHisSpirittheSpiritthat futureisbuiltonmorethanamemoryof
workedinandthroughHim,theSpirit thepastorevenapromisethatHewill
thatbothconceivedHimandpossessed come;itisgroundedinthefullassurance

ofHispresenceevennowandthe experiencedinregardtoGodasFather
knowledgeofbeingcarriedforwardby andSon(orCreatorandRedeemer)that
Himintoayetmoregloriousfuture. somethingadditionalhasbecome
remarkablyvivid.ForGodisatwork
Butagainwhatsosurprisesusisanew beyondcreationandredemptiontobring
awakeningtothefactthatGodreallyis aboutaneworderintheSpirit.
Spirit!Theformerattitudeofmanythat
GodwasaBeingsomewherefarremoved
akindoftranscendentOtherhasbeen
radicallyaltered.Fortherehasbeen Whatwenextattestisthatthe
broughthometousthedeepcertainty communityoffaithhastakenonanew
thatHealsohasmadeHimselfwholly andexcitingmeaning.Somethinghas
immanentintheSpirit.Heretrulyis happenedwhichhasvastlydeepenedand
mysteryandwonder!Itismorethan heightenedthisasafellowshipinthe
havingourbeinginGod,itisGod's Spirit.Manyofushadknowna
havingHisbeingthroughimpartingHis fellowshipofcommitmentandconcern,
beinginus.Godhasbynomeansceased butherewassomethingthatsuddenly
tobeotherthanman,butinHisown openedupwhateverwehadexperienced
graceHehasinvadedHiscreationand intoafellowshipinwhichtheSpirit
pervadeditwithHisfullness. imbuedall.
Hereindeedisamiraclecomparableto NowinthecommunionoftheSpiritthere
theIncarnation!ToknowGod'scomingin isacontinuingmoodofpraiseand
theSpiritisnot,byanymeans,totestify thanksgivingtoGod.Ifthereisanyone
lesstothemysteryoftheWordmade expressionthatbreaksforthagainand
flesh.ThatGoddidbecomemanforthe again,itis"PraisetheLord!"Manyofus
sakeoftheworld'sredemptionismystery tobesurehadofteninthepastreadthis
beyondhumancomprehension.Andthis expressioninthePsalter,sungitfromthe
willcausewonderandjoythroughoutthe hymnbook,anduseditvariouslyin
agestocome.Buthereissurelynolessa worship.Butnowithasbecomethe
wonder:thatthissameGodalsointhe deeplyfeltandjoyouslyexpressed
SpiritcomestopossessHispeople.Godis verbalizationofawayoflifeinwhichthe
therebybeyondbeingwhollyotherthan Lordisconstantlybeingpraisedand
us(asFather)andwhollyoneofus(as glorified.Ormaybetheexpressionat
Son)whollyinusandthroughus(as timesissimply"Thankyou,Jesus,"
Spirit).Herebythepresenceandpowerof becauseHispresenceisintimateand
theHolySpiritisthemiraclethatcarries real,graciousandgood.Constantlythose
creationintoanewdimensionofreality whoknowthisrichfellowshipinthe
andtheendisnotyet! SpiritareblessingthenameoftheLord,
anddiscoveringthatthemorethepraise
Tosumup:wehavethentheassurance andthemagnifyingofHisnameoccurs,
thatafterwhateverhasbeenknownand

themorefullylifeexpressesitsreasonfor halfhasneveryetbeentold!"Something
being. hashappenedthathastransformeda
communityoffaithfromthestanceof
AgaininthisrenewalwhichtheSpiritis lookingtoGodandknowingsomejoy
bringingwearebeginningtorealize surelyinacclaimingHiswonderfuldeeds
afreshsomethingofadeeperloveforone toacommunitythroughwhomGodlives
anotherintheLord.Hereisfellowshipin andmovesandmultipliesHisownjoy
depthwhereinthroughthepraiseofthe andgladness!Inthisthereisalso
Lordthereisallthemorealoveforthe abundantrejoicinginthepresenceofthe
otherperson,andayearningtosharein neighbor,forinhimGodisalso
allthingswithhim.Hereiscommunion encounteredandthejoy,eventhe
thatbecomesakindofunionofone laughter,ofeternity!
personwithanotherthroughtheSpirit
wheretiesoflovetranscendallhuman Then,again,whatisremarkableisthe
relationships."Brother,""Sister"terms freedomthatabounds.Inthefellowshipof
thathadbeforebeenforeignorformalto theSpiritthereisnosenseofcoercion,for
usinthefellowshipoffaith(andseemed example,evenintermsof"I(you)ought
properonlyinhuman,family todothisorthat,"butonlyfreelywilled
relationships)nowbecomethenatural activity.Nooneismadetofeelobligation
expressionsofaprofoundlyfelt orpressureofanykind,forwherethe
communallove.Further,thereisa Spiritisthereisfreedom.Peoplecome
deepeneddesiretomakewhateverone andgoatpleasure,theyparticipateonly
hasintime,abilities,possessionstotally astheyareledbytheSpirit,andthere
availabletotheother.Itishardtocount arenostrategiesforgettingthingsdone.
anythingasreallyone'sownwheninthe Andinthetimeofprayerandpraiseall
fellowshipofpraisetotheLordwe movesastheSpiritdirects:eachonein
recognizeHisgoodnessinthingsboth theSpiritmakinghisowncontribution
greatandsmallandthatHisSpiritis andtheonlyleaderofthemeetingisthe
constantlymultiplyinggiftsandgraces! Lord.Whatanamazingsituation:
whetheritistestimonyorScripture,
And,onceagain,inthefellowshipofthe prophecyorintercession,songorsilence
Spiritwhatgreatjoyistobefound!This alloccursincompletefreedom.Each
isembeddedmostprofoundlyinthat personisheardasseriouslyasanother,
compellingsenseoftherealityofGod's notonlybecauseofrespectforthe
presence.Herearefaceslightedwith individualbutalsobecausetheLordas
heavenlyluster,heartsleapingupin theSpiritismakingknownthroughthis
newfoundgladness,andthroughitall personHiswillandway.
thereisknownjoybeyondmeasure.This
joyisprofoundlyinwardjoythatthe Anotheraspectoftherenewalofthe
earthcannotgiveortakeaway.Itis(as Spiritwithinthefellowshipisthe
inoneofthesongssometimessung)"joy atmosphereofpeacethatprevails.Thisis
unspeakableandfullofglory,andthe somethingalmostindescribableinits

heightsanddepths.Thetensionsand passawayiftheybearadivisivestamp,
frictionsthataresooftenoperativein oriftheyareoftheLordtheyare
humancommunitiesarebothconfessed marvelouslyblendedintoanunexpected
andtranscendedinthecommunionofthe wholeness.Howgloriousistheunityof
Spirit.Hereismorethanpeacethrough theSpiritinthebondofpeace!
mutualrespect,oreventhrougha
willingnesstoforgivethefaultsthat Afurtherwordortwomightbeadded
appear.ItisthepeacewhereintheSpirit aboutthealtogetherremarkableunity
ofGodmovesintoalltheharshand thattheSpiritbringsaboutamongthose
abrasivespotsandcommunicatesthe whowearvariousdenominationallabels.
divinecalm.Whensomeoneperhaps IntherenewaloftheSpirititsimplydoes
beginstosing,"Ihavethepeacethat notmakeanydifferencewhatthechurch
passesunderstandingdowninmyheart," affiliationmaybe,fornotraditionofthe
andotherspickuptherefrain,thereis pastisabletosubordinatetheprevailing
quietbutsuretestimonytothewonderof presenceoftheSpiritofunity.
thepeaceofGod.Thisisnopseudopeace Protestantsofmanystripes
whereharshrealityisanesthetizedby Presbyterians,Episcopalians,
pioussedatives.Instead,itispeace Methodists,Baptists,ChurchofChrist,
which,eveninthemidstofstormand Lutherans,andonandonfindinthis
strife,makesforakindofinfinitecalm. fellowshipoftheSpiritsuchanintense
Sometimes,especiallyafterthepraiseof onenessthatcustomaryrationalesfor
GodhasbeensoundedforthintheSpirit, separateness(theological,ecclesiastical,
andwaveuponwaveofheavenlymelody liturgical,social)collapseunderthe
hasechoedthroughtheroom,thereis impactoftheSpirit.
suchpeaceattheconclusionastrulyto
surpassimagination.Itisthepeaceof ThisfellowshipintheSpirit,however,is
eternity. bynomeansconfinedtoProtestants,for
thishigherunitytranscendsevenancient
Andthisleadstooneotherthing:the differencesbetweenProtestantsand
deepandstirringspiritofunity.Inthe Catholics,andwefindourselvescoming
renewaloftheSpiritfactionalism, togetherindeepsolidarity.Howamazing
division,partyspiritofallkindsare isthediscoverythatthesamething
overcomeundertheimpactoftheHoly whichhassorecentlyhappenedtoushas
Spirit.Hereisnotamonotonous alsobeenhappeningtothem,andaswe
uniformitywhereinalldoandsaythe cometogetherinchurchesandhomeswe
samething,butasituationwhereinthe areoneintheSpiritoneintheLord!Yet
Spiritweavestogetherthevarious CatholicsandProtestantsalikefind
strands,theshadesandhues,the themselvesinspiredwithfreshzealfor
divergenciesanddifferencesintoa thesacraments,theworship,thepractice
patternofincomprehensibleunity.The oftheirowndenominations.How
mostscatteredandseemingly extraordinaryitallis!
disorganizedexpressionseitherquietly

Noroughtwetofailtomentionatthis openingoftheeyestodimensionsof
juncturethatallofthisislikewise realityonlyvaguelysurmisedbefore.
bringingaboutaunitywiththe"third
force"ofChristendom,thePentecostal TheBibletrulyhasbecomeafellow
churches.InmanywaysthePentecostals witnesstoGod'spresentactivity.What
havebeentheforerunnersofusallin happenstodayinthefellowshipandin
witnessingtothisrenewaloftheSpirit. individuallivesalsohappenedthen,and
SoitiswithjoythatProtestantsand thereisthejoyofknowingthatourworld
Catholicsreachoutunitedhandssaying wasalsotheirworld.Ifsomeonetoday
fromtheheart,"Thankyou,"andtogether perhapshasavisionofGodorofChrist,
sitdownwiththeselong"separated itisgoodtoknowthatithashappened
brethren"(separatedfromProtestants before;ifonehasarevelationfromGod,
andCatholicsalike)intheunityofthe toknowthatfortheearlyChristians
Spirit.PraisetheLord! revelationalsooccurredinthe
community;ifonespeaksa"Thussays
theLord,"anddarestoaddressthe
fellowshipinthefirstpersonevengoing
Nowanothermattertobementionedis
beyondthewordsofScripturethatthis
thewayinwhichtheBiblehastakenon
washappeninglongago.Howstrange
vitalmeaning,becomingindeedaquite
andremarkableitis!Ifonespeaksinthe
contemporarydocument.Whatmayhave
fellowshipoftheSpirittheWordoftruth,
beenthoughtofasakindofexternalrule
itisneitherhisownthoughtsand
ornormofChristianfaith,ormerelya
reflections(e.g.,onsometopicoftheday)
historicalwitnesstoGod'smightydeeds,
norsimplysomeexpositionofScripture,
hasbecomeacoordinatetestimonyto
fortheSpirittranscendspersonal
God'samazingactivity.Thereisa
observations,howeverinterestingor
newfounddelightinreadinghereand
profoundtheymaybe.TheSpiritasthe
thereinScriptureandsaying,"Why,of
livingGodmovesthroughandbeyondthe
course...Idon'tknowwhyitseemedso
recordsofpastwitness,howevervaluable
strangeanddistantbefore."Somethings
suchrecordsareasmodelforwhat
thathadbeenviewedasbelongingto
happenstoday.ForintheSpiritthe
God'spastwork(ifnottopiouslegend)
presentfellowshipisasmuchthearenaof
nowstandoutascompellinglyvivid.Itis
God'svitalpresenceasanythinginthe
asifadoorhadbeenopenedand,walking
Biblicalaccount.Indeed,inthelightof
throughthedoor,wefindspreadout
whatwemaylearnfromthispastwitness
beforeustheextraordinaryBiblical
andtaketoheart,wemayexpectnew
worldaworldwithdimensionsof
thingstooccurinourdayandindaysto
angelicheightsanddemonicdepths,of
come.
HolySpiritanduncleanspirits,yes,even
ofGodandSatan.Noristhisatripinto Thisleadstoafurtherexcitingthing
illusionorintothingsprovedfancifulby aboutthisfellowship,namely,thatoneis
ourmodern"enlightenment."Itisthe
alwayslookingforwardfromthebiblical

record.Wedonotexpectthedaysand promisedatthe"end"isgoingtotake
yearsaheadtobebutrepetitionofthe place.Thisisduetothefactthatthe
pastorthepresent,forweliveunderthe Spirit,whoistheinward"earnest"or
wordthat"greaterworks"(John14:12) pledgeofallChristians,nowopensour
thanevenourLorddidaretobeexpected. eyestobeholdwithaweandgratitudethe
Inanagefastleavingthepastbehind richesoftheinheritancewhichisyetto
andrushingtowardanewmillennium come.Allinall,itisnotnecessarilyasif
withalmostbreathtakingdiscoveriesin oneseeswhathehadnotseenbefore,
science,venturesinspace,andsoonthe thoughthismaybethecase.Rather,itis
communitylooksforwardalsotonew asifwhatwasvagueandfleeting,
spiritualbreakthroughscarryingusfar somewhatdimandunclear,nowbecomes
beyondwhatcanbedreamedofnow.If fullofsubstance.Inallhumilityandjoy
therestandsattheendthefinalAdvent therebreaksforththesimpleutterance:
ofJesusChristand"anewheavenanda "Now,atlast,Iknow."
newearth"(Rev.21:1),whathappens
betweennowandtheninpreparationfor Noristhisagnosis(higherknowledge)
suchistheultimatelyimportantthing. belongingtoapresumedspiritualelite.
Thusdowelookeverydayforthenewin Hereisnothingesotericforwhichonly
anticipationofthefinalconsummation! certainones,usheredintocelestial
mysteries,arequalified.Indeed,thereis
nothingseenorheardorknownthatwas
nottherealready,thecommonheritageof
Somethingwassaidearlieraboutthe allthechildrenofGod;buthereisthe
openingofoureyestodimensionsof marvelofitallbreakingthroughinvivid
realityonlyvaguelysurmisedbefore.We form.Norcantherebeanyclaimtohave
maynowaddthatoneofthegreatjoys achievedsomethingwhereintheremaybe
thatcomestothoseinthisrenewalofthe boasting,fornothinghasbeenachieved
SpiritisthewayinwhichtheSpiritso ithasallcomeasagiftofthegracious
enlightenstheunderstandingastobring Lord.
assuranceaboutmanythings.Itmaybea
matterofdepthapprehensionwhenin Inadditiontothisspiritual
theSpiritthereisaprofoundcertitudein enlightenmentintermsofunderstanding,
manyareasoffaith:theindubitable thereistherealizationofextraordinary
conviction,forexample,ofbelongingto power.Almostincredibletorelate,itis
ChristandparticipatinginHissalvation. nototherthantheimmeasurablygreat
HereisnotonlyabeliefinChrist,itis powerthatraisedChristfromthedead
alsoafullconviction.Thisdoesnotmean andenthronedHimattherighthandof
thatfaithhaspassedintosight;butfaith Godthatnowbecomesoperativein
hasbecomecertainty.Orthis humanlife.Hereareresourcesof
enlightenmentmayrefertothefuture strengthhithertounrecognizedor
wherebythereisimpartedthroughthe untappedthatsuddenlybegintoflow
Spiritthefullassurancethatwhatis surelynotfromourownpotential(for

whocouldpossiblyhavesuch?),but HereindeedistheSpiritHimself
throughtheSpiritofthelivingGod speakingthroughthehumanspiritand
movinginandthroughthehuman theutterancecomingforthisnotthe
depths"theinnerman."Hereispower languageofmanbutthelanguageofthe
breakinginandoutoftheconsciousand Spirit!ThisistheglorifyingofGodin
subconsciousdepthsofthehumanspirit "tongues"inspeechnotofhuman
that,whilemakinguseofhuman devisingbutbroughtaboutbytheSpirit
channels,transcendseveryhuman ofthelivingGod.Andinthisspiritual
possibility. praisethereistheoverwhelmingsense
thatnoricherworshipofGodcould
Buthowcanitreallybedescribed?Itis possiblybeoffered,forinittheSpiritis
asifonewerepassingfromasituationof communicatingdirectlythroughthe
relativeimpotenceintoadynamicworld humanspirittheprofoundestadorationof
whereinGod'sownactivityflowsthrough AlmightyGod.
thetotalityofexistence.Forwhenthe
SpiritofGodbeginstomoveuponand Whatjoyfollows,asthepraiseofGod,
withinthespiritofman,itislikea pouringforthfromthehumanspirit,isin
drivingwindblowingthrougheveryfiber turnofferedupbythemindand
ofthehumanpersonality,likeablazing heavenlylanguageblendswithearthlyin
fireignitingthespeechofmanto paeansofblessingandthanksgiving!
proclaimGod'sdeedsabroad.ItisActs1 Indeed,thewholebeingspiritandmind,
and2alloveragain!Itis,tobesure,a bodyandsoul,feelingandwillisso
differentcast,adifferentscene,a sweptbythehighwindoftheSpiritasto
differentmillenniumandpeople becarriedupandoutintonew
obviouslynotexistinginthesame dimensionsoflivingforthepraiseof
proximitytotheoriginaleventofChrist's God'sglory.Howvastandmarvelousthis
deathandresurrection,norcalleduponto poweroftheSpirittobreakthroughlong
betheoriginalwitnessestoGod'smighty existingbarriers!
deedsbutvisitedbythesamepower
thatbrokeoutintheprimitiveChristian ButthereisnotonlypowertopraiseGod
community. withthetotalbeing,thereisalsopower
tospeakforthHiswordsothatitcomes
Thisleadsinturntoanextraordinary withfullconviction.Formerlymanyofus
manifestationoftheSpiritofGodlike hadsoughttobearwitnesstoJesus
windandfirepossessingtheinmost Christbuthadfoundourwordsand
being.Itisthebreakingforthofthe actionsofinsufficientweightand
praiseofGodfromthedepthsofthe consequence.Whiletheremayhavebeen
humanspirit.Suddenlywefindtoour sincerityofeffortandsomesuccessin
ownastonishmentthatthispraise, termsofothershearingandresponding,
carriedbythedivineSpiritandwelling liveswerenotbeingchanged.
upthroughthehumanspirit,transcends TransformationbroughtaboutbySpirit
allthathumanlanguagecanexpress. andword,whereintheheartofthe

"righteous"aswellasthe"unrighteous"is suchsignsasdeliverancesfromevil
brokenopenandremadeinitscenter, possessionandthehealingofthehelpless
simplyhadnotbeenhappening.Butnow, andhopeless?Nowinthepowerofthe
byGod'sgrace,thepoweroftheSpirit Spirit"signsandwonders"are
hascomeandthewordisgoingforthto reappearing,andthegospelisbeing
changelives.Notbyanymeansthatallto remarkablyconfirmed!
whomthewordwillhenceforthbespoken
willbeprofoundlyaffectedforthere Surely,however,thereismoreherethan
alwaysremainsthefreedomtoresist confirmationofthewordproclaimed.For
butthepossibilityatlastishere!Noris thesearenotonlyconfirmingsigns,they
thereanyguaranteeofinvariably alsointhemselvesrepresentministrytoa
ministeringintheSpirit,fortheSpiritis vastareainwhichthereisdesperate
neverahumanpossession(Hemay needtoday.Buthere,hithertobecauseof
possessusbutnotweHim)andneedsto insufficientresourcesofpower,wehave
besoughtcontinually.Butnowthatthe bynomeansfulfilledourresponsibility
originalbarrierstoHisactivityhavebeen andopportunity.Thisisnottosaythat
breached,therearehumanchannels wehavenotgenerallysupportedand
newlyopentoHisworking.Andwhata soughttofurthertheworkofhealing
differenceitdoesmaketowitnessfor throughphysicians,hospitals,clinicsof
JesusChristinthepoweroftheHoly variouskinds,andstoodbehindeffortsof
Spirit! psychiatrists,psychologists,agenciesfor
dealingwithmentalandemotional
Whatisfurtheramazingisthewayin problems;however,therearemany
whichGodconfirmsthiswitnessby"signs situationsbeyondthecompetencyof
andwonders."Nowandagainthereisnot medicineandpsychology.Thereare
onlylifegivingproclamationofthe profoundhumanneedsthatonlythe
messagebutalsoaccompanyingitare poweroftheSpiritcanreachandresolve
extraordinaryoccurrencesincludingthe andnowweknowsuchpoweris
deliveranceofpeoplefromevilpowers, available!Forwearebeginningtosee
thehealingofcasesofhopelessillness, thingshappenwherebyhealthand
and(somesay)eventheraisingofthe deliverancearecominginconditionsof
dead.ThisisaworldofGod'smiraculous hopelessplight.Whatthenisopeningup
activity,surelyrepresentedintheNew todayisnotonlyfreshconfirmationofthe
Testament,butjustbeginningtobecome gospelthrough"signsandwonders"but
actualforsomeofustoday.These"signs alsomorecompleteministryinChrist's
andwonders"wenowknowtobe name.
confirmationsoftheword;andiftheyare
veryrareornonexistent,itwouldseem Thereremainsanotherimportantaspect
questionablewhetherthewitnessisgoing ofthispoweroftheSpirit.Notonlydoes
forthfullyinthepoweroftheSpirit.Are theHolySpiritbringforthawholenessof
livesbeingradicallytransformeda divinepraise,awitnesstothewordinfull
miracleinitselfiftherearenotalso conviction,andamoretotalministry,but

thereisalsoanenablingtostandfirm happensnotastheexpressionofnatural
againstmanifoldforcesthatthreaten. prowess,butthroughtheSpirit'sown
TheHolySpiritisthepowerofboldness activity.Accordingly,itmayoccurwith
toproclaimGod'struthwithout theignorantaswellasthelearned,the
hesitationandfear;itisalsothecourage "foolish"aswellasthewise.Infact,such
tomoveaheadregardlessofopposition spiritualutteranceisaltogetheragiftof
andevenpersecution.HerebytheSpirit theSpirit,andoperatesthroughthose
isnotanaturalvirtueoffortitude,but whoaresogifted.
thestrengthofGodthatnothingcan
dauntandovercome. Inthisregarditmayhappenthatthose
leastqualified(accordingtoordinary
judgment)intermsofawordofwisdom
and/orknowledgeandwhoaccordingly
Letusreturnnowtotheexcitingrenewal havelittletoboastaboutarethevery
oftheChristiancommunityasfellowship onesthroughwhomtheSpiritbrings
oftheSpirit.Wehavespokenearlier forthtruth.Astheyspeak,perchancein
aboutcertainmatterssuchasthespiritof haltingmanner,sometimesimproper
praiseandthanksgiving,love,joy, English,eveninaccuratequotationfrom
freedom,peace,andunitywhichprevails Scripture,theSpiritmaybeheardinthe
inthefellowship.Nowletuscomment fellowship.1Hereischarismaunrelatedto
furtheronsomeofthewaysinwhichthe officeorabilityand,byitsoccurring
Spiritactuallyfunctionsinthe amongtheleast,thefellowshipis
community.HereIrefertotheoperation remindedthatalloftheglorybelongsto
oftheSpiritwhereby,fortheupbuilding God.
ofall,therearevariousmanifestationsof
theSpirit.Someofthishasbeen Afurtherwordshouldbeaddedaboutthe
mentionedinpassing;herewemaynote rangeofthisspiritualutterance.Byno
inmoredetailwhathappens. meansdoesitapplyonlyto"things
spiritual,"thatis,todeepmattersof
OneoftheextraordinarywaystheSpirit faith.DoubtlesstheSpiritoperatesmost
functionsandmanifestsHimselfinthe profoundlythere,forinthefellowship
fellowshipisthroughutteranceof frequentlythosewhoaresogiftedbythe
spiritualwisdomand/orknowledge. Spiritdounfoldmysteriesabouttheways
Referencehasbeenmadebeforetothe ofGod,forexample,inincarnation,
matterofspiritualenlightenment redemption,andsanctification.Butas
(whereinthereisdiscernmentand GodHimselfisnotlimitedinconcernto
assurance)whichcomesaboutthrough mankind'ssalvationbutisinvolvedwith
themovementoftheHolySpiritand thetotalityofthings,evenso,utterance
occurstoall.Here,however,Iam bytheSpirit(betterperhapsthan
referringtospecialmomentswhenaword "spiritualutterance")mayrelatetomany
maybespokenbysomeonethatprovides othermatters.Inthefellowshipitoften
deepspiritualunderstanding.This happensthatthewordofwisdomand/or

knowledgeisspokeninrelationtosome Letuspassontotwoother
materialneed(ajob,ahouse),perhaps manifestationsoftheSpiritinthe
desirefordirection,eveninsosmalla fellowship,namely,theeffectingof
matterassomethinglostthatseems healingsofvariouskindsandthe
importanttolocate.Itmaybeawordof performanceofextraordinarydeedsof
guidanceineconomic,social,orpolitical deliverance.Sincereferencehasalready
affairsnotnecessarilyinbroaddetail beenmadetotheconfirmationofthe
butjustthatwordwhichpointstheway proclamationofthegospelby"signsand
ahead.Whatisimportantisnotthefull wonders,"wewillnotneedtoaddvery
picture(forwhichnaturalwisdomand much.Ourconcerninthisinstance,
intelligencearetheGodgivenmeans) however,isnotwithwitnesstotheworld
butsimplythat"Spiritual"wordwhich butwithwhathappensinthefellowship
providesmorethanhumanlightand fortheupbuildingofthecommunity.
perspective.
Again,whatastrange,newworldwe
Nowallofthisissonewanddifferent haveentered!Inanamazingconfirmation
fromordinarywaysthatwehaveahard thatextraordinaryhealingsofbody,
timeadjustingtoit.Thisisespecially mind,andsouldidnotendwiththeNew
trueifthewordcomeswithunexpected, Testamentcommunity,thefellowshipof
evenundesired,content."Thisgood theSpiritisfindingtodayinitsmidstthe
brotherorsisterreallyknowslittleabout Spiritatworkperformingmightydeeds.
mysituation;whyshouldIlisten?"Andof ThesameLordwhocuredthehelpless
coursenoteveryutterancespokenasa andhopelessandwroughtdeliverance
wordofwisdomorknowledgewillbethat, fromoppressiveforcesisatworkthrough
forthereisnoguaranteeinthefellowship HisSpiritaccomplishinglikedeedsof
thatonlytheHolySpiritisatwork.Thus mightandcompassion.HehasgivenHis
theremustbeaweighingofthingssaid Spiritandthroughthemovementofthat
bytheSpiritualcommunity.Butquite sameSpiritinpowerHeisatworkto
oftentheproblemisnotthatofthe makeHispeoplewhole.
presenceofa"foreign"spirit;itis,rather,
thedifficultywenaturallyhaveof Herewearehavingtolearnmuch(almost
hearingawordthatmaynotaltogether asneophytes)inmattersoftheSpirit.We
please,especiallyifitcomesfromthose nowknowthattheworldofextraordinary
whoseemtopossesslittleornotalentfor healing,mightyworksofdeliverance,and
understandingthecomplexityofhuman soon,oughtnevertohavebecomealiento
affairs.Itisindeedanewworld;butthe us.Itsurelywasnotthustoprimitive
opportunityformovingaheadunderthe Christianity.Wenowrealizehowmuch
impactofdivinedirectionisdespiteall wehavebeenblindedbyamodernworld
dangeranddifficultytrulyachallenging viewthatintellectuallyandempirically
one!2 viewsallthathappensormayhappen
asbelongingtotherealmofnatural
forces.So,despiteattimesitsbeinga

slowprocess(especiallysincewehaveso Inaddition(totheseinitialhealings)
muchrationalismandempiricisminour manytodayarebeinghealedofvarious
blood),andourfrequentfallingback,we diseasesinthefellowshipoftheSpirit.
arebeginningtomoveaheadinthisworld Oneregularaspectofthegatheringis
reopeningbeforeoureyes.Itwastrue prayerforrestorationtohealthofthose
afterallwhatwereadintheNew ailing.And,againandagain,thereisthe
Testament!BytheSpiritofGodpeople joyofseeingthesick(includingthe
reallywerehealedofallmannerof medicallyincurable)madewell.Often
thosepresentwithailmentscomeforward
diseasesandailments;theyactuallywere
forprayer.Thismaybeofferedbythe
deliveredfromforcesofevilbeyondthe
layingonofhandsandsomesuch
reachofnaturalmeans.Forsuchis
declarationas,"InthenameofJesusof
happeningagaininourmidst.
Nazareth,bemadewhole!"Onoccasion
Forexample,inthefellowshipmanifold thereisalsoanointingwithoilasprayer
healingsaretakingplace.Numerousare forhealingisoffered.AndGodrichly
theoccasionswhenpersons, blessesastheSpiritofJesusChrist
simultaneouslywiththeirmovementinto reachesouttothefaithofthoseasking.
thedimensionoftheSpirit'spower,have Onceagain,asofold,Hemakesthem
receivedinstantaneoushealingsoflong well.
sufferedailments.Thisoccursquiteoften
Wefindalsointhefellowshipthatoften
withoutanyspecificministeringof
certainpersonsareparticularlyusedby
healingorevenanexpresseddesirefor
theSpiritasvehiclesforhealingand
thistohappen.Rathertheverypowerof
deliverance.Theyare"gifted"bythe
theSpiritengagingthetotalperson
Spiritforthispurpose.Strangelyenough
psyche(soul)andsoma(body)often thisgiftseemstohavelittleorno
bringsabout"impossible"cures.The relationshiptotheirnaturaltalents,
Spiritoperativeinthewholeperson interests,ortraining4thoughitmay
inevitablyaffectseverydimensionof cometotheminthecontextofastrong
existence,andtheresultmaybethatof desiretobeofhelptothesickandailing.
extraordinaryhealingtakingplace.From Suchgiftedpersons(humblyamazedthat
theviewpointoftheSpiritthereis Godshouldsousethem)oftenwill
nothingreallyincredibleherebecause ministerforthewholegroup,and
suchoccurrencesaresignsofthe frequentlyfollowupbyvisitationsto
dynamismoftheSpirit.Fromthenatural hospitalsandhomes.Theyliveinaworld
perspective,however,thesehealingsare ofmiraclesandneverceasetobe
occasionforwonderbecausethereisno channelsfornewonestooccur!
wayofaccountingforthem.Powersareat
workthroughthedynamicmovementof Theword"deliverance"hasseveraltimes
theHolySpirit.Thusmiraclesnowand beenused,soanoteofexplanationshould
againareboundtohappen.3 beadded.Herethereisakinshipto
healing,sincetheresultisthatofreturn

tonormalcy.However,"deliverance" perhapstwoorthree)mayactinthis
refersnotsomuchtomakingwellasto capacity.This,ofcourse,isnot
breakingfreefromdominatingforces. determinedbythefellowship,but,aswith
Nowandagainpeoplewillbepresentin allotheractivities,somepersonsare
thefellowshipwhoareboundbypowers giftedbytheSpiritandcalledforthis
thathavethemundercontrol.They weightytask.Whatajoyitistoknow
simplycannotbreakfreewhetheritbe thattodaytheSpiritoftheLordis
fromanaddictionofsomekind,adeeply anointingpeopletodowhatHeanciently
ingrainedanxiety,orfromirrational did,namely,setpersonsfreefromtheir
drivesthatfrustratetheireffortstolive torturousbondage!Andthoughitoften
infreedom.Inmanycasesthisis seemsabattletothedeath(withnolittle
somethingmoreprofoundthana agonyandpain),wearegratefulforthose
psychologicalproblem,hence,although uponwhomtheLordlaysthisfearsome
theremaybesomerelieffoundin responsibility.
workingthroughthesituation,bringing
itscomplexitytoawareness,andperhaps Wecouldgoon,butperhapsthisis
seekingoutasupportivegroup,theyare enoughconcerninghealingsand
stillessentiallyinbondage.Forthe deliverance.Wehavemuch,muchto
problemisnotbasicallyonthelevelof learnbutnoneofusquestionsthatthe
psychebutofpneuma(spirit).Thehuman "impossible"intheseareasishappening.
spiritispossessedbya"demonic"spirit; PraisetheLord!
anduntilthisisdealtwith,therecanbe
nodeliverance.Theonlyforcecapableof Finally,wemayconsiderthewayin
dealingwiththedemonicspiritisthe whichtheSpiritismanifestinthe
HolySpirit,andbytheHolySpirit(we fellowshipthroughprophecyandtongues.
arefindingafresh)suchoppressioncanbe Somereference,inadifferentconnection,
relieved.Nowitisnotan"Inthenameof hasalreadybeenmadetothesematters;
Jesus,bemadewhole!"but"Inthename however,therearesomethingsthatneed
ofJesus,lethimgo!"Itisabattle tobeelaboratedfurther.
enjoinedagainst"principalitiesand
powers"andweareseeingthemarvel Ifthereisanyareaofsurpriseforallof
todayofmanyadeliverancebythepower us,itissurelyhere!Whathasbeensaid
oftheHolySpirit. thusfaraboutextraordinaryoperations
oftheSpirit(wordsofwisdomand
Again,asinthecaseofhealing,some knowledge,healinganddeliverance)is
personsinthefellowshiparecalled surelynotwithoutthenewandstrange,
particularlyto"deliveranceministry." butherewefindthingsinmanyways
Thegroupoftendoesfunctionasawhole, evenmorestartling.Fornowwecometo
andtogetherwillprayforsomeone's manifestationsoftheSpiritthat,while
release;butbecauseofthenatureofthe usingmindandspeech,transcendboth,
situationinvolvingsometimesalong andrepresentinstartlingfashiondirect
andarduousstruggleindividuals(or communicationbetweenGodandman.

Asfarastheupbuildingofthefellowship blessyou..."andhasthedirectnessof
isconcerned,prophecystandsoutasthe an"IThou"encounter.Itcomesnotina
mostsignificantofalltheSpirit's heavenlylanguage,butinthenative
operations.5Certainlythefellowshipas tongueofthepersonspeakingandwith
thebodyofChrist,ifitistofulfillits hisorheraccustomedinflections,
functionofpraisetoGodandwitnessin cadences,andmanners.Indeed,the
theworld,needsconstantlytobeedified. speechmayevenbecoarseand
Thisedificationorupbuildingthrough ungrammatical;itmaybeamixtureof
prophecyconsistsofconsolation, "KingJames"andmodern;itmayfalter
encouragement,stimulation,exhortation, aswellasflowsuchreallydoesnot
strengthening.Itmaycomeintermsof matter.ForinprophecyGoduseswhat
judgmentaswellasblessing;however,in Hefinds,andthroughfrailhuman
allthingsitisnotforbreakingdownbut instrumentstheSpiritspeaksthewordof
forbuildingup,foritisGod'swordtoHis theLord.
peopleforthelivingoftheirlivesbefore
Him. Whatisdistinctiveinprophecyisthatthe
wordsdonotissuefromhumanreflection
Nowletusspeakfurtheraboutthe orpremeditation.Indeed,theremayhave
startlingelementinprophecy,namely, beenmuchtimegiventoprayer,studyof
thatinitGod'swordisdirectlyspoken!It Scriptures,waitinguponGod;butwhen
isnotthatthroughprophecythereisa thewordofGodgoesforthitisthe
keytotheknowledgeoffutureevents,so operationoftheSpirituponandwithin
thatwemayhaveourcuriositysatisfied. thehumanmindsothatthemessage
Whatisamazinghereisnotthatweare spoken,whileinthelanguageofman,is
giventoknowcertainhappeningsahead thedirectutteranceofGod.Theprophet
oftime,butthatinhumanlanguage doesnotknowwhathewillsayin
God'svoiceisheard!Tobesure,theword advanceofsayingit,norcanhebesure
ofGodmaycontainreferencetothe justwhenthemomentwillcomeoreven
futureforitisawordthatprobesthe ifitwillcomebuthespeakswhenand
wholehumansituationbutitisnot asGodwills.Thusinthefellowshipthere
esotericknowledge.Itistheillumination isnoschedulingofprophecy:itjust
oflifeinallofitsdimensionsbythelight happens!
ofGod'sownrevealing.6
Allofthistorepeatisquitesurprising
InprophecyGodspeaks.Itisassimple andstartling.Mostofusofcoursewere
andprofoundandstartlingasthat!What familiarwithpropheticutteranceas
happensinthefellowshipisthattheword recordedintheBible,andwillingto
maysuddenlybespokenbyanyone acceptitasthewordofGod.Isaiah'sor
present,andso,variously,a"Thussays Jeremiah's"ThussaystheLord..."we
theLord"breaksforthinthefellowship. wereaccustomedto,buttohearaTomor
Itisusuallyinthefirstperson(though aMarytoday,inthetwentiethcentury,
notalways),suchas"Iamwithyouto speakthesameway...!Manyofusalso

hadconvincedourselvesthatprophecy Itwasearliermentionedthatprophecyis
endedwiththeNewTestamentperiod addressedtothecommunityoffaithfor
(despitealltheNewTestamentevidence itsupbuilding.However,wehavenoted
tothecontrary),7untilsuddenlythrough onmanyoccasionsthat,coincidentalwith
thedynamicthrustoftheHolySpirit thisedification,prophecyoftenhasa
prophecycomesaliveagain.Nowwe profoundeffectonthosepresentwhoare
wonderhowwecouldhavemisreadthe nottrulybelievers.Astheverywordof
NewTestamentforsolong! God,itsomuchconveysanimpressionof
God'srealityandpresencethatpersons
Perhapsafurtherwordisinorderhere. nowandagainarebroughtunder
Preaching,wealsorecognize,isnot conviction,cryoutforhelp,andthereby
prophecynoristeaching.Inthepastif enterintoanewlifeinChrist.9Thus
wehadnotthoughtofprophecyasending prophecyindirectlybecomesproclamation
withtheBiblicalcanon,weoftentended andevangelism.
toidentifyitwiththeofficeofpreaching
orteaching.Preaching,however,isthe Becauseofthehighpowerednatureof
proclamation(kerygma)ofthegoodnews; prophecyitisimportanttoaddthe
itistheheraldingofthefaithtothe fellowshipfindsitimperativetoweigh
world.Teachingisinstruction(didache) judiciouslywhatissaid.Prophecycanby
insounddoctrine,andisnecessaryfor nomeansbetakencasually.Sinceitis
maturinginthefaith.Boththereforeare verilyGod'smessagetoHispeople,there
quiteimportantbuttheyarenot mustbequiteseriousandcareful
considerationgiventoeachwordspoken,
prophecy(propheteia).Nowitmaywellbe
andapplicationmadewithinthelifeof
thatthepreachingoftoday,whichis
thefellowship.Alsobecauseoftheever
oftenaddressedmoretothecommunityof
presentdangerofprophecybeingabused
faiththantotheworld,hasinitprophetic
thepretenseofhavingawordfromGod
elements,andattimesprophecywill
thereisneedforspiritualdiscernment.10
breakthrough.However,preachingas
Someinthefellowshipmayrecognize
ordinarilydone,whetherinterms
throughtheHolySpiritthatagiven
basicallyofScripturalexpositionor
"ThussaystheLord"isnottrulyofthe
analysisofthehumansituation,doesnot
Lord,andthereforestandagainstit.Here
assuchrepresentGod'sdirectaddressto
adelicatebalanceisneededbetween
man.Teaching,evenlessdirectthan
completeopennesstothewordand
preaching,isessentialtothelifeofthe
sensitivitytoitsdistortion.Butevenwith
community,butisatsomeremovefrom
allpossibledangersattendant,noone
prophecy.Surelywhatisneededtoday
whohasexperiencedprophecycan
andweareseeingithappeningisnota
questionitstremendousvalueforthe
displacementofpreachingorteaching,
churchoftoday.
butthereturnofthatwhichisstillmore
basic:thepropheticfunctionwithinthe Finally,thoughallmayprophesy,wefind
fellowshipoftheSpirit.8 thatsomepersonsespeciallyexhibitthis

manifestationoftheSpirit.Inthe haspouredforthHisownSpirit.What
fellowshipitisnotunusualinagiven marvel,whatjoy!Thisisspeechthatcan
timeofworshipfortwoorthreepersons neverreallybecomecommonplaceand,
(sometimesoneafteranother,orat inreferencetothefellowship,therich
irregularintervals)toprophesy.These presenceofGodknowninsuchprayerof
maybemenorwomen,youngpeopleor theSpiritmakesforimmenselyvaluable
oldastheSpiritenables.11Again(as preparation.13Second,evenifthere
withtheothermanifestationsofthe shouldbenooutwardexpressionof
Spiritdescribed)therearenoprior tonguesinthefellowship,wefindthat
qualifications,andthosewhomayseem quietprayingintheSpirit14duringthe
outwardlyleasttoexerciseprofundityof meetinghelpstomaintainanopennessto
utteranceareoftentheonessogifted. God'spresenceandareadinessforHis
SomehowGod'swaysarejustnotour wordandwilltobecarriedout.Thereis
ways! alsothesenseofmuchgreaterpowerand
effectivenesswhenatlastonebeginsto
Nowwecometotongues.12Already utteraprayerwiththemindthathas
referencehasbeenmadetothe"language beenundergirdedbyprayerwiththe
oftheSpirit"whereinthepraiseofGodis Spirit.
utteredinwordsfarbeyondhuman However,inadditiontobackground,we
capacity.Atthatpoint,however,nothing findthattonguesmayalsohavean
wassaidabouttheplaceofthislanguage importantplaceinthemeetingofthe
inthefellowship. fellowship.Forinthefellowshipthereare
thoseparticularlygiftedbytheSpiritin
Wemaybeginwiththerecognitionthat thisregard,namely,fortheupbuildingof
asbackgroundforthegatheringofthe thecommunity.Sincetonguesdeclare
communitytheyhaveincalculablevalue. variouslythewondersandmysteriesof
First,asweprepareourselvesspiritually God,whentheyareunderstood,they
aheadoftime,prayerintonguesmakes vastlyenrichthecommunity.Asthisis
forpersonallyheightenededification. utterancebytheSpirit,thetruthspoken
Hereisspeechaddressednottomenbut isofsignalimportance.
toGod.Hereisworshipinspiritthrough
theSpirit.Here(andwewillnevercease Buthowcanthisbe,sincetonguesare
tobeamazedatit)thetonguemovesin notinthecommonlanguageofthe
customarymanner,buteverysound, community?Howcananyone
everysyllable,everysentenceisproduced understand?Theansweragain
notbyourowndevisingbutbythe marveloustorelate:theymaybe
eternalSpiritHimself.Hereisexpressed understoodthroughinterpretationgiven
inthemostintense,deepest,andhighest bytheHolySpirit!Interpretationis
possiblewaytheunutterableyearningsof anothergiftormanifestationofthe
thesouloftheChristiantogivepraise Spirit,15andwhentherearethosepresent
andblessingtotheGodwhomadehim, abletointerpret,16themeaningofwhat
whoredeemedhiminHisSon,andwho hasbeenspokencanimmediatelyfollow.

Ifthereisnoonepresenthavingthisgift, Sinceeverygatheringofthefellowshipis
thenobviouslytonguescannotedify,and essentiallyforpraiseandadoration,
itisfarbettertoforegothemaltogether, blessingandthanksgiving,musicis,of
lookinginsteadtoprophecy,teaching, course,oneofthemostelevatedofall
andthelike.If,however,interpretation expressions.Thusinworship,ancient
occurs,tongueshavenolessvaluethan hymnsofthechurch,psalmsfromtheOld
prophecy,foronceagainthereisdirect andversesfromtheNewTestament,and
utteranceoftheSpiritofGod.Indeed, popularchorusesthathavebecome
thisisnosmallthingandithasbeenfor freightedwithspiritualmeaningaresung
manyofusasourceofcontinuingmarvel byallassembled.Occasionallywordswill
toheartonguesinterpretedintheSpirit besungout(perhapsabitofScripture,
andtosensetheoverwhelmingimport maybeanejaculationofpraise)bysome
andimpactofdivinemysterybeing personinthecommonlanguagebutina
communicatedtoman! freemannerbasedonnofixedmusic
fromthepastandotherssoonjoininthe
Itshouldbeaddedtowhathasbeensaid newlyformedmelody.Indeed,theremay
abouttonguesinthefellowshipand belongperiodsofjoyful,liltingmusic,
theiroperationthroughcertaingifted quiteunplanned,movingbackandforth
personstherethattonguesare throughpsalms,hymns,choruses,and
primarilyfordevotionaluse.Sincethey thelikeastheSpiritguidesthe
basicallybuildupthebelieverinhis meeting.Buttheclimaxisthemoment
faith,mostpersonsprayintongues whennotonlyisthemelodygivenbythe
privately(orwithafewothers)andfind Spiritbutalsothelanguage,aswords
greatjoyandstrengthinsodoing. andmusicsungbytheassembled
PrayingwiththeSpiritbecomesthe worshipersblendintoanunimaginable,
fruitfulbaseforprayingwiththemind, humanlyimpossible,chorusofpraise.
anditisinthealternationandinterplay Hereis"singingintheSpirit"atits
ofthesetwodimensionsofprayerand zeniththesublimeutteranceoftheHoly
praisethatspiritualgrowthand Spiritthroughthehumanspirittothe
maturationtakesplace. gloryofAlmightyGod.17
Afinalwordmightbesaidabout
somethingquiteakintospeakingand
prayingintongues,namely,"singingin Havingdiscussedsomeoftheoperations
theSpirit."Thislikewisemaybedone oftheHolySpiritinthefellowship,we
privatelyandrepresentsalsorich oughttostressthatallofthisexistsfor
backgroundforsingingwiththemind. onepurposeonly,namely,thebuildingup
However,becauseourconcernhereis ofthebodyofChrist.Allthegiftsand
withthelifeandupbuildingofthe manifestationsmentionedareimportant,
community,weshallmakeabrief andnonedarebediscounted.Ifthereare
commentaboutsingingintheSpiritin somewhodeclarethatthereisnoneedof
connectionwithworship. healersandprophets,orhealersand

prophetsdeclarethattheyhavenoneed blessingspossibletoconfinethemtothe
ofothers,thebodyishurtthereby.If few,buttomakethemavailabletoall
therearethosewhowouldseektobypass, mankind.Thuswhileatthesametime
disregard,orevenchecksomeorallof thecommunityisbeingbuiltupthrough
thesemanifestations,suchpersonssurely themultiplicationofthegiftsofthe
mustgivejustificationbytheSpiritof Spirit,itisgreatlyconcernedtoshare
God.Itisratherinareadinessforallof whatithasfoundwiththewholeworld.
God'sgiftsthatthebodytrulyisblessed Whathasbeensaidearlieraboutthe
andbuiltupforamoretotalministry. HolySpiritastheSpiritofpowerto
Accordingly,itwouldbehardto witnessisthereforefundamental.The
overemphasizetheimportanceof communitycanneverexistsatisfiedin
completeopennessandreceptivitytothe itselftoknowthewonderofGodandHis
Spirit'sactivity. ways,butinthepoweroftheSpirit
Whatishappeningtodayamongpeoplein proclaimsthewordoflifetoallwhowill
thefellowshipofthe hear,sothatpeopleeverywheremay
shareinthegoodnessandgloryofGod!
Spiritisquitetheoppositeofbeing
hesitantintheareaoftheSpirit's
manifestations.Forthereisagrowing
desiretobeachannelforthevaried Nowweturntoaconsiderationinthis
operationsoftheHolySpirit.Thisisquite chapterofhowthisrenewalthroughthe
importantfor,thoughtheseworkingsare HolySpirithasbeencomingabout.
graciousdeeds(gifts)oftheHolySpirit, Variouslywehavesoughttorelateways
theydonothappenifthefellowshipis inwhichthismovementoftheSpirithas
basicallyclosedtothem.Thesegiftsare broughtalivelysenseoftherealityof
tobesoughtafterandgladlyreceived,not GodasFather,Son,andHolySpirit;the
forpride'ssakeorpersonalboasting,but fellowshipoffaithhastakenonnew
becausetheyareGod'sownofferingtothe dimensionsofpraiseandthanksgiving,
communityofHispeople.Sothe loveofthebrethren,freedom,peace,joy,
fellowshipearnestlydesiresthe andunity;theBiblehasunfoldedwith
charismataoftheSpirit,thatGodmayin amazingcontemporaneity;vistasof
allthingsbeglorified. understandingandpowerhaveopened
up;likewise,thecommunityhasbecome
Onemorewordaboutthefellowshipof thesceneofextraordinarymanifestations
theSpiritandthisinrelationtothe oftheSpirit.But,exceptindirectly,
world.Allthathasbeensaidearlier nothinghasbeensaidabouthowallthis
aboutthefellowshipintermsofthe hashappened.Obviously,thisfinal
praiseofGod,loveandconcern, matterisofnosmallimportance.
abundanceofjoy,newfoundfreedom,
profoundpeace,deepandlastingunity,is Herethereareawidevarietyof
toogoodtokeep!Indeed,itissurelynot testimoniesandinlargepartthisisdue
thewillofHimwhohasmadesuch tothefactthatwearetalkingaboutthe

HolySpirit.TotrytotracktheSpiritisa wehadatsometimerecognizedChrist's
littleliketrackingthewind;itisindeed claimuponus,beenconvictedofour
hardtoaccomplish!"Thepneumablows unworthiness,andenteredintoalifeof
whereitwills...."18Thereisaboutthe witnessinHisname.Theremayhave
Spiritanunpredictability,afreedomthat beenno"greatlight"fromheaven,no
makessuspectanyclaimthat"thisis cataclysmicconversion,butwedidcome
exactlythewayitalwayshappens,"etc. toalifechangingacknowledgmentof
TheSpirithasawayofmovingnot JesusChristasLordandSaviorandwere
accordingtoourplansandschemesbut sealedbyHisSpirit.Thatverymoment
accordingtoHisownsovereignintention. forsomeofuswastheoccasioninwhich
SothedynamicmovementoftheSpirit weexperiencedthedynamicmovementof
cannotbechartedbutoccursinan theHolySpirit.Forothersthiswasnot
unlimitednumberofwaysandsituations. thecase;ithappenedlaterperhapsonly
Blueprintsareout! ashorttimethereafter,maybedays,
months,evenyears.Butwheneverittook
Also,personsandgroupswhosharein place,itwasrelatedtoJesusChristand
thisrenewalrepresentabroadrangeof Hiscomingtousinourfaithand
experience,variegatedbackgrounds,and repentance.
manyculturaldifferences.And,as
alreadynoted,thereligiousspectrumof Onethingissurelytrue,namely,that
churchaffiliationsisbynomeanslimited thisdynamicmovementoftheSpirit
toafewtraditions.Evenpeoplewhomay occurredinthecontextofopennessand
becloselyrelatedintermsofbackground, expectation.ForthoughtheSpiritcannot
tradition,andcommunallifemaystill bepatternedorprogrammed,itiscertain
passthroughexceedinglydiverse thatHewillnotforceHisway,butmoves
religiousexperiences.SoeveniftheSpirit wherethereisareadinessforHis
didnotoperatefreelyinmanyways, activity.Hedoesnotbatterdownclosed
therewouldcontinuetobemanifold doors,butflowsfreelyandmightily
expressionsoftheSpirit'smovementin whereverthebarriersareremoved.
thelivesofindividualsandcommunities. Indeed,itwasformanyofusthe
admissionofourpovertyandneed,the
Buthavingsaidallthisandwithout realizationoftheinadequacyofour
seekingtofixapatternwemaynowgo witness,thesurrenderofthecitadelof
ontoaffirmthatthemovementofthe mindaswellasheartnoneofwhichwas
Spirit(aboutwhichwespeak)iswholly easythatfinallymadewayforthat
relatedtoJesusChristandourfaithin climacticmomentwhentheSpiritofGod
Him.ItisnotsomeoperationoftheSpirit movedlikewindandfire.Whenatlastwe
inthebroaduniversewhichmayhave couldbeemptybeforeHim,Heswept
reachedusinsomemysticalmoment; throughourwholebeing.
ratherithappensthroughtheSpirit Butalsotherewasakindofintense
mediatedtousbyJesusChrist.Ina
yearningformoreofHisrealityand
varietyofways,butnonethelesstruly,
presence.Tobesure,therewasmuch

varietyallthewayfromanalmost Christ,andwesawlittlemoreofitinthe
unconscioussightoa"Come,HolySpirit, churcharoundus.Outwardlythechurch
come!"Inanyeventtherewasa wascarryingonitsmission,butthere
hungeringandthirstingafterGodbeyond wasseriousinnerweaknessevidencedby
allearthlydesires,andoftenaprofound sharpfactionalism,confusionabout
yearningtopraiseandmagnifyHisname purpose,andslightimpactuponthe
inatotalkindofway.Sotherewasmuch world.Further,itseemednottomatter
timedevotedtopersistent,importunate whetheronewasonthesideof
prayerasking,seeking,knockingthat evangelismorsocialaction,oldconfession
Hispowerandpresencemightbe ornew,ancientliturgyorexperimental
manifestandHisnametrulyglorified. forms(orvariouscombinationsthereof),
Whenthetimehadfullycome,Hedidnot therewasstilllittledeepandabiding
failtoanswer. fellowshipamongthebrethren.Where
wasthejoyinworship(genuinenot
Anotherthing,significantformanyofus, formalizedorforced),thepassionatelove
wasthewillingnessafterastruggleto ofJesusChrist,theintenseyearningfor
beministeredtobyothers.Wecameto "theSpiritofunityinthebondofpeace"?
realizethat,despiteourcommitmentand WherewasthelivelysenseofGod's
dedication,wereallyneededhelp.Forit presenceandpower,sorealthatpeople
wasborneinuponusthatsomepeople wouldbeoverwhelmedwiththeweightof
whomweencounteredwerewalkingina Hisglory?Onelookedandlooked:God
dimensionoftheSpirit,evidenced mightnotbedead,butHispeoplewere
throughtheirjoyintheLord,abundant gaspingforbreath.Ifonlythewindofthe
love,eagernesstowitness(andmuch Spiritmightblow...surelyHispeople
else),thatweknewlittleabout.So,atthe couldliveagain.
humblingofprideandvanity,wesought
tolearnfromthem,evenbeinstructedby
them.Yesandforsomeofusthiswas
Onefinalthingthatdrovesomeofus
thehardestwefinallybecamewilling
forthemtoprayforus,evenlayhands onwardwasthevisionofaworldfilled
uponus,thatwemightbegrantedthe withtheknowledgeandgloryofGod.We
renewingoftheHolySpirit.Thisfor sensedthatsomehowthevague,even
manyofuswasaturningpointevena uncertain,yearningsofmankindforthe
breakthroughaswesubmittedtotheir realityofGod(howevernamed),for
ministry. participatingintheultimatemystery
suffusingtheuniverse,forknowingthe
Butweshouldnotfailtoaddthatthis eternalinthemidstoftime,mustfindan
movementoftheHolySpiritalsooccurred answer.Andwehadseenenoughofthe
forsomeofusunderthegrowing gloryofGodinJesusChristtomakeus
convictionofseriousneedinthechurch. yearnthatthatglorymightenvelopall.
Therewasourownpersonalrealizationof Webelieved,tobesure,thatinthe"age
thelackof"fire"inourwitnessforJesus tocome"itwouldallbefulfilled,but

shouldnotthe"powers"ofthatagebe delight!Inthelatterinstanceitisasif
operativenow?Couldtherenotbea somethinglongdormant,incomingto
conjoiningofthenaturalandthe life,hassuffusedenergythroughthe
supernatural,theimmediatecommunion whole.Inanyevent,wenowfind
ofGodwithmaninthisworld?Wasthis ourselvesbeingchallengedtorenewed
nottheway,theonlyway,touniversal theologicalendeavor.
brotherhoodamongmenwhereChristis
enthronedasLordandwheremenare Wemaybeginbynotingthefactthatthe
ruledbytheswayofHisinnerSpirit? dynamicmovementoftheSpiritdoesnot
Withsomesuchvisionbeforeusofthe fitverywellintotraditionaltheological
knowledgeandgloryofGodwewere categories.Ourinheritedtheologyin
driventomoreearnestquesting. bothhistoricalProtestantismandRoman
Andnowwesaywithgreatrejoicing:this Catholicismhasdealtinvariousways
dayisathand!Howgooditistobeinthe withtheworkoftheHolySpirit,for
fellowshipoffaith!Forthechurchof example,increation(as"LordandGiver
JesusChrististhearenainwhichthe ofLife"),intheIncarnation(asthedivine
renewalintheSpiritisoccurring. powerofconception),inregeneration(as
Thereinallpeoplemayknowthewonder bringerof"newlife"),insanctification(as
andgreatnessofGod. theSpiritofholiness),inwordand
sacraments(asinspirer,sealer,andso
II on),andinthefinalredemption(as
perfecter).Butnoneofthesecategories
adequatelyexpressesthismovementof
NowIameagertomoveontosome theSpirit.
theologicalimplicationsofwhathasbeen
writteninthepreviouspages.Andhere Letuslookmoreclosely.Perhapsamong
theattemptwillbemadetoshowthat thecategoriesjustmentionedthis
thisdynamicmovementoftheHoly movementoftheHolySpiritmightseem
Spiritwithallitswonderand tobecloselyidentifiedwithregeneration.
excitementmakesforfreshwaysof ForChristiantheologyhastraditionally
theologicalreflection. heldthat"newbirth"istheworkofthe
HolySpirit.TheSpiritawakensfaithin
Actuallywhathashappenedtothoseof Christ,convictsofsin,andbringsabout
uswhoarealsocalledtoparticular repentance.ItisHe,therefore,who
theologicalresponsibilityisthatwehave unitesthebelievertoChrist;this,
foundourselveshavingmuchdifficulty accordingly,isthebeginningofanewlife.
articulatingitall.Wehavetriedtomake WithouttheSpirit,Christremains
useofgiventheologicalpatterns,but distantandtheeffectsofHisredemptive
havefoundthemfrequentlywanting.But workarenotappropriatedbyus.Bythe
againandtooursurprisewehave actionoftheSpirit,however,Christisno
foundoldformulastakingonnew longerafarbutcomestodwellwithinthe
meaning,andthishastrulybeena heart.ItisbythisworkoftheSpiritthat

thetransitionoccursfromnonChristian sanctificationnorisit,assuch,concerned
toChristianexistence. withtheareaofChristianmaturation.
Nowthisisallveryimportant.Wemust Onefurtherpossibilitymightbetothink
returntoitshortlysinceitisessentialto ofthisnewmovementoftheHolySpirit
thedynamicmovementoftheSpirit.But intermsofconfirmation(oneofthe
ourpoint,forthemoment,isthatwehave sacramentsintheCatholictraditionand
notbeentalkingaboutregenerationor ariteinmanyProtestantchurches).Here
becomingaChristian.Ithasbeen oneisonratherdifficultgroundbecause
stressedthatthismovementoftheSpirit confirmationitselfhasbeenvariously
issomethingthathasbeenhappeningto understood,andinmanychurchesithas
Christians,tobelievers.Tobesure,those noplaceatall.Ingeneral,however,it
involvedmayormaynothavebeen mightbesaidthatconfirmationisviewed
exceptionallygoodones,butthatis asthestrengtheningofapersoninhis
irrelevant.Ithasoccurredtopeople faith,therenewalofhisbaptismalvows,
believinginJesusChrist;thus,despite andperhapssomeincrementoftheHoly
thefeltpovertyandneed(asearlier Spiritwherebyheisbetterabletolivethe
described),itisscarcelyamatterof Christianlife.
regeneration.
Herewemightseemtobestillcloser,for
Whatthenaboutsanctification?Herewe thereisthelayingonofhands(bythe
mightseemtocomecloser,for bishoporminister),thecontextofprayer,
sanctificationisoftenthoughtofasthe andoftenreferencetoreceptionofthe
particularworkoftheHolySpirit.Almost HolySpirit.Thereseemtobetwo
bydefinitiontheHolySpiritthe differences,though,fromwhathasbeen
SpiritusSanctussanctifies.ItisHe earlierdescribed:first,thereismore
who,havingmediatedanewlifein stressinconfirmationon"increaseof
Christ,nowsetsusapartfortheservice grace"thanonthemovementoftheSpirit
ofGod,andperfectsinusHisown inanewdimension;second,thereseldom
holiness.Thereafter,daybyday,despite seemstooccurexperientiallyforthose
thestruggleswiththeflesh,theSpiritis confirmedavitalrenewalthroughthe
abletoovercome,andwegrowinthe Spirit.Confirmation(howeveritmay
likenessofJesusChrist. havebeenunderstoodoriginally19)can
scarcelyqualifytocomprehendthe
Nowwhocouldgainsaytheimportanceof extraordinaryreachesofthispresent
this?EveryChristianiscalledupontoa dynamismoftheSpirit.
lifeoffaithfulcommitmenttotheLord
andtowrestledailywiththebarriers
thatstandinthewayofgrowthin
holiness.ButthismovementoftheSpirit Sotraditionalcategoriessuchas
isbynomeansidenticalwith regeneration,sanctification,
confirmationdonotsuffice;hence,we

mustturninanotherdirection.Herethe theHolySpirit.Itisaccordinglythrough
questionconcernsthelargertheological faithinJesusChristthattheSpirit
arena:thesignificanceofthismovement movesintothecenterofhumanexistence
oftheSpiritanditsimplicationforthe thehumanspiritandsetsupatotally
wholeoftheology.Wemayfindourselves newsituation.
exploringsomenewground.
Itisquiteimportanttostressatthis
Inordertogetataproperanswer juncturethatthereisnopointintalking
regardingthisdynamicmovementitmay aboutthedynamicmovementofthe
behelpfultorecallagainthatweare Spiritexceptagainstthebackgroundof
talkingaboutsomethinghappeningto thisfaithinJesusChrist.Theremustbe
believers.Hereitisquiteimportantto thatkindoffaithtorepeatwhich
stressthatbelievers,Christianly appropriateswhatGodhasdonein
speaking,aremorethanthosewhogive Christ.Suchappropriationcannotbe
assentofthemindtosomekindoffaith automaticallyassumedmerelybecause
statement.Theyarealsomorethan someoneisaChristianbynameoris
peoplewhoseektofollowGod's attachedtosomeChristiancommunityor
commands,ortopatterntheirlivesafter organization.Onlyasapersonhearsthe
theexampleandteachingofJesusChrist. wordofthegospelinfaiththewordthat
Believersarethosewhohaveheardthe smitesthehearttherebybringingabout
callofGodinChrist,havereceived convictionofsinandguiltandrepentsof
forgivenessinHisname,andhave theevilinwhichheisbound,doeshe
becometabernaclesforHisSpirit.Tobea becomeanewpersoninChrist.Thereisa
believeristoenterintoanewwayoflife narrowpasstogothrough(whichonly
whichcenterswhollyinJesusChrist. thegraceofGodmakespossible),but
throughitonemustgoifheistoknow
ThestatusoftheChristianbelieverin salvationandhavetheSpiritofGod
relationtotheHolySpiritisthathehas dwellingwithin.Attheriskoftoomuch
been"bornoftheSpirit."Hehaspassed emphasishere,letmerepeathow
outofdeathintolifethroughthedeath importantallofthisis:itismeaningless
andresurrectionofJesusChrist,andasa toreflectuponthemovementoftheSpirit
resulttheSpiritofGoddwellswithin. unlesstheSpiritisaninwardactuality.
ThisindwellingoftheSpiritisnottobe Toputitanotherway:onlythemanof
understoodasanaturalfactofhuman theSpirit"spiritualman"isableto
existence.Godissurelyeverywhere begintocomprehendwhatthisisall
present,andmanmaybesaidtohavehis about.20The"natural"man,whether
beinginGod,butonlymaninChristis outsidethechurchorinthechurch,can
oneinwhomChrist'sSpiritresides.The onlybecompletelybaffledbythe
hardnessofaperson'sheartsetsabarrier movementoftheSpirit;andtheresult
againstthepresenceofGod'sSpirit;so, quitepossiblyisthatheturnsaway
untilthisisbrokenopenandforgiveness maybeevenadoptsanegativeattitude
received,therecanbenoinwardnessof becauseheisnotinapositionto

understand.21Thusawordofratherblunt andtobeaChristian(fromthis
counsel:ifapersondoesnothavethe perspective)istoliveasa"freeman"
SpiritofChrist,lethimnotseektojudge unburdenedbythepast,acceptedinthe
thatforwhichhehasnocapacity. present,andopentothefuture.Nowall
However,itisfarbetterthatheshould ofthisisverygoodifitgrowsoutofa
becomeamaninwhomtheSpiritdwells faithinJesusChristwhereinthereis
Christianman,"spiritual"manand truerepentanceaturningindeep
havethespiritualantennabywhichhe contritionfromtheoldtothenewso
canreceivethethingsofGod. thatthetalkaboutjustification,or
acceptance,isnotsimplyacoverupfor
Theologicallywhathasjustbeensaid stayingthesame,butrepresentsthe
maybeexpressedinlanguageearlier comingtobeofanewreality.
used,namely,thatregeneration(new "Justification"that"justifies"thesinful
birth,conversion)isthepresupposition statusofmanisnotChristian
forthemovementoftheSpirit,andagain, justification:itknowsnothingofGod's
inreferencetosanctification,thatthe righteousness,andisillequippedtotalk
Spiritofsanctificationhasbeengiven.
aboutsanctificationatall.22Afortiori,the
Thusregenerationandsanctification(in
movementoftheSpiritcannotevencome
thesenseofthepresenceofthe
intosight.
sanctifyingSpirit)aretheground,the
basis,theframeworkinwhichandoutof Justificationproperlyunderstoodis
whichthemovementoftheSpiritmay inseparablefromregeneration(and
come.Also,tobesure,justificationisto sanctificationintheprimarysense).For
bepresupposed,foritisthroughthe thereisnogenuineappropriationofGod's
declarationofforgivenessthatoneis forgivenessinJesusChristthatdoesnot
acceptedasrighteous("justified")andthe alsosignifytheemergenceofanewman.
Spiritofregenerationandsanctification Thismeansthatnotonlyisheaforgiven
isatwork. sinner,livingbyGod'scontinuinggrace,
butheisalsooneinwhomGodhasbegun
Thislaststatementleadstoafurther
anewworkthroughtheSpiritthatcomes
wordaboutjustificationandits
todwellwithin.Tobesure,thisnewman
relationshiptothemovementofthe
remainsasinnerneedingconstantlytobe
Spirit.Iamquiteconvincedthatamajor
sustainedbyGod'smercyinforgiveness,
problemisthewayinwhichjustification
butheisalsonotthesamepersonhewas
isfrequentlymisunderstood,sothatthere
before.Further,henowhastheawesome
canbenoadequatecomprehensionof
responsibilityofshowingforthGod's
sanctificationandmuchlessofthe
holinessandrighteousnessinallofhis
movementoftheSpirit.Theterm
life.
"justification"inthisconnectionmaynot
beemployed;perhapsthelanguagewill
bethatof"God'sfreegrace,"or"total
forgiveness,"or"completeacceptance,"

Nowwiththisexcursusonjustification cannotbealtogetheroutsidetherangeof
doneletusgobacktotheearlier perception,yettheSpirit'soperationmay
statementaboutwhatmustbe stillbequiteunclear,strange,andhard
presupposedtotalkaboutthemovement tograsp.Itisasiftherewereawhole
oftheSpirit,namely,justification, worldoftheSpirit'sactivitystretching
regeneration,andsanctification(inits outahead,butonemaynotyethave
beginning).Withoutthetransitionintoa madethetrip.Howevertrulythe
newcondition,anewbeing,anewreality "spiritual"manisattherightpointof
whichthesetermssignify,wearenot viewing,hemayyetbequiteuncertainof
operatingfromabasisthatmakeseither itall.
comprehensibleorpossiblethetalkabout
adynamicmovementoftheSpirit.Only Inthissituationthereisquitepossibly
whenthistransitionhasoccurredarewe oneoftworeactions.Ontheonehand,a
readytoproceedfurtherwiththeological strongdesiremaybeelicitedtolook
reflection. furtherintowhatallthismeans.Indeed,
thepulsemaybeatfasteratthe
Wearenowreadytoaddressourselves realizationthatthereliesathand
theologicallytothequestionofChristian somethingforwhichtherehasbeendeep,
existenceandthismovementofthe perhapshithertounrecognized,yearning.
Spirit.HereweassumethatGod's Hence,despiteunfamiliarityaboutit
redemptivedeedinJesusChristhasbeen andmaybehesitationthereisa
appropriatedinfaithandrepentance, compellingurgetomoveahead.Onthe
thatregenerationhastakenplace,that otherhand,theremaybe,despitethe
therehasbeenatransitionfromnon sensethatthereissomethingreal,a
ChristianintoChristianexistence. turningaway.Thismayoccurfora
Againstthisbackground,inthis numberofreasons:forexample,fearof
situation,thedynamicmovementofthe whatisunusual,extraordinary,
Spiritoccurs.Howarewetounderstand mysterious;longtimeChristianexistence
thisasChristians? thathasbecomeratherroutineand
lethargic,andisnotsureexplorationis
Herewemayencounterthedifficultyof worththeeffort;anxietyatwhatsucha
theunfamiliarandthestrange.Thisisa venturewouldmeanintermsofstatus
differentkindofproblemfromtheone (whatwouldotherpeoplethink?).So
alreadydiscussed,namely,thattalk theremaybeanattemptto"tuneout"
about"spiritual"mattersis andforgetitall.Indeed,thesameperson
incomprehensibletothe"natural"(or mayforatimegothroughbothofthese
"unspiritual")man.Itisnolongera reactionsattractionandrepulsionfor
matterofsomethingtotallyoutside itisnoteasytoventureintoways
comprehension,forChristiansas relativelyunfrequented.Butnowand
"spiritual"personsareintherealmwhere thenthereisabreakthrough,and
themovementoftheSpiritoccurs.They subsequentwonderthattherecouldhave
havespiritualantennaeandtherefore everbeenhesitationtomoveahead!

throughJesusChristmayactinsuch
fashionastopossesshumanexistence,
Nowwemustreturntothequestionof andtherebymoveupon,into,andthrough
howasChristianswearetounderstand itintotality.Thismaybeviewedonthe
thisdynamicactivityoftheHolySpirit. onehandasaninwardactionwhereby
Thereissomedifficultyinfindingthe theHolySpiritindwellingthehuman
rightlanguagebecausewearetalking spiritmovesfromthedepthstothe
aboutamovementoftheHolySpiritand heightsofcreaturelyreality,therebyfully
notaresultoreffect(suchasincarnation claimingthehumanvessel.Fromanother
orregeneration).Further,sinceweare perspectiveitmaybeseenasanexternal
seekingtodealwiththatwhichmoves movementwherebytheSpiritcomesupon
intotherealmofthelesswellknown, thehumancreatureandmovesfromthe
eventheextraordinary,thereismore heightstothedepthsoftheprepared
thantheusualdifficultyindiscovering vessel,therebypenetratingitthrough
adequatewaysofexpression. andthrough.Asaresultofthis
movementwithinandwithout24alloflife
Perhapsthebestwaytobeginisonce isbathedinthepresenceandpowerof
moretosaythatthismovementofthe theSpirit.Hereindeedisarenewalofthe
Spirithappensonlyamongthosewho wholehumansituation!
believeinJesusChrist.TheSpiritof
Christcomestothosewhobelieve,and Wemaynowproceedtospeakofthis
therebytheyare"spiritual"persons.This externalmovementoftheSpiritas
isanaspectoftheworkofredemption effusion,theinwardaspervasion.Orwe
whereinGodcallsusinChrist,freely maymakeuseofsuchBiblicallanguage
forgivesusinHimandsealsuswithHis as"outpouring"oftheSpiritforthe
Spirit.23InallofthistheSpiritisactive, former,"filling"withtheSpiritforthe
applyingtheworkofGodinChristand latter,25bothmarkedlyvividpicturesof
makingnewlifeanactuality.Thatmuch theSpirit'sunlimitedoperation
weneedtosaybywayofreviewall externallyandinternally.Adeluge"from
pointinguptheSpirit'sactivityin above,"aflooding"fromwithin"suchis
relationtotheworkofredemption. theSpirit'sdynamicoperation!Orto
changethefigure,"wind"and"fire,"
blowingandblazingandwhocantell
whetherwithoutorwithin?26Obviously
But(andnowwecometothenew)hereis noimagery27reallysufficesbecausethe
amovementoftheSpiritbeyond movementoftheSpiritcannotbe
redemption!Anditisbasedonthefact adequatelydescribed.Buttheexact
that,byvirtueoftheSpirit'sactivityin wordingisclearlynotimportantaslong
relationtotheworkofChrist,asituation asitpointstothemagnitudeand
ispresentladenwithdynamic comprehensivenessofthedivine
possibilities.FortheSpiritwhocomesas possession!
tokenandsealofGod'sworkinand

Letuspushontheologically.Itwould tendedtosubordinatetheactivityofthe
seemevidentthatwearecalleduponto SpirittotheworkofChristin
recognizeamajoractivityoftheHoly redemptionwhereby(asjustnoted)the
Spiritbeyondthesphereofredemption. SpiritisviewedlargelyintermsofHis
Indeed,thismaywellbeunderscoredas applicativeinstrumentalitythatany
themajoractivityoftheSpirit.Foras furtheractivityislesswellrecognized.28
significantasistheSpirit'srolein Again,attheotherextreme,wehave(in
bringingaboutfaithinJesusChrist, sometraditions)tendedtolaysuchstrong
convictingofsin,initiatingnewlife,such emphasisupontheworkoftheHoly
isallfocusedonChrist'sredemptive Spiritasmakingmen"partakersofthe
work.ThereinHeapplies,makes divinenature"(2Peter1:4)thatHiswork
subjective,whatGodhasdoneinChrist. isviewedlargelyasthatofthedeification
Now,thoughwebynomeansleaveChrist ofman.InthiscasetheworkofChristis
behind(fortheSpiritislikewisethe actuallysubordinatedtothatofthe
SpiritofChrist),wearetalkingaboutthe Spirit,sothattheIncarnationofthe
activityoftheSpiritwhich,while WordistheinstrumentoftheHolySpirit
presupposingredemption,isnolonger totransmutehumanityintodivinity.
auxiliarytheretobutmovesfreelyin Again,incertaintraditions,theactivity
anotherdimension.This,Iwouldurge,is oftheHolySpiritisviewedbasicallyas
thatclimacticactivityoftheSpiritwhich thatoftheprocessofsanctification.Here
ismostproperlyHisown,wherebyHe thereisamuchcloserapproximationto
movesinfreedom,pervadingandfilling whatiscentral;however(aswehave
humanreality.Asaresultthereisthe emphasized),sanctificationasprocessis
initiationofanewworldoftheSpirit notthe"dynamicmovement"itselfbut
whereinGodandmanareinsuch onlyaneffect.ElsewheretheSpiritis
dynamicinteractionthatnewpowersare thoughtoflargelyasinspirerofScripture,
releasedtopraiseGod,towitnessinHis "soul"ofthechurch,ortheanointerof
name,toperform"signsandwonders"; offices.29Butwhatevertheelementof
thereisanewsenseofHisimmediate truthinalltheseunderstandingsandto
presencewherebyHisjoy,peace,andlove besurethereismuchnoneofthem
becomeradiant;alsothereisthe focusesonthepeculiaranddynamic
commencementofthetransformationof movementoftheSpirituponandwithin
allthingsintothelikenessandimageof thecommunityoffaith.
God!
Andtheresultaquitedisturbingone
NowIdonotbelievethattheactivityof isthatthebelievingcommunitymaystill
theSpiritinpervadingandfilling(with beexistingwithouttheactualizationof
theseaccompanyingresults)has itspotential.Thisisnottodenythatsuch
generallystoodoutintheologywith acommunityisthepeopleofGod,called
sufficientclarity.Inourvariousdoctrinal intobeingbyHiswordandSpirit,and
traditionsanumberofthingshavebeen livingbyHisgrace;suchistobe
intheway.Forexample,wehaveso vigorouslyaffirmed.Butthereleasemay

notyethaveoccurredwheretheSpirit anddrivingpowerofamightydynamo
from"onhigh"andfromwithinmoves theSpiritofthelivingGod.
mightilytoactualizethevastpotential.
TheChristiancommunity(the
communityof"saints""spiritual"
people),despitethefactthatthenewhas Letmeseektosummarizeabitatthis
come,maynotyethaveentereduponthe point.WhatIhavebeenattemptingto
fullnessofwhatisavailable.Latentlyitis stressisthatthetheologicalimplications
allthere,butithasnotyetcometo ofthisdynamicmovementoftheSpirit
manifestation.Thesituation,thus,isone areofnolittlesignificance.Atthecritical
ladenwithvastpossibility,butthe centerthereistheknowledgethat
"happening"wherebyittakesondynamic somethinghashappenedforwhichone
actualitymaynothaveoccurred.The hasdifficultyfindingadequatetheological
explosivepowerhasyettobreakloose! languageorwaysofrelatingittovarious
doctrinesofChristianfaith.Iamquite
Whatthischapterisreallyattemptingto convinced,however,thatsomethingis
setforthis"atheologyofexplosion"!Itis beingrecovered,generallylonghidden,
basedontheconvictionthatmanyofus thatcanmakeforavitalrenewalofthe
havelivedlongasChristians,have church.
sharedvariouslyinmanyofthe
importantactivitiesofthebelieving Whatisopeningupinourdayisa
community,andhavegenerallynotbeen dimensionoftheSpirit'sactivitythat
unmindfulofitslifeorworship,its callsforfreshthinkingaboutmany
serviceandsacraments,its mattersandforawillingnesstobeled
responsibilitiesandchallenges,butthe intodeeperunderstanding.Thechief
powerhasbeenbottledup,energies problemcouldbesimplythefailureto
unreleased.However,thereismorethan recognizethisdimensionorwhat
weeverdeemedpossible!"More"is amountspracticallytothesamethingto
scarcelytheword,forwhenthepowerof assumethatitisalreadyoperative.Such
Godbeginstopouroutoftheheights, anassumptionisfound,forexample,
emergefromthedepths,flowthroughthe whereveritisheldthattheSpiritisGod's
whole,suchforcesbecomeoperativeasto gifttothechurchand"Pentecost"(as
gobeyondquantitativemeasurement.To symboloftheeffusionoftheSpirit)is
be"filled"withtheSpiritofGodisnotso somethingthatisrelatedonlytothe
muchtohavesomething"more"asitisto church'soriginalcomingtobe.Inthat
beinthenew,wonderful,andattimes case,sincePentecostisviewedas
fearfulsituationofhavingtheSpiritof constitutiveofthelifeofthechurch,it
Godbreakintothewholeroundof wouldbeimpropertosuggestthat
existenceandpervadeitall.Asaresultof Pentecostmayhaveyettooccur.Thus
thisyes,explosionwhatmaybeviolent thisdynamicdimensionoftheSpirit's
atthebeginningcanbecomethesteady activitydropsoutofsightascompletely
asifitwerenotrecognizedatall.Whybe

botheredaboutsomeeffusionoftheSpirit wouldbequiteshockedifitreally
whenithasalreadytakenplace?30 happened!Forthisisaworldinwhich
Alongsidethisfailureisanotherwhich, theSpiritissoprofoundlyandmightily
whilerecognizingtheneedforan presentthatpeoplemaycommunicate
outpouringoftheSpirit,stilldoesnot withGodinanewlanguageoftheSpirit,
adequatelycomprehendwhatitsignifies. prophesywithauthorityinHisname,
Sometimesitissaidthatthechurch discernthecounterworldofevilforces
needsafresh"baptism"oftheSpirit,and anddaretoexorcisethem,havethefaith
bythisisoftenmeantakindofspiritual tolayhandsonthe"incurably"illand
pickup,amoveaheadwithincreased declaretheirhealingonandon.Do
commitment,arededicationtowitness manypeoplewanttheirideasthatsuch
andservice.But,howevermuchthe thingsbelongedonlytoapostolictimes
churchmayneedthesethings,this exploded?Doothers,whoarequite
dynamicmovementoftheSpiritisfar convincedthatallofthisrepresentsa
moreradical,evenmorerevolutionary, mythologicalworldviewandprimitive
thanmerelyanincreaseofsomekindin practiceslongagosuperseded,wantsuch
spiritualvitality.Nordoesithappento rationalessweptaway?Accordinglyit
the"church"asaninstitution,butto mayevenbewiseforsuchpersonsto
people,inpeople,who(ifandwhenit investigateagreatdealbeforetheytalk
takesplace)areprojectedintoadynamic (orpray)muchaboutanoutpouringofthe
realm,scarcelybeforehandimagined,of Spirit.Still,whereverthereis
spiritualreality. willingness,sincerelyandexpectantly,to
moveahead,thenewworldof
Thisisexactlywhatisseldom extraordinaryandstartlingthingsmay
understood.Aslongasthemovementof againbecomeanactuality.
theSpiritisthoughtofintermsonlyof
somethinghappeningtoaninstitution,or Itisalsoanewworldintherealmof
topeople,asakindoftonic,nothing whatbeginstohappeninbearingwitness
significantisgoingtooccur.Indeed,even toJesusChrist.Forwhatisprimaryin
thesymbolofPentecostcanbemisusedso thiseffusionoftheSpiritistheanointing
astosuggestonlyanexternaladditionto ofpeoplesorichlywiththepresenceand
faith.Butanditcannotbeemphasized powerofGodthattheyarewitnessesto
toostronglytheeffusionoftheSpiritis JesusChrist.Herearepeoplewhose
profoundlyexistentialandpersonal.Itis existenceissomarkedbyHislove,joy,
nomeresupplement,butthemovement andpeacethattheyshowforth(notjust
throughthewholebeing(community talkabout)whatlifecanreallybelike.
and/orindividual)ofamightypowerthat Otherssenseitandknowitandyearn
renewsthetotalsituation. forsomethingofthatsamefullnessofjoy,
profoundpeace,surpassingloveto
Itisawholenewworld!Somuchisthis becomearealityintheirownlives.Thus
thecasethatsomewhotalkaboutthe itisthattheembodimentofthereality
desirabilityofanoutpouringoftheSpirit confirmsthetestimonytoChristand

givesittheringoflivingcredibility. Again,thisnewworldofthe
Accordingly,witnesstoJesusChristgoes interpenetrationofthespiritualandthe
forthinpowerastheOnethroughwhom naturalnotonlybringsintoplayspiritual
forgivenesscomesandthegiftofthe powersbutalsoenhancesnatural
Spirit.Whatthenisnewisnotsimply capacitiesandfunctions.Bynomeans
thatthewordisspokenwithmore doesthenaturalbecomelessimportant,
effectiveness,noreventhatthewordis butitisgivenfullerpoweranddirection
accompaniedorsurroundedbydeedsof undertheimpactoftheHolySpirit.The
concernandcompassion(asimportantas mindtakesonkeenerawarenessofthe
bothare),butthatthewordissuesfrom trueshapeofreality;thefeelingsbecome
therealityofthosewhodemonstratethe moresensitivetothemoods,theconcerns,
abundantlifeintheSpirit.31 thehopesoftheworldandofpeople;the
willfindsitselfstrengthenedtoexecute
Perhapsthemostexcitingthingabout withmorefaithfulnessanddetermination
thisnewworldisthatthroughthe thoseethicalactionstowhichitgives
effusionofthedivineSpiritthereisthe itself.Thusthroughtheconjoiningofthe
realizationofanewimmediacybetween spiritualandthenatural,inwhich
Godandman.The"strange"signssuch strangepowerspenetrateandinvigorate
asprophecy,healing,miracles,exorcism, thenaturalrealm(thevastareaofthe
speakingintongues,discernmentof intellectual,theaesthetic,themoral),
spiritsareonlystrangesolongasthere thereisarenewalandadvancementof
hasnotyetbeenaninterpenetrationof thewholehumansituation.
thedivineandthehuman,the
supernaturalandthenatural.Whenthis Finally,thisisanewworldwhereinthere
occursbringingaboutanewimmediacy isthedawningofaprofoundandlasting
betweenGodandmanthenwhatis unityamongbrethren.Forinthis
alientoordinaryexistencebecomes movementoftheSpiritwhatisimplicitin
(withoutlosingitswonder)apartofthe theChristiancommunitybecomes
regularongoinglifeandactivityofthe explicit:notonlytheimmediacyofGod
community.Itisalsothisvery withmanbutalsomanwithhisneighbor.
interpenetrationthatbringstogether Heretrulyisthetranscendenceofancient
divineandhumanjoy,thepeaceofGod wallsofcreedandtradition,raceand
andpeaceofman,theloveofGodand nationality,cultural,economic,andsocial
humanloveandtheresultisthatofan differentiationbytheoverarchingSpirit
inexpressibleparticipationinGod'sown oflove.ThusdoesthemovingSpirit,
reality.Thisdoesnotmeanhuman interfusingandpervadingall,bringabout
deification,forweneverceasetobemen. lastingunityinthebondofpeace.
Butitdoespointtothewonderoflifein
whichthelove,peace,joy(onandon)of
Godsocomminglewiththeirhuman Nowwemusttreatanotherimportant
counterpartsthatallofexistenceis matternotyetconsidered,namely,the
therebyirradiated. theologicalimplicationsofthesituationin

whichthedynamicmovementoftheHoly Spirit,thoughpointingtotwodifferent
Spiritcomesabout.Itwasmentioned aspectsofGod'sdeedandhuman
earlierthatthishappenedwithsome experience,arechronologicallyone.Since,
personsmanyyearsafteranearliercrisis however,itisbynomeansthecasethat
experienceoflifechangingsignificance, the"filling"withtheSpiritinvariably
withothersafterarelativelyshorttimeof occursatthemomentofregeneration,it
beingChristian,andwithsomeit isapparentthat,whileaffirming
occurredcoincidentallywiththefaithand continuity,onemustalsorecognizethe
repentancewherewithanewlifebegan. possibilityoftemporalseparation.Thus
Mentionwasalsomadeofprayerandin obviouslythereisdiversity,butno
manyinstancesthelayingonofhands. contradictionbetweenthetwoways.
Itwasfurtherstressedthatthis
movementoftheSpiritwasbynomeans Inthecaseofchronologicalseparation
coerced,butwasGod'sowngracious (whichisquitecommon)itshouldbe
doing.What,theologically,doesallthis stressedthatthisdoesnotmeanthat
havetosay? duringtheinterveningtime(hours,days,
years)thereisakindofsubstandard
Answerinparthasalreadybeengivenby Christianexistence.Manyofuscanrecall
talkingaboutthepresuppositionofthe quiteclearlyapreviousdaywhenthe
redemptiveworkofGodinChristandits graceofGodinJesusChrist,Hismercy
appropriationthroughfaithand andforgiveness,wasappropriatedintrue
repentance.Thereinforgivenessofsinsis contrition,andweknewthejoyofbeing
mediated,andtheHolySpirit,assealof aliveagain!Thereafter,whateverthe
God'sgrace,comestodwellwithin. "ups"and"downs,"thefailuresand
Withoutthisoccurring(God'sredemptive backslidings,timesofemptinessandeven
work,faith,sealingoftheSpirit)thereis despair,wecontinuedtoknowsomething
nodynamicmovementoftheSpirit.The ofGod'sfaithfulnessandbyHisgrace
reasonisevident:thisverymovementisa thatwewereChristians.Thusduring
continuationwithorwithoutdelayof thistimeitwasnotaquestionoflow
whathasalreadyhappened.TheSpirit, levelfaith(whateverthatmightmean),
giveninfaith,nowmovestolayclaimto semiconversion(again,meaningwhat?),
thewholeofhumanreality. ornonspiritualChristianity(an
impossiblecontradiction).Infact,the
NowthismovementoftheSpirit,as wholeemphasisoughttobeputtheother
noted,mayoccursimultaneouslywith way:itisbecauseoneisaChristian(not
faithandrepentance.TheSpiritwho semioranythingelse)thatheorsheis
comestosealthedivineredemptionand inapositiontoexperiencethemovement
todwellwithinmay,inthesameaction, oftheHolySpirit.
movemightilytopossessthewholeofthe
humanvessel.Ifthishappensonewould Wearenowreadytoconsiderfurtherthe
havetosay,theologically,that questionsofdifferenceintiming.How,
regenerationandthe"effusion"ofthe theologically,isonetodealwiththefact

thattheHolySpiritis"pouredout"on character,whichsetsatnaughtall
someatthebeginningoftheirChristian schedulesandplans.32Alsoonecannever
existence,uponotherslater?Apartial knowwhenthoselastbarriersaredown
answersurelyliesinthefreedomofthe andthewholepersonispreparedforthe
SpirittoactwhenandhowHewill,and Spirit'smovement.Itisonlybytheevent
inthewidevariationamongpeoplein itselfoccurringthatthereisevidencethat
patternsoffaithandlife.However,we theSpirithasnowfoundreadyhearts.
havealsospokenofsuchmattersas
openness,expectancy,prayer,andthe Fromwhathasjustbeensaiditispatent
layingonofhands.Isitperhapsthatthe thatthehumanreadinesssideis
readinessofapersonmakesanimportant importantevenifonecanhavenoprior
difference?Theanswer,Ibelieve,isYes. knowledgeofthetimeoffulfillment.Now
Butbeforeelaboratingthisfurther,we Ishouldliketoaddthatthisreadiness
needtoconsidertherelationshipbetween factoralsorepresentsakindoftotal
God'sfreeactionandhumanreceptivity. lettinggo.Thatistosay,combinedwith
openness,eagerness,andthelike,thereis
Heretheimportanttheologicalpointis thesurrenderofallthatoneisandhasto
thatthereexistsabeautifulharmony themovementofGod'sSpirit.Theremust
betweenGod'sfreeactionintheSpirit betheforfeitingofanyclaimuponone's
andouropennesstoit.TheSpiritisagift lifeandreputation,futureandsuccess;it
andthereforecannotbebought; istheofferingofselfasatotalsacrifice.33
consequently,thereisnoearningthe Thisincludesmorethanthededicationof
Spiritbyanyamountofprayers,vigils, one'sconsciousexistencethroughanact
andthelike.TheSpiritalsomovesfreely ofwill;italsoreferstothelarge,even
andcannotbecompelledorcoercedby hidden,areaofone'sunconsciouslife.In
anyhumancontrivancenomatterhow thelattercaseespecially,thereisa
astutelyperformed.Butforthevery lettinggowhereintheHolySpiritmoves
reasonthattheSpiritactsgraciouslyin throughthesubconsciousdepthsand,
freedom,Hewillnotgrantagiftwhereit eventemporarilybypassingtheconscious
isnotwantedoraskedfor,norwillHe mind,givesexpressiontothepraiseof
breakthroughbarriersthatresistHis God;ortheSpiritmaymakeuseofthe
coming.Thusonlytheopenand consciousmindtodeclareGod'struth.34
expectant,theeagerandhungry,the Noneofthisoccurseasily,evenforthe
askersandseekers(notbecauseofwhat longtimeChristian,becausewhatever
theydobutbecauseoftheirvery thetestimonyoftheinwardSpirit(maybe
readiness)receiveGod'sblessing.Even evenHisgroansattimes!)itis
thennoexpertiseintimingispossible(as extremelyhardtoletgo.Thefactisthata
iftosaythatitwilloccurafter"x" consciousactofwillcannotpossibly
numberofdaysofprayer,"y"numberof releasetheunconsciousenergiesofthe
spiritualhungerpangs,"z"numberof Spirit:thusthereisnosimpleway.All(a
requests),forwhentheSpiritmovesthere veryimportant"all")thatcanbedoneis
isasuddenness,awhollyunexpected tooffertheselfbody,mind,andeven

thetonguesothattheSpiritofGodmay acknowledgmentbynomeansalways
havefullpossession.WherevertheSpirit easyoftheneedforwillingsubmission
findsthewayprepared,Hewillmovein tothehelpofothersandtherebyof
strangeandwonderfulways! receivingGod'sblessingthroughthem.
Thehumanreadinessfactormayalso Letmequicklyaddthatwhereverthis
partially35explainwhyitisthatsome layingonofhandsoccursitisnot,as
personsatthemomentoftheirfaithin such,asacramentalaction.37Itisrather,
JesusChristexperiencethedynamic thesimpleministrybyoneormore
movementoftheHolySpirit.Iftheycome personswhothemselvesarechannelsof
tofaithagainstthebackgroundofalong theHolySpirit38toothersnotyetso
searchfortruth,perhapsevenyearsof blessed.The"ministers"maybeclergyor
prayeranddevotionmakingforan laity;itmakesnodifference.Infact,it
opennessofthewholeselfitisquite hasbeenthehumblingexperienceof
possiblethatatthatverytimetheSpirit someofuswhoareclergymentohave
willbepouredout.36Oritmaybethecase laymenplacehandsonustoreceivethis
thattherehasbeennoobvioussearchfor fullnessoftheSpirit.ObviouslyGodis
God,noparticularevidenceofprayerand doingamightyworktodayboundneither
devotion,butthereisakindofchildlike byofficenorbyrank.39
lackofpretension,a"wholesouledness."
Ineitherevent,beyondtheSpirit's Finally,itshouldbestressedthatthe
sealingoffaithinJesusChrist(which layingonofhandsisbynomeans
happenstoallwhotrulybelieve),He necessaryfortheoutpouringoftheSpirit.
takespossessioninatotalkindofway. Manypersonshavereceivedthisgift
Suchpersonsarereadythebarriersare withoutanyphysicalcontactsometimes
downandGodmovesmightilyuponand alone,sometimesinagroup.Prayermay
throughtheirwholebeing. ormaynothavebeentheimmediate
context,thoughsurelytherewas
Nowafurtherwordaboutthelayingonof openness.Theysimplywereready(and
hands.Ithasbeenmentionedinpassing whoknowswhatallwasinvolved?),and
that,insomeinstances,themovementof GodwilledtorenewthemwithHisSpirit.
theHolySpiritoccurredinthecontextof SoitisthattheHolySpirit,actingwith
prayerandthelayingonofhands.Thisis orwithouthumanmeans,remainsthe
tosaythatitwasnotalwaysjustthe freeandsovereignLord.
preparationofpersonsthemselves(as
individualsorasgroups),buttherewas Footnotes
alsotheministryofothersinprayingfor
andplacinghandsuponthosewhohave
1
Thisdoesnotdiscountthepossibleadvantagesof
furthertrainingandschoolingtomakesuch
yettoexperiencetheeffusionofthe peoplemoreproficient,butthepointhereisthat
Spirit.Formanyofusthislayingonof suchisnotthefundamentalthing.
handswasquiteimportantasbackground
andfurtherpreparation.Itwasour

2
Theprecedingseveralparagraphsonwordof Incidentally,bothOldandNewTestaments
wisdomandwordofknowledgerepresenta totallycondemnthewholepervertedrealmof
broaderunderstandingofthosetwomanifestation spuriousprophecy,visitationupon"mediums,"
giftsthanIlatercametohave(cf.withRenewal soothsaying,practiceofmagic,andthelike(see,
Theology,2:34858). e.g.,Lev.19:31;20:68;Deut.18:922;2Kings
21:19;Jer.23:940;27:910;Isa.8:1622;Mic.
5:12;Acts16:1618).
3
Theword"miracles"is,Ibelieve,importantto
use.ThewordsotranslatedinmostEnglish
versionsoftheNewTestamentas"miracles"is
7
Itisunmistakablethatprophetsand
prophetessesfunctionedintheearlyChristian
oftendunameis,"powers."Sowecouldsimply
community(e.g.,seeActs11:27:"Nowinthose
speakof"powers"atwork,makingforhealing.
daysprophetscamedownfromJerusalemto
However,sincethese"powers"areneverviewed
Antioch";13:l:"...inthechurchatAntiochthere
asnaturalto,orinherentin,thehumansituation,
wereprophetsandteachers";21:89:"Philipthe
onewouldconstantlyhavetobearinmindthat
evangelist...hadfourunmarrieddaughters,who
theyare"Spiritually"based(thatisintheHoly
prophesied";21:1011:"...aprophetnamedAgabus
Spirit),and,therefore,areotherthanordinary
camedown...andsaid,'ThussaystheHoly
powersofmansuchasintellect,vitality,will
Spirit'"),andthattheapostlePaulstrongly
(evenattheirmaximalfunctioning).Onlysucha
encouragesprophecy("...earnestlydesirethe
wordas"miracles"seemscapableofexpressing
spiritualgifts,especiallythatyoumayprophesy"
thisdifferenceas"signs"oftheSpirit's
1Cor.14:1)andwarnsagainstitsdisregard("...
functioningand"wonders"tothosewhofirst
donotdespiseprophesying"1Thess.5:20).There
beholdthem.Itmightbeaddedthat"miracles,"
isnosuggestionanywhereofprophecyceasing(1
"signs,"and"wonders"areoftencloselyassociated
Cor.13:8:"asforprophecies,theywillpassaway"
intheNewTestament.Forexample,Acts2:22
refersofcourseonlytotheendwhenweseeGod
(KJV):"JesusofNazareth,amanapprovedofGod
"facetoface").
amongyoubymiraclesandwondersandsigns
(dunameiskaiterasikaisemeiois)." 8
IntheEphesianslettertheorderof"gifts"has
prophetsbeforeevangelists,pastors,andteachers
4
Thusaparalleltowhatwaswrittenearlierabout (seeEph.4:11),andinbothRomansand1
theutteranceofSpiritualwisdomandknowledge Corinthiansthe"gifts"or"appointments"list
being,atbase,unrelatedtonaturalcapacitiesand prophecypriortoteaching(Rom.12:67;1Cor.
training. 12:28).
5
Tonguesmayalsooccupythishighposition,if 9
HowmeaningfulnowarethewordsofPaulin1
interpretationfollows(see1Cor.14:5). Corinthians!"...ifallprophesy,andanunbeliever
oroutsiderenters,heisconvictedbyall,heis
6
Onehardlyneedcommentthatwhatpassesfor calledtoaccountbyall,thesecretsofhisheart
prophecyinthepopularmindisfarremovedfrom aredisclosed;andso,fallingonhisface,hewill
prophecyasitoccursinthefellowship.The worshipGodanddeclarethatGodisreallyamong
tremendousboomofinterestinastrology,fortune you"(14:2425).
telling,seances,etc.allhavingtodowith
presumedknowledgeofthingstocomeorthings 10
Onthematterofpretenseinprophecyrecallthe
hiddenisactuallyamoderndaygnosticism,even scathingindictmentofthefalseprophetsabout
acounterfeitknowledge.Ithasnothingtodowith whomtheLordsays(throughJeremiah):"Idid
thelivingGod,HispresenceamongHispeople, notsendtheprophets,yettheyran;Ididnot
Hisgraceandjudgmentsbutleadsintosnareand speaktothem,yettheyprophesied."They
delusion.Indeed,wefindinthefellowshipthat "prophesythedeceitoftheirownheart,"they"use
oneofthemosturgentthingsthathastobedone theirtonguesandsay,'SaystheLORD,'"etc.
bythosewhowanderintosuchpathsistoabjure (Jeremiah23passim.)Ourproblemisnotquite
themutterlyinthenameofJesusChrist.

thesameasJeremiah'ssinceonlycertainones theSpirit.Insodoingthereisgreatlymultiplied
werecalledtobeprophetsthen,andpeoplewere thesenseofGod'spresenceandpowerthatcarries
atthemercyofafewwhomightabusetheoffice. overintothegatheringofthefellowship.
WiththeChristiancommunity,however,all
peoplemayprophesy(seeprecedingnotefrom1 14
Afteronehasbecomeaccustomedtoprayingin
Cor.14),andthusweareinthenewsituationof tonguesaloud,whichisasthebreathoftheSpirit
thecommunityhavingtoexercisespiritual articulatingitself,itsoonbecomesapossibilityfor
judgmentamongitsownmembers.Paulspeaksof one'sownbreath,movingacrossvocalchordsand
oneofthegiftsoftheSpiritas"theabilityto tongue,tomanifesttheSpirit'sbreathing,and
distinguishbetweenspirits"(1Cor.12:10),and therebyforprayertogoonquietly,yetprofoundly,
thiscomingjustafterareferencetothegiftof within.
prophecy(sameverse)maywellrefertothe
Spirit'soperationwhereinsomefortheedification 15
Interpretationliesontheboundarybetween
ofthewholearegiftedparticularlytodistinguish prophecyandtongues.Itissolelyforthepurpose
truefromfalseutterance. ofexpressingwhatissaidintongues,butsinceit
isinthecommonlanguageofthecommunityand
11
Intheexperienceofmanyofus,womenand isspokeninone'sownmannerwithout
youngpeoplequiteoftenexercisethisparticular premeditation,itisakintoprophecy.
gift.Iamnotsurewhythisisthecase,unlessthe Interpretationisnottranslation,andsothe
Lordlikestousethoselessoftenviewedasthe interpretationfollowingatonguemayvaryfromit
authoritiestospeakHisword!ThereisNew considerablyinlength.Theonlyimportantthing
Testamentprecedenthere,tobesure,for isthatthemeaningcomesthrough.
example,Acts2:17:"yoursonsandyourdaughters
shallprophesy,andyouryoungmenshallsee 16
Thespeakerintonguesmayhimselfalsohave
visions,"and21:9(notedearlier)wherereference thegiftofinterpretation,and,ifso,thereisno
ismadeto"fourunmarrieddaughters,who problem:hecanimmediately(bytheSpirit)
prophesied."Paulalsogivesinstruction,in1 interpretwhathehassaid.Ifhedoesnothavethe
Corinthians11:5,to"anywomanwhopraysor gift,heholdsincheckhisutteranceuntilan
prophesies." interpreterispresent;otherwise,therecanbeno
edification.Paulsuggests(in1Cor.14:13)that
12
Inwhatfollowsweshallbeusing "hewhospeaksinatongueshouldprayforthe
interchangeablyfor"tongues"suchexpressionsas powertointerpret."
"speakingintongues,""prayingintongues,"
"prayingintheSpirit,""prayingwiththeSpirit," 17
IntheletterstotheColossiansandEphesians
and"languageoftheSpirit."This,Ibelieve,is Paulwritesof"psalmsandhymnsandspiritual
properinthattonguesarespeechaddressedto songs.""LetthewordofChristdwellinyou
God,thereforeprayer;theyarespokenin(orby) richly...andasyousingpsalmsandhymnsand
theHolySpiritandwiththespirit(notthemind); spiritualsongswiththankfulnessinyourhearts
theyarelanguage(evenifunknown)andnot toGod"(Col.3:16);"...befilledwiththeSpirit,
nonsensicalutterances.Itmightbeofinterestfor addressingoneanotherinpsalmsandhymnsand
thereadertonotehowPaul,in1Corinthians spiritualsongs,singingandmakingmelodytothe
14:1315,shiftsrapidlyfromtheterminologyof Lordwithallyourheart..."(Eph.5:1819).These
"speaksinatongue"to"prayinatongue"to"pray "spiritualsingers,songsinspiredbytheSpirit.
withthespirit."Alsothatitisa"language"is AccordingtotheExpositor'sGreekTestament,"the
suggestedinprecedingverses.
adjectivepneumatikaisisattachedtotheodais
notmerelytodifferentiatetheseodaiasreligious
Iamreferringherenotonlytoindividual
13
andnotsecular,buttodescribethemasinspired
preparation.Oftenitisthecasethatmarried
couples,twoorthreefriendsgatheredtogether,or bytheHolyGhost"(Eph.5:19).TheJerusalem
asmallgroupwillspendtimeaheadprayingin Bibleinterestinglycommentsthatthese"spiritual

songs"(translatedinCol.3:16as"inspiredsongs 24
Ofcoursespatiallanguageisinadequatetodeal
toGod")"couldbecharismaticimprovisations withtheSpirit.Wordssuchas"external"and
suggestedbytheSpiritduringliturgical "internal"may,however,conveysomethingofthe
assembly,"henceobviouslyofaquitedifferent uncircumscribablenatureoftheSpirit's
orderfromtheusualhymnsandanthemsin movement.
worship.Thisisexactlywhatwehavefoundabout
singingintheSpirit,namely,thatitissinging For"outpouring"oftheSpirit,see,forexample,
25
"inspiredbytheHolyGhost,""charismatic Acts2:1718,33;10:45(cf.alsoTitus3:6andRom.
improvisations,"andthereforeamarvelousclimax 5:5);for"filling"withtheSpiritsee,forexample,
tothepsalmsandhymns(choruses,melodies,etc.) Acts2:4;4:8,31;9:17;13:9,52(cf.alsoEph.5:18).
inwhichweallshare.
26
CompareActs2:14.
"Pneuma"maybetranslated"wind"or"Spirit"in
18
thisquotationfromJohn3:8. 27
Inwhatfollowsanyoneofthesetermsorimages
maybeemployedtorepresentthewholenessof
19
Wedonotheregointotheoriginsofthepractice theSpirit'sactivity.Henceif"effusion"or"filling"
ofconfirmation.Thatthesacramentpointstoa or"outpouring"or"pervasion"(orothersimilar
historicconcernofthechurchforsomething terms)isused,thereisnointentionofspeaking
beyondbaptism(withitsrelationshipto onlyofwhathappens"fromabove"or"from
regeneration)isnotunimportant,andthat within."Suchalimitationisimpossibleanyhow.
formallyitisconnectedwithaforwardstepin EverysuchactivityoftheSpirit,howevernamed,
Christianlifeisalsosignificant.Theonlypoint includestheother,forthereisnoexternal
madehereisthatwhatwehavebeenvariously movementthatisnotinternalandviceversa.
describingformanypeopleasrenewalthrough
thepresenceandpoweroftheHolySpiritseems 28
Indeed,inthemaintraditionoftheology,
tohavelittleornorelationtotheirconfirmation especiallyintheWest,thishasactuallymeantif
orlackofit. notanessentialsubordinationism(intermsof
Trinitariantheology)apracticalone.TheHoly
20
SoPaulwrites:"...weimpartthisinwordsnot Spirit,bydogmaticdefinition,is"consubstantial"
taughtbyhumanwisdombuttaughtbytheSpirit, withFatherandSon,andproceedsfromFather
interpretingspiritualtruthstothosewhopossess andSon.Butthisveryprocession(whichmakes
theSpirit"(1Cor.2:13).Onewhopossessesthe possiblethe"dynamicmovement"oftheSpirit),in
Spiritiscalleda"spiritualman[pneumatikos]"(v. itssingularityandend,hasbeendealtwithless
15). thantheworkofChristandtheplaceoftheSpirit
inconnectiontherewith.Onthematterofviewing
Paulcontinues:"Theunspiritual["psychical"or
21 theHolySpiritasapplicativeandinstrumentalI
"natural"]mandoesnotreceivethegiftsofthe wouldespeciallycallattentiontoProfessor
SpiritofGod,fortheyarefollytohim,andheis HendrikusBerkhof'sTheDoctrineoftheHoly
notabletounderstandthembecausetheyare Spiritwherehewrites:"Thisisthemain
spirituallydiscerned"(1Cor.2:14). pneumatologicaltrendinecclesiasticaltheology.
TheSpiritiscustomarilytreatedinnoetical,
Ifthereistalkaboutsanctification,itquiteoften
22
applicative,subjectiveterms.Heisthatpower
becomeslittlemorethantheoldterminologyused whichdirectsourattentiontoChristandopens
(withsomeobviousdifficulty)fortalkingabout oureyestohiswork.Themainresultofhiswork
obedience,service,lifeintheworld,etc. istheawakeningoffaithinChrist.Hisworkis
merelyinstrumental....SotheSpiritisasecond
23
Herethepreviouslyusedlanguageof realitybesideChrist,butentirelysubordinateto
justification,regeneration,andsanctificationin him,servingintheapplicationofHisatoning
itsbeginningisappropriate. work..."(23).Berkhofexpressesdissatisfaction
withthislongtraditionandurgesthat"theSpirit

isfarmorethananinstrumentalentity,the (akarpos)"inactive"[Phillips],"liesfallow"[NEB],
subjectivereverseofChrist'swork."Igladly "barren"[JB].Thusprayerintonguesisother
confesstohavingreceivedhelpfulinsightfrom thanrationalormentalprayer.(Incidentally,Paul
whatBerkhofhassaidinthisconnection. doesnotforthatreasondiscountthevalueofsuch
prayer;forheadds[v.15]:"WhatamItodo?I
Inthisconnectionseethenextchapteron"A
29
willpraywiththespiritandIwillpraywiththe
NewErainHistory." mindalso."ItistruethatPauldoeswantto
discouragethosewhowouldputalltheir
30
IntheBookofActstheeffusionoftheSpirit emphasisonspeakingorprayinginatongue,and
whetherwordedas"baptism,""outpouring," saysthat"inchurchIwouldratherspeakfive
"fallingupon,""filling,""comingupon,"etc.occurs wordswithmymind,inordertoinstructothers,
anumberoftimesandtodifferentpeople.See,for thantenthousandwordsinatongue"[v.19].
example,Acts1:5,8;2:4,1718,33;8:1617;9:17; Howeverthisstatement,referringtoasituation
10:4445;11:1516;19:6.Itseemsevidentthatone inchurchwherean"outsider"[v.16]couldnot
oftheverythingsthewriterofActswantsto understand[henceitisbetterinthatcaseto
avoidisanyeasyassumptionthattheHolySpirit foregoincomprehensibleutterance],doesnot
hasalreadycomeandbeenreceived.See intendtodiscounttheimportanceoftongues.How
especiallyActs19:2"DidyoureceivetheHoly coulditwhenPaulhasearlier[v.5]said,"Iwant
Spiritwhenyoubelieved?" youalltospeakintongues"?)Thevery
unfruitfulnessorinactivityofthemindatthe
31
Ithardlyneedstobesaidthatnocommunity momentoftonguesissignthattheHolySpiritis
demonstratesthisineverywordanddeed.Love, speakingthroughthehumanspiritutterancestoo
joy,peacearenotinvariablyevidencedandso profoundforconceptualization,andsignifiesthe
thereisneedofGod'scontinuingforgivenessand vastmovementinaperson'ssubconsciousdepths
renewal.Butthisdoesnotjustifyanattitudethat intoanewkeyofdivinepraiseandthanksgiving.
wouldsayitdoesnotreallymatter,thatChristis
whatwearenot,etc.Itiswewho,inthelanguage Wedoneedtorepeathereotherfactorssuchas
35
ofPaul,are"knownandreadbyallmen"(2Cor. thefreedomoftheSpirit,individualdifferencesin
3:2). personality,religioustradition,culture,etc.
32
Itmightbehelpfultorecallthattheeffusionof
36
TheclassiccaseofthisintheNewTestamentis
surelythatofCorneliustheRomancenturion
theSpiritatPentecostwasnotforecastfor
(Acts1011).Heisdescribedas"adevoutman
Pentecost!AccordingtoActs1,thediscipleswere
whofearedGodwithallhishousehold,gavealms
nottoldthatiftheywouldpraytendays,onthe
liberallytothepeople,andprayedconstantlyto
tenthday(Pentecost)theSpiritwouldcome.They
God"(10:2).ItwasuponsuchaGodfearingman
weresimplytoldthat"beforemanydays"(v.5)it
(withaGodfearinghousehold)ofsingular
wouldhappen.Whentheeventoccurred,itcame
devoutnessandconstantprayerthat,atthesame
about"suddenly"(Acts2:2).
momentofhiscomingtofaithinChrist,God
"pouredout"HisSpirit(seeespeciallyvv.4345).
33
IknowofnowordintheNewTestamentthat
morebeautifullyexpressesthisthantheentreaty
Seeearlierdiscussionof"confirmation"(pp.75
37
ofPaul:"Iappealtoyoutherefore,brethren,by
76).
themerciesofGod,topresentyourbodiesasa
livingsacrifice..."(Rom.12:1).
Thisisthebasicconsideration,notthematterof
38
"apostolicsuccession."Whateverthemeritsof
34
Tonguesrepresentsthefirstofthese,prophecy
"apostolicsuccession"forthevalidationandorder
thesecond.Whenonespeaksorpraysintongues
ofministry,thisisnotourconcernhere.The
themindisnotfunctioning.Concerningthe
importantthingisthatthosewhominister
formerPaulsays(1Cor.14:13),"IfIprayina
(whetherinoroutofsucha"succession")have
tongue...mymindisunfruitful"

themselvesexperiencedthemovementoftheHoly
Spirit.
OnethinksofAnanias,anunknownlaymanin
39
Damascus,ministeringtoerstwhile"Phariseeof
thePharisees,"SaulofTarsus:"Andlayinghis
handsonhimhe[Ananias]said,'BrotherSaul,
theLordJesuswhoappearedtoyouontheroad
bywhichyoucame,hassentmethatyoumay
regainyoursightandbefilledwiththeHoly
Spirit'"(Acts9:17).

vitalityduenottonaturalforcesbutto
theoperationoftheHolySpirit.Itthus
Chapter2 hasvastpotentialforthedepthrenewal
ofthechurchthroughouttheworld.
ANEWERAIN
HISTORY LetusturnbrieflytotheNewTestament
periodtonotethisprimitivevitalityand
Anewerainhistoryisopeningupbefore dynamism.TheChristiancommunityas
usinafreshandpowerfulway.Thereisa
"fellowship[koinonia]oftheHolySpirit"
workingoftheSpiritofGodinourday
livedinthedimensionoftheSpirit's
thatisbringingaboutaresurgence
immediateoperations.GodtheFather
withinChristendomofthevitalityand
throughtherisenandexaltedChristhad
dynamismoftheearlychurch.Ireferto
pouredoutHisSpiritupononeperson
thePentecostalorcharismaticrenewal
andcommunityafteranother.Asaresult
whichvividlyrepresentstheinbreaking
therewassuchanirruptionoftheSpirit
ofthisnewera.
astoproduceextraordinary
manifestationsofspiritualutterance,
TheSpiritofGoddoubtlessisactivein
mightypowersofwitnessandhealing,
manywaysmakingfortherenewalofthe
manifoldexpressionsofloveandunity
church.Wemayrejoiceateveryevidence
(e.g.,seeActs2andthereafter).TheHoly
oftheSpirit'sworkinsuchareasas
Spirithadpenetratedallthelevelsof
worship,evangelism,Christiannurture,
humanexistence,throughtheconscious
socialinvolvement,andecumenical
andsubconscioustothedepthsofthe
activity.However,Iknowofnothingthat
humanspirit,bringingforthnewpowers.
moresignificantlyshowsfortharenewal
Hehadprovidedenergyforthe
indepththanthepresent
proclamationofthegospelandthe
Pentecostal/charismaticmovement.For
comingofnewlifetothebodiesandsouls
hereinisaconcentrationoftheactivityof
ofpeople.TheHolySpirithadbrokeninto
theHolySpiritthatprovidesapersonal
theusualorderingoffamilyandsociety
andcommunitydynamicwhichcanbring
life,andreconstituteditarichunityin
aboutaradicaltransformationofallof
faithandlove.ItwasthesameHoly
life.
SpiritwhomultipliedHisgiftswithinthe
Whatwebeholdinthispresent Christianfellowshipandgaveconstant
movementoftheHolySpiritis,Ibelieve, directiontoitsdailyactivity.
arecurrenceoftheprimordialpowerof
Whatoccurredintermsof"extra
theNewTestamentchurch.Somethingis
rational"phenomenawasstriking
happeningtodaythatismorethanjust
demonstrationofthisprimordialvitality
onepossiblerenewalamongmany;itis
andpower.Wedowelltonotetwoof
ratheracomingtoexpressionofprimitive

thesephenomena,tonguesandprophecy. senseofitsbeinganactivityoftheHoly
Thefirstwasdoubtlessthestrangerof Spirit,and,accordingly,notmerelya
thetwo,andcouldbeinterpretedby rationalorhumancapacityinoperation.
outsidersasirrationalnonsense(even
drunkennessormadness).Butforthose TheprimitiveChristiancommunitywas
withpersonalexperience,utterancein wholly"charismatic,"thatis,operatingby
tonguessignifiedadeeplyspiritual freelybestowedgiftswhetherinterms
communicationofpraise,intercession,or ofmanifestationsforthecommongood,
evenutteranceofdivinemysteries.This thefunctioningofthebody,orthe
was,allinall,animmediate maturationofthecommunityinChrist.
communicationbetweenmanandGod Theallimportantmatterwasthe"gift"
throughthehumanspiritandHolySpirit ("charisma"or"doma"),notnatural
inintimaterelationship.Mandidthe humanabilities.Anyoneinthe
speaking,freelyandjoyously,butthe community,byvirtueoftheSpirit's
Spiritgavethelanguage.Thustherewas disposition,mightbe"gifted"fortheword
theconjoiningofthenaturalandthe ofwisdomorofknowledge,forthe
spiritualinawaybeyondhuman performanceofmiraclesorhealings,for
comprehension.Prophecylikewise prophecyordistinguishingsofspirits,for
signifiedimmediacyofaddressnot,as tonguesorinterpretationoftongues,for
withtongues,frommantoGodbutfrom helpingoradministration(1Cor.12).
Godtoman.Herethroughtheordinary Regardlessofbackgroundandlearning
languageofman,the"extrarational" anyonemightbe"gifted"tobeanapostle,
againoccurred,forthewordsspokenin anevangelist,apastor,ateacher(Eph.
prophecywerenotderivedfromhuman 4).Tobesure,studyandtraining
reflectionbutcamebythedirect consequentuponsuchagiftwere
inspirationoftheHolySpirit:He important,buttheprimarymatterwas
providedthemessage.Thisprophetic thegift.Therewerealsogiftsof
utterancenotonlymadeforedificationof enablementforserving,exhortation,
thecommunity;itoftenhadapenetrating liberality,anddeedsofmercy(Rom.12,1
effectonthosewhovisitedthe Peter4).Inallofthesethecommunity
community,layingbarethesecretsof functionedcharismatically,theRisen
theirheartsandrevealingGod's LordthroughtheSpiritexercisingHis
presence.Thatprophecywasasignof directheadshipandrulethroughthegifts
God'spotentpresencenoonecoulddoubt. Hebestoweduponmen.
Inadditiontotonguesandprophecythere
wereotherspiritualmanifestations Further,therewerenosetformsorplaces
throughwhichtheearlychurchexpressed ofworship.Usuallymeetingswereheldin
itslifeintheSpirit.Evenwhereitwas homes,andeveryonewasfreeto
thematterofa"wordofwisdom"or"a participate.WhomevertheSpirit
wordofknowledge,"orseeminglysuch "anointed"couldofferasong,alesson,a
ordinaryappointmentsas"helpers"and testimony,evenarevelation.Thiswasto
"administrators,"therewasthesame bedoneinorderlymanner,butorderwas

notthefundamentalthing.Nothingwas churchcomestounderstanditselfas
fixedorrigid,forthewholecommunity controlleranddispenseroftheSpirit.The
waslivingdailyinthedimensionofthe Spiritisthusdomesticatedandcanalized,
HolySpirit. andlittleroomisleftforHimfreelyto
anointleadersandtomultiplyHisown
Muchmorecouldbesaidaboutthis giftsandgraces.2Foratimethereare
divinepresenceandcompellingpowerin scatteredreferencesinearlypatristic
theNewTestamentcommunity.God,to writingstothegiftsoftheHolySpirit,
besure,wasstillthetranscendentOther, butitisnotlongbeforemanyofthegifts
awesomeandholy;butinJesusChristHe disappear.Thesituationisexpressed
hadcomeinman'sownflesh,andnow thusbyonefifthcenturychurchFather:
throughtheHolySpiritHeagainand "Withoutadoubtthey[themiraculous
againbecametheindwelling,empowering giftsoftheSpirit]accompaniedthe
forceoftheChristianlife.Herewas effusionoftheSpiritintheapostolicage,
transcendence/immanenceinsuch buttheyhaveceasedlongagotofinda
fashionashadnotbeenexperienced placeamongus."3Thus,despite
before;andpeoplewentforthintothe occasionaloutbreakssuchasMontanism4
worldGodinspired,Godfilled,God inthesecondcentury,thepictureis
directed.Theirworship,theirwitness, largelyoneofincreasingofficialism,
andtheirworkwereunderthedynamic institutionalism,sacerdotalismand
operationoftheHolySpirit. dimmingspiritualvitality.Thechurch
livednolongerinthefulldimensionof
theSpirit'sspontaneousandenabling
activity.
What,wemayask,istherecordofthe
churchfollowingtheNewTestament Awordshouldbeaddedaboutthe
period?Onecanonlyanswerthatalmost doctrineoftheHolySpiritduringthese
immediatelytherewasspiritualdecline. earlycenturies.ReferencestotheHoly
Forexample,thelettersofthe SpiritintheanteNiceneFathersare
postapostolicFathersbearlittletraceof relativelysparse(thatis,incomparison
theoriginalspiritualvitality,andthefree withtheNewTestament),andseemto
swayoftheSpirit'sruleandlifeisgreatly belongtoaworldofinadequate
diminished.1Charismaissoonunderstood experienceandunderstanding.This
tobeconveyedbyordination,and becomes,Ibelieve,allthemoreapparent
sacramentsbecometheestablished inearlycreedalformulations.TheNicene
channelsoftheSpirit'sactivity.The Creedof325,afteralengthyaffirmation
churchisincreasinglyviewedasan aboutChristHisbeingof"thesame
institutionratherthanafellowship,and essenceastheFather...Whoforusmen
priestlyandepiscopalofficedeemedtobe andoursalvationcamedown...,"says
constitutiveforthechurch'sexistence. only,"AndwebelieveintheHolySpirit."
Pneumaticorderingofthecommunity NothingisaddedaboutwhoorwhatHeis
giveswaytolegaladministration,andthe ordoes.5LateratConstantinople(381)

thereisalengthierandmoresignificant experienceoftheHolySpiritandthe
statementabouttheHolySpirit:"And church'sratherlimitedcreedal
[webelieve]intheHolySpirit,theLord statements.Theproblemwouldsurelylie
andlifegiver,Whoproceedsfromthe withtheformer,forstatementsofbelief
Father,Whoisworshippedandis basicallyreflectthelifeandexperienceof
glorifiedtogetherwiththeFatherandthe thecommunity.Thechurchlivedno
Son,Whospokethroughtheprophets...." longerinthefulldimensionoftheSpirit's
Quiteimportantly,somestatement presenceandpower,Hisgiftsandgraces,
concerningwhotheHolySpiritis,His Hisspontaneityandfreedom.
processionfromtheFather,andHisdeity
areaffirmedandthissurelyisprogress
beyondNicea.However,Hisparticular
operationwhichstandsattheheartofthe TheMiddleAgesrepresentno
NewTestamentwitnessisnotatall satisfactoryimprovementofthesituation.
mentioned."...Whospokethroughthe Thereweremanymonastictreatiseson
prophets"isallthatissaid;butsuch spirituality,thusaconcernfortheinward
wouldscarcelyseemtomovebeyondan lifeofprayerandthegrowthofthesoul.
OldTestamentunderstandingofthe Yetforthemostpartthisrelatesto
activityoftheHolySpirit.6TheWestern variouspracticesdesignedtoachievea
Churchdidlateraddthe"filioque"clause stateofcontemplationbytheascentof
(Toledo,A.D.589)"theLordandlife thesoulthroughseveralstages.TheHoly
Spiritscarcelyfiguresinthis,exceptas
giver,WhoproceedsfromtheFatherand
theinfusionoflove;Hiscomingto
theSon."However,thereisstillnothing humanitytoanointandempowerislittle
abouttherationaleofthisprocession: mentioned.Itismoreamatterofwhat
proceededforwhatpurpose,towhom, peopleundergothanofwhattheHoly
how,andsoon.Evenaslateasthis,there SpiritdoesandsotheNewTestament
isnofurtherwordabouttheworkofthe perspectiveisseriouslyneglected.
HolySpirit;justarepetitionof"who ConcernaboutcharismsoftheSpiritdoes
spokebytheprophets."Thechurch, emerge,butthisrefersnotsomuchto1
therefore,whileaffirmingthedeityofthe Corinthians12:810astoIsaiah11:13.7
HolySpirit,HisplaceintheTrinity, Hence,theoperationoftheHolySpirit
henceHisnatureandperson,andHis knownintheearlyChristiancommunity
relationtoChrist,didnotgivesufficient doesnotclearlycomeintofocus.
considerationtotheSpirit'soperationin
thelifeofhumanity.Again,thissuggests
aninadequateexperienceandrecognition
ofHisactivitywhichisprevalentinthe Wemaynowturntosomeconsideration
NewTestamentrecordandintheearly oftheReformation.Fewtodaywould
Christiancommunity. denythesignificanceoftheReformation
intherecoveryofmanyimportanttruths
Thustherewouldseemtobeaclose suchasthesoleheadshipofJesus
connectionbetweenthediminutionofthe

Christ,thepriorityofScriptureover Secondandfollowinguponwhathas
tradition,andjustificationbyfaithalone.8 justbeensaidtheReformationwasnot
Alsoitoughttobestressedthatthe ablefullytobreakfreefromthe
Reformersvariouslydidspeakoftherole structuralrigidityofthemedievalchurch.
oftheHolySpiritinunitingmento Tobesure,muchwasdonetocrackopen
Christ,9ininspiringScriptures,in themonolithicstructureoftheChurchof
makingfaithpossible,andinbringing Romeandtherebytorelievearepressive
aboutregenerationandsanctification. condition.However,thechurchesofthe
Surelyalloftheseweregreatgains,but,I Reformersdidnotsucceedinrecapturing
wouldurge,intheareaoftheSpirit's thevisionofachurchguidedbytheHoly
dynamicactivitymuchwasleftunsaid. Spiritdistributinggiftsandministriesas
Hewills.Theircontinuingstressonform
Letusnotethreethings.First,therewas andorderwasofcoursenecessary,
insufficientrecognitionofthe especiallyinlightoftheseparationfrom
extraordinaryanduniqueeventofthe Rome,andthustheimportancegivento
comingoftheHolySpirit.Despiteallthe such"offices"11aspastorandteacher.But
discussionconcerningtheworkofthe thefreedomintheSpirittobeledinto
SpiritinbringingpeopletoChristhence newpatternswasnotfullyrealized.
theareaofsalvationtherewaslittle Further,thedefinitionofthechurchas
saidaboutthecomingoftheSpiritand existingwherethewordistrulypreached
thenewsituationthiscreates.Itwasnot andthesacramentsrightly
clearlyunderstoodbytheReformersthat administered12leavesmuchtobe
theSpiritnotonlypointstoChristbut desired.13Forasimportantaspreaching
alsoChristtotheSpirit,andthatthe andsacramentsare,itisonlypeople
comingoftheSpiritisadecisivenew livinginthe"koinonia"oftheHolySpirit
eventintheseriesofGod'smightyacts. whorepresentthetrueecclesia.Itisin
Theydidnotseethatbeyondthe suchafellowshipoftheSpirit
actualityofsalvationistheeventofthe (insufficientlyrecognizedbythe
Spirit'sbestowal;indeed,theytendedto Reformers)thatthecharismaticordering
viewthelatterassimplytheapplyingof ofthelifeofthecommunitycanagain
theformer(thusPentecost,thesubjective becomeareality.
sideofChrist'sworkofredemption).
Accordingly,byoverlookingeven Third,theReformersdidnotadequately
misunderstandingtheeventofthe grapplewiththegifts(charismata)ofthe
Spirit'scoming,theReformersfailedto HolySpirit.Calvinisaparticularcasein
grasptheimportantNewTestament point.Manytimesinhiswritingshe
dimensionoftheSpirit'sactivitywherein speaksquiteappreciativelyofsuchgifts
thepeopleoffaitharefilledwithGod's astongues,prophecy,andworkingof
realityandpresence,freshpowersof miracles,buthedoesnotsatisfactorily
praiseandproclamationarebrought cometotermswiththem.Thismaybe
forth,andtheircommonlifeisledinto seeninthatCalvinfrequentlyspeaksof
newanddynamicexpressions.10 theseextraordinaryworkingsofthe

Spiritnotonlyashavingceasedwiththe wasaltogetherfitting,andimpliesthat,
earlychurchbutalsothatthiscessation sinceGodHimselfwithdrewthem,they
wasquiteproper.Onereasongivenfor aregonewithoutpossibilityofreturn.17
thisisthatGodprovidedthesegiftsonly
fortheearlyadornmentofthegospel: Whatallofthissignifiesregardingthe
"Thosemiraculouspowersandmanifest Reformationisablindspotconcerning
workings...haveceased;andtheyhave theprimordialdynamismoftheHoly
rightlylastedonlyforatime.Foritwas Spirit.Totheleftoftheclassical
fittingthatthenewpreachingofthe Reformerswerethe"Enthusiasts"(or
gospel,andthenewkingdomofChrist "Spiritualists")whoplacedmuch
shouldbeilluminedandmagnifiedby emphasisontheareaofspiritualvitality.
unheardofandextraordinarymiracles."14 Theystressed,forexample,thechurchas
Concerningthegiftoftongues(to asharedfellowshipofbelievers,
Corneliusandhousehold)Calvinwrites: cultivationofevangelicalfervor,and
"Theywereendowedwithavarietyof simplicityoforganizationandworship.
tonguestopraiseGodinmany Theyalsotendedtolaymoreweighton
languages....tonguesweregiven,notonly guidancebytheHolySpiritthan
tomeetaneed,whentheGospelhadto directionoftheScriptures.TheReformers
bepreachedtoforeignerswithadifferent reactedstronglyagainsttheEnthusiasts,
language,butalsofortheadornmentand viewingthemas"fanatics"wholeft
honouroftheGospelitself."15Another Scripturebehind,18elevatingtheirown
reasongivenbyCalvinforthecessation guidancebytheSpirittotheplaceof
oftheseextraordinarygiftsisthatpeople primacy.Still,these"LeftWing"people,
soquicklycorruptedthemthatGod howeverexaggeratedsomeoftheirideas
simplytookthemaway.Hewritesthat andactions,wereseekingamoreradical
"thegiftofthetongues,andothersuch NewTestamentrenewal.They
likethingsareceasedlongagointhe representedanattempttomakesome
Church";and,Calvinaddsconcerningthe furtherheadwaytowardovercomingthe
giftoftongues,that"manydidtranslate formalismandinstitutionalismofthe
thatuntopompandvainglory....No past.
marvelifGodtookawaythatshortly
afterwhichhehadgiven,anddidnot
sufferthesametobecorruptedwith
longerabuse."16Sowhetherbecauseofno Thereisnotspaceheretofollowindetail
needforfurtherextraordinarygiftsor thewayofthechurchsincethe
duetothecorruptionthatsooncame Reformation.Onemightmention,almost
about,itisevidentthatforCalvin inpassing,anumberofeventsrelatingto
"miraculousworkings"havelongago spiritualrenewal,suchastheriseof
rightlyceased.ThusCalvin,likeothers Pietismonthecontinent;theincidenceof
beforehim,affirmstheendofthe Puritanism,Quakerism,and
miraculousgifts,butalsogoesfarther:he WesleyanisminEngland;the"Great
assuresthechurchthatthiscessation Awakenings"andtheemergenceof

HolinessgroupsinAmerica.Ofthese,I QuakerstheHolySpirit,tendstobe
shouldliketotouchuponafewthathave viewednotsomuchasalightorpower
particularbearingonthecontemporary whichbecomesanactualitythroughthe
scene. redemptioninChrist,butisunderstood
asaresidentfactofallpeople'slives.
Aword,first,aboutQuakerism,which Thusthis"Light"onlyneedstobe
aroseintheseventeenthcentury.Inits recognizedandelicitedthatpeoplemay
concerntomoveawayfromsuchthingsas cometotruthandsalvation.20Butthe
institutionalforms,ordainedclergy, NewTestamentpatternisquite
structuredworship,anddogmatic otherwise:thereisno"Lightwithin"until
formulas,therewouldseemtobeareturn Christenlightenstheinnerdarkness;and
tomuchoftheNewTestamentpattern. theHolySpiritisHewhoissenttothose
Also,attheheartofQuakerlifeisthe madenewinChrist.Withoutthevigorous
emphasisonimmediatereligious NewTestamentemphasisonthepresence
experience(the"Lightwithin")without oftheHolySpiritasoccurringonly
whichChristianityisanemptyfaith. throughforgivenessofsins"21and
Further,thereisstressonthepowerof redemptioninChrist,thereisdanger
ChristortheSpiritasthatwhichismost that"thepoweroftheSpirit"(afrequent
neededbythechurch.SowritesGeorge expressionofFox)maybecome
Fox,founderoftheQuakermovement: indistinguishablefromhumanassertion
"TheLord...saiduntomethatifbutone andactivity,andthebreakingdownof
manorwomanwereraisedbyHispower ancientformsandpracticeslittlemore
tostandandliveinthesameSpiritthat thantheworkofthehumanspirit.
theprophetsandapostleswereinwho Furtheramanorwomanmay"shakethe
gaveforththeScriptures,thatmanor
country,"butisthisnecessarilyGod's
womanshouldshakeallthecountry...." 19
ownshaking?Second,despitereferences
OfteninFox'swritingthereisreference
madebysuchacommandingfigureas
topeopletremblingbeforetheword
Foxtoextraordinaryhappeningspeople
preached,andanumberofinstancesare
frequently"quaking,"andhealingsnow
givenofextraordinaryhealingand
andthenoccurringthereisnoclear
deliverance.AlsoFox,andthoseafter
pictureoftherecoveryoftheprimitive
him,stresstheimportanceinthe
dimensionoftheHolySpiritwithinthe
gatheredmeetingforwaitingontheLord
community.TheQuakermeeting,while
untilHiswordcantrulybeheardand
beautifullydepictedasatimeofsilence,
spoken.
waiting,andspeakingonlybyinward
prompting,doesnotfullysucceedin
OnemayseeinthisQuakerbeliefand
recapturingtheNewTestamentpictureof
practicearecapturingofmanyelements
acommunityinwhichtheHolySpirit
oftheNewTestament.However,two
manifestsHisgiftsandworkings.There
commentsmustbeaddedabouthowfully
ismoreemphasisoninwardsilencethan
thiswasaccomplished.First,the"Light
outwardpraise,andonsimplicityand
within,"whichissometimescalledby

directnessofspeechthanoncharismatic indifferenceorindolentinactivity,butin
utterance.22 vigorousanduniversalobedience;ina
zealouskeepingofallhiscommandments;
Second,inregardtotheWesleyan inwatchfulnessandpainfulness;in
movementoftheeighteenthcenturyone denyingourselvesandtakingupourcross
maynotehowitgoesbeyondthe daily;aswellasinearnestprayerand
Reformationinaconcernforentire fastingandacloseattendanceonallthe
sanctificationorChristianperfection.As ordinancesofGod.Andifamandreamof
inLuther'steaching,thereisemphasison attainingitanyotherway,hedeceiveth
sinandjustification,asinCalvin'sthere hisownsoul."25Itissignificantthat
isstressonregenerationand WesleydoesnotlaystressontheHoly
sanctification,butinadditionthereis Spiritintheattainmentofthisperfection.
Wesley'sconvictionofthepossibilityof HeoccasionallymentionsthattheHoly
realizingperfectioninthispresentlife.23 Spiritwillbearinwardwitnesswhenthis
BytheHolySpiritwearedailyconformed comesabout.Itwouldthereforeseem
toChristintheprocessofsanctification, clearthat,despiteWesley's"second
buttheremay,andalsooughtto,comea blessing"teaching,thereisnothoughtof
timewhentheChristianisgrantedentire aspecialcomingoftheHolySpirit;and
sanctification:afreedomfrominbredsin so,aswiththeReformers,thisdimension
andtheperfectionoflove.Wesleybyno oftheSpirit'sworkisstillnotrecognized.
meansminimizestheneedforsalvation
ofadeep,inwardkind;indeed,without Wesley'sattitudetowardtheNew
thisthereisnosanctifyingSpiritatwork Testamentcharismataislikewise
withinhumanity.Wesley'sfullerconcern, revealing.Inhispreachingtherewere
however,isfortherealizationofthat manyoccasionsofpeoplebeing"deeply
perfectionwhichmayoccurinChristian smitten,"cryingoutinanguish,fallingto
life. theground,evengoingintoconvulsions
beforetheycametosalvation.Wesleysaw
Itisimportanttonote,first,thatWesley's inthistheconvictingpoweroftheHoly
emphasisleadstoaviewoftwogreat Spirit.Butheneverlaidclaimto
blessingssalvationandentire "extraordinaryoperations"oftheHoly
sanctification.Bothareoffaith,and Spirit;indeedhesoughttodefendhis
thoughseparatedbyyears,eachoccurs movementagainstthem.26Atonetime
instantaneously.24Howdoesthis Wesleypreachedasermoninwhich,
sanctificationcomeabout?Wesleywrites: referringto"extraordinarygifts"suchas
"Expectitbyfaith;expectitasyouare; healing,tongues,andinterpretation,he
expectitnow...apoorsinnerthatstillhas says:"WhetherthesegiftsoftheHoly
nothingtopay,nothingtopleadbut Ghostweredesignedtoremaininthe
'Christdied.'"Again,inmoreactivist churchthroughoutallages,andwhether
fashion,hewritesinanswertothe ornotheywillberestoredatthenearer
question,"Howarewetowaitforthis approachofthe'restitutionofallthings'
change?"thefollowing:"Notincareless arequestionswhichitisnotneedfulto

decide."Andthenshortlythereafter,he Nowincomingtothetwentiethcentury
adds,"Itwas,therefore,foramore wediscoverafullerrecoveryofthe
excellentpurposethanthis,that'they primitivedynamismoftheHolySpiritin
wereallfilledwiththeHolyGhost.'It theriseofthePentecostalmovement.
was,togivethemthemindthatwasin Pentecostalism(originatingabout1901)
Christ...thoseholyfruitsofthe representedakindofmergingofholiness
Spirit...love,joy,peace...."27Atleastitcan andrevivalismbyaddingtothesecond
besaidforWesleythathegoesbeyond blessingofholinessathirdblessingofthe
Calvininenvisioningthepossibilityof enduementofpower.However,asin
somefuturerestorationofthe revivalism,baptismwiththeHolySpirit
extraordinarygifts;however,hedoesnot wasidentifiedwiththelatter.Thusitwas
viewthematterasoneofanygreat heldthatbeyondconversion(or
consequence. justification)andholiness(or
sanctification)therewasafurther
Third,thestressonrevivalismand experienceofempowering,whichis
holiness,especiallyontheAmerican baptismwiththeSpirit.31This
sceneinthenineteenthcentury,beganto empowering,furthermore,was
bringaboutanewemphasisonthework understoodnotonlyformissionary
oftheHolySpirit.TheHoliness activity(aswithrevivalism)butforthe
movementrepresentsacontinuationof individual'sandcommunity'slifeof
Wesleyantheologyinitsstressona praise,witness,andedification.Itwasto
"secondblessing"ofentiresanctification, be"filledwiththeSpirit"withallthat
orcompleteholiness.Inthismovementit thefullnessofGodcanmean.Inthis
becamecommontospeakofthissecond eventofSpiritbaptism,whichmanynow
experienceas"baptismwiththeHoly begantoexperience,therewasindeedthe
Spirit,"or"Spiritbaptism."28Alongwith resurgenceoftheNewTestamentreality
theHolinessmovementwasthegrowthof ofthepresenceandpowerofGod.
arevivalismthatlikewisecametospeak
ofSpiritbaptismasasecondexperience, Itisimportanttonotetheclose
butnotonesomuchofholinessasof connectionPentecostalsrecognized
"enduementofpower."Revivalistssuch betweenbaptismwiththeHolySpiritand
asFinney,Moody,andTorreycame thecharismaticmanifestationoftongues,
increasinglytosaythattheneedofthe orglossolalia.Wehavenotedhowthis
churchinitsevangelisticeffortswas phenomenon,alongwithmanyother
powerforwitness.Andthis,"baptism extraordinaryworkingsoftheSpirit,
withtheSpirit"alonecouldprovide.29Itis becamealmostunknownafterthefirst
thiscombinationofrevivalismand fewcenturies;howtheologianssuchas
holinessthatimmediatelypreparedthe AquinasandCalvinwereatalossto
wayforthespiritualrenewalofthe understanditssignificanceandviewed
twentiethcentury.30 tonguesonlyasaneventofpasthistory;
howaftertheReformationthereisno
experienceofthiskindbymensuchas

FoxandWesley.Itshouldbeaddedthat thesecondisprophecyandintheir
therewassomemanifestationoftongues occurrencewitnessisbornetothefresh
inthelateseventeenthcenturyamong openingupoftheworldoftheSpirit.
theHuguenotsoftheCevennes("thelittle
prophets")andtheCatholicJansenists, Pentecostalsbynomeansstoppedwith
andthenintheearlynineteenthcentury theextrarationaloftonguesand
amongtheIrvingitesofScotland,but prophecy.Theyalsotestifiedto
noneoftheseoccurrenceswasever experiencingthewholegamutofspiritual
widespread.Nordidthesemovements giftssuchaswordofknowledge,giftsof
stressthePentecostalconnectionbetween healing,workingofmiracles,and
aspecialeventofSpiritbaptismand discernmentofspirits.Itissignificant
glossolalia.Itwasinthelinkingofthe thatforthefirsttimesincetheearly
two,andtheemphasisontonguesas churchthewholerangeofspiritual
"initialevidence"ofbaptismintheSpirit, manifestationswasclaimed,andpeople
thatPentecostalismmadeitsunique soughttoordertheirpersonaland
contribution.32 communitylifeintermsoftheseNew
TestamentoperationsoftheHolySpirit.
Thisaddressisnottheplacetoevaluate
thePentecostaldoctrineoftonguesas
"initialevidence,"buttostressratherthe
pointthatthePentecostalssawan Tosummarize:Pentecostalism
integralrelationshipbetweenSpirit representedacrucialbreakthroughinthe
baptismorbeing"filledwiththeSpirit" realmoftheHolySpirit.Thefocus,as
andextrarationalutterance.Tobe noted,wasnottheSpirit'sworkin
"Spiritfilled"signifiesthatmaninthe salvation,oreveninsanctification,butin
entiretyofhisbeing,hisconsciousand themuchneededempowermentof
hisunconsciouslife,isnowpervadedby Christianlife.ThePentecostalmovement
theHolySpirit.33Thespiritaswellasthe cameaboutnotthroughahighlevel
mindisincluded;accordingly,themost conferenceoftheologians,biblicalexperts,
primaryformofutteranceinthiseventis oranecumenicalcouncil,butthrough
spiritualnotrational.Thetongueasthe ordinaryChristianswhowereraisingina
instrumentofhumanutterancemay freshwayalongneglectedquestionnot
speakinselftranscendingfashion aboutincarnationandatonement,not
becausetheHolySpiritisnowfreely aboutsacraments,notaboutministerial
movingthroughthehumanspirit.Onthe orders,andthelike,butaboutthepower
deepestlevelthisutteranceisextra theysawintheNewTestamentwitness.
rationalinthesenseofnotbeinginthe Theysensedthatthispowerwasmissing
ordinarylanguageofthespeaker;but orquiteminimalintheirownlivesand
veryclosetoitisutteranceinordinary experience.Thusthepressingquestion
languagewhichisalsoextrarationalin cametobe:Whatisthesecretofthe
thatitisnotaresultofthespeaker'sown recoveryofthatpower?Andwhatthey
rationalreflection.Thefirstisglossolalia, essentiallydiscoveredwastheNew

Testament"hotline,"namely,thecoming alongsideProtestantismandRoman
oftheSpiritthroughJesusChristto Catholicism.
thosewhotrulybelievedinHimwith
suchforceastopenetrateandpervade WithinahalfcenturythePentecostal
theirexistence,tosetloosehitherto movement(whichcametobedividedinto
unrecognizedandunknownpowersfor anumberofdenominations)hadspread
praisingGod,forwitnessingmightily overalargepartoftheworld,andin
withaccompanying"signsandwonders," manyplacestodayisthefastestgrowing
andforbringingaboutapneumatic ofallChristianbodies.Thenaboutmid
orderingofthewholelifeoftheChristian centurytherecameanewwaveof
community. Pentecostalexperienceamongpeoplehere
andthereinhistoricProtestantchurches.
Thisoccurrednotsomuchamongpeople
ofWesleyanandrevivalisttraditions,but,
NowthisPentecostalrealitywhichbroke surprisingly,amongmoreformal
inattheturnofthetwentiethcentury churchessuchasEpiscopal,Presbyterian,
wasgenerallytoomuchforthevarious andLutheran.Whatbeganinthe1950s
churchesandreligiousgroupstoabsorb. rapidlypickedupmomentuminthe
EvenamongmanyintheWesleyan, 1960suntiltherewasscarcelya
revivalist,andHolinessmovements Protestantdenominationnotfeelingthe
whichhadpreparedthewayfor Pentecostalimpactfromwithin.Then
Pentecostalismtherewasstrong cameanevengreatersurprise(than
opposition.Vigorousexceptionwastaken traditionalProtestantsbecoming
particularlytothejoiningofSpirit Pentecostallyinvolved)wheninthelate
baptismandglossolalia.Theolder 60sthesamePentecostalrealitybeganto
churchesofProtestantism(suchas stirwithintheRomanCatholicChurch.
Lutheran,Presbyterian,and Noonecanfairlyestimatethenumberof
Episcopalian)paidlittleattention,largely neoPentecostals,or"charismatics,"34
viewingthePentecostalmovementas therearetoday,butitseemsevidentthat
emotionalism,irrationalism,sectarianism themovementisreallyjustgettingunder
gonewild,andbeyondthepaleofserious way.35Farmoresignificantthan
consideration.Withgrowingoppositionon numbers,however,isthewayinwhich
manysidesPentecostalssoonfound mainline(or"classical")Pentecostalsin
themselvesbeingspurned,and,moreand manyplacesarehavingfellowship,
more,wereforcedintopursuingtheirown prayingandworkingtogether,withtheir
path.MostpeopleofPentecostal ProtestantandCatholicbrethrenina
experiencewerequitereadytodissociate remarkablespiritofChristianunity.
themselvesfromthosewhoopposedthis
newmovement,andsoughtintheirown Whatisquitedifferentabouttheneo
assembliesalargerfreedom.Thusasthe Pentecostal,orcharismatic,upsurgeis
yearswentby,thePentecostalsbecame thefactthatitisgoingoninsidethe
increasinglyakindofthirdforce establishedchurchesandishelpingto

restorethedynamismoftheearlychurch. largelyAmericaninorigin,ithastended
Thoughtherehavebeenanumberof totakeonaparticularcultural
struggleswithinthesechurches,andnow conditioningandexpressionthatisbyno
andthenaministerorlaypersonhas meansessentialtothetruthofthe
beenevictedbecauseofhisPentecostal Pentecostaltestimony.Thusthehistoric
testimony,thetraditionalchurchesare churcheshavemuchtogiveinreturnfor
beginningtoopenup.Itwouldbetoo themakingofamorecompletewitnessto
muchtosaythatagroundswellof theChristianfaithinourday.
receptivenessandenthusiasmhas
developed,butanewclimateisemerging.
Manywhowereconvincedthatthe"old
wineskins"couldnottakethe"newwine" Toclose:Trulyanextraordinaryspiritual
ofPentecost(thusrejectionorwithdrawal renewalisoccurringacrossChristendom.
beingtheonlypossibility)arefindingthat Weareseeingthereleaseoftheprimitive
thechurchisnotpastrenewal.Theway dynamismoftheearlychurchinourown
hasbeenpreparedthroughthecenturies century.Bynomeansisithappening
bythechurch'scontinuinglifeand withoutthecontributionofourfathersin
witness,and,ratherthanthePentecostal thefaithwhohelpedpreparetheway.
realitybeingaforeignintrusion,many Still,thereissomethingrefreshinglynew
arebecomingawarethatwhatis andchallengingaboutamovementthat
happeningtodayisindigenoustothe hasnodenominationalorconfessional
church'sownreality.Forhereisfounda limits;foreverywherethatpeopleare
rejuvenationofancientforms,andafresh caughtupinthePentecostalrealitythere
flowingoftheSpirittoinfiltrateevery isanairofdiscovery,ofexcitement,of
aspectofthechurch'slife. joy.Furthermore,whatanamazingsense
ofunityamongProtestantsofall
IfitistruethatthePentecostalrealityis persuasions,"classical"Pentecostals,and
helpingtobringaboutarenewalwithin RomanCatholicsalikeisfoundinthis
thehistoricchurches,itisalsothecase renewal!Hereis"spiritualecumenism"36
thatthesechurcheshavetheirown oftherichestpossiblekindmany
contributiontomake.Manyhavealong Christianseverywheresharingan
andmeaningfulconfessionalhistory, abundantfellowshipintheSpirit.
thereistheexperienceofcenturiesof
faithandworship,andnumerous Thisisanewerainhistory.Whatis
theologicalinsightshavebeengainedall happeningtoday,tobesure,isa
ofthis,andmore,canbringdepthand resurgenceofthepowerthatbrokeout
enrichmenttothecharismaticrenewal. almosttwothousandyearsago,butitis
Pentecostalism,withitsonegreat nowtakingplacewithinaChristendom
contributiontomakeintheareaofthe longestablishedandmultipleinits
workoftheHolySpirit,needsthebalance forms.Allovertheworldthewayis
ofothertraditions.Furthermore,asa therebyprepared,asitcouldnothave
twentiethcenturyphenomenon,also beenatthebeginningoftheChristian

era,forthisfreshoutpouringoftheHoly
5
Onemightofcoursesaythatonecouncilcannot
Spirit.AtthefirstPentecost,120 doeverything,andsincetheurgentproblem
facingNiceawasChristologicalgrowingoutofthe
believersweregatheredtogetherinone Ariancontroversythatthebriefstatement
place,Jerusalem;butnowJerusalemis concerningtheHolySpiritwouldnotnecessarilv
theworld,withChristiansinalmost pointtoanyfailureinthechurch'slifeor
understanding.However,Iwouldarguethatthis
everyplace.AstheHolySpiritmovesin veryconcernwiththeChristologicalquestion,and
mightypowerovertheearth,baptizing theconcentrationthereon,wasoccasionedpartly
peoplefromonhigh,wecanbutrejoice byaninsufficientpneumatology.Ifthechurchhad
exceedingly!Forthisverilyistherenewal workedoutitsChristologyinmoredynamic,even
pneumaticfashion,therecouldhavebeenbotha
ofGod'speople:tocarryforwardtheir moresatisfactoryunderstandingoftheeventof
missiontotheworldwithnewstrength JesusChristandthesignificanceoftheactivityof
andvision,andtolivemorefullytothe theHolySpirit.
praiseofHisgreatglory.
6
GeorgeHendry,inhisTheHolySpiritin
Footnotes ChristianTheology,writesregardingtheCreedof
Constantinople:"AsaformulationoftheChristian
faith,thestatementispatentlydefective,bothby
1
H.B.Swetewrites:"Whenthestudentofearly
thestandardoftheNewTestamentandin
ChristianliteraturepassesfromtheNew
comparisonwiththesecondarticleoftheCreedin
Testamenttothepostcanonicalwriters,he
becomesawareofalossofbothliteraryand whichitisincorporated...[thereis]absenceofany
spiritualpower"(TheHolySpiritintheAncient referencetothedistinctivelyNewTestamentwork
Church,3). oftheSpirit"(italicsmine),3738.
2
RudolfBultmannwritesthat"TheSpiritisno
7
ThomasAquinas(A.D.12241274)doesseekto
longerthepowerthatnowandagainbreaksoutin dealwiththecharismsof1Corinthians12,inhis
'gifts'thewordsanddeedsandconductofthe sectionon"gratuitousgraces"(Summa
believersbutisapowerimmanentinthe Theologica,2,2,Questions171178).
institutions,particularlyinthesacramentalcult; Considerationisgiven,inorder,toprophecy,
itistheofficebearers'equipmentforoffice" rapture,tongues,wordofwisdomandknowledge,
(TheologyoftheNewTestament,2:114). miracles.Howevertonotetwoofthese"graces"
prophecyisconsideredprimarilyasintellectual
3
TheodoreofMopsuestia(thisquotationfromhis knowledge,thoughGodinspired("themindbeing
commentaryon1Thess.5:19f.,2Thess.2:6may enlightenedtoknowanintelligibletruth,"176),
befoundinSwete,op.cit.,262). andtonguesareviewedasthesupernaturalgiftof
foreignlanguagesfortheproclamationofthe
gospel("Paulandtheotherapostlesweredivinely
4
See,e.g.,MauriceBennett'sALivingFlame,
instructedinthelanguagesofallnations
chapter10,"Montanism:ARevivalofProphecy."
sufficientlyfortherequirementsoftheteachingof
Montanismrepresentsthesad,andtobe
thefaith,"176).Aquinasthusintellectualizes
repeated,storyofnewimpulsesemerginginthe
these"gratuitousgraces,"andfailstoappreciate
churchtoopowerfulforestablishedforms.
theirspiritualdynamism.Healsowritesasifall
Whatevertheexcessesandimbalancesofsucha
ofthiswereamatterofpasthistory,andsuggests
movement,thepityisthatthe"livingflame,"
norelevanceofthesegiftsforthechurchinhis
whichmighthavegivenlightandwarmthtothe
day.
church,issimplyputout.

8
H.Bornkamminhisbook,TheHeartof 14
Institutes,4.19.6(Battlestrans.).
ReformationFaith,summarizesthe"fundamental
axioms"as"byfaithalone,""bygracealone," CommentariesonActslO:46(Fraserand
15
"Christalone,"and"Scripturealone"(chap.1). McDonaldtrans.).
9
JohnCalvin,forexample,beginsthethirdbookof 16
CommentariesonActs10:44,46(Beveridge
hisInstitutesoftheChristianReligionwitha trans).SinceCalvinviewsthegiftoftonguesas
chapterontheHolySpiritinwhichhestates, havingceased,hemayseeminconsistentin
againstthebackgroundofwhatChristhasdone writinginhisCommentarieson1Corinthians
formankind'ssalvation(discussedinBook2),that 14:5(Beveridgetrans.):"Asitiscertainthatthe
salvationiswithouteffectunlessitbecomesan HolySpirithasherehonouredtheuseoftongues
internalreality.Thiscanhappen,Calvinadds, withneverdyingpraise,wemayveryreadily
through"thesecretenergyoftheHolySpirit,by gather,whatisthekindofspiritthatactuates
whichwecometoenjoyChristandallhis thosereformers,wholevelasmanyapproachesas
benefits"(3.1.1.Battlestrans.). theycanagainstthepursuitofthem."However,
Calvinhere,asreadingofthecontextwillshow,is
ThustheReformerscarryforwardafailurein
10
talkingabouttheknowledgeandvalueofforeign
pneumatologywhichexistedfromtheearly languages,andurgesthatweshouldpursuethem.
churchon.Ithadbeenrecognized(supra)thatthe Still,thereisabitofinconsistencyinthatCalvin
SpiritproceededfromtheFather(andtheSon viewstonguesintheearlychurchasapassing
Westerntradition),butthesignificanceofthis miracleandthereforenottobesoughtwhereas
processionwasnotunderstood.Norisit hereitisaknowledgetobecultivatedandprized.
understoodbytheReformers,despitetheir Ineitherevent,itmightbeadded,Calvin,like
advancesintalkingabouttheHolySpiritin ThomasAquinas,heremissesthespiritual
relationtomanyareasofChristianexperience. dimensionofspeakingintongues.
Theologically,sinceConstantinopletheHoly
SpirithasbeenviewedasequalwithFatherand 17
Thereareplaces,however,inCalvin'swritings
Son,butintermsoftheunderstandingofHisown wherehisattitudeabouttheavailabilityofthe
"proper"workthereisapracticalsubordination. giftsismorepositive.Forexample,inreferenceto
the"riversoflivingwater"(John7:38)thatJesus
MartinLuther,forexample,inhisGerman
11
saidwouldcomefromthosewhohadreceivedthe
versionoftheBible,oftentranslatestheword HolySpirit,Calvindeclaresthattheriverssignify
"diakonia"(ministry)as"Amt"or"office."Thus "theperpetuity,aswellastheabundanceofgifts
thereisacontinuationoftheideaofecclesiastical andgracesoftheHolySpirit...promisedtous."
officewhichbeganinthepostapostolicperiod. However,Calvinthereafteradds,"Howsmallis
thecapacityofourfaith,sincethegracesofthe
12
E.g.,CalvininhisInstitutesdeclares:"Wherever HolySpiritscarcelycomeintousbydrops...[they]
weseetheWordofGodpurelypreachedand wouldflowlikerivers,ifwegavedueadmissionto
heard,andthesacramentsadministered Christ;thatis,iffaithmadeuscapableof
accordingtoChrist'sinstitution,there,itisnotto receivingHim"(thesequotationsarefromthe
bedoubted,achurchofGodexists"(4.1.9.Battles CommentaryonJohn7:38).Itissignificantthat
trans.). Calvinhererelatesthepaucityofgiftsandgraces
nottoadivineterminationofthembuttoour
13
EmilBrunnerastutelyobservesthat"noonewill littlefaith.
supposethatoneoftheapostleswouldrecognize
againinthisformulatheEcclesiaofwhichhehad
18
Calvinwarnsagainstthe"fanatics"whoseeno
livingexperience"(TheMisunderstandingofthe furtherneedofScripturebecausetheyclaimtobe
Church,103). taughtimmediatelybytheSpirit(notehis
Institutes,1.9,appropriatelytitled"Fanatics,

AbandoningScriptureandFlyingoverto ofinbredsinyouwillbesanctifiedinamoment"
Revelation,CastDownAllthePrinciplesof (LetterofJune21,1784.IamindebtedtoF.D.
Godliness"intheBattlestrans.). Bruner'sATheologyoftheHolySpirit,38,forthis
quotation.)
19
TheJournalofGeorgeFox,149.
QuotationsfromJohnWesley,pages282and
25
20
SoFoxwrites:"Iexhortedthepeopletocomeoff 294.
fromallthesethings(outwardtemples...traditions
anddoctrinesofmen...hirelingteachers,etc.), InseparatelettersWesleywrote,"Idenythat
26
directingthemtotheSpiritandgraceofGodin eitherI,oranyinconnectionwithme...donow,or
themselves,andtotheLightofJesusintheirown everdid,layclaimto...extraordinaryoperationsof
hearts;thattheymightcometoknowChrist,their theSpirit"(Nov.4,1758),and"Iutterlydisclaim
freeteacher,tobringthemsalvation,andtoopen theextraordinarygiftsoftheHolySpirit"(Nov.
theScripturestothem"(Journal,140). 17,1759).SeeTheLettersoftheRev.JohnWesley,
JohnTelford,ed..
21
OnesearchesinvaininFox'sJournalforany
referenceonhisparttoapersonalconvictionof 27
Sermonpreached,August24,1744,onActs4:31
sin,orofhisowncomingtosalvation.Hewrites (SermonsonSeveralOccasions,1:41).Itis
abouthimself,"WhenIcametoelevenyearsof interestingtonotethatinanotherletterWesley
ageIknewpurenessandrighteousness"(66),and alsosaid:"Whilewedonotdependon
heneveradmitstoadeparturetherefrom. supernaturalactivitiesoftheHolySpiritwedo
notbelievemiraculousactivitiesoftheSpirithave
Ihavediscoverednoreferencetotonguesin
22
ceased....IamnotawarethatGodhathanywhere
Fox'sJournal.PhilipSchaff,inhisHistoryofthe precludedhimselffromthusexertingHis
ChristianChurch,1:237,however,speaksof sovereignpower,fromworkingmiracles,inany
glossolalia"amongtheearlyQuakersand kindordegree,inanyage,totheendoftheworld.
Methodists."IfSchaffiscorrect,Idonotknow IdonotrecollectanyScripturewhereinweare
whenthisappearedamongtheQuakers.Itmight taughtthatmiraclesweretobeconfinedwithin
beaddedthatRolandKnoxinhisbook, thelimitseitheroftheapostolicortheCyprianic
Enthusiasm,doesnotagreewiththisstatement age,oranyperiodoftime...."
abouteitherearlyQuakersorMethodists(seep.
551).IaminclinedtoagreewithKnox,especially
28
ThoughMethodistinitsorigins,theHoliness
abouttheMethodists(whomIwilldiscussbelow). movementrapidlybecameinterdenominational.
HemayberightalsoabouttheQuakers. Also,therewereanumberofevangelicals
variouslyrelatedtotheHolinessmovementwho
wereadvocatesofa"higherlife."Amongthe
SeeespeciallyWesley'sbook,APlainAccountof
23
Holinessandevangelicalleadersweresuchmen
ChristianPerfection. asW.E.Boardman,JohnS.Inskip,Robert
PearsallSmith,F.B.Meyer,J.WilburChapman,
24
ForWesley'sdiscussionofwhetherentire A.J.Gordon,AndrewMurray,andA.B.Simpson.
sanctificationorperfectionoccursgraduallyor A.J.Gordoninachapterentitled"The
instantaneouslyseeJohnWesley,(ed.byAlbertC. EnduementoftheSpirit"writes:"Foritisas
Outler),pages282and294.Instantaneousnessis sinnersthatweacceptChristforourjustification,
stressedinbothaccounts.InaletterWesleyputs butitisassonsweaccepttheSpiritforour
thispositionsuccinctly:"Agradualworkofgrace sanctification....Itisanadditionalandseparate
constantlyprecedestheinstantaneousworkboth blessing..."(TheMinistryoftheSpirit[1894],69
ofjustificationandofsanctification,butthiswork 70).
itselfisundoubtedlyinstantaneous.Asaftera
gradualconvictionofsinyouarejustifiedina
moment,soafteragraduallyincreasingconviction

29
See,forexample,CharlesFinney'sMemoirs andeventheveryconstituentsofthepersonality"
wherehedescribeshisown"baptismwiththe (TheMisunderstandingoftheChurch,48).Iquote
Spirit"(1718)andtheneedforthisonthepartof thesewordsfromBarthandBrunnernotbecause
clergyingeneral(55).Also,seehisPowerfromon theyreferdirectlytosuchmattersastonguesand
High,chapter4,"EnduementofPowerfromon prophecybutbecausewhattheysayaboutthe
HolySpiritclaimingandpiercingtheunconscious
High."R.A.Torrey'sTheBaptismwiththeHoly
makes"extrarational"utteranceplausible.
Spirit(1897)andhisPersonandWorkoftheHoly Brunneraddsthat"weoughttofacetheNew
Spirit(1910)clearlysetforthasecondexperience, Testamentwithsufficientcandourtoadmitthat
beyondregeneration,ofenduementofpower.For inthis'pneuma'whichtheEcclesiawasconscious
example,"Inregeneration,thereisthe ofpossessing,therelieforcesofanextrarational
impartationoflifebytheSpirit'spower,andthe kindwhicharemostlylackingamongus
onewhoreceivesitissaved:inthebaptismwith Christianstoday"(ibid,48).Wemaybegrateful
theHolySpirit,thereistheimpartationofpower, thatthislackisbeingremediedinthepresent
andtheonewhoreceivesitisfittedforservice" charismaticrenewal.
(PersonandWorkoftheHolySpirit,176).
Bythesetermsreferenceismadetopersonsof
34
30
Thoughtherearecharismaticaspectsinboth Pentecostalexperienceinthehistoricchurches.
revivalismandholiness(somereferenceto
tongues,forexample,especiallyintheHoliness 35
DavidB.Barrett,editorofWorldChristian
movement),neitheremphasisrepresentsthe
Encyclopedia,hasestimatedthatin1970there
concernforcharismaticlifeofthecommunitythat
were3,788,700charismatics,andthatthisfigure
wastodevelopinthetwentiethcentury.
grewin1988to123,342,710.Barrettthen
projectedthatthenumberwouldriseto
31
Rev.CharlesParham,firstleaderofthe 140,572,050in1990and222,076,500inA.D.
Pentecostalmovement(whohadbeen,inturn,
2000.Thisindeedisahugegrowth!(Forthese
Congregationalist,Methodist,andHoliness)said
figuresseeBarrett'sarticle,"Statistics,Global,"
afewdaysbeforehisownPentecostalexperience:
"ThoughIhonortheHolyGhostinanointing DictionaryofPentecostalandCharismatic
powerbothinconversionandinsanctification,yet Movements,81213.)
Ibelievethereisagreaterrevelationofhispower"
(ThePromiseFulfilled,Kendrick,50).Itwasthe VinsonSynanwrites:"Beginningin1901with
inbreakingofthispoweronJanuary1,1901,that onlyahandfulofstudentsinaBibleSchoolin
wasthebeginningofthemodernPentecostal Topeka,Kansas,thenumberofPentecostals
movement. increasedsteadilythroughouttheworlduntilby
1993theyhadbecomethelargestfamilyof
AccordingtoDonaldGee,Pentecostalleader,"It
32 Protestantsintheworld.Withover200,000,000
wasthelinkingtogetherofspeakingwithtongues membersdesignatedas'Denominational
andthebaptismintheHolySpiritthatsparked Pentecostals,'thisgroupsurpassedtheOrthodox
churchesasthesecondlargestdenominational
offthePentecostalrevival"(Pentecost,no.45,
familyofChristians,surpassedonlybytheRoman
Sept.,1958).SeeBruner,op.cit.,48n.34.
Catholics"("TheOriginsofPentecostalisminthe
USA",page1).
33
KarlBarthwrites:"Wheremenmayreceiveand
possesstheHolySpirit,itisofcourseahuman
AnexpressionusedintheVaticanII"Decreeon
36
experienceandahumanact....Thewholeman,
Ecumenism."
rightintotheinmostregionsofthesocalled
'unconscious'istakeninclaim"(Dogmaticsin
Outline,139).LikewiseEmilBrunner:"...theHoly
Ghostseizestheheart,notmerelythenous
[mind]:itpiercesthedepthsoftheunconscious

Chapter3 streamischaracterizedbythecentral
convictionthat"theChristianlifeisa
matteroftheexperiencedpowerand
THEUPSURGEOF presenceoftheHolySpirittoday"(p.95).
Theiranswertothequestion,"Whereis
PENTECOSTALISM theChurch?",isneitherintermsofa
givenmessage(wherethepurewordis
SomePresbyterian/Reformed preachedandrightlyunderstood)nora
Comment givenstructure(wherethecontinuation
oftheapostolateisclaimed)butwhere
Amongtheextraordinaryreligious "theHolySpirit[is]recognizablypresent
phenomenaofthetwentiethcenturyis withpower"(p.95).
theupsurgeofPentecostalism.Ishould
liketonoteinthischaptersome ItisinterestingtonotethatNewbigin
reflectionsbyPresbyterianandReformed goesaheadpositivelytosay"...whatI
churchleadersandtheologiansuponthe havecalledthePentecostalChristianhas
significanceofthePentecostal theNewTestamentonhissidewhenhe
phenomenon. demandsfirstofallofanybodyofso
calledChristians,'DoyouhavetheHoly
Spirit?'Forwithoutthatallyourcredal
orthodoxyandallyourhistoricsuccession
Amongthefirstofthechurchleadersin availsyounothing"(p.101).Thisbeing
thePresbyterianandReformedtradition thecase,theChurch(inits
towriteabouttheworldwidePentecostal Protestant/Catholicforms)should,says
movementwasLeslieNewbigin. Newbigin,extendtothePentecostalsthe
Newbiginformermissionaryofthe widestpossiblewelcome,eveniftheir
ChurchofScotland,BishopoftheChurch presencemaybe"revolutionary"and
ofSouthIndia,andthereafterDirectorof "subversive.""Herewemustfranklyface
theDivisionofWorldMissionand thefactthatthereisinthisteachinga
EvangelismoftheWorldCouncilof revolutionaryelementwhichcouldbe
Churchesinhisbook,TheHouseholdof dangerouslysubversivetoourexisting
God(firstpublishedin1953),calledfora waysofthought"(p.106).But,adds
clearrecognitionoftheimportanceof"the Newbigin,wemustbepreparedtorun
Pentecostalstream"(p.120).1Inaddition therisktoday,despiteourfearof
tohistoricProtestantismwithitsprimary unchartedcountryandfanaticism,and
emphasisuponthegivenmessageand thinkmuchmoreseriouslyaboutwhatit
Catholicismwithitsstressupon meanstosaythatthechurchisalso"the
structure,thereexists,saysNewbigin,"a fellowshipoftheHolySpirit."
thirdstreamofChristiantradition,"
which,whileminglingwiththeothertwo, Newbigin'spleaisalsodirectedtothe
hasitsowndistinctcharacter.This Pentecostals,urgingthemtorecognize

thatthereismuchtobelearnedand Therecanbelittledoubt,fromwhatis
receivedfromthetraditionalchurches. containedinTheHouseholdofGod,of
Thereisneedformorestresson Newbigin'sgenerallypositiveassessment
confession,onorderandcontinuitythe ofPentecostalChristianityandits
longperspectiveofthechurch'shistory importantcontributiontotherestof
andawillingness,through Christendom.Thisisthecaseeven
acknowledgingtheBodyofChrist thoughtheremaybeimplicationsof
elsewhere,toleavetheirisolationand somethingrevolutionaryinvolvedinthe
enterintoecumenicalconversation.2Ina upsurgeofPentecostalism.
particularlystrikingwordofaddress
Newbiginsays:"Inyouremphasisupon
theprimacyoftheSpirit,anduponthe
factthattheChurchisintendedtobea Anotherchurchleaderseminary
Spiritfilledfellowshipinwhichthe president,author,theologianwhoearly
Spirit'sgiftsareknownandenjoyedand soundedacallfortherecognitionofa
usedfortheedificationoftheChurchyou "thirdforce"wasHenryP.VanDusen.In
areright.Butyouarewronginsevering anarticleinChristianCentury(August
theSpiritfromtheBody"(p.120). 17,1955),VanDusenfirstspokeabouta
Newbigin'smainthrusthoweveris "thirdmightyarmofChristianoutreach"
directedtothetraditionalProtestantand andforecastthatfuturehistoriansin
RomanCatholic,and,speakingforboth lookingbackatthetwentiethcenturywill
inhumbleandmovingfashion,headds: saythat,nexttotheecumenical
"Wemustrememberthatwewithout movement,"byalloddsthemost
them[thePentecostals]cannotbemade importantfactintheChristianhistoryof
perfect"(p.121). ourtimeswasaNewReformation,the
emergenceofanew,thirdmajortypeand
Finally,inanimportantparagraph, branchofChristendom,alongsideofand
Newbiginsuggeststhatthewayaheadin notincommensurablewithRoman
theProtestant/Catholicdialogue"maybe CatholicismandhistoricProtestantism."3
foundinanewunderstandingofthe Thenthreeyearslater,followingatrip
doctrineoftheHolySpirit."Thencomesa aroundtheworldinwhichVanDusen
decisive,possiblypropheticquestion: interviewedalargenumberofchurch
leaders,manyofwhomexpressedconcern
MayitnotbethatthegreatChurchesof
overthephenomenalgrowthof
theCatholicandProtestanttraditions
nontraditionalchurches,hewrotean
willhavetobehumbleenoughtoreceive
articlewhichappearedinLifemagazine
itinfellowshipwiththeirbrethreninthe
variousgroupsofthePentecostaltype (June6,1958)entitled"TheThirdForce
withwhomatpresenttheyhavescarcely inChristendom."This"thirdforce,says
anyfellowshipatall?(p.122). VanDusen,includesabroadspectrumof
churchessuchasNazarenes,Jehovah's
Witnesses,andSeventhDayAdventists;
but,headds,"Ofthethirdforce'sworld

membershipoftwentymillion,thelargest inmanychurchesis"theimmediate,
singlegroupis8.5millionPentecostals."4 potentpresenceofGod"which(according
This"thirdforce,"VanDusenfurther totheLifearticleofthesameyear)
says,is"themostextraordinaryreligious belongstothe"thirdforce"of
phenomenonofourtime."Thenthe Christendom.
primarymatter:"Theyplacestrong
emphasisupontheHolySpiritso Oneadditionalstatementinanother
neglectedbymanytraditionalChristians context,referringspecificallyto
astheimmediate,potentpresenceofGod Pentecostalism,isperhapsthemost
ineachhumansoulandtheChristian strikingofall.Intheearly1960sVan
fellowship."Oneotherparagraphis Dusenisquotedassaying:"Ihavecome
particularlysignificant: tofeelthatthePentecostalmovement
withitsemphasisontheHolySpiritis
Untillately,otherProtestantsregarded morethanjustanotherrevival....Itisa
themovementasatemporaryand revolutioncomparableinimportancewith
passingphenomenon,notworthmuch theestablishmentoftheoriginalchurch
mention.Nowthereisaseriousgrowing andwiththeProtestantReformation."6
recognitionofitstruedimensionand ThusVanDusen,whilejoiningNewbigin
probablepermanence.Thetendencyto inspeakingoftherevolutionary
dismissitsChristianmessageisbeing implicationsofPentecostalism,actually
replacedbyachastenedreadinessto goesfartherinviewingitasnoless
investigatethesecretsofitsmighty significantthantheemergenceofearly
sweep,especiallytolearnifitmaynot ChristianityandtheReformationofthe
haveimportant,neglectedelementsina 16thcentury.
fullandtrueChristianwitness.5
ReferencemightalsobemadetoVan
Dusen'sbook,Spirit,SonandFather Athirdeminentchurchmanmissionary,
(publishedin1958)which,without seminarypresident,ecumenicalleader
makinganysignificantmentionof JohnA.Mackay,haslikewisefrequently
Pentecostalismassuch,isacallfora summonedthechurchtoviewthe
moreadequatetheologyandexperienceof Pentecostalphenomenonpositivelyand
theHolySpirit.Forexample,VanDusen openly.Asamissionaryformanyyearsin
writes,"IncurrentChristianthought SouthAmericaMackaybecame
thereiswantinganadequateand intimatelyacquaintedwithbothRoman
convincingapprehensionand CatholicismandPentecostalism,and
appropriationoftheHolySpirit"(p.12), throughtheyearsmaintaineda
andlaterheadds,"AChurchdevoidofa particularinterestinthelatter.For
vitalandvibrantpossessionbytheHoly example,aschairmanofthe
SpiritisaChurchcongealedinancient InternationalMissionaryCouncilmeeting
forms,orwellonthewaytospiritual inGhanain1957,Mackayobservedinhis
sterility."Byimplicationwhatislacking keynoteaddressthatthereare"some

notablecasesinwhichtheChurchis factor(suchas"thirdstream"or"third
literallythemission.Thisistrue...ofthe force")whichtherestofChristendom
PentecostalChurches."7Anotherexample: needstorecognize,butalsothat
aspresidentoftheWorldPresbyterian Pentecostalism"representsthe
AlliancethatmetinSaoPauloin1959, rediscoveryoftheHolySpirit"in
MackaywelcomedDavidduPlessis, Christianlifeandexperienceand"a
worldPentecostalleader,asafraternal rebirthofprimitive...Christianity."This
delegateandremarked:"Whatever beingthecase,asMackayseesit,not
historymaysayaboutmyfriend,thisfact onlyisitpossibletosay(withNewbigin)
willsurelyberecorded.Thisisthefirst that"wewithoutthemcannotbemade
confessionalbodythathasextended perfect"butalsothatwiththemorin
recognitiontothePentecostal sharingtheirexperiencetheHoly
movement."8DuPlessiswasalsoinvited Spirit'sdynamismmayberediscoveredin
byMackaythatsameyeartobe ourday.
missionarylectureratPrinceton
TheologicalSeminary. Itisfurthersignificanttonotethat
thereafterinthelightofpostVaticanII
Alongwiththisquitepositiveinterestin developmentsandincreasingPentecostal
classicalPentecostalismMackayhashad andneoPentecostalriseMackay
asimilarattituderegardingtheriseof soundedachallengeandwarningto
neoPentecostalism.InhisEcumenics:the Protestantism.HewritesinChristian
ScienceoftheChurchUniversal RealityandAppearance(publishedin
(publishedin1964)Mackaywrites 1969):
forcefullyaboutbothformsof
Pentecostalism: Inatimeofrevolutionarychangewhen
allinstitutionalstructuresarecrumbling
Pentecostalismrepresentstherediscovery inthesecularandreligiousorder,when
oftheHolySpiritasarealityinthelifeof thechurchesofhistoricalProtestantism
theChurchandinthelivesofChristians. arebecomingincreasingly
Despitealltheaberrationsthatmaybe bureaucratized,whenmoreandmore
attachedtoitincertainplaces,neo churchmembersaremeetinginan
Pentecostalismisarebirthofprimitive, unecclesiasticalunderworld,whenthe
FirstCenturyChristianity.Protestants RomanCatholicChurchisdeveloping
whogloryinbelongingtoClassicalor evangelicalconcernandadeepening
RadicalChristianitywilllookdowntheir senseofwhatitmeanstobeChristian,
nosesatPentecostalChristianityonlyat whenthecharismaticmovementis
theirperil.Forthisisaphenomenonof growingacrossallboundariesmightit
God'sspringtime(p.198). nothappenthatunlessourProtestant
churchesrediscoverdimensionsin
WhatisstrikingaboutMackay's thoughtandlifetheyarelosingor
statementisnotonlyhisviewthatthe disdaining,theChristianfuturemaylie
Pentecostalphenomenonisanimportant

withareformedCatholicismanda charismatic,movementasthewaveofthe
maturedPentecostalism?(pp.8889). future.
ThatMackay'sdeepestconcerniswith
thelatter"amaturedPentecostalism"
seemstocomethroughinwordsthat Itisapparentthatintheviewpointof
immediatelyfollow:"Meantime,let theseeminentchurchmenNewbigin,
membersofthebodyofChristlistento VanDusen,andMackaythePentecostal
theirdivineHead.Letthembefilledwith phenomenonhasmuchpositive
theSpirit."9 significance.Theirattitudedoubtless
contrastssharplywithmanyin
Finally,inanarticle,"Onenessinthe traditionalchurcheswholookupon
Body:FocusfortheFuture,"writtenin Pentecostalisminanyform(whether
1970,10Mackayincludesaveryhigh classicalorotherwise)asquite
appraisalofthecharismaticmovement unacceptable.Itoftenconjuresup
amongbothProtestantsandRoman picturesofexcessiveemotion,bizarre
Catholics: behavior,irrationalattitudes,andthe
like."Therestillprevailsthe
Whatisknownasthecharismatic assumption,"writesFatherKilian
movementamovementmarkedby McDonnell,leadingRomanCatholic
spiritualenthusiasmandspecialgifts, interpreterofPentecostalism,"that
andwhichcrossesallboundariesof Pentecostalismissomehow
culture,race,age,andchurchtradition psychologicallydisreputable,socially
isprofoundlysignificant.Aproductof unwashed,andtheologicallybarren."11All
theHolySpirit,andmarkedbya thisdoesnotseemtobotherthe
passionateloveofJesusChristandthe churchmencited;fortheyappeartobe
dedicationoftimeandtalenttohis sayingthatwhateverPentecostalism's
serviceamongpeopleeverywhere,the inadequacies,perhapsitsexaggerations,
charismaticmovementistodaythemost evenuncouthness,12itisaquite
dynamicandcreativehappeninginthe importantforceforvitalChristianity
worldofreligion.Itisthespiritual today.Radical,revolutionaryandthus
phenomenonwhichalonecanmatchthe possiblyboththreateningand
dedicatedenthusiasmofyouthful challengingsuchisPentecostalism:
nationalists,racists,marxistsand unmistakablyessentialtothepresent
guerrillas.Because"noheartispurethat andfutureofChristendom.
isnotpassionateandnovirtueissafe
thatisnotenthusiastic,"thecharismatic
movementoftodayisthechiefhopeofthe
ecumenicaltomorrow. Letusnowturntoaconsiderationofthe
viewpointofseveralReformed
Itwouldbehardtoimagineastronger theologiansaboutthePentecostal
endorsementoftheneoPentecostal,or phenomenon.

ReferencemayfirstbemadetoArnoldC.
Comeandhisattitudeexpressedin
HumanSpiritandHolySpirit(published NextwemaynoteGeorgeS.Hendryand
in1959).AtoneplaceinhisbookCome hisbook,TheHolySpiritinChristian
speaksofourwitnessingtoday"anewera Theology(1953,revised1965).Though
ofrevivalism,mysticism,andthe Hendrynowherementions
formationofpietisticgroupsatthefringe Pentecostalismdirectly,itisinteresting
oroutsidethetraditionalchurches,andof toobservethatheregardstheLeftWing
aphenomenalsurgeinthegrowthofthe (or"Spirituals")ashavingitsown
socalled'holiness'or'pentecostal' positivecontributiontomake.Inthe
churches"(p.137).Inthecontextofthat secondprefacehesaysclearlythat"ifthe
statementComefaultsthesechurchesfor threegreatdivisionsofwestern
beingexclusive:"Theyallclaimtobein Christendomwillrecognizethatthey
possessionoftrueChristianityasover havebeendivisiveintheirrespective
againsttheinstitutionalizedchurches." testimoniestotheworkoftheHoly
Howeverandthisisimportantinour Spirit,"wecanmovetoafullerunity.
considerationCome,fartheron,callsfor Then,inoneofthenewchapters,"The
"aseriousrestudyandreevaluation."In, HolySpiritastheGiverofLifeand
whatIbelievetobe,averysignificant Unity,"Hendrydevelopsthethemeofthe
statementComewrites: HolySpiritas"thesourceofsolidarity,
authority,andvitality,"eachinturn
Thehistoricalcrisisconfronting beingrepresentedbyRomanCatholicism
Christianity,theecclesiasticaldilemmaof (solidarityoftheChurch),classical
afracturedchurch,theneedofdeeper Protestantism(authorityoftheWord)
spiritualresources,allaredemandinga andtheSpiritualsWing(vitalityin
seriousrestudyandreevaluationofthe Christianlife).Thetendency,says
wholeanabaptist,pietist,gnostic,and Hendry,isforeachofthesetraditionsto
pentecostaltraditions(p.175). subordinatetheothertwoaspects,butall
areneededforthewholenessofthe
ThoughComelumpsagoodmanythings Church.ThenHendrysignificantlyadds:
together,thereislittledoubtofhisview
oftheimportanceoffreshexaminationof NeitherthesolidarityoftheSpiritinthe
Pentecostalismalongwithotherelements ChurchnortheauthorityoftheSpiritin
inthistradition.Whatmaybemost theWordisofanyavailunlessitis
noteworthyhereisCome'srecognitionof accompaniedbythevitalityoftheSpirit
theseriousneedarisingoutofhistorical inthelivesofChristianpeople(p.122).
crisis,abrokenchurch,anddepleted
spiritualresources.AndthoughCome Itisimportanttoobservethatthough
doesnotproceedtomakethecalledfor Hendrydoesnotspeakwithasmuch
studyhimself,hedoesacclaimits emphasisasNewbigin,VanDusen,and
urgency. Mackayaboutthethird"stream"or
"force"nordoeshediscuss

Pentecostalismassuchthereisa "subversive"(Newbigin)aboutthe
recognitionoftheimportanceofthose Pentecostalwitness,foritunavoidably
representingthe"vitalityoftheSpirit." subjectstherestofChristendomtoa
ThusdoesHendryjointheothersin probingscrutiny.
urgingtheimportanceofthisthirdmotif
incontemporaryChristendom. Thisessayishardlytheplacetoattempt
anextendedtheologicalstudyofthe
understandingofPentecostalism.Itis
evident,however,thatattheheartof
Whatseemstobecomingthroughfrom Pentecostalthoughtisthemysteryof
churchmanandtheologianalikeisthat PentecostthetremendumoftheHoly
thereisseriousneedtodayofwhatthe Spirit'scoming,whichisviewedas
third"stream"(howeverworded) presentexperienceandthesourceof
represents.Whetherputintermsof"the vitalityandwitness.Further,itisa
experiencedpowerandpresenceofthe resultofthisexperience,so
HolySpirit"(Newbigin),"theimmediate, Pentecostalismclaims,thatthevarious
potentpresenceofGodineachChristian
charismata(especiallyof1Corinthians
soulandintheChristianfellowship"(Van
1214)arebeingmanifestedoncemore.
Dusen),or"therediscoveryoftheHoly
ThusdothePentecostalspressuponthe
SpiritinthelifeoftheChurchandinthe
Churchatlargethequestionconcerning
livesofChristians"(Mackay),the
participationinthevitalizingand
churchmenhavelittlequestionthatthe
empoweringrealityoftheHolySpirit.
Pentecostalrealityisutterlyessentialfor
HasmuchofChristendomfailedto
Christendom.LikewiseComeinthe
appropriatethefullsignificanceof
expressionofneedfor"deeperspiritual
Pentecost?
resources"andHendryfor"thevitalityof
theSpirit,"whilenotsinglingout
Pentecostalism,seemtobemovinginthe
samedirection.However,thereissome LetusmoveontotwootherReformed
differenceandsurelynotunimportant theologianswhohavesoughttograpple
namelythatthechurchmenlaylarger withthemeaningofPentecostand
stressontherevolutionarycharacterof Pentecostalism.WemayfirstnoteKarl
whatPentecostalismrepresents.Indeed Barth,particularlythesectioninhis
andthismustbeexploredfurtheritis ChurchDogmaticsIV/3entitled"The
almostasiftheyaresayingthat PromiseoftheSpirit."ThoughBarthdoes
Pentecostalismismorethansimplya notdealdirectlywithPentecostalism,
thirdfactortobeaddedtotwoothers whathehastosayabout"thepromiseof
(traditionalProtestantismand theSpirit"mayaidinfurtherreflection.
Catholicism).Ratheritpointsinsome Since,particularly,Barthhereindefines
sensetoamissingorforgottendimension thepromiseoftheSpiritas"His[Jesus
oftheHolySpirit'spresenceandpower. Christ's]directandimmediatepresence
Thusthereissomethingradical,even andactionamongandwithandinus"(p.

350),thiswouldseemtopointdirectlyto operationoftheSpirit,"existas
thevitalareaofthePentecostalwitness. recipients,bearersandpossessorsofthe
promiseoftheSpirit,infellowshipwith
Barthholdsthatthe"comingagain"of itsGiver,theSpiritHimself,touchedand
JesusChristhasathreefoldform,yetitis indeedfilledbyHispower,andtherefore
essentiallyone.Wemust"plainly bythepoweroftherisenJesusChrist..."
distinguishtheresurrection,the (p.352).TheserecipientsoftheSpiritare
outpouringoftheSpiritandthefinal Christianswhoknowthemselvesas
returnofJesusChrist"(p.295),while reconciled,justified,andsanctifiedin
recognizinginthemtheonecomingof Him,andwhomJesussetsupontheway
JesusChrist.TheEasterevent,asthe intotheworld,atthesametime
firstformofthiscomingagain,isthegift "bestowingupontheminthetwofoldform
ofnewlife"thegiftofthislife,givenin andstrengthofHispromisethegiftsand
virtueofHisradiatinglight,isthusinthe lightsandpowerswhichtheyneedfor
formofitscommencementthegiftof thispurpose"(p.353).Thesebelieversto
Easterday"(p.305).ByvirtueofChrist's whomtheSpiritcomes,eveninthe
comingintheResurrectiontheearly weaknessoftheirflesh,are"spiritual
disciples"foundthemselvesaddressed men"(p.353).
andclaimedasjustifiedandsanctifiedin
therevelationoftheworkaccomplished Thereareotherpersons,nonChristians,
inthelifeanddeathofJesus.Theywere wholacktheHolySpirit.Christis"not
takenupintothevictoryoflifeover yetpresentandactiveintheminthe
death....Theirliberationforeternallife subjectiverealizationcorrespondingto
andthereforeforserviceinthislifehad Hisobjectivereality.TheHolySpirit
takenplace"(p.303).Soitiswithus: Himselfandassuchishereareality
eternallifeisgiventhroughthe whichisstilllackingandisstilltobe
ResurrectedLord;thusthereis"no expected"(p.353).Theseare"unspiritual
greater,higher,orbettergift"(p.306). men,"for"inthemtheHolySpiritcomes
Andyetthereareotherforms. upagainstcloseddoorsandwindows,not
reachingordwellinginthosewhodonot
Thuswecometothe"secondform,"the knowJesus"(p.354).Theyare"notyet
outpouringoftheSpirit.Thiscoming, caughtupinthelivingstreamoflife,not
saysBarth,happenstotwokindsof yetmovedbythepromiseoftheSpirit,
people,"ChristianswhoknowJesus notyetlivingbythelightsandpowers
ChristandnonChristianswhodonot"(p. bestowedwiththispromise,butstill
351).BarthspeaksfirstofChristiansto withoutontherockybanksofthestream"
whomtheSpiritcomes:"Itispresupposed (p.355).
thattheSpirit,theHolySpirit,i.e.Jesus
Christactingandspeakinginthepower So,Barthadds,weliveinthetimeofthe
ofhisresurrection,ispresentandactive HolySpirit,butdifferentlyasChristians
amongcertainmen,"namely,Christians. andnonChristians,fortheSpiritisagift
Thesepersons,throughthepresent tooneandapromisetotheother:"...itis

thetimeoftheHolySpiritgivento expressmyjudgmentthatthismaywell
ChristianswithHissureandpowerful bethe"blindspot"intheChurchthatthe
pledges,andpromisedtononChristians Pentecostalshavepeculiarlyturnedthe
withHisequallysureandpowerful lightupon.Ifitistruethatmanyinour
pledges"(p.359).Ifhowever,wedonot midst,indeedChristianpeople,are
livejoyfully,andingladexpectationof sensingakindofpowerlessnessand
hisfinalcomingBarthproceedstoask emptinessofspiritualvitalityandlittle
"HavewereallyreceivedtheSpiritand ofGod's"giftsandlightsandpowers"it
Hispledge...?"(p.360). couldbethatthewordparticularly
neededisthatconcerningthepresence
IhavequotedfromBarthinsomedetail andpoweroftheHolySpirit.Itremains
becauseIbelievehiswordshave truethattheimperativeneedofnon
relevanceforthePentecostalsituationof ChristiansisthattheHolySpiritmake
today.Fortheirwitnessaboutthe effectualtheobjectiveactofGodinJesus
presenceoftheHolySpiritisalsotwofold: Christ,thustheirjustificationand
concerningbothChristiansandnon sanctification.Butifthishastakenplace,
Christians.Pentecostalsareinsistent asforallChristians,theremayyetbeon
thatthemessageofPentecostisprimarily ourpartthefailuretohearandreceive
addressedtoChristians(thoseinwhom thewordofPentecost,addressedfirstto
theHolySpiritisalreadypresent)toalert believers,wherebywebegintoliveand
themtothebestowaloftheSpiritandHis moveinthepresenceandpowerofthe
giftsandpowers;and,notunlikeBarth, Spirit.FortheHolySpiritisnotonly
theirprobingquestionisalso,"Havewe activeinreconciliation,butHeisalso
reallyreceivedtheSpirit?"Thisisthe (andevenprimarilyaccordingtothe
heartofthePentecostalconcern.Itis Pentecostalmotif)activeinenablingfor
addressednottounbelieversbutto witness.TheHolySpiritisindeed
believers,andtheywouldurgethatit promisedandgiventoChristians,andwe
speakstotheChurchoftodayatthepoint arecalledtolivebyHislightsand
ofmostcriticalneed.Pentecostalsalso powers.Butandthisisthecrucial
stressthatwhateverChristhasdone matterthisobjectiveendowmentmay
objectivelyinHisdeathandresurrection notyetbeoperative;wemaynotyethave
mustbefollowedbysubjective receivedwhathasbeengiven.Howmuch
realizationandthiscomesonlythrough doweknowaboutbeing"touchedand
theHolySpiritbreakingopenclosed indeedfilledbyHispower"(touseBarth's
doors.Sotheotheraspectofthe language)ifourveryjoylessnessand
PentecostalwitnesstotheChurchat impotencesignifiessomethingoutof
largefocusesontheneedforavital kilter?Inthissituationitmaywellbe
experiencewhereintheunbelieverenters that"therediscoveryoftheHolySpirit"
upon"thelivingstreamoflife." (Mackay)inourday,asespecially
attestedbythePentecostals,willturnout
Butletmereturntotheformerpoint tobetheopeningupafreshofthis
above.InsodoingIfeelconstrainedto

dynamicdimensionoftheHolySpirit's Nowthis,Berkhofadds,iswhathasbeen
presenceandpower. inthemindsofallwho"ineverycentury
ofchurchhistory,protestedagainstthe
lackofspiritualrealityintheofficial
churchlife...fromtheMontanistsofthe
Thisbringsusfinallytothetheologian, secondcentury...[to]thePentecostalsof
HendrikusBerkhof,andparticularlyhis thetwentieth"(p.23).
book,TheDoctrineoftheHolySpirit
(publishedin1964).HereinBerkhof WhilenotdealingwithPentecostalism
makesthefirstattemptinReformed onlyinthestatementsabove,Berkhofis
theologysofarasIknowtofocus clearlyseekingtocopewithwhathe
directlyuponthePentecostalwitness13 viewstobeacriticaldefectinthe
andtoaffirmitsviewpointasimportant theologyofWesternChristendom.Aslong
forthewholechurch. astheHolySpiritisnotunderstoodas,in
somesense,independentofChrist,
EarlyinhisbookBerkhofstressesthatin Berkhofisurging,evenaconcentration
theWestern,mainlinetraditionof onChrist,Hiswork,faith,andthelike,
theology(asrepresentedbybothRoman mayresultinadiminutionofspiritual
CatholicismandProtestantism)thereisa vitality.
seriousneglectintheareaoftheHoly
Spirit.Theprevailingpneumatological Wemaynownotespecificallywhat
trendhasbeenthatofseeingtheworkof BerkhofhastosayaboutthePentecostal
theHolySpiritasonlythe"subjective position.Inachapter(4)on"TheSpirit
reverse"ofChrist'swork.Accordingly,the andtheIndividual"Berkhofspeaksof
HolySpirit'schiefrolehasbeenviewedas howRevivalistandPentecostal
thatofawakeningfaithinChrist;thus movementsstressaworkingoftheHoly
theSpirit'sworkisunderstoodaspurely Spiritbeyondjustificationand
instrumentalandsubordinate.Tothis sanctification,"nowwidelyknownasthe
prevailingtrendBerkhofregisters 'fillingbytheHolySpirit'or'thebaptism
objection: bytheHolySpirit'"(p.85).Thisposition,
saysBerkhof,soimportantin
TheSpiritisfarmorethanan Pentecostalism,hasscarcelybeenheeded
instrumentalentity,thesubjective byofficialtheology,14andnotrecognized
reverseofChrist'swork.Hiscomingtous inthetraditionalchurchesof
isagreatneweventintheseriesofGod's Christendom.
savingacts.Hecreatesaworldofhis
own,aworldofconversion,experience, Itisquiteinteresting,anddoubtless
sanctification;oftongues,prophecy,and significant,thatBerkhof,aReformed
miracles;ofupbuildingandguidingthe theologian,proceedstoexpresshis
Church...(p.23). generalagreementwiththePentecostal
positionjustdescribed.First,he
recognizesinLukeActsaspecial"filling"

bytheHolySpiritthroughwhich"the throughoutChristendom.15Tobealertto
faithfulareempoweredtospeakin suchapossibilitycouldsignalizea
tongues,toprophesy,topraiseGod...to revolutionarynewbreakthroughinthe
giveapowerfulexpressionofGod's worldoftheSpirit.
mightydeedstothosearoundthem"(p.
86).Second,heseesinPaul'sdiscourse The"filling"bytheHolySpiritwhich
aboutthecharismata(1Cor.1214)a liesattheheartofPentecostalwitness
pointingtothesameorsimilarthings;for Berkhoftriesvariouslytodescribe.It
thoughPauldoesnotusethelanguageof meansthatapersonistherebyequipped
"filling"hedoesspeakofsuch tobecome"aninstrumentfortheongoing
manifestationsoftheSpiritaswordof processoftheSpiritinthechurchandin
wisdom,healing,miracles,prophecy, theworld"(p.83).Again,"thefillingby
tongues.ThusBerkhofconcludes: theSpiritmeansthatthejustifiedand
sanctifiedarenowturned,sotospeak,
Forhim[Paul]alsotheworkoftheSpirit insideout"(p.89).Throughthis"filling"
isnotexhaustedinjustificationand thecommunitybecomes"charismatic,"
sanctification;anadditionalworkingis beingsuppliedwithmultiplegracesand
promisedandmustthereforebesought. gifts,andtherebyisenabledtogivebold
Allthisleadsustotheconclusionthatthe andcompellingwitnesstothegoodnews
Pentecostalsarebasicallyrightwhen ofJesusChrist.
theyspeakofaworkingoftheHolySpirit
beyondthatwhichisacknowledgedinthe But,whateverthedescription,the
majordenominations(p.87). decisivematterinallofthisisBerkhof's
viewthatthePentecostalsareconversant
Thisobviouslyisaquitefarreaching withaworkingoftheSpirit
statement.Itclearlygrowsoutof unacknowledgedbytraditionalchurches.
Berkhof'searlierexpressed InmuchofthisBerkhofdoesnotdiffer
dissatisfactionwithtraditional greatlyfromBarth,forexample,that
pneumatologythat,inhisview, thereisaworkoftheSpiritbeyond
subordinatestheHolySpirittoChrist justificationandsanctification,16that
andfailstorecognizethattheSpirit Pentecostrepresentsinsomesensea
"createsaworldofhisown."Berkhofis happeningforChristians,andthatthis
particularlystressingthatthis"world" eventmakespossiblevariousgiftsand
includesthe"filling"orempoweringwork graces.Further,thefactthatBarthraises
oftheHolySpirit.Further,itistobe thecrucialquestion,"Havewereally
notedthatBerkhofstressesnotonlythat receivedtheSpirit?,"isinandofitself
this"additionalworking"oftheSpiritis quiteprobingandpointsinthedirection
promisedbutalsothatit"musttherefore ofsomethingthatChristiansmayneedto
besought."HencetheHolySpirit's facewithuttercandor.Berkhofhowever
presenceandpowerisnottobe goesbeyondBarthintheradicalismofhis
presupposed,butmayawaitafresh statementthatthisworkingoftheSpirit
concernonthepartofthechurch isunacknowledgedbyWestern

Christendomingeneral,andthat intellectualenterprise.Indeed,wemay
Pentecostalism(andsomeformsof havetobe"humbleenoughtoreceiveitin
Revivalism)istheheraldofthislong fellowship"with"variousgroupsofthe
neglectedreality. Pentecostaltype."Arewereallyprepared
tohumbleourselvesthatmuch?
Allofthispoints,accordingtoBerkhof,in
thedirectionofthechurchatlarge
needingtorediscoveradimensionofthe
HolySpirit'sworkingthathasbeenlong ItisobviousthatIstandinhearty
overlooked.Thisseemstobeessentially agreementwithmanyofourReformed
whatthePentecostalmovementalsois andPresbyterianspokesmenthatthe
sayinginourday.Itbearswitnesstothe upsurgeofPentecostalismrepresentsa
realityofsucharediscovery,andcalls vitalrenewalofChristianityatits
uponthechurchesofChristendomto originalsources.Idonotthinkitan
awakentothepossibilityofthis exaggerationtosaythatitis"a
happeningtoall.17 phenomenonofGod'sspringtime,"and
thatwemustbewillingto"investigate
thesecretsofitsmightysweep."Ifitis
thecasethatthereissomethinggoingon
Thisbringsusfullcircletosomeofthe herecomparableinimportancetothe
thingswefirstnotedinNewbigin's adventofApostolicChristianityandthe
writing.Thereis,asNewbiginputsit, ProtestantReformation19andIam
somethingquiterevolutionaryinthe comingincreasinglytosuspectthatthere
Pentecostalwitness,"dangerously isthenwearecalledupontodelayno
subversivetoourexistingwaysof longeringivingourselveswithoutstintto
thought."Butcoulditbethatthis fullerexperientialandtheological
"subversion"ifwearewillingtoundergo understanding.20
itwouldbenotforthecripplingof
Christendombutforitsrenewal?Is
Newbiginbyanychancerightinsaying Footnotes
that"withoutthem[thelongneglected
andfrequentlydespisedpeopleof'the
1
NewbigindoesnotwriteaboutPentecostalismas
Pentecostalstream']wecannotbemade adenominationbutasa"stream"involvingmany
people.Hencereferencesto"Pentecostals"or
perfect"?Darewefacethepossibilitythat "PentecostalChristians"hereaftershouldbe
Pentecostalism(whateveritsaberrations) understoodasrepresentingabroadstreamtothe
representsafirsthandexperienceof "left"ofmuchofChristendom.
presenceandpoweronlyvaguely
surmised18inthechurchatlarge?
2
Intheyearsthatsoonfollowedthepublicationof
Newbigin,itwillberecalled,urgesthe Newbigin'sTheHouseholdofGod,itis
noteworthythatsomeofthePentecostalchurches
importanceofnewunderstandingofthe
lefttheirecumenicalisolation.AttheThird
doctrineoftheHolySpirit,butalso AssemblyoftheWorldCouncilofChurches(New
suggeststhatthisisfarmorethanan Delhi,1961),twoSouthAmerican(Chilean)
Pentecostalchurcheswereacceptedinto

membership,andattheFourthAssembly Pentecostalwitnessinmind.(Foraprevious
(Uppsala,1968)therewerefifteenPentecostal referencetoBerkhofseechap.1,n.28.)
participantsinvariouscapacities.
14
Berkhoflamentswhathecalls"awatertight
3
"CaribbeanHoliday,"pp.94648. partitionwallbetweenthese[Pentecostaland
Revivalist]groupsandthetheologyinseminaries
4
Articlecited,p.124. anduniversities."Headds:"Ibelievethatthis
partitionistothedetrimentofbothparties,andI
5
Ibid. willmakeanattempttobreakthroughthewall"
(85).
SeeJohnL.Sherrill'sbook,TheySpeakwith
6
15
Barthhaswrittenelsewherethat"apresupposed
OtherTongues,27.
spiritiscertainlynottheHolySpirit,"that"a
foolishchurchpresupposeshispresenceand
7
TheGhanaAssemblyoftheInternational actioninitsownexistence,"andthat"onlywhere
MissionaryCouncil,"TheChristianMissionat theSpiritissighed,cried,andprayedfordoeshe
ThisHour,"115.Mackayspeaksofthisalsobeing
becomepresentandactive"(EvangelicalTheology:
trueoftheMormonChurch.However,thathis
AnIntroduction,58).Barth'swordslikewiseprobe
concernisparticularlywithPentecostalismmay
thevitalsoftheChurch'sexistence.
benotedinthesentencethatimmediatelyfollows:
"Inmanypartsoftheworldtodayeverymember
oftheseveralchurchesthatmakeupthe
16
Berkhofmentionsthatthe"oneimportant
PentecostalWorldFellowshiparenotonly exception"toofficialtheology'sneglectofathird
committedChristians,butardentmissionaries." workoftheHolySpiritisBarth.Afterhaving
dealtwithjustificationinChurchDogmaticsIV/1
andsanctificationinIV/2,Barthcomesto"calling"
SeeTheSpiritBadeMeGobyDavidJ.du
8
inIV/3(fromwhichvolumewequotedabove)
Plessis,19.
whereby"thejustifiedandsanctifiedChristianis
nowcalledtoparticipateintheworkofChrist,
9
Undertheheading,"BeFilledwiththeSpirit,"
thatis:tobeawitness."Thus,Berkhofadds,
Mackay,inanearlierbookentitledGod'sOrder "Barthisawareofathirddimensionin
discussedthePentecostalmovementinSouth pneumatology"(seeBerkhof,90).
America(see176ff.).
17
Ishouldliketoaddonefurtherquotationfrom
10
WorldVision,April,1970. Berkhofthat,whilehavingnothingdirectlytodo
withPentecostalism,speakspowerfullyaboutthe
See"TheIdeologyofPentecostalConversion"in
11
needfor"anewexperienceoftheHolySpirit."In
theJournalofEcumenicalStudies,Winter,1968, alaterarticleentitled"ANewAgeANew
126.ImightaddthatMcDonnell,onthebasisof Theology?",writtenintheaftermathofthe"death
extendedresearchinthefield,viewsthisattitude ofGod"theology,Berkhofhasthistosay:"The
asessentiallyunwarranted. onlyadequateresponsetotheexperienceofthe
deathofGodisanewexperienceoftheHolySpirit,
Onefurtheranddelightfulquotationfrom
12
anauthenticrevivalandrenewal.Anewtheology
Mackay:"uncouthlifeisbetterthanaesthetic assuchhasnopowertorenew.Itmustitselfbe
death"!(Ecumenics,198). bornofrenewal,inordertoleadmodernmanout
ofthinkingtothesteepcliffofGod'sfreepower
Barth,asmentioned,makesnoreferenceto
13 andtowaitinneedofrenewalforthepromiseof
Pentecostalismassuch.Mypointhereisthat theHolySpirit.Onlywherethispromiseis
Berkhof,whoseideasseemtoparallelmanyof fulfilledwill'signsoftheSpiritandofpower'
Barth'sabove,writesconsciouslywiththe becomevisibleinourworldofalienationfrom
God.Onlythissignandnotourmost

sophisticatedapologeticcanleadmodernmanto
thejoyfulconfessionthatGodistrulyinour
midst"(ReformedWorld,Dec.1967,3612).
18
EmilBrunner,inhisbookThe
MisunderstandingoftheChurchwritesaboutthe
HolySpiritintheprimitiveecclesiaas"areality
whosedynamicpowerwecannowentertain
scarcelyavaguesurmise"(51).Thusdoes
BrunnerquestionChristendomasawhole.WhatI
amsuggestingisthatthis"dynamicpower"may
wellbereappearinginthePentecostalwitnessof
today.
19
ThoughIamreferringtoVanDusen'sstatement
(seepreface),itmaybeworthnotingthat
FrederickDenisonMauricehadalreadysaid,in
thenineteenthcentury,"Icannotbutthinkthat
thereformationinourday,whichIexpecttobe
moredeepandsearchingthanthatofthe
sixteenthcentury,willturnupontheSpirit's
presenceandlifeasthatdiduponJustificationby
theSon"(quotedintheprefacetoTheSpirit,ed.
byB.H.Streeter).
20
Afinalword:Ihavenotintendedtosuggestin
thisarticlethattheonlyhopeforourfuturerests
insimplyadoptingeverythinginPentecostal
theologyandpractice.Suchofcoursewouldbe
quiteunwiseandsurelyimpossible.Indeedevenif
itwerepossible,thoseintheReformedtradition
(andChristendomingeneral)wouldonlycomeoff
thelosers,sincethereisdoubtlessmuchin
Pentecostalismthatisunessential,perhapseven
misleading.Moreover,Iwouldinsistthatweare
calledupontogiveaswellastoreceive,andthat
itisinthemanifoldwitnessofthegreattraditions
ofEasternOrthodoxy,WesternCatholicism,and
Protestantismandpossiblyothersthatrichnessof
truthistobefound.Nonetheless,asthepaperno
doubthasshown,Iamconvincedthatwhat
Pentecostalismrepresentswhichisfarmorethan
aparticulartraditionofthetwentiethcentury
remainsutterlyessentialforallourchurches:the
renewedexperienceofthepresenceandpowerof
theHolySpirit.

Chapter4 toanewbondofcommunitywiththose
whohavehadthesameexperience,anda
heighteneddesireandcapacitytobear
THEPERSONAND witnesstothegospel.Inallaspectsoflife
theyclaimadeeperlove,joy,andpeace.
WORKOFTHEHOLY
SPIRIT Frequentlytheytestifytoamultiplicityof
"charismata,"suchasspeakingin
tongues,prophecy,healing,andsoon.
WithSpecialReferenceto"The
Manyclaimthatspeakingintongueswas
BaptismintheHolySpirit" theprimarymanifestationoftheir
"filling"or"baptism,"forithasbeen
Excerptsfromareportadopted eitheranimmediateaccompanimentof
bytheGeneralAssemblyof theirexperienceorhasfollowedsome
the timelater.Theyusuallydisclaiman
formerPresbyterian interestinthespectacularassuch;
rather,theirtestimonyistotherealityof
Church,U.S.(Southern),in
God,adeeperawarenessofHispresence,
19711 andthewonderthattheHolySpirithas
filledtheirbeing.
I
Asthesepeopleseektounderstandwhat
CertainContemporary hashappenedtothem,theygenerally
ExperiencesoftheSpirit speakofitasanoccurrencewithintheir
Christianlife.Usuallytheythinkof
A.Thereareanumberofpeoplein themselvesashavingbeenbelieversfora
historicProtestantchurchesandmost longtime;hence,theydonotinterpret
recentlyintheRomanCatholicChurch thisexperienceasentranceintofaithbut
whohavehadanexperiencewhichthey assomethingbeyond.Sometimesthey
call"thebaptismof(with,in)theHoly speakofsalvationandbeing"filledwith
Spirit,"orsometimes"thefillingof(with) theSpirit."Theyclaimthatbothcould
theHolySpirit."Thisexperiencehasbeen (andsometimesdo)occuratthesame
someaningfulandvividtothosewho moment,butformostofthemtherehas
havegonethroughitthattheyhave beenaseparationintime.Frequently
difficultyputtingitintowords:"anew this"baptismwiththeSpirit"has
relationship,adeeperencounter,acloser occurredafterthelayingonofhands;but
walk."Manyspeakofitprimarilyasan thisisnottrueinallcases.Formostof
extraordinarysenseofGod'srealityand thesepeoplethetestimonyisthatwith
presence,andlayclaimtoapraiseand orwithoutthelayingonofhandsthe
adorationofGodhithertounknownto experienceoccurredafterextendedprayer
them.Atthesametimetheyoftentestify andseeking.Somespeakofthiseventas

atransitionwithintheirChristian extraordinarygiftse.g.,healing,
experience,fromthestateofChrist's(or speakingintonguesthepeace,unity,
theSpirit's)beingwiththemtoHisbeing andfellowshipoftheChurchmaybe
inthem.Otherssaythatthetransitionis seriouslyjeopardized.Differingviewsof
rathertobeunderstoodasafuller theSpiritandHisworkmaygiverisetoa
realizationofwhatwasalreadywithin schismbetweenthosewhoclaimaSpirit
them.Inanycase,thesepeoplefeelsure baptismandthosewhodonot,orbetween
thattheyhaveenteredintoanewand thosewhorecognizethevalidityofsuch
excitinglifeintheSpirit. claimsandthosewhodonot.Obviously
ourChurchoughttoprovidesome
B.Theeventswhichwehaveenumerated guidanceinthesematterswherestrong
haveraisedsomecriticalproblemsforour differencesofopinionmayresultin
Church,andespeciallyforthose contentionandthedisruptionofthe
congregationsinwhichtheeventshave Church'swork.
occurred.Inthefirstplace,wehave
tendedtostresstheworkoftheSpiritin Manifestly,anyvalidguidancethatcan
thelifeofthebelieverasunitingthe begivenonthis,oronanyothersubject,
believertoChristandtherebybringingto mustbederivedfromtheteachingsof
himGod'sgraceinsalvation.Justification Scripture,andmustbeevaluatedinthe
hasbeenviewedastheinitialworkofthe lightoftheStandardsofourchurch.We
Spiritinapplyingtomanthebenefitsof shallthereforeattempttosketchwhat
Christ'swork,andsanctificationasthe theOldandtheNewTestamentshaveto
ongoingworkoftheSpiritincompleting saywithregardtotheSpirit,andthento
thedivinepurposebytransforminga examinetheteachingsoftheConfession
humanlifemoreandmoreintothe ofFaithandtheCatechisms,before
likenessofJesusChrist.Butinthis proceedingtodrawconclusions.2
contemporaryexperienceoftheSpirit
thereseemstobetestimonytoan
additionalworkingoftheSpiritthatgoes VConcludingObservations
beyondtheinitiationofChristianlife
(justification)anditsprogress Anevaluationofcontemporaryevents
(sanctification)a"baptism"or"filling" involvinga"baptismoftheHolySpirit"
withtheHolySpirit.Thecriticalquestion mustbegin,asthestructureofthereport
hereishow,inthelightoftheBiblical implies,withtheguidancefurnishedus
witnessandtheReformedtradition,this bytheScriptures.Atthesametimewe
understandingistobeadjudged. arecalledupontogiveseriousheedtothe
doctrinalStandards3ofourdenomination.
Inthesecondplace,problemsofanother Likewiseitisimperativethatweseekto
kindalsoarisefromthesituationto understandwhatisdeeplyinvolved,and
whichwehavereferred.Whensome atstakeforthosewhoclaimtohavehad
membersofacongregationclaimspecial sucha"baptism"withintheirChristian
pneumaticexperiences,orclaim experience,andparticular"charismatic"

manifestations.TheScripturesremain meaningofGod'saction,inthepersonof
ourprimarysource;yetour HisSpirit,inthelivesofHispeople.
understandingofScripturedependsupon
theilluminationprovidedbytheSpirit Second,astheNewTestamentmakes
Himself. clear,andasCalvinaptlyremindsus
(Institutes,3.1.4),thereisno
OurstudyoftheOldandNew understandingoftheSpiritapartfrom
Testaments,however,hasrevealedno faith.Thismeansthatallourstatements
singleconsistentdoctrineoftheSpirit abouttheHolySpiritareinessence
whichisnowimmediatelyapplicableto affirmationsoffaith.Theyarenot
thecontemporarysituation;norhasit "factual"statementsinthesensethat
furnisheduswithasimplestraightlineof theypurporttogiveobjectivedataor
doctrinaldevelopmentinthisregard. informationwhichmaythenbetestedfor
Moreover,wemustavoidthetemptation accuracybyscientificmeans.Inspeaking
toimproveontheconceptoftheSpirit oftheHolySpiritwespeakfromfaithto
throughanyspeculativetheorydrawn faith.
fromothersources.Hence,ourpointof
departureinthistaskcanbenoother Third,sincetheHolySpiritisthespiritof
thantheNewTestament'sclose theGodwhomweknowonlythrough
identificationoftheSpiritwithJesus JesusChrist,wearecompelled,inregard
Christ.AsChristianswemustbeguided tothecontemporaryspiritual
firstofallbyGod'sselfrevelationin phenomena,to"testthespiritstosee
Christ,testingourunderstandingbythe whethertheyareofGod"bythemeasure
Scripture'stestimonytoHimwhoisour oftheirconfessionofJesusChrist(1John
Lord. 4:13).Nothingthatcontradictswhatwe
seeinChristcanrightlyberegardedas
A.Asweseektogiveanexpressionofour theactivityoftheSpirit;ontheother
faithintheHolySpiritthatwillbeanaid hand,whateverbearswitnesstoChrist
incomprehendingtheexperienceswhich andHisworkoftheredemptionof
havepromptedthepresentstudy,there mankindexhibitstheincontrovertible
areseveralbasicprincipleswhichwe evidenceoftheSpirit'spresence.
mustbearinmind.First,asthe
Scripturesrepeatedlyaffirm,theHoly B.Withtheforegoingprinciplesinmind,
SpiritistheSpiritoftheholyGod,the andwithconstantreferencetothe
GodoftheBible.Allourspeechaboutthe Biblicalteachings,theStandardsofour
HolySpiritisthereforespeechaboutGod. Church,andthecontemporarysituation,
Weshallmakenoattempttodefinethe thePermanentTheologicalCommittee
conceptof"spirit"ingeneralandthen offersthefollowingstatementforthe
movetoanunderstandingoftheHoly guidanceoftheAssembly.
Spiritbasedonourideasaboutthe 1.ThegreatestemphasisintheBible,
essentialpropertiesorcharacteristicsof andthemostprominentaspectofour
"spirit."Rather,ourtaskistodiscernthe Reformedtradition,istobefoundinthe

workoftheSpiritinbestowinguponman Accordingly,theremaybespecialneedin
allthebenefitsofGodwhichcometohim theReformedtraditiontolaystresson
inJesusChrist.FaithinJesusChristis lateroccasions(suchasentranceinto
thewaywherebyallbenefitsarereceived, communicantmembership)onwhich
suchasjustification,sanctification,and God'sgracemayalsobeappropriated.
eternallife(1Cor.6:11;John3:16; Reformedteachingaboutbaptismmust
ConfessionofFaith,14.2),andthrough beheldincreativetensionwithallthatis
theHolySpiritthissalvationisareality. alsosaidabouttheimportanceof
conversionandregeneration,andthe
2.TheHolySpiritaccordinglydwellsin practiceofourchurchshouldbein
allwhothusbelieve.Ifanyonedoesnot harmonytherewith.
havetheSpiritofChrist,hedoesnot
belongtoHim(Rom.8:9).Thusitis 4."BaptismwiththeHolySpirit,"asthe
impossibletospeakofatransitionwithin BookofActsportraysit,isaphrase
Christianexistencefromthestateof whichrefersmostoftentothe
Spirit'sbeingwithtobeingin.TheSpirit empoweringofthosewhobelievetoshare
indwellsallChristians. inthemissionofJesusChrist.The
significanceof"baptismwiththeSpirit"
3.Baptismwithwaterisameansofgrace isalsorepresentedintermssuchas
wherebythegraceofsalvationisnotonly "outpouring,""fallingupon,""filling,"and
offeredbutconferredbytheHolySpirit "receiving,"beingforthemostpart
(Confession,30.6).However,accordingto attemptstodepictthatactionofGod
theConfession,thesignificanceof wherebybelieversareenabledtogive
baptismisnottiedtothemomentof expressiontothegospelthrough
administration,for,thoughGod'ssaving extraordinarypraise,powerfulwitness,
graceisconferredthereby,suchgrace andboldnessofaction.Accordingly,those
maybecomeefficaciousatalatertime,or whospeakofsucha"baptismwiththe
itmayhavebecomeefficaciousearlier. Spirit,"andwhogiveevidenceofthis
Forexample,therearethosewhodonot specialempoweringworkoftheSpirit,
cometoanappropriationofthisgrace canclaimScripturalsupport.Further,
(especiallyifbaptizedininfancy)untila since"baptismintheSpirit"maynotbe
laterdate.Calvinspeaks(particularly atthesametimeasbaptismwithwater
regardinginfants)ofbeing"baptizedinto and/orconversion,weneedtobeopen
futurerepentanceandfaith"(Institutes mindedtowardthosetodaywhoclaiman
4.20),andurgesthatthisshouldfireus interveningperiodoftime.Ifthis
withgreaterzealforrenewalinlater experiencesignifiesinsomesensea
years.Fromthisperspectiveitispossible deepeningoffaithandawarenessofGod's
tosaythatbaptismwithwatermayvery presenceandpower,wemaybegrateful.
wellbeseparatedfromsalvation,orat
leastfromfullentranceuponit.Though 5.Wearecalledupontorecognizeawork
baptismisachannelofGod'sgrace,this oftheSpiritwhichinvolvesthe
graceisnotautomaticallyefficacious. applicationofspecialgiftsandbenefitsto

themembersofChrist'schurch.The experiencedthisvisitation.Clearlyit
ConfessionofFaithsuggeststhisin wouldbeamistaketosaythatallupon
Chapter9.4,where,followingthe whomtheSpiritcomesmustmanifest
paragraphontheSpirit'sworkin specificpneumaticphenomena.TheSpirit
redemption,thewords,inpart,read,"He usuallymanifestsHimselfinotherways.
callsandanointsministersfortheirholy However,thatsuchextraordinary
office,qualifiesallotherofficersinthe manifestationsmayoccurandinso
churchfortheirspecialwork,andimparts doinggiveevidenceoftheSpirit's
variousgiftsandgracestoitsmembers." workingisquiteinaccordwiththe
HereisaspecialworkoftheHolySpirit witnessoftheNewTestament.
ofcallingandanointingthatispeculiarly
relatedtothelifeofthebelieving 7.Theremaybefurtherbestowalofthe
community.Wewouldaddthatitis HolySpirit."BaptismwiththeSpirit"
importantforthechurchconstantlyto signifiestheinitialoutpouringofGod's
bearthisworkoftheHolySpiritinmind Spiritwhereinthecommunityand/or
sothattherewillbeacontinuing personisfilledwiththepresenceand
readinessfor,andrecognitionof,the powerofGod.Butalsotheremaybelater
calling,thequalifying,andtheimparting bestowalinsuchfashionasosignify
ofthegiftsandgracesoftheHolySpirit implementationoftheoriginalevent,
tothecommunityoffaith.Bothafresh whetherornotaccompaniedby
confrontationwiththebiblicalrecordand pneumaticphenomena(cf.Acts2:4with
contemporaryspiritualexperience,we 4:31).ThisrenewedactivityoftheSpirit
believe,arebringingusintoafuller oughtnottobedesignated"baptism"(at
understandingoftheworkoftheHoly least,theNewTestamentneverusesthis
Spirit. termforit),butas"filling,"whereinthe
empoweringSpiritmovestorenewthe
6.The"baptismoftheHolySpirit"may believerandbelievingcommunity.
besignifiedbycertainpneumatic
phenomena,suchasspeakingintongues 8.Thebestowalandreceptionofthe
andprophecy(Acts2:4;10:46;19:6).In Spirit,orthegiftsoftheSpirit,doesnot
theOldTestament,aswehavenoted,the signifyahigherlevelofspiritualitynor
Spiritisunderstoodattimesasan oughtittosuggestthatsomeChristians
invadingpower,acharismaticfury;also havemoreoftheHolySpiritthanothers.
itisfrequentlyassociatedwithecstatic Suchexpressionsas"baptism,""filling,"
prophecy.However,sincetheSpiritcame andthelikepointrathertotheSpirit's
onlytocertainexceptionalpersons,this implementingactivity;endowmentforthe
wasquitelimited.WiththeNew witnesstothegospel.TheSpiritisactive
TestamentdispensationtheSpiritisnow inallbelievers,andtheymaybe"filled"
availabletoallwhobelieveinJesus withtheSpiritinvariouswaysforthe
Christ.Hencesuchsignsofthisinvading missionoftheChurch.Itshouldbeadded
powerasecstaticlanguageandprophecy thatsuchexpressionsas"having"or
couldoccurwithanyonewhohas "filledwith"theSpiritarenottobe

construedasobviatingthepossibilityand JesusChristwasactiveinthe
actualityofgrowthingraceand phenomenonisaquestionwhichneither
knowledge. psychologynoranyothersciencecan
answer.Butthisconclusionleadsalsoto
9.BoththecomingoftheSpiritHimself theobservationthattheextraordinaryor
andthevariousabilitiesorcharismata unusualnatureofanexperience(andthe
whichHemaybestowuponpeopleare, samewouldapplytogifts)isnocriterion
aboveall,tobereceivedasthebenefitsof bywhichtojudgeitssignificancefor
God'sfreegrace.NeithertheSpirit,then, faith.Ecstasyisnotinitselfan
norHisgiftsmaybeconsidered unambiguousoccurrence.Notevery
"possessions"ofthebeliever;hedoesnot dramaticevent,experience,orecstasyis
ownthem,norcanhepresumethatthey necessarilyaworkoftheSpirit.
are,orwillbe,atalltimes(oratany
giventime)available.Eachoccasionon 11.ItisclearthethereisBiblicaland
whichtheSpirit'spresenceisknownor Reformedwitnessconcerningbaptismof
Hisgiftsmademanifestistobean theHolySpiritandspecialendowmentof
occasionfornewthanksgivingandpraise theHolySpiritinthebelieving
toGod.Hence,thereshouldbeno community.Ofcourse,itisimpossibleto
jeopardizingofthepeace,unity,and makeanygeneralpronouncement
fellowshipoftheChurchbecauseof concerningthevalidityofparticular
specialexperiencesoftheHolySpirit,but claimsmade,sincemultiplefactorsmay
arejoicingtogetherinallthoseways beatwork.Butwherethereis
wherebyGodleadsHispeopleintofuller divisiveness,judgment(expressedor
apprehensionoftherichesofHisgrace. implied)onthelivesofothers,anattitude
ofprideorboasting,etc.,theSpiritofGod
10.AnexperienceoftheSpiritcan isnotatwork.However,wheresuchan
neitherbevalidatedassuch,nor experiencegivesevidenceofan
evaluatedwithrespecttoitstheological empoweringandrenewingworkofChrist
significance,byanyscientific(i.e., inthelifeoftheindividualandthe
psychological,sociological,etc.)means.It Church,itmaybeacknowledgedwith
istobeacknowledgedthatsuchevents, gratitude.Thismeansaboveallthat
justasanyotherhumanevents,may Christshouldbeglorified,HisownSpirit
becomethelegitimateobjectsofscientific mademanifestinhumanlives,andthe
inquiry.Butregardlessofthescientific Churchedified.Forsuchevidencesofthe
conclusionswhichmaybereached,the presenceoftheHolySpirittheChurch
questionofthetheologicalsignificanceof mayrejoice.4
thephenomenawillremain,anditmay
beansweredonlywithinthecontextof Footnotes
theChristianfaith.TheCorinthians'
abilitytospeakintongues,forexample,
mayhaveaperfectlygoodpsychological Acompletecopyofthereportmaybefoundin
1
explanation;butwhethertheSpiritof Presence,Power,Praise:Documentsonthe

CharismaticRenewal,editedbyKilian
McDonnell,1:287317.
2
ForreasonsofspaceIwillomitsectionsII,III,
andIVdealingrespectivelywiththeOld
Testament,NewTestament,andChurch
Standards.However,thosesectionsarewellworth
readingbecausetheyprovideavaluablebiblical
andecclesiasticalfoundation.
TheWestminsterConfessionofFaithand
3
Catechisms.
4
Concludingremark:Thisreportishighly
significantinthatitofficiallyrecognizesa"special
empoweringworkoftheSpirit"andthat"baptism
withtheSpiritmaynotbeatthesametimeas
baptismwithwaterand/orconversion"(B.4
above).Moreover,thereportclosesquite
positivelywiththestatementthat"wheresuchan
experiencegivesevidenceofanempoweringand
renewingworkofChristinthelifeofthe
individualandtheChurcitmaybeacknowledged
withgratitude"(B.11).Thisisindeedan
extraordinarystepaheadforaPresbyterian
denomination!

Chapter5 atthebeginning.AndIrememberedthe
wordoftheLord,howhesaid,'John
baptizedinwater,butyoushallbe
BAPTISMINTHEHOLY baptizedintheHolySpirit.'"Theother
possibletext,1Corinthians12:13,reads:
SPIRIT "Forby3oneSpiritwewereallbaptized
intoonebodyJewsorGreeks,slavesor
ABiblicalStudy freeandallweremadetodrinkofone
Spirit."WhetherPaulisheredealing
Thisarticlewillbelimitedtoastudyof withthesameconceptastheGospelsand
NewTestamentpassagesrelatingto Actsisnotclear.4Weshallthereforefocus
"baptism1intheHolySpirit."Iwillnote onthesixspecificreferencesto"baptism
wheresuchpassagesoccur,andattempt intheHolySpirit,"andseektoelaborate
toobservetheirmeaningandusage.The variousaspects.
paperiswrittenunderthegrowing
convictionthatfreshstudyinthisareais I
ofimportancefortheChurchinourtime.
Thefirstmattertobeobservedisthatthe
referencesintheGospelsandActs
distinguishclearlybetweenbaptismin
Asabiblicalexpression"baptismin2the waterandbaptismintheHolySpirit.
HolySpirit"occursineachofthefour Johnbaptizedinwater,butthereis
Gospels,twiceintheBookofActs,and anotherbaptismwhichChristperforms,
possiblyin1Corinthians12:13. namely,intheHolySpirit.Thereisno
AccordingtoMark1:8JohntheBaptist suggestionthatJohn'sbaptisminwater
said,"Ihavebaptizedyouinwater;but isthemediumforbaptismintheHoly
hewillbaptizeyouintheHolySpirit."In Spirit,oranystatementthatonemust
Matthew3:11andLuke3:16thewords precedetheother.ThepromiseinActs1:5
areadded:"andfire."Accordingtothe doesmentionJohn'sbaptismfirst,butno
FourthGospelthewordsofJohnthe connectionisdrawnbetweenitand
Baptistare:"Hewhosentmetobaptize baptismintheHolySpirit.Itmaybe
inwatersaidtome,'Heonwhomyousee presumedthatthosewhofirstreceived
theSpiritdescendandremain,thisishe thefulfillmentofthispromise(seeActs
whobaptizesintheHolySpirit'"(John 2:14)hadbeenbaptizedbyJohn,but
1:33).AccordingtoActs1:45Jesustells nothingisdirectlymadeofit.5Obviously
thedisciplesto"waitforthepromiseof theGentilesatCaesareareceived
theFather,which,hesaid,'youheard baptismintheHolySpirit(Acts11:1516)
fromme,forJohnbaptizedinwater,but withoutregardtoanybaptismbyJohn,
beforemanydaysyoushallbebaptizedin andalsowithouthavingreceivedwater
theHolySpirit.'"InActs11:1516Peter, baptisminthenameofJesusChrist(see
describingtheeventatCaesarea,says, Acts10:4448).
"TheHolySpiritfellonthemjustasonus

Thelatterpointshouldbenoted:thereis beenbaptizedinthenameoftheLord
alsononecessityforwaterbaptisminthe Jesus"(8:16).Hereisaclearcaseofwater
nameofChristtoprecedebaptisminthe baptisminJesus'namepriortothe
Spirit.ForitisonlyaftertheGentilesat "falling"oftheHolySpirit.Somedays
CaesareaarebaptizedintheHolySpirit aftertheirbaptismPeterandJohncame
thattheyarebaptizedinwaterinthe downfromJerusalem,and"theylaid
nameofJesusChrist.TheHolySpirit theirhandsonthemandtheyreceived
"fell"6(10:44),was"pouredout"(10:45); theHolySpirit"(8:17).Thusagain
andfollowingthis,Peterasks,"'Canany baptisminwaterisnotdepictedasa
oneforbidwaterforbaptizingthese vehicleforthe"falling"or"baptizing"
peoplewhohavereceivedtheHolySpirit oftheHolySpirit,sincetheSpiritis
justaswehave?'Andhecommanded "received"sometimethereafter.Noris
themtobebaptizedinthenameofJesus thereanystressonbaptismwithwateras
Christ"(10:4748).Inthiscasebaptismin aprecondition,althoughinthisinstance
water,andinthenameofJesusChrist,is itundoubtedlyprecededSpiritbaptism.
unmistakablyneitherpreconditionnor
mediumforbaptismintheHolySpirit. Sincefromtheaboveaccountitisevident
Baptisminwaterisnotunimportant thatto"receive"theHolySpiritrefersto
(Peter"commanded"ittobedone),even theSpirit's"falling"andthereforeto
if,inthiscase,thefunctionisnotthatof Spiritbaptism,wemaynowlookata
preparingthewayfor,orbeingthe furtherpassageonreceivingtheHoly
instrumentof,baptismintheHolySpirit. Spiritandobserveitsconnectionwith
waterbaptism.ImakereferencetoActs
Wemaynowraisethequestion:Isthere 19:17.HerePaulinquiresofsometwelve
anyfurtherdelineationinActsofthe Ephesians,"DidyoureceivetheHoly
connectionbetweenbaptisminwaterand Spiritwhenyoubelieved?"Itturnsout
baptismintheHolySpirit?Ashasbeen thatthesepeoplehavenoknowledgeof
mentioned,theexpression,"baptismin theHolySpiritand,further,haveonly
theHolySpirit,"occursonlytwiceinActs, beenbaptized"intoJohn'sbaptism."
andtheeventsdescribingitsoccurrence Consequently,afterhearingthatJohn
arefoundin2:14and10:4448 hadproclaimedtheneedforbelievingin
(comparedwith11:1517).However,since Jesus,"theywerebaptizedinthenameof
ithasalreadybecomeevidentthatsuch theLordJesus."Followingthiswater
expressionsinActsastheSpirit's baptism"Paullaidhishandsuponthem,"
"falling,"being"pouredout,"refer and"theHolySpiritcameonthem."The
likewisetoSpiritbaptism,wemayturn pictureisindeedaninterestingone:two
totheaccountoftheSamaritansinActs differentwaterbaptismsintoJohnand
8.Accordingtothisnarrativethe JesusbutinneitheristheHolySpirit
Samaritans,throughthewitnessof received.OnlyasPaullayshishands
Philip,"believed"andwere"baptized" uponthemdoes"baptismintheHoly
(8:12),fortheHolySpirit"hadnotyet Spirit"occur.
fallenonanyofthem,buttheyhadonly

TheEphesiansituation,inrespectto HolySpirit.However,afterActs1itis
baptismwithwater,isakindof clearthatwhateverthesequence,allwho
compositeofActs1andActs8.Those arebaptizedintheSpiritarebaptizedin
baptizedintheHolySpiritinActs2:14 water.
hadatmostreceivedonlythebaptismof
John;thoseuponwhomtheHolySpirit Itisimportantfurthertorecognizethat
fellinActs8hadonlybeenbaptizedin waterbaptismhasbutonedistinctive
thenameofJesusChrist.TheEphesians purpose:itis"for"7theforgivenessof
inActs19hadreceivedbothwater sins.8Sincebaptismmeansimmersion,9
baptisms.Further,inallthreeofthese hence,beingliterallysubmergedin,
casesbaptismintheHolySpiritfollows surroundedby,andcoveredwithwater,it
uponthevariouswaterbaptismseither pointstothespiritualrealityoftotal
yearsthereafter(inthecaseoftheActs1 forgivenessinunionwithChrist.Thisis
disciples),daysafter(inthecaseofthe thedistinctivefeatureofwaterbaptism:
Samaritans),orimmediatelyfollowing(in itsrelationtoforgivenessofsins.
thecaseoftheEphesians).Itisobvious Howevertorepeatwhatwasearlier
thatthereisnoidentificationofwater saidthereisnoimmediateconnectionof
baptismwithSpiritbaptism,noristhere waterbaptismwithbaptismintheHoly
anyevidencethatbaptisminthenameof Spirit(whichmayevenhavepreceded
Jesus,anymorethanJohn'sbaptism, waterbaptism).Waterbaptismisnotalso
conferstheHolySpirit.Thisisallthe "for"theHolySpirit:thisisthepurposeof
moreemphasizedintheaccountofActs anotheractiontowhichwenowturn.
10wheretheSpiritisgivenpriortoany
waterbaptismatall. II
TosummarizetherelationshipinActs Nextletusconsidertheconnectionin
betweenwaterbaptismandbaptismin Actsbetweenthelayingonofhandsand
theHolySpirit:waterbaptismmay baptismintheHolySpirit.Incontrastto
precede(Acts8and19)ormaycome waterbaptism,thelayingonofhands
thereafter(Acts10).Itisevenpossible whereversuchisdoneisclosely
thatwaterbaptismmaynothave connectedwithSpiritbaptism.
occurredatall(someinstancesinActs1).
Wemightadd,however,thattheusual IntheSamaritanaccountseveraldays
orderwouldseemtobethatofActs2:38 followingtheirexpressionoffaithand
wherePeterdeclarestotheassembled waterbaptism,thepeoplearevisitedby
crowd:"Repent,andbebaptizedevery PeterandJohn.Thetwoapostlesprayfor
oneofyouinthenameofJesusChristfor theSamaritans(8:15),and"thenthey
theforgivenessofyoursins;andyoushall laidtheirhandsonthemandthey
receivethegiftoftheHolySpirit."But receivedtheHolySpirit"(8:17).Layingon
theusualorderifonebearsinmind ofhands,sotospeak,was"for"the
Acts10isnotrigid;andthereisno receptionoftheHolySpirit.
senseofwaterbaptismasconveyingthe

Thepictureisquitesimilarinthe concludethatwherehandsarelaidthat
Ephesiannarrative.Wehavealready theymustbethoseofapostles.Itistrue
notedthatafterthetwowaterbaptisms thatinboththeSamaritanandEphesian
theHolySpiritisreceived:"Andwhen accountshandsofapostles(Peterand
Paulhadlaidhishandsuponthem,the JohninSamariaandPaulatEphesus)
HolySpiritcameonthem"(Acts19:6). arelaidforthereceptionoftheHoly
ThelayingonofPaul'shandswouldseem Spirit.IntheformerinstancePhilipthe
tobetheoutwardsymbolofthecoming "deacon"(nottheapostle)baptizeswith
onoftheHolySpirit.Thusagainasin waterbutdoesnotlayhands;furtherthe
thecaseoftheSamaritansaclose textsaysthat"theSpiritwasgiven
connectionisshownbetweenthe throughthelayingonoftheapostles'
impositionofhandsandreceivingthe hands."Butthereisnostatementin
HolySpirit. thesenarrativesthatonlyapostlescould
havedonethis.Itmaybethatinthe
However,weneedimmediatelytoadd: Samaritansituationthelayingonof
first,thereisnosuggestioninActsthat handsbyleadersfromJerusalemwas
layingonofhandsisessentialforthe importanttoassurethelongdespised
HolySpirittobereceived.Thedisciples Samaritansoftheirinclusioninthenew
atJerusalemreceivebaptismintheHoly Christiancommunity;thusitwasfitting
Spiritwithoutlayingonofhands(Acts thatapostlesandnoteldersfor
2:14).Further,whenPeterthereafter examplecomedownforthisoccasion.In
proclaimstheChristianmessage,and thecaseoftheEphesianswhilehandsare
directsthepeopleconcerningwhattodo, laidbyPaulanapostle,thereisno
hesayssimply(aswehavenoted): mentionofhisexercisingapeculiarly
"Repent,andbebaptizedeveryoneofyou apostolicfunction.Thewholeemphasisis
inthenameofJesusChristforthe theEphesianneed,andPaulas
forgivenessofyoursins;andyoushall missionaryrisestomeetitboththrough
receivethegiftoftheHolySpirit"(2:38). waterbaptismandthelayingonof
Nomentionismadeoftheneedfor hands.
impositionofhandstoreceivethisgift,
norinthenarrativefollowingisthereany If,however,theideapersiststhat
suggestionofsuchanactoccurring.The apostolichandsalonesuffice,onefurther
recordonlysays,"Sothosewhoreceived narrativeinActsshowsthistobe
hiswordwerebaptized,andtherewere mistaken.IrefertotheaccountofPaul's
addedthatdayaboutthreethousand ownreceivingtheHolySpirit(Acts9:17).
souls"(2:41).InthecaseoftheGentilesat ThelanguageisthatofPaul'sbeing
Caesareathemessageofforgivenessof "filledwiththeHolySpirit,"an
sinsispreachedbyPeter;and"while expressionearlierusedtodescribethe
Peterwasstillsayingthis,theHolySpirit Spiritbaptismofthedisciplesin
fellonallwhoheardtheword"(10:44). Jerusalem.Acts2:14,therecordofthe
Thereisnolayingonofhands. fulfillmentofthepromisethat"before
Second,itwouldbeunwarrantedto manydaysyoushallbebaptizedinthe

HolySpirit,"doesnotusethelanguageof connectionwiththeimpositionofhands,
"baptism"but"filling,"sothatwhenthe notwaterbaptism,thattheSpiriton
eventoccurred,thetextsays,"theywere differentoccasionsisgiven.However,the
allfilledwiththeHolySpirit."Soitis Spiritisalsoreceivedwithoutthelaying
withPaul(atthattimestillcalledSaul): onofhands:thusthereisnosuggestionof
hetoowassaidtobe"filled."However, handsasbeingessential.Further,where
unlikethedisciplesatJerusalem,there handsarelaidtheemphasisdoesnotrest
wasonetohelphim,aChristianat onoffice.Apostlesmayserve,butalsoa
DamascusnamedAnanias.Ananiasisno relativelyunknownChristiandisciple
apostle:heissimplydescribedas"a mayfulfilltherole.Thusthesovereignty
discipleatDamascus"(9:10).Ananias ofGod'sHolySpirittouseornotuse
comestoPaul,"Andlayinghishandson humanmeans,touseornotuse
himhesaid,'BrotherSaul,theLord ecclesiasticalposition,isshowninthe
Jesuswhoappearedtoyouontheroadby BookofActs.
whichyoucame,hassentmethatyou
mayregainyoursightandbefilledwith III
theHolySpirit'"(9:17).Thuswerehands
laidnotbyanapostlebutbyaChristian Itisnowimportanttoconsiderthe
brother.Theimportantmatterisnotthat relationshipinActsbetweenbaptismin
Ananiaswasexecutinganapostolicoffice theHolySpiritandChristianfaithor
butthathewasfulfillingaspecific belief.Foritisreadilyapparentinallthe
commandoftheLordJesus.Ananiasis casesofSpiritbaptism(whateverthe
laterdescribedbyPaulas"adevoutman language:"outpouring,""falling,""filling,"
accordingtothelaw,wellspokenofbyall etc.)thattheessentialbackgroundis
theJewswholivedthere[inDamascus]" faith.Theremayormaynotbewater
(Acts22:12);thushewasamanofstrong baptism,handsmayormaynotbelaid,
faithandperhapspeculiarlyprepared butwithoutfaiththeHolySpiritisnot
throughhisdevotiontothelawto givenandreceived.
ministertoSaulthePharisee.Itmaybe
suggestedthatacombinationoffactors, Abriefreviewofsalientpassageswill
themostfundamentalbeinghis showtheprioremphasisonfaithor
devoutness,10madehimsuitedtoexercise belief.TheSamaritans"believedPhilipas
theroleofministeringtoPaul'sneed. hepreachedgoodnewsaboutthe
Hence,torepeat,thebasicqualification kingdomofGodandthenameofJesus
fortheimpositionofhandswasnotthat Christ"(8:12);dayslatertheyreceivethe
ofapostolicofficeorfunction. HolySpirit(8:17).Peterpreachesthe
wordtotheGentilesatCaesareathat
"everyonewhobelievesinhimreceives
forgivenessofsinsthroughhisname,"
Tosummarize:thelayingonofhandsis andatthatverymomenttheSpirit"fell
frequentlyinActscloselyassociatedwith onallwhoheardtheword"(10:4344).
thereceptionoftheHolySpirit.Itisin BeforetheEphesiansreceivetheHoly

SpiritPaulspeaksofJesusChristby passagescitedinconnectionwithsuch
remindingthemthat,"Johnbaptized mattersasbaptismandthelayingonof
withthebaptismofrepentance,telling handshavealreadyillustratedor
thepeopletobelieveintheonewhowas suggestedthispoint.Perhapstheclearest
tocomeafterhim,thatis,Jesus"(19:4). exampleisthatoftheSamaritanswho
SaulofTarsusdoesnothavetheGospel "believed";butitisseveraldaysbefore
preachedtohimbyman,buthasadirect theyreceivetheHolySpirit.The
revelationofJesusChrist"IamJesus, Ephesians,whentheyarefirstaccosted
whomyouarepersecuting"(9:5); byPaul,areasked,"Didyoureceivethe
thereafterheis"filledwiththeHoly HolySpiritwhenyoubelieved?"(Acts
Spirit"(9:17).ThedisciplesatJerusalem 19:2).13Thequestionisimportantbecause
werealreadybelievingwitnessestoJesus' itsuggeststhepossibilityofbelieving
resurrection(1:22)anduponthemthe withoutreceivingtheHolySpirit.Thisis
HolySpiritcameinbaptizingpower(2:1 thecaseeventhoughitturnsoutthat
4). these"disciples"(so19:1),whoknowonly
John'sbaptismandareignorantabout
ThefaithvisitedbytheHolySpiritis theHolySpirit,needtoberemindedof
unmistakablyfaithcenteredinJesus John'swordaboutChrist,andhavenot
Christ.BelievinginHimnotinanidea, receivedbaptisminJesus'name.Theydo
adoctrine,butapersonservesas cometoapositivefaithinChrist,butitis
backgroundforthereceptionoftheHoly onlyaftertheirnewbaptismwhenPaul
Spirit.TheHolySpiritinActsis layshandsonthemthattheyreceivethe
invariablytheSpiritgivenbyJesus HolySpirit.Sowhetheroneunderstands
Christ,11andcomesonlytothosewho Christianfaithasalreadyinsomesense
believeinHim.Thisbeliefinvolvesa presentwhenPaulfirstencountersthe
turningfromtheformerway,thus Ephesiandisciples,14orasonly
repentance,andbringswithitthe eventuatingthroughPaul'sword,itis
forgivenessofsins,whichisthewayto evidentthatthisgiftoftheHolySpiritis
life.Buttheoneessentialrequirementis subsequenttotheirinitialfaith.Wemay
faithinJesusChrist,andtosuchfaith nextrecallthecaseofPaulhimself.Paul
theHolySpiritispromised.SosaysPeter isencounteredontheDamascusroadby
ontheDayofPentecost:"Forthepromise therisenLord(9:5),andforthreedays
[ofthegiftoftheHolySpirit]istoyou thereafterheiswithoutsight,and
andtoyourchildrenandtoallthatare neithereatsnordrinks(9:9).Atthe
faroff,everyonewhomtheLordourGod conclusionofthosedaysAnaniascomesto
callstohim"(2:39).12 Paul,andPaulreceivestheHolySpirit.
Thus,thoughnothingissaiddirectly
WepassontoobservethatintheBookof aboutPaul'sbelieving,thenarrative
Actsfaith,whilethebackground,maynot showshimactingunderJesus'lordship
beimmediatelyaccompaniedbythegiftof (atthecommandofJesusto"riseand
theHolySpirit.Thoughthishasnotbeen enterthecity"Paulgoes[9:6]),andthus
directlycommentedonbefore,someofthe insomesensefaithinChristispresent.

Nowlookingbackatthefirstdisciplesin baptized,neededtheassuranceofthe
Jerusalem,itisevidentthattheyhadfor Jerusalemchurchthattheywerefully
sometimebeenbelieversbeforebaptism incorporated(recallthelonghistoryof
intheHolySpiritoccurred.Theyhad JewishSamaritanantagonism)inthe
confessedJesusasLord,hadreceivedHis newpeopleofGod.Also,itissuggested,
forgiveness,andhadknownHiminHis thissignifiesthattheSamaritansare
resurrectionappearances;butitwasnot likewiseincludedinthemissionary
untilsomeweekslaterthattheHoly enterprisetheSpiritbeingthe
Spiritwasgiven.ThusfaithinJesus "missionarySpirit"(seebelow),sothat
Christwaspresentbeforethegiftofthe Lukeissayingthattheirbaptismwith
HolySpirit.15Whatseemstobethecase, theSpiritsignifiesthattheGospelnow
overall,isthattoeveryonewhobelieves alsoradiatesoutwardfromSamaria.
theSpiritispromised(recallActs2:38 Thoughthereissurelysometruthinthis
and39),butthepromisemaywellbe analysis,onewonders,forexample,why
fulfilledatalatertime.16 furtheroninthesamechapterthe
EthiopianislikewisebaptizedbyPhilip
Theoneinstancewherefaithandbaptism butnothingisdonefromJerusalemor
intheHolySpiritaredepictedas elsewheretoseethathealsohasthis
simultaneousisthatoftheGentilesat symbolofinclusioninthelargerchurch
Caesarea.Thetextreads:"WhilePeter community.Also,whenthegospelislater
wasstillsayingthis,theHolySpiritfell" preachedinAntiochacityatleastas
(10:44).Theword"this"referstothe importantasSamaria,andindeed
messageoftheGospel.Whenthat destinedtobecometheradiatingcenterof
messagewasheardandbelieved, missionaryenterprise"agreatnumber
simultaneouslytheHolySpiritwasgiven. thatbelievedturnedtotheLord"(Acts
Thereareanumberofotherincidentsin 11:21).WhentheapostlesatJerusalem
ActswherepeoplecometofaithinJesus hearthis,theysenddownBarnabas,but
Christ,butnothingissaidabouta nottoperformsomeactsuchaslayingon
receptionoftheHolySpirit.17However,in ofhandsforthereceptionoftheHoly
thispaperIamonlycommentingonthose Spirit.AllthatActssaysisthat"Whenhe
passageswheresomereferencetothe [Barnabas]cameandsawthegraceof
HolySpiritismade. God,hewasglad;andheexhortedthem
alltoremainfaithfultotheLordwith
Thequestionnaturallyfollows:Whyis steadfastpurpose"(11:23).Thussome
therethisdisparityinActs?Whydosome betteranswerisneededtoexplainthe
whobelievereceivetheHolySpirit SamaritandelayinreceivingtheHoly
immediatelywhereastheHolySpirit Spirit.18
comestoothersonlyatalatertime?One
answer,sometimesoffered,especiallyin Thoughtherecanbenocertaintyofa
thecaseoftheSamaritans,liesintheir finalanswerconcerningthereasonfor
peculiarsituationvisvisJerusalem. separationbetweeninitialfaithandthe
TheSamaritans,whilebelievingand receptionoftheHolySpirit,Iwould

suggestthatwhatisseveraltimes withtheHolySpirit,ortosaythatPaul
describedinActsisakindoffaithin didnottrulybelieveuntiltheSpiritcame
movementorinprocess.Inthinkingback uponhim.Paulwasundergoingaprocess
againtotheoriginaldisciplesgatheredin ofinwardchange,andfaithwasin
Jerusalem(Acts1)whoreceivethe movement.Atacertainmomentinfaith
baptismintheHolySpirit(Acts2),itis Paulwasabletoreceivethefullnessof
clearthatwhatIhavecalledtheirfaithor God'sSpirit.Finally,thesamesituation,
beliefwasmuchamatterofgrowth.It ingeneral,wouldseemtohaveoccurred
wasnotastatic,onceforallthing;rather amongtheSamaritans.Attheoutsetthey
theirmindsandheartswereincreasingly "gaveheedtowhatwassaidbyPhilip,
beinglaidclaimtobyJesusChrist.Ata whentheyheardhimandsawthesigns
certainmomentinthisprocessoffaith, whichhedid"(8:6).Thussomefaithis
theHolySpiritbreaksthroughandthey evident,evenifperhapssuperficialand
arebaptized.19Thusinonesensethey miracleimpressed.Laterthey"believed
hadbeenbelieversforalongtime;in Philipashepreachedgoodnewsabout
anothersensethiswastheclimactic thekingdomofGodandthenameof
momentwithinfaith.Wedonottherefore JesusChrist"andwerebaptized(8:12).
havetodecide:Weretheybelievers Thiswouldseemtosignifyamovementin
before,ordidtheyonlybecomebelievers theirfaithtoamuchdeepergroundingin
atthetimeofthegiftoftheSpirit.Rather JesusChrist.Climactically,severaldays
itisbettertosaythatonthewayoffaith laterandafterfurtherinwardgrowth
theHolySpiritwaspouredout.This theyreceivetheHolySpiritthroughthe
samesituation,Ibelieve,obtains,for ministryofPeterandJohn(8:17).21
example,intheaccountoftheEphesians.
Aswehavenoted,thesepeoplearecalled Itisnotwithoutsignificancethat,inthe
"disciples"eventhoughitbecomes casesjustdescribedoftheEphesians,
evidentthattheyarenotveryfaralong Paulhimself,andtheSamaritans,
theChristianway.Further,thequestion varioussetsofcircumstancesaffected
ofPaul,"DidyoureceivetheHolySpirit theircomingtobaptismintheHoly
whenyoubelieved?"20points,aswehave Spirit.TheEphesians,though"disciples"
observed,tothepossibilityofafaiththat andthusinsomesensebelievers,
hasnotyetreceivedtheHolySpirit. obviouslyhadbeeninadequately
Hence,onemayseeinthisnarrativea instructed,forthoughtheyknewJohn's
movementfromakindofincipientfaith, baptismtheyhadnotheardoftheHoly
signifiedbyJohn'sbaptism,toafocused Spirit;indeed,theywerenotevenclearly
faithinChrist,attendedbybaptismin directedtoJesusChrist.TheEphesians
Hisname,eventotheopennessoffaithin hadmuchtounlearnaswellastolearn,
whichtheHolySpiritisgivenand andmuchtoexperiencemoreprofoundly.
received.TheaccountofPaul'sexperience ThusPaulledthemstepbystepintoa
isaproposofthesame.Itwould,Ithink, deeperrealityoffaith.Theycould
beamistaketosayeitherthatPaul scarcelyhavecometobaptismintheHoly
believed,andthreedayslaterwasfilled Spiritanysooner.Paulhimselfearlier,as

wehaveobserved,wasstruckdownon gospelisproclaimedtohimandhis
theroadtoDamascusbythegloryofthe household,Peterbeginsbydeclaringthat
risenLordanexperiencehardto "anyonewhofearshimanddoeswhatis
imagineinitsinwardeffectsuponthe rightisacceptabletohim"(8:35).Thus,to
previouslyvehementandhostileSaul.It thiskindofmanandhouseholdfar
isscarcelytobewonderedthattherewas differentfromtheSamaritansintheir
muchinwardturmoil,revolution,and paganidolatry,quiteotherthanPaulin
changebeforehewasattheplaceof hisviolenceandvehemence,andhaving
receivingtheHolySpirit.TheSamaritans farfewerproblemsthantheEphesiansin
hadbeenlongwrappedinsuperstition theirJohntheBaptistbackgroundthe
theywereladenwith"uncleanspirits" gospelispreached.Immediately,the
(8:7)andhadprostratedthemselves groundbeingready,theSpiritispoured
beforeSimonthemagician(8:911).Once outuponthepeopleinCaesarea.
again,itisnotreallysurprisingthatthey,
despitetheirfaithandbaptism,didnot IV
foratimereceivetheHolySpirit.
Allofthisleadstoafurther
ButwhatabouttheGentilesatCaesarea? consideration,namely,therelationof
Whydidtheyreceivesuchanoutpouring prayertothegiftoftheHolySpirit.
oftheHolySpiritatthemomentoftheir Severaltimesprayerismentionedasthe
believinginJesusChrist?Again,no contextwhereintheHolySpiritis
certainanswerisgiveninthetext.The received.
Spiritwaspouredoutatthemomentof
Peter'sproclaimingthegoodnewsof WemaybeginwithActs1.Itisapparent
forgiveness;andperhapsthissignifiesthe thatthechiefactivityofthedisciplesin
sovereignunpredictabilityoftheHoly Jerusalemduringthetendaysbefore
Spirit.Norshouldthisbediscounted,for Pentecostwasprayer.Accordingto1:4
GodsurelymovesinHisSpiritfreelyand therisenLord"chargedthemnotto
notaccordingtoanypreconceived departfromJerusalem,buttowaitfor
pattern.However,whilerecognizingthis, thepromiseoftheFather."FollowingHis
thequestioniswhetherthetextof ascension,theapostleswenttotheUpper
Scriptureaffordsanyanswerintermsof Room,and"Allthesewithoneaccord
thehumancondition.Ithinkthe devotedthemselvestoprayer,together
Scripturedoeswhenreadinthebroader withthewomenandMarythemotherof
contextoftheCaesareansituation.The Jesus,andwithhisbrothers"(1:14).
centurionCorneliusisdepictedfromthe Thoughthedisciplesdidotherthings,
outsetasaGodfearingman,and suchastheselectionofasuccessorto
thereforeinsomesensealsoamanof Judas(1:1526),theoverallsituationis
faith.Throughoutthewholenarrativeof oneofcontinuingprayer:thiswastheir
Acts10oneseesinthecenturiona devotion.Wemayassumethatthiswas
righteousman,andopentowhateverGod notjustprayeringeneral,butforthe
wouldhavehimdo.Laterwhenthe fulfillmentofthepromiseoftheFather.

Oneshouldnotfailtounderscorealsothe andfastingmakeupthecontextfor
noteofunity:"Allthesewithoneaccord." Paul'sbeingfilledwiththeHolySpirit.
Persistentprayerinunityofspirit:such
wasthecontextforthegiftoftheHoly Nowwecomeagaintothecenturionat
Spirit. Caesareaandhishousehold.Wehave
madereferencetohisbeingaGodfearing
AtSamariaprayerisagainmentionedas man.Itisapparentfromthebeginningof
preparatorytothecomingoftheHoly theaccountthatthesituationisalsoone
Spirit.Asearlierobserved,the ofprevailingprayer:thecenturionwasa
Samaritansbelieve,arebaptized,and "devoutmanwhofearedGodwithallhis
sometimethereafterPeterandJohn household,gavealmsliberallytothe
comedowntoministertothemthegiftof people,andprayedconstantlytoGod"
theHolySpirit.Referencehasbeenmade (10:2).Tothismanofconstantprayera
tothelayingonoftheapostles'hands. visionisalsogiven;andactingonthat
Butnowweshouldnotethatpriortothe vision,thecenturionsummonsPeterto
impositionofhands,PeterandJohn cometohimwithamessagefromGod.
engageinprayer:they"camedownand Thusthe"GentilePentecost"ofActs10is
prayedforthemthattheymightreceive shroudedwithasimilaratmosphereof
theHolySpirit"(8:15).22Thesituationis prayeranddevotiontothatofthe"Jewish
somewhatdifferentfromActs1,forthere Pentecost"inActs1and2.
thosewhoaretoreceive(theapostlesand
company)dotheirownprayingwhoelse Theonlyaccount(amongthosewehave
couldprayforthem?InSamariathe beenconsidering)notspecifyingprayeris
recipientstobeareprayedforbyothers. thatconcerningtheEphesians.Allthatis
Butprayerunmistakablyineachcaseis saidisthatPaullaidhishandsuponthe
backgroundandpreparationfortheHoly people,andtheyreceivedtheHolySpirit.
Spirittobereceived. However,ifonereadsthisstoryagainst
thebackgroundoftheotheroccasions
InthecaseofPaul,theatmosphere wherehandsareimposedforthegiftof
surroundinghisreceptionoftheHoly theSpirit(thetwoaccountsofSaulof
Spiritisalsothatofprayer.Ananias, TarsusandtheSamaritans:bothprayer
commissionedtogotoPaul,isaddressed andthelayingonofhandsineach
bytheLordinavision,hencelikelyata instance),itwouldseemproperto
timeofprayer(9:10).Wearetoldthatin concludethatPaul'sacthereislikewise
thevisiontheLordsays,"Riseandgoto doneinprayer.Indeed,theverylayingon
thestreetcalledStraight,andinquirein ofhandsmayitselfbeunderstoodasan
thehouseofJudasforamanofTarsus actofprayer,invokingthecomingofthe
namedSaul;forbehold,heispraying" HolySpirituponthosewhobelieve.
(9:11).Attentionhasalreadybeencalled
toPaul'sfastingneithereatingnor ItissignificantthattheGospelaccording
drinkingforthreedays.Thusprayer toLukelikewisedepictsprayerascontext
forthecomingoftheHolySpirit.This

maybenoted,first,intheaccountof presenceandpowerofGod.Evenas
Jesus'ownbaptism:"Nowwhenallthe baptisminwatermeansimmersionin
peoplewerebaptized,andwhenJesus waterthewholepersonbeing
alsohadbeenbaptizedandwaspraying, submergedinandsurroundedbywater
theheavenwasopened,andtheHoly sodoesbaptismintheHolySpiritmean
Spiritdescendeduponhim"(Luke3:21 immersionintherealityofGod'sdynamic
22).ThusJesusprayingandthereupon presence.ThelanguageoftheSpirit's
receivingtheHolySpiritistheprimary being"pouredout,""fallingupon,"
exampleoflaterpersonsinActswho "comingupon"arevariousdescriptionsof
likewiseinprayerreceivethegiftofthe theSpirit'sexternalcoming;"filled"
Spirit.23Second,onanotheroccasion pointstotheinternaldimensionabeing
whereJesusisaskedbyhisdisciples, filledwithin;"baptismintheHolySpirit"
"Lord,teachustopray,"Heproceedsnot highlightsthecentralfactofbeing
onlytogivethe"Lord'sPrayer"butalso envelopedby,surroundedwith,immersed
tostresstheneedforimportunateprayer inthepresenceandpowerofGod.
"ask,""seek,"and"knock"and
concludessaying,"Ifyouthen,whoare
evil,knowhowtogivegoodgiftstoyour
children,howmuchmorewillthe Theimmediateconsequenceofthis
heavenlyFathergivetheHolySpiritto spiritualbaptisminseveralbiblical
thosewhoaskhim!"(Luke11:113).24 instanceswasspeakingintongues.In
threeaccountsofthereceivingoftheHoly
Spirit,theresponseofglossolaliawas
priortoallelse:Acts2:4"theywereall
Toconclude:notonlyisfaithviewedas filledwiththeHolySpiritandbeganto
essentialforthegiftoftheSpirittobe speakinothertongues,astheSpiritgave
received(aswehaveearlierobserved), themutterance";10:4546"thegiftofthe
butalsotheSpiritisgivenwithinthe HolySpirithadbeenpouredoutevenon
situation,theatmosphere,thecontextof theGentiles.Fortheyheardthem
earnestprayer.Further,thisprayeris speakingintonguesandextollingGod";
evidentlyofanexpectantnature, 19:6"theHolySpiritcameonthem;and
believingthatGodwillgivewhatHehas theyspokewithtonguesand
promised.Itistheprayerofopennessfor prophesied."25Intwoofthethree
allthatGodhastooffer,andonethat instances(thusalsolikelyinthethird)it
awaitsinhumblesubmissionHisfull isevidentthatspeakingintongueswas
impartation. anaddresstoGodoftranscendentpraise
"telling...themightyworksofGod"(2:11),
V "speakingintonguesandextollingGod"
(10:46).Thesewere"othertongues"
Wehavenowtoconsiderthesignificance utteredbytheHolySpirit'senabling,
ofbaptismintheHolySpirit.Primarilyit thustranscendingthecapacitiesofthose
isamatterofbeingimmersedinthe whospokethem.Allofthiswasthe

primaryresponseofthosebaptized,that minetocarrymynamebeforethe
is,immersed,inthepresenceandreality GentilesandkingsandthesonsofIsrael"
ofthelivingGod. (9:15).Hence,itwouldseemproperto
understandthegiftoftheSpirit
elsewherementionedatSamaria,
Caesarea,andEphesusashavingtodo
BaptismintheHolySpiritprimarily withtheendowmentofpowerforwitness
intendstheendowmentofpowerfor andministry.Thisistosaythatasthe
witnessandministry.AccordingtoActs gospelisproclaimedinaneverwidening
1,atsometimeafterJesushadspoken circle,thosewhoreceiveitnotonlycome
thewords,"beforemanydaysyoushallbe tosalvationbutalsoareendowedwith
baptizedintheHolySpirit,"Healsosaid, theHolySpiritforwitnessandministry
"youshallreceivepowerwhentheHoly toothers.
Spirithascomeuponyou;andyoushall
bemywitnessesinJerusalemandinall
JudeaandSamariaandtotheendofthe
earth"(v.8).SoitwasthatontheDayof ItisapparentthatbaptismintheSpirit
Pentecost,justfollowingthefillingwith isbothamatterofthepresenceofGod
theHolySpiritandtheimmediate andthepowerofGod.ItwassaidofJesus
responseoftonguesofpraise,that"Peter, HimselfthatHewas"anointed...withthe
standingwiththeeleven,lifteduphis HolySpiritandwithpower,"andthatas
voiceandaddressedthem"(2:14),namely, aresult,"Hewentaboutdoinggoodand
themultitudeofdevoutJewswhohad healingallthatwereoppressedbythe
assembled.Thusdidtheapostles,Peter devil"(Acts10:38).So,whenJesustold
asspokesman,bearwitnessandwith Hisdisciplesto"waitforthepromiseof
greatpowerandeffectivenesssothat theFather,"itwasthepromiseofbeing
thousandscametosalvation.Thereis immersedinthepresenceofGodandan
likewisepowerforministry,indeed endowmentofpowerfortheministryin
miraculousministry.Followingtheinflux Jesus'name.Suchisthefullmeaningof
ofthreethousandsouls,accordingtoActs baptismintheHolySpirit.
2:43,"manywondersandsignsweredone
throughtheapostles";alsointhenext
accountinActs3PeterandJohnare CONCLUDINGCOMMENTS
channelsforthemiraculoushealingofa
manlamefrombirth. IntheGospelsandActstwomajorevents
areattested:first,Christ'slife,death,and
InthecaseofPaulitisalsoclearthatthe resurrection;second,theeffusionofthe
purposeofthegiftoftheSpiritispower HolySpirit.Throughthefirstthereis
forwitnessandministry.BeforeAnanias forgivenessandcleansingofsins
layshandsonPaulforhimtobe"filled" pointedtobywaterbaptism;throughthe
withtheSpirit,theLordhadspoken:"Go, second,thereisbaptismintheHoly
forhe[Paul]isachoseninstrumentof Spirit26pointedtobythelayingonof

hands.Whilecloselyrelated,theyare thattheylackforgivenessoftheirsins,or
clearlynotthesame. thatsomehowtheirsalvationis
incomplete.Itrathermeansthatthey
Itisalsoapparentthatbothforgiveness havenotyetreceivedthatendowmentof
ofsinsandSpiritbaptismcomefrom theSpiritwhereinthepresenceand
JesusChrist.Forgivenessisthrough poweroftheHolySpiritbecomesfully
JesusChrist,anditisalsoHewho effectiveintheirlives.Particularlydoes
immersesintheHolySpirit.Theyare thisaffecttheirwitnesstotheworld.
giftsfromChrist,anditisbyfaithinHim Thusbelieverswhohavenotreceivedthe
thatbothgiftsarereceived. HolySpiritareministeredtoforthis
WhilethesegiftscomefromChrist,they presenceandpower.
arequitedifferentfromeachother.The
firstforgivenessofsinshastodowith BaptismintheHolySpirit,accordingly,
conversion,aradicalturningtoChrist belongsnottosomepresumablyhigher
fromsin;thesecondbaptismintheHoly levelofChristianattainmentbuttothe
Spiritrelatestoimmersioninthereality foundationsofChristianfaithand
ofGod'spresenceandtheensuingpower practice.ForthetruefollowerofJesus
forwitnessandministry.Theformerhas Christisnotonlyonewhohasreceived
todowithbecomingaChristian,the Hisforgivenessandenteredintolife,but
latterwithChristianministry.Together alsohasreceivedHisSpiritandentered
thetwomakeupthefullnessofChristian intoHisministry.
discipleship.
Epilogue
Notonlyarethesetwogiftsquite
differentinnature,buttheymayalsobe Thisarticlehassoughttodealas
separatedintimefromeachother.Such objectivelyaspossiblewiththeScriptures
separation,however,doesnotmeana specificallyrelatingto"baptisminthe
goingbeyondChristoroutsideChrist, HolySpirit."Ihaveinnowaysoughtto
sinceHeisthesourceofboth;nordoesit relatetheseScripturestotheNew
meanagoingbeyondfaithintoawork Testamentepistles.Itissurelyaproper
wherebytheHolySpiritisreceived. questiontoask:Whatdoestherestofthe
Temporalseparationisapossibility; NewTestamenthavetosayinthis
separationfromChristandfaithinHim regard?Canwereallyapplythebiblical
isanimpossibility. testimonyinActstoourcontemporary
situationwithoutfurtherstudy?Mybrief
ItisalsoclearinActsthatthosewho answerhereistwofold:first,ofcoursewe
believemaynotyethavereceivedthe mustattendtothewholebiblicalwitness,
HolySpirit.Whereverthatisthecase,it andnotbeguidedonlybytherecordin
isnotviewedassatisfactory,andsteps Acts;second,wemust,however,notfail
aretakentoseethatthereceptionofthe tohearwhatActshastosaybecauseitis
Spiritoccurs.Thisdoesnotmeanthat theonlycanonicalrecordtoshowwhat
suchpersonsarenottruebelievers,or thechurchwaslikeinitsorigination.The

Epistleswerewrittentochurchesthat Thewordheretranslatedas"by"isalsothe
3
havehadtheirfoundationssecuredby Greeken.
apostolicworkandwitness.Hence,we 4
Henceweshallnotinthispaperenterupon
canbelievethattheyallhavealready,for discussionofthePaulinetext.
example,receivedtheHolySpirit(e.g.,
seeGal.3:2;Eph.1:13);thustheEpistles 5
TheScripturesnowherespecificallysaythatthe
aredealingwithmattersthatpresuppose disciplesinActs1hadreceivedJohn'sbaptism.
Perhapsalltheapostleshad,butwhatofthe
this.Hebrews6:12(NIV)speaksof
women,MarythemotherofJesus,andJesus'own
various"baptisms"27and"layingonof brothers?TheyarealldepictedinActs1:1214as
hands"asbeing"elementaryteachings" awaitingthefulfillmentofthepromise.
butalsobelongingto"thefoundation"
thatshouldbeleftbehindaswe"goonto 6
Thelanguageof"baptismintheHolySpirit,"
maturity."Butwhatifsomethingas whilenotoccurringinActs10,isused(aswehave
noted)inActs11inregardtothesameevent
"elementary"as"baptisms"isnotwell
viewedretrospectively.TheSpirit's"falling"(used
understoodtoday;whatifsomethingso in10and11)isverballyidentified(in11)with
foundationalas"layingonofhands"isno baptismintheHolySpirit.
longertrulypracticed?Dowenotneeda
thoroughreexamination?
7
Theword ei ,"for,"couldsuggest"forthepurpose
of,""inordertoobtain,"thusrequirementfor
forgivenesstobereceived.However,ei mayalso
Ifirmlybelievethatthiscallsusbackto
betranslated"concerning,""withrespectto,"
therecordinActs.Itcanbethe "withreferenceto,""withregardto."Forexample,
instrumentofanewReformationinour notetheearlieruseofei inthesamechapter(v.
owntime. 25),wherePeterprefacesaquotationfroma
psalmthus:"ForDavidsaysconcerninghim[the
Christ]...."Thewordtranslated"concerning"(RSV
andKJV)isei .Hereei clearlymeans"regarding,"
Footnotes "inreferenceto."etc.(Cf.Rom.4:20,ei translated
as"concerning"[RSV],"withrespectto"[NASB]);
1
Thenoun"baptism"isactuallynotusedinthe Eph.5:32,"concerning"[KJV],"withreferenceto"
NewTestamentinthepassagesunder NASB);1Thess.5:18,"concerning"[KJV]).
consideration.Itistheverbalform,
bapt i zei n"baptize,""baptizes,"or"baptized"that 8
ThiswasalsotrueofJohn'sbaptismhecame
istobefound.Thiswillbeapparentinthestudy "preachingabaptismofrepentanceforthe
thatfollows.Iwill,however,makeuseofthe forgivenessofsins"(Mark1:4).However,thiswas
expression"baptismintheHolySpirit"asan onlypreparatorytothebaptisminJesus'name,
inclusivetermforthevariousverbalforms. thenamewhichbroughttotalforgivenessand
salvation.9bapt i z=to"dip,immerse"(BAGD);to
2
TheGreekwordenistranslatedas"with"inthe "immerse,submerge"(Thayer);to"dipinor
RSVandinmostotherNewTestamentversions. under"(TDNT).
However"in"(ASV)maybethemorelikely
translation,especiallyasusedinconnectionwith ThismaybeseenalsointhefactthatJesus
10
"baptism."HenceIwillbesubstituting"in"for spoketohiminavisionwhileAnaniaswas
"with"inmyuseoftheRSVthroughoutthis doubtlessatprayer(Acts9:10).
article.
Alsonote,forexample,Peter'swordsabout
11
JesusontheDayofPentecosttotheassembled

multitude:"Beingthereforeexaltedattheright besayingtoomuch,butatleasttheywere
handofGod,andhavingreceivedfromtheFather disciplesnolongerofJohnbutofJesus.
thepromiseoftheHolySpirit,hehaspouredout
thiswhichyouseeandhear"(2:33). 15
Theoneexceptiontothisinterpretationmight
seemtobethatofActs11:17wherePeter,in
12
TheprecedingwordsofActs2:38mightsuggest reflectinguponthegiftoftheHolySpirittothe
baptisminwaterasaprerequisite:"Repent,and Caesareans,says(accordingtotheRSV):"Ifthen
bebaptizedeveryoneofyouinthenameofJesus Godgavethesamegifttothemashegavetous
Christfortheforgivenessofyoursins;andyou whenwebelievedintheLordJesusChrist,who
shallreceivethegiftoftheHolySpirit."Two wasIthatIcouldwithstandGod?"Thissuggests
comments:thatbaptisminJesus'namebefore thatPeterandtheothersdidnotbelieveuntilthe
receivingthegiftoftheSpiritistheusualpattern timetheSpiritwasgiven.However,thisisagain
hasbeenshownfromastudyofActs8(the anaoristparticiple,pisteusasin,whichmayalso
Samaritans)andActs19(theEphesians),butthat represent(asearliernoted)antecedenttime.In
theSpiritwasalsogivenwithoutsuchbaptism thateventthepropertranslationwouldbemore
(Acts10theCaesareans)showsthatthisisno liketheKJV:"ForasmuchthenasGodgavethem
bindingrule.Further,eveninActs2:38thefocus thelikegiftashediduntous,whobelievedonthe
is"thenameofJesusChrist"uponwhichorin LordJesusChrist."Here,Isubmit,theantecedent
which(theGreekprepositioniseitherepioren, aoristmuchbetterfitsthecontext.
dependingonthetextsused)baptismoccurs.This
isnottodenytheimportanceofbaptism,sinceit
16
Schweizersummarizestheevidencebysaying:
isregularlyadministered(alsoinActs10evenif "Days,andinexceptionalcasesevenweeksand
afterwards);itisonlytoinsistthattheone years,maypassbeforeendowmentwiththeSpirit
bindingrequirementisfaithinJesusChristfor followsfaith"(TDNT,6:412).
thegiftoftheHolySpirittobereceived.
17
AttentionmightbecalledtotheScripturein
TheGreekwordfor"believed"istheaorist
13 Acts8abouttheEthiopianeunuch.Philip"told
participlepisteusantes.Theaoristparticiplemay himthegoodnewsofJesus"(8:35),andthisis
expressactionantecedenttoorsimultaneouswith followedbywaterbaptism"theybothwentdown
theactionofthemainverb(see,e.g.,A.T. intothewater,Philipandtheeunuch,andhe
Robertson,AGrammaroftheGreekTestament, baptizedhim"(8:38).Thereceivedtextfollows:
"Andwhentheycameupoutofthewater,the
86061).Ifantecedent,thenapropertranslation
SpiritoftheLordcaughtupPhilip."TheWestern
couldbe,"HaveyereceivedtheHolyGhostsince
text,however,reads:"Andwhentheycameupout
yebelieved?"(KJV).Ifsimultaneous,or
ofthewater,theSpiritoftheLordfelluponthe
coincident,thentheRSV,"Didyoureceivethe
eunuch,andtheangeloftheLordcaughtup
HolySpiritwhenyoubelieved?"iscorrect.Only
Philip."ThisWesternreading,probablyan
thecontextcanshowwhichisbetter;though
interpolation,doeshoweverexpressthesenseof
usuallytheaoristparticipleexpressesantecedent
theBookofActs,namely,thatalongwithfaith,
action(seeJamesD.G.Dunn'sBaptisminthe
andpossiblybaptism,thereceptionoftheSpiritis
HolySpirit,159).Whicheveristhemore involvedeveniftheoriginaltextdoesnotspecify
appropriatetranslationforActs19:2,thetext it.
suggeststhepossibilityofbeliefnotaccompanied
attheoutsetbythereceptionoftheHolySpirit. Dunnislikewiseunconvincedbytheargument
18
asgenerallyoutlinedabove(BaptismintheHoly
14
EduardSchweizerholdsthat"In19:17Lukeis
Spirit,6263).
tellingaboutChristianswhohavenotyet
experiencedtheoutpouringoftheHolySpirit"
IhavealreadycommentedonthetextinActs
19
(seearticleonpneumainTDNT,6:413).Thismay
11:17totheeffectthatthepisteusasinmay
representeitherantecedentorconcurrenttimein

relationtothemainverb.Iwouldnowsuggest (7:11).Iamnotconcernedtodebatewhichmaybe
thattheparticiplemaycontainbothideas,and theoriginalaccount(ofcourse,Jesuscouldhave
thereforethemostadequatetranslationwouldbe saiditbothwaysondifferentoccasions),butto
neithertheRSV,"whenwebelievedintheLord notethatLukeinbothGospelandActsstresses
JesusChrist,"northeKJV,"whobelievedonthe prayerevenpersistentprayerasthecontextfor
LordJesusChrist,"butsimply"believinginthe thecomingoftheHolySpirit.
LordJesusChrist."Beliefwasneitherapast
occurrence,norhaditsuddenlycometobe;rather 25
ItisalsoprobablethattheSamaritansinActs8
itwasaprocessandwithinthatprocesstheHoly spokeintongues.Nothingdirectlyisstatedabout
Spiritwaspouredout. theimmediateconsequenceoftheirreceptionof
theSpirit;however,asF.F.Brucesays:"Itis
20
Again,thebesttranslationherefor clearlyimpliedthattheirreceptionoftheSpirit
pi st eusant es maybeneithertheRSV(asquoted) wasmarkedbyexternalmanifestationssuchas
northeKJV,"HaveyereceivedtheHolyGhost hadmarkedhisdescentontheearliestdisciplesat
sinceyebelieved?""Since"representsthe Pentecost"(TheBookofActs,169).
antecedentaorist,"when"theconcurrent(see
earlierfootnote).Neithertranslationsatisfactorily 26
TheHolySpiritisofcoursealsoactiveinthe
embodiestheideaofprocess.Thesimplest,and forgivenessofsins;indeed,withouttheHoly
perhapsthemostdirect,translationwouldbe: Spirittherecouldbenorepentanceand
"Didyou,believing,receivetheHolySpirit?" forgiveness;foritisHewhoconvictsofsin,brings
aboutforgiveness,andunitestoChrist.However,
IhavedifficultieswithDunn'sinterpretation
21
theeffusionoftheSpiritisafurtherdimensionof
thatthebelievingoftheSamaritansin8:12was theSpirit'sactivityinwhichthewaypreparedby
only"intellectualassenttoastatementor forgivenessHecomesuniquelyonthescene.Itis
proposition"(BaptismintheHolySpirit,65),so thecomingofHispresenceandpower.
thatonlywhentheSamaritansreceivedtheSpirit
didthey"cometogenuinefaith"(p.67).This 27
TheGreekword(bapt i srwn,frombapt i zmos)
meansforDunnthatinActsuntilaperson translatedinNIV(alsoKJV)as"baptisms"is
receivestheHolySpiritheisnotreallya renderedas"ablutions"inRSVand"washings"in
Christian.Isubmitthatthisinterpretationboth NASB,andisviewedbysomeasJewish
misunderstandsthetext(only"intellectual ceremonialwashings(see,e.g.,F.F.Bruce,
assent,"forexample?),andthedynamicsoffaith. Hebrews,115).However,itishardtoseehow
suchcouldbelongto"thefoundation"and
Schweizerwritesthat"asapreparationfor
22
"elementaryteachings[or'doctrines'RSV]about
receptionoftheSpiritprayerisfarmore Christ.""Baptisms"seemsthemorenatural
importantthanbaptisminLuke'seyes"(TDNT, translation,andespeciallyisthisthecasesince
6:413). justfollowingtheword"baptisms"thewriterto
theHebrewsadds"layingonofhands."(Fora
23
AccordingtoG.W.H.Lampe(TheSealofthe furtherdiscussionofHeb.6:12,alsoGal.3:2and
Spirit,1951,44),"thusLukeappliestoChrist's Eph.1:13,seechap.14,"APentecostalTheology.")
receptionoftheSpirithisrepeateddoctrinethat
thegrandobjectofprayeristhegiftoftheSpirit,
andpointstoasimilaritybetweenthisinitial
bestowalofthegiftuponJesusatprayerandthe
lateroutpouringsupontheprayingchurch."
24
InMatthewtheparallelaccountdoesnotspeak
ofthegiftoftheHolySpiritbutof"good
things""howmuchmorewillyourFatherwhois
inheavengivegoodthingstothosewhoaskhim"

Chapter6 ispromisedandmustthereforebe
sought....ThePentecostalsarebasically
rightwhentheyspeakofaworkingofthe
THEMISSING HolySpiritbeyondthatwhichis
acknowledgedinthemajor
DIMENSION denominations."4
In1964ProfessorHendrikusBerkhof Myownreflectionandexperiencehas
deliveredtheWarfieldLecturesat confirmedforme,likewise,thatthereisa
PrincetonTheologicalSeminaryon"The basicdimensionoftheHolySpirit'swork
DoctrineoftheHolySpirit,"whichwere largelyoverlookedbytheologyand
publishedthereafterunderthesame church,andthat"officialtheology"
title.1IntheselecturesBerkhof,after hithertohasgivenlittleconsiderationto
discussingjustificationandsanctification, thisworkingoftheSpirit.Wemaybe
spokeoftheRevivalistandPentecostal grateful,however,thatthetwomajor
movementswho"experiencedstill PresbyterianbodiesinAmericawithin
anotherblessing...nowwidelyknownas recentyearshaveadoptedrelated
the'fillingbytheHolySpirit'or'the statementsontheworkoftheHoly
baptismbytheHolySpirit.'"2This Spirit.5Iwouldcallparticularattention
workingoftheHolySpirit,Berkhof tothereportofthePresbyterianChurch,
added,hasscarcelybeenheededby U.S.,becauseofitsfocusonthespecial
"officialtheology."Thesepertinent workoftheHolySpirit.Withcaution,but
sentencesfollow: nonethelessclearly,thePresbyterian
Church,U.S.,reportconcludes:
Smallwonder,becausethereisa
watertightpartitionwallbetweenthese ItisclearthatthereisBiblicaland
groupsandtheologyinseminariesand Reformedwitnessconcerningbaptismof
universities.Ibelievethatthispartition theHolySpiritandspecialendowments
istothedetrimentofbothparties,andI oftheHolySpiritinthebelieving
willmakeanattempttobreakthrough community....wheresuchanexperience
thewall.IdosoalthoughIamawarethat givesevidenceofanempoweringand
Isetfootonanunexploredfieldandthat renewingworkofChristinthelifeofthe
mythoughtshere...mustbeconsideredas individualandthechurch,itmaybe
preliminaryandneedingcorrectionby acknowledgedwithgratitude.Thismeans
others.3 aboveallthatChristshouldbeglorified,
HisownSpiritmademanifestinhuman
InBerkhof'sattemptto"breakthrough lives,andthechurchedified.Forsuch
thewall"heconcludedthat"theworkof evidencesofthepresenceoftheHoly
theSpiritisnotexhaustedinjustification Spiritthechurchmayrejoice.
andsanctification;anadditionalworking

NowIshouldliketoelaboratesomeofmy everywhereamongpeoplefor"whither
thinkinginthisarea.Ifithelpsfurtherto shallIgofromthySpirit?Orwhither
breakopenthe"watertightpartition shallIfleefromthypresence?"(Psalm
wall,"Ishallbegrateful.Foritseemto 139:7).TheHolySpiritisactiveinthe
methatwestillhavesuchtodotoget Incarnation,foritisbyHis
thisdimensionoftheSpirit'sworkclearly overshadowingpowerthattheSonofGod
beforeus. isbornofawoman,anditiswithHis
anointingthatJesusentersuponand
executesHisministry.TheSpiritofGod
likewisebringsaboutconvictionofsin,
Myconcerniswiththataspectofthe andbyHimthe"newbirth"takesplace.
workoftheSpiritthathastodowiththe TheSpiritunitestoChristbyfaith,and
energizingofthecommunityoffaith. throughHisindwellingpresencethe
Presupposingthecreationofsuch believerismoreandmoretransformed
communitybytheWordandSpirit,this intothelikenessofChrist.TheHoly
activityoftheSpirithastodowiththe SpiritispresentintheWordand
empoweringofthecommunityforwitness sacramentsexhibitingandconfirming
andmission.TheHolySpirit,whileactive grace,andinallChristianlivingprovides
intheoriginationofsuchcommunity, strengthanddirection.Attheend,the
nowinveststhecommunitywithfresh HolySpiritwillbethepowerofGodthat
resourcesofpraise,proclamation,and bringsresurrectionlifefor"hewho
service.Goingbeyond"salvationhistory" raisedChristJesusfromthedeadwill
thisbelongstothelifeofthecommunity givelifetoyourmortalbodiesthrough
bothinitsupbuildingandoutreach. HisSpiritwhichdwellsinyou"(Romans
8:11).Thusfromcreationto
consummationtheSpiritofGodisat
work.
Hereabriefbiblicalandtheological
reviewmaybeinorder.Theworkofthe
HolySpiritstretchesfromcreationto
consummation.TheSpiritofGodisactive Intheabovesummarythereisnothing
increationasthepowerbywhichall thathasnotbeensaidmanytimes,and
thingsarebroughtintobeingandinfused theologicalreflectionhasdonemuchby
withlife(theHolySpiritas"Lordand wayofclarification.However,thereis
Giveroflife").Heislikewisethepowerof anotherlinemuchlesspursued,andone
Godthatsustainstheuniverse;for thatisdirectlyrelevanttoourpresent
withoutHisSpiritallthingswouldreturn concern.IthastodowiththeHolySpirit
tochaosandemptiness.TheSpiritofGod asamysteriousdivineenergythatcomes
isatworkintheworldtofurtherallthat variouslyuponthepeopleofGod.Inthe
isgood,torestrainevil;andHeistobe OldTestamentthisdivineenergynow
recognizedasthesourceoftruth,purity, andagaincomesuponpeopleandenables
andholiness.TheSpiritispresent themtofulfillcertaintasks:forexample,

anartisanforthebuildingofthe repentanceburningintheheartsand
tabernacle(Ex.31:3),ajudgeorakingfor livesofthosewhohearhim.Third,Jesus
therulingofIsrael(e.g.,Judg.3:10;1 uponHisbaptismatJordanreceivesthe
Sam.16:13),aprophetforthespeakingof anointingofGod'sSpirit(Luke3:22,4:1),
God'sword(e.g.,Mic.3:8).Attimesthis andtheSpiritwhosocomesissaidto
energycomeswithsuchforceasto "descendandremain"(John1:33),thusa
representakindofdivineseizure(e.g., continuingendowment.Accordingtoone
Judg.6:34),"takingpossession"ofaman account,justfollowingJesus'baptism,
fortheperformingofprodigiousfeats theHolySpirit"immediatelydrovehim
(e.g.,Judg.14:6),sometimes"coming outintothewilderness"(Mark1:12)
mightily"upononesothatheprophesies thusthepictureofadivineenergythat
dayandnight(1Sam.19:24),sometimes mightilypropelsanddirects.Thereafter
evencarryingapersonbodilyfromone HebeginsHispropheticministrywith
placetoanother(1Kings18:12).Nowhere thewords,"TheSpiritoftheLordisupon
intheOldTestamentistheSpiritsaidto me,becauseHehasanointedmeto
begiventothepeopleasawhole; preachgoodnews"(Luke4:18).Fourth,at
however,thehopeisheldoutthatthis PentecosttheHolySpiritcomesin
willsomedayoccur.Mosesexpressesa plenitudeuponallthediscipleswhoare
deepyearningthatallGod'speoplemight assembledtogetherthustheinitial
beprophets("WouldthatalltheLord's fulfillmentofJoel'sprophecyandwith
peoplewereprophets,thattheLord suchextraordinaryforcethattheybegin
wouldputHisSpirituponthem!"Num. "tospeakinothertongues,astheSpirit
11:29),andJoelprophesiesthatthetime gavethemutterance"(Acts2:413)andto
willcomewhenGodwillpouroutHis proclaimpowerfullythegoodnewsabout
Spiritonallflesh(Joel2:28). Jesus(Acts4:1436).Fifth,inensuing
yearsrecurrencesofthedescentofthe
IntheNewTestamentthereisakindof Spirithappeninvaryingsituations(e.g.,
stepbystepunfoldingoffulfillment. Samaria,Caesarea,andEphesus),and
First,certainpersons,priortoJesus' withsimilarpowerfulresults.Both
ministry,continuetheOldTestamentline CaesareansandEphesiansspeakin
ofindividualsoccasionallyanointedby tonguestheformerareobservedtobe
theHolySpirit(Luke1:4142,6768; "speakingintonguesandextollingGod"
2:2532);uponthemthedivineenergy (10:46),thelatter"spokewithtongues
comesforpropheticutterance.Second, andprophesied"(19:6).Themysterious
JohntheBaptistissaidto"befilledwith divineenergy,fromPentecostonward,
theHolySpirit,evenfromhismother's clearlypropelsthecommunityoffaith
womb"(Luke1:15)henceaprecursorof intodepthsofutterancehitherto
thepermanentanointingtocomeforthe unexperienced,andintoapowerful
lifelongpurposeofpreparingthewayfor witnesstothegoodnewsinJesusChrist.
Christ.Johngoes"inthespiritandpower
ofElijah"(Luke1:17),andthedivine Itisimportanttonotethatthelinewe
energyissuchastosetfiresof havebeenpursuingrepresentsenabling

powerbestoweduponthecommunityof community,butfortheenablementof
faith.BeforePentecostitisapparentthat thosewhobelievetofulfillGod's
thedivineenergycomesuponthosewho purposes.AstheNewTestamentunfolds,
arethepeopleofGod,therebyenabling thesituationismademorecomplexby
themtofulfillcertaindivinetasks.The thefactthatthecommunityoffaithisno
samethingisportrayedinActs,the longersimplyacontinuationofIsrael,but
thematictextbeingchapter1:8,"You isthatbroughtintobeingbyafresh
shallreceivepowerwhentheHolySpirit generationofGod'sSpirit.Hence,itisto
hascomeuponyou;andyoushallbemy thosebornoftheSpiritthattheSpiritis
witnesses."ThedonationoftheSpiritfor given!JesusHimself,inuniquefashion,
witnessispromisedtotheapostolic isanexemplarofthis,forHeisshownto
communityofbelievers;andafterthe be"conceivedbytheHolySpirit"(Matt.
receptionofthisgiftthepromiseis 1:2025;Luke1:3135),andlaterthe
renewed:"Thepromiseistoyouandto SpiritcomesuponHiminanointing
yourchildrenandtoallthatarefaroff, power.TheseoperationsoftheHoly
everyonewhomtheLordourGodcallsto Spiritareclearlynotthesame,and
him"(2:39).ThereaftertherecordinActs uniquelyforeshadowwhatisintendedfor
portraysmanywhoarecallednew thosewhoturntoChrist:botha
communitiesoffaithwhoareinvested conceptionbytheSpirit(anewbirth)
withpowerforthemissionoftheGospel. whereinChristianlifeandcommunity
TheSamaritansreceivethisenabling comestobe,andthebestowalofthe
powerseveraldaysaftertheyhearthe Spiritinanointingpowerforthemission
word,believe,andarebaptized;the oftheGospel.
Caesareansatthemomentoftheir
hearingandbelievingtheGospelare Now,Irepeat,itisthissecondlinethe
investedwithpower("WhilePeterwas Spiritcomingwithanointingpowerthat
stillsayingthis,theHolySpiritfellonall hasbeenmuchlessconsideredin
whoheardtheword"[10:44]);the theology.HereitisnottheHolySpiritas
Ephesians,aftertheircomingtofaithand activeinsalvation,butin
baptism,havehandslaiduponthemto implementation;itisthemightycoming
receivethisspiritualendowment(19:46). oftheHolySpirituponthosewhobelieve.
Thiscomingisnotfortheoriginationof
Itistobeobserved,therefore,thatthis faith,butbelongstothatactionofGod
enablementoftheHolySpirit whereinpowerisbestowedforwitness,
presupposesfaith,calling,community. praise,andproclamation.Furthermore,
WhetheritisanOldTestamentjudge, thereisnothingautomaticaboutthis
prophet,orking;orintheNew bestowaloftheSpirit.Itispromisedtoall
Testament,JohntheBaptist,Jesus whomGodcallstoHimself,and
Himself,ortheearlydisciples,theHoly accordinglyistobereceivedinfaith.The
SpiritactivatesthosewhoareGod's resultisaccessofdivineenergywith
people.Hence,thisactionoftheHoly strikingmanifestationsfrequently
accompanyingandentranceintofresh
Spiritisnotforthecreationoffaithand

dimensionsofpersonalandcommunal penetration.Inpreviousprophetic
life. utterance,wherebyapersonboldlyspoke
fortha"thussaystheLord,"thereis
obviouslyaremarkableintensityof
spiritualpresence.ForthereinGod
Thisthenbringsustothecrucialpoint, directlycommunicatesHismessage
namely,thatmanypeopletodayintheso throughordinarylanguage.TheNew
called"charismaticmovement"are Testamentmanifestationoftongues
experiencingasimilarinputofdivine representsafurthersteppingupof
energy.Berkhof,aswenoted,wrotein spiritualintensity.Itisasignofthat
thepasttense,ofthosewho"experienced profoundpenetrationwhereinthedepths
stillanotherblessing...the'fillingbythe ofthehumanspiritareprobedbythe
HolySpirit'or'thebaptismbytheHoly HolySpirit,andtheconsequentlanguage
Spirit.'"Wemaynowshiftintothe movespastthementalandconceptual
presentandsay,"areexperiencing."Itis intospiritualutterance.Herethereis
happeningacrosstheworld,andbidsfair directaddressofmantoGodin"other
tobethegreatestrenewalmovementof tongues,"declaringHispraise,attesting
ourtime. Hisgreatness,extollingHisName,even
speakingHismysteries.Likeprophecy
thismanifestationoftheSpiritis
extraordinaryutterance.
Whatmustberecognizediftheologyis
adequatelytocometotermswithallthis However,unlikeprophecyitisnotinthe
isthatwearetalkingaboutavast knownlanguageofthespeaker,and
infusionofspiritualenergy.Thespiritual furtheritisnotdirectedtopeoplebutto
inputoftheOldCovenantleadingupto God.Itisthespeakingforthfromthe
Christisobviouslynotasmallthing depthsofthehumanspirit,invadedby
(attestedbysupernaturalwisdom, thedivineSpirit,ofatranscendent
propheticinspiration,drivingforce,and utterancethatordinarylanguagecannot
soon),butwiththenewcreationmade express.Thisistheultimatein
possiblebythelife,death,and communicationfromearthtoheaven,and
resurrectionofJesusChristthepotential representswithpeculiarvividnessthe
inputisgreatlyincreased,andthe penetrationofthespiritmadepossible
resultingeffectsaremarkedlymore withthedawnoftheNewTestament
profoundandpervasive.Herethereisa period.
fullnessofpenetrationthatthepeopleof
theOldCovenantcouldnotknowor Butoneneedstoaddquicklythatsuch
experience.Itisverilythecommunityof depthphenomenaasprophecyand
faithbeingimmersedinthepresenceand tonguesareonlyinitiatorysignsofthe
powerofAlmightyGod. newspiritualera.Abroadrangeofother
Thephenomenonoftonguesispeculiarly phenomenasuchasextraordinary
aNewTestamentsignofthisspiritual healingpowers,spiritualdiscernment

andexorcismofevilpowers,andmiracles
3
Ibid.
ofinnumerablekindsnowbecome 4
Ibid.,87.Forsomeofthequotationsabove,also
operative.Allthesemanifestationsand
seethepreviouschapter,"TheUpsurgeof
manyotherssignalizeatremendous Pentecostalism."
releaseofspiritualforcefortherenewal
andupbuildingofpersonsand 5
TheWorkoftheHolySpirit,officialstatementof
communities,andfortheimplementation theformerUnitedPresbyterianChurchinthe
ofChristianwitnesstotheworld. U.S.A.,andThePersonandWorkoftheHoly
Spirit,officialstatementoftheformer
PresbyterianChurch,U.S.Bothreportsmaybe
foundinPresence,Power,Praise:Documentsof
Letusnowreturntothebasicissue theCharismaticRenewal(KilianMcDonnell,ed.,
beforeuswhichisnotthematterof 1:22182,287317).Alsoseetheearlierchapter
entitled"ThePersonandWorkoftheHolySprit
spiritualmanifestations(asimportantas withSpecialreferenceto'theBaptismwiththe
theyare),butthatoftheinfusionofthe HolySpirit'"forsectionsquotedfromthe
HolySpirit.Peopletodayareundoubtedly PresbyterianChurch
experiencing,inavarietyofways,this
"fullness"oftheSpirit.Itisofsuch
potencyastomakethepraiseofGodthe
focusoftheirexistence,ajoyfulsenseof
communityacrossalldenominational
lines,andafreshwitnesstoJesusChrist
apparentintheireverydaylives.This
spiritualmovementisalsoofsuchforce
astobegintoprovokethechurchatlarge
intoaskingthePentecostalquestion,
"Whatdoesthismean?"(Acts2:12),and
intoagrowingrealizationthatsomething
ishappeningherethatcouldmakefora
radicalrenewalofthebodyofChrist
throughouttheworld.
Footnotes
1
TheDoctrineoftheHolySpirit.Myaddresswas
givenatthesameseminarytenyearsafter
BerkhofdeliveredtheWarfieldLecturesthere.
2
Ibid.,85.

Chapter7 widerangeof"spiritualgifts,"with
parallelsdrawnfrom1Corinthians1214;
(4)theexperienceof"baptismintheHoly
THECHARISMATIC Spirit,"oftenaccompaniedby"tongues,"
MOVEMENTAND asaradicalspiritualrenewal;(5)the
reemergenceofaspiritualunitythat
REFORMED essentiallytranscendsdenominational
barriers;(6)therediscoveryofadynamic
THEOLOGY forbearingcomprehensivewitnesstothe
GoodNewsofJesusChrist;and(7)the
I revitalizationoftheeschatological
AProfileoftheCharismatic perspective.
Movement
ALivelinessandFreshnessinthe
Thecharismaticmovement1beganwithin
ChristianFaith
thehistoricchurchesinthe1950s.Onthe
Americansceneitstartedtoattractbroad
Personsinthecharismaticmovement
attentionin1960,withthenational
ordinarilystressthisfirst.Thismaybe
publicitygiventotheministryofthe
expressedinanumberofways.
ReverendDennisBennett,an
EpiscopalianinVanNuys,California.
Forexample,therealityofGodhas
Sincethentherehasbeenacontinuing
brokeninwithfreshmeaningandpower.
growthofthemovementwithinmanyof
God,whomayhaveseemedlittlemore
themainlinechurches:first,such
thanatokenfigurebefore,hasnow
ProtestantchurchesasEpiscopal,
becomevividlyrealandpersonaltothem.
Lutheran,andPresbyterian;second,the
JesusChrist,largelyafigureofthepast
RomanCatholic(beginningin1967);and
before,hasnowbecomethelivingLord.
third,theGreekOrthodox(beginning
TheHolySpirit,whopreviouslyhad
about1971).2Bynowthecharismatic
meantalmostnothingtothem,has
movementhasbecomeworldwideandhas
becomeanimmanent,pervasivepresence.
participantsinmanycountries.
Asoneinvolvedinthemovementsince TheBible,whichmayhavebeenthought
1965,Ishouldliketosetforthabrief ofbeforeasmostlyanexternalnormof
profileofit.3Aprofileofthecharismatic Christianfaithorlargelyasahistorical
movementwithinthehistoricchurches witnesstoGod'smightydeeds,has
wouldincludeatleastthefollowing becomealsoatestimonytoGod's
elements:(1)therecoveryofaliveliness contemporaryactivity.Itisasifadoor
andfreshnessinChristianfaith;(2)a hadbeenopened,andwalkingthrough
strikingrenewalofthecommunityof thedoortheyfoundspreadoutbefore
themtheextraordinarybiblicalworld,
believersasafellowship(koinonia)ofthe
withdimensionsofangelicheightsand
HolySpirit;(3)themanifestationofa

demonicdepths,ofHolySpiritand frequentlyforfellowshipintheSpirit.
uncleanspirits,ofmiraclesandwonders Formerlyformanythegatheredchurch
aworldinwhichnowtheysensetheir hadbecomeamatterofdullroutine,but
ownparticipation.Thesupposedmerely nowtheyareeagertobetogetherin
historical(perhapslegendaryforsome) fellowshipasoftenandaslongas
hassuddenlytakenonstrikingreality. possible.
Prayer,formerlylittlemorethanamatter Thefellowshipoffaithhasbecomegreatly
ofritualandoftenpracticedhardlyatall, deepenedandheightenedasafellowship
becomesajoyfulactivityoftencarriedon intheSpirit.Herethereisfirstofalla
formanyhours.Theheadofatheological newnoteofpraisetoGod.Themoodof
seminarynowinvolvedinthecharismatic praisethroughmanyasongandprayer
movementspeaksofhowhis andtestimonyisparamountinthe
administrativeroutinehasbeen charismaticfellowship.Indeed,the
revolutionized:thefirsttwohoursinthe expression"PraisetheLord"hasbecome
office,formerlydevotedtobusiness thehallmarkofthemovement.An
matters,havebeenreplacedbyprayer; Episcopalbishop,commentingonwhat
onlythereaftercomesthebusinessofthe hadhappenedtohimrecently,said,
day. "Aftercenturiesofwhispering
liturgically,'PraiseyetheLord,'it
TheEucharisthastakenonfresh suddenlycomesoutmorenaturallyand
meaningunderthedeepenedsenseofthe it'sbeautiful."The"joyoftheLord"is
Lord'spresencethedoctrineofReal anothercommonexpression,andin
Presencehasbecomeexperientialfact. charismaticfellowshipseverywherethere
TheTablehasbecomeanoccasionofjoy arefrequentexpressionsofenthusiasm,
andthanksgivingfarricherthanthey delight,rejoicinginthepresenceofthe
hadknownbefore. Lord.Asonechorusthatissungputsit,
"Itisjoyunspeakableandfullofglory;
AllofChristianfaithhasbeenenhanced andthehalfhasneveryetbeentold!"
bythesenseofinwardconviction. Oftenthereareevidencesofexuberance
Formerlytherewasakindofhoping suchashandclappingandlaughter.
againsthope;thishasbeentransformed ManyexpressionsofloveintheLordare
intoabuoyant"fullassuranceofhope" common,suchastheunaffected
(Heb.6:11). embracingofoneanotherinthenameof
Christ,thequickreadinesstoministerto
TheCommunityasaFellowship otherswithinthefellowship(often
throughthelayingonofhandswith
Therehasoccurredinthecharismatic prayer),andthesharingofearthlygoods
movementastrikingemergenceofthe andpossessionsthroughvarying
gatheredcommunityasakoinoniaofthe expressionsofcommunallife.Muchelse
HolySpirit.Peopleinthismovementare couldbeadded,butsufficeittosaythat
seldomloners;theycometogether thegatheredfellowshiphasbecomefor

manyanexciting,eventfulkoinoniaof saystheLord")thathasgreatpowerto
theHolySpirit. edifythebelieversandtobringunder
judgment("Godisinthisplace!"see1
TheManifestationofSpiritualGifts Cor.14:25)anyunbelieverswhomightbe
present.Fifth,thesegiftsof1Corinthians
Ofstrikingsignificanceisthe 1214arenotviewedinisolationfrom
manifestationofawiderangeofspiritual othercharismatasuchasarefoundin
gifts,orcharismata.Thegiftsof1 Romans12:68and1Peter4:1011,allof
Corinthians12havebecomevery whicharegladlyrecognizedanddesired;
meaningfulforpeopleintherenewed however,theCorinthiancharismataare
fellowshipoftheSpirit.Thereisthefresh understoodtorepresentakindof
occurrenceofalltheCorinthianspiritual profoundopeningupofthefullrangeof
manifestations:thewordofwisdom,the spiritualmanifestations.
wordofknowledge,faith,giftsofhealing,
workingofmiracles,prophecy, Itisimportanttoaddthatinthe
discernmentofspirits,tongues,andthe charismaticfellowshipthefocusisnoton
interpretationoftongues(1Cor.12:810). thegiftsbutontheGiver,JesusChrist.
Themeetingofthefellowshipisforthe
Anumberofthingsmaybesaidabout purposeofproclaiming"JesusisLord"by
thesegifts.First,theyareallunderstood theHolySpirit(1Cor.12:3),andwhether
asextraordinarythewordofwisdom thepneumaticmanifestationsdoordo
justasmuchasgiftsofhealing,theword notoccurisaltogetherincidentaltothe
ofknowledgeasworkingofmiracles,faith praisethatiscontinuallyofferedtoHis
asdiscernmentofspirits,prophecyas name.
tongues.Theyarenotessentially
expressionsofnaturalprowessbutare TheBaptismintheHolySpirit
spiritualmanifestations;thatis,they
occurthroughtheactivityoftheHoly Thecharismaticmovementlaysstrong
Spirit.Second,thesegiftsarenotviewed emphasisontheexperiencedescribedas
asprivatepossessionsbutoperatewithin "baptismintheHolySpirit"andits
thecontextofthekoinoniaforthe frequentconcomitantof"speakingin
edificationofthegatheredgroup.Third, tongues."Indeed,itmaybesaidthatthe
thesegiftsareearnestlysoughtafterand experienceofthis"baptism"represents
prayedfor,notforthesakeofdisplayor thespiritualbreakthroughoutofwhich
novelty,butbecauseitisbelievedthat peoplemoveintothevariedcharismatic
theLordwantstoexpressHimself expressionsandintotheirfreshandlively
throughthesevariousmeans;hence,all faith.
thegiftsareessentialfortheharmonious
functioningofthebody.Fourth,among Personsinthecharismaticmovement
thegiftsprophecyisespeciallyvalued,for comeintothisexperienceof"spiritual
inthecharismaticfellowshipthisisheard baptism"outofvariousbackgrounds:
asadirectdominicalutterance(a"thus nonChristian,nominallyChristian,even

longtimeChristian.Theword"baptism" spiritualbaptism,isordinarily
signifiesforthemanimmersionin experiencedasoneoftranscendent
spiritualrealitysothat,whatevermay praise.Manypersonscomingintothis
havebeenthesituationbefore,thisisa dimensionoffullnessfindtheirordinary
spiritualexperienceoffargreater speechtranscendedbyakindofspiritual
intensity.Ortoputitabitdifferently, utteranceinwhichtheHolySpirit
thisisanexperienceof"fullness""filling providesanewlanguageofjubilationand
withtheSpirit"thatcannotbe praise.Herethereisamovingpastthe
measuredinquantitativetermsalone,for highestformsofconceptualexpression
thereisthesenseofentranceupona intothespiritual,whereinthereisindeed
freshdimensionoffullnessoftheSpirit. meaningandcontentbutonthelevelof
Wherevertheywerebeforespiritually, transcendentcommunication.This
suchpersonsnowexperiencethe communicationisdirectednottomanbut
exhilarationofabreakthroughofthe toGod,whosegloryanddeedsare
HolySpiritintotheirtotalexistence. extraordinarilymagnified.
This"baptismwiththeSpirit"iswholly Thislanguageofpraisenotonlyoccurs
relatedinthecharismaticmovementto frequentlyattheinitialmomentof
faithinJesusChrist.Itisordinarily "baptismwiththeSpirit,"butalso
thoughtofnotasa"secondworkofgrace" continuesasaprayerlanguageinthelife
butasadeepeningofthefaiththatis offaith.To"prayintheSpirit"(Eph.6:18,
groundedinChristandthenewlifein Jude20)nowbecomesfilledwithnew
Hisname.Theimmediatebackground significanceasadeepspiritualutterance
mayhavebeenthatofanincreased possibleatalltimes.Mostpersonsinthe
hungerandthirstafterGod,adesireto charismaticmovementwillspeakoftheir
be"filledwiththeSpirit"formore timeofprayerasprayingwithboththe
effectivewitness,orsimplyakindoftotal mindandthespirit(1Cor.14:15),
yieldingtoChristwhereinHenow whereinthereisalternationbetween
becomesinanewwaytheLordofallof conceptualandspiritualutterance.This
life.Prayer,oftenpersistentand maybenotonlyforpraisebutalsoas
expectant,isfrequentlythespiritual prayerforothersastheSpiritmakes
context,andthelayingonofhandsfor deepintercessionaccordingtothewillof
the"fullness"oftheSpiritisoftenthe God(Rom.8:2627).
occasionwhenthis"baptism"occurs.In
everycase,theexperienceofspiritual SpiritualUnity
baptismflowsoutofthelifeinChrist,
andisunderstoodtobetheeffusionofHis Oneofthemoststrikingfeaturesofthe
Spiritwithpowerforpraise,witness,and charismaticmovementistheresurgence
service. ofadeepunityofspiritacrosstraditional
anddenominationalbarriers.Forthough
Theoccurrenceof"speakingwith themovementisoccurringwithinmany
tongues,"whichsooftenaccompaniesthis historicchurchesandoftenbringing

aboutunityamongformerlydiscordant theecumenicaltomorrow."4Forthisis
groupsthegeniusofthemovementisits "spiritualecumenism,"notorganizational
transdenominationalorecumenical orecclesiasticalecumenism.Withalldue
quality. appreciationfortheecumenical
movement,whichhashelpedtobring
Thismaybenoted,foronething,fromthe churchestogetherincommonconcernand
compositionofthecharismaticgroupthat hasnowandagainbroughtaboutvisible
meetsforprayerandministry.Itisnotat unity,thiscannotbeaslastingorfar
allunusualtofindpeoplefellowshiping reachingastheecumenismemerging
andworshipingtogetherfromtraditions fromaprofoundinwardandoutward
asdiverseasclassicalPentecostal, renewaloftheHolySpirit.Forthis
mainlineProtestant,andRoman ecumenismisnotanachievementderived
Catholic.Whatunitethemarematters fromacommontheologicalstatement,an
alreadymentioned:arenewedsenseof agreeduponpolity,oranacceptanceof
thelivelinessofChristianfaith,a differingliturgicalexpressions.Itis
commonexpectancyofthemanifestation ratherthatwhichisgiventhroughJesus
ofspiritualgiftsfortheedificationofthe ChristintherenewedunityoftheHoly
community,and,mostofall,aspiritual Spirit.
breakthroughthathasbroughtallintoa
deepenedsenseofthepresenceandpower AWitnesstotheGoodNews
ofGod.Theoverarchingandundergirding
unitybroughtaboutbytheHolySpirit Thecharismaticmovementrepresents
hasnowbecomemuchmoreimportant therediscoveryofafreshthrustfor
thantheparticulardenomination. witnesstothegospel.Thismaybe
illustratedbyareflectionuponthe
Hereinisecumenicityofaprofoundkind previouspointsinthecontextofthe
inwhichthereisarediscoveryofthe continuingcommandofChristtothe
originalwellspringsofthelifeofthe
church:"Youshallbemywitnesses."
church.Protestant,Catholic,and
Whatprimarilyhasbeenrecovered
Orthodoxcharismaticsalikearegoing
through"baptismintheSpirit"isthe
backfarbehindthetheological,liturgical,
plenitudeofpowerforwitness.Many
andculturalbarriersthathavelong
separatedthemintoarecoveryofthe beforehadfoundtheirwitnesstothe
GoodNewsweakandineffectual;nowit
primitivedynamismoftheearlyecclesia.
hasbecomemuchmoredynamicand
ItisthiscommonrediscoveryoftheNew
joyful.Itisnotsomuchamatterof
TestamentvitalityoftheSpiritthat
strategiesandtechniquesofwitnessasof
unitespeopleofdiversetraditionsand
transparentandvibranttestimonytothe
remoldsthemintoaricherandfuller
newlifeinJesusChrist.Whatitmeansto
koinoniaoftheHolySpirit.
beChrist'switnessandnotsimplyto
"talk"itisanewexperienceformanyin
Thecharismaticmovementhas,Ibelieve,
thecharismaticrenewal.That"the
beenwelldescribedas"thechiefhopeof

kingdomofGoddoesnotconsistintalk Thecharismaticmovementsignalizesa
butinpower"(1Cor.4:20)isafreshand revitalizationoftheeschatological
excitingdiscovery! orientationoftheChristianfaith.For
manypersonsnowactiveinthe
Amongthecommontensionswithinthe movementthewholeareaofeschatology
churcharethecompetingclaimsof hadmeantverylittle.Whateverthe
personalandsocialwitness:thegospelas Christianfaithhadtosay,therewasa
acalltopersonalconversionandacallto consciousnessthatitdealtwiththe
ministertoawiderangeofhumanneeds. present:somekindofameliorationor
Frequentlyitissaidthatthequestionis renovationoftheprevailinghuman
onenotofeither/orbutofboth/and,for situation.Scarcelymorethanpassing
thegoodnewsconcernsthewholeofman thoughtwasgivento"lastthings."Others
inhispersonalandcorporateexistence. inthemovementhadviewedChristian
Thereforethequestionisoftenputasone faithasfocusingalmostexclusivelyon
ofrelatingthetwodimensions,andgiving thefuture:theresurrection,parousia,
properattentiontoeach.But,however kingdom,andsoon.Salvationitselfwas
truetheimportanceofacomprehensive largelyamattertobeexperiencedatthe
witness,theneedactuallyrunsmuch "end."Thepresentworldwasscarcelya
deeper,namely,thatofafreshdynamic placeofGod'sjoyfulpresencebutone
orpowerforpursuingandaccomplishing couldhopeforsomethingbetterinthe
bothpersonalandsocialaims.Indeed, future.
todayonefindsa"tired"personal
evangelismasmuchasa"tired"social Whatispatentlyhappeningamong
concerneach,perhapsunknowingly, peopleinthecharismaticmovementis
desperateforanewanointingofpower therecoveryofalivelysenseofpresent
andvision.
andfutureundertheimpactoftheHoly
Spirit.Forthosepreoccupiedwiththe
Inthecharismaticmovementthereare
future,thepresenthasnowtakenonrich
clearevidencesthatthecontemporary
significancethroughtheactivityofthe
endowmentoftheSpiritismakingfor
HolySpirit.Alloflifeisnowpulsating
moreeffectivewitness,bothpersonaland
withthevitalityanddynamismofthe
social.Itisapparentonmanycharismatic
divinepresenceandaction.Forthosewho
frontsthattherearebothafreshkindof
previouslycouldseelittlebeyondthe
"realityevangelism"ajoyous,often
contemporaryworld,thefuturehastaken
indirectbuthighlypotent,formof
onanexcitingmeaningbecauseofthe
witnessaboutthenewlifeinChristand
newsenseofChrist.Heissopersonally
manyvigorousandcreativeexpressions
realnowthatthereisafreshyearningfor
ofconcernforthemanifolddisordersin
Hisfuturecominginglory,the
personalandcorporatelife.5
establishmentofthekingdom,andthe
fulfillmentofallthings.Becauseofwhat
TheEschatologicalPerspective
hassoabundantlyhappenedinthenow,
thefutureprospectisviewedwithkeen

anticipation.Theresultisavital "summapietatis,"9andwouldsummonall
eschatologyinwhichpresentandfuture hisreaderstothatlivelyfaithwithout
areunitedthroughthedynamismofthe whichitishardlyworthbeingcalleda
HolySpirit. Christian.Thecharismaticmovement
(scarcelyforeseenbyCalvin)withits
II emphasisonvitaland"livingexperience"
TheCharismaticMovementand wouldsurelyseemtobeinaccordwith
ReformedTheology thespiritofCalvinandthebestofthe
Reformedtradition.10
Inreflectinguponthecharismatic
movementfromaReformedviewpointI
shall,becauseofspacelimitations,
narrowthisbasicallytoaconsiderationof Inthesecondareaofthechurchas
JohnCalvin'sperspectiveontheHoly "koinoniaoftheHolySpirit"therewould
Spirit,andbrieflynotesomeofthe seemtobelessemphasisinCalvinand
developmentsincethattime.Ishallalso theReformedtradition.Calvinrecognized
limitmyselftoaconsiderationofonlythe theimportanceofcommonworshipand
firstfiveofthesevendistinctives(inthe praise,buthisviewofthechurchas
profileabove),makingextended existing"whereverweseetheWordof
commentsinthetwoareasthataremost Godpurelypreachedandheard,andthe
commonlydiscussed,namely,the sacramentsadministeredaccordingto
charismataand"baptismintheHoly Christ'sinstitution"11tooeasilyleadsto
Spirit." anoveremphasisoninstructionand
order.Asimportantasthemarksof
preachingandsacramentsare,itisonly,
inaddition,peoplelivinginthekoinonia
Inthefirstmatteroftherecoveryof
oftheSpiritwhorepresentthefully
livelinessandfreshnessinChristianfaith
Reformedtheologycansurelyrejoice. functioningecclesia.Thusthecharismatic
GoingbacktotheReformedfather,John movementsignalizes,Ibelieve,an
enrichmentoftheReformedtraditionin
Calvin,andparticularlytohisInstitutes
stressingapossible"thirdmark"ofthe
oftheChristianReligion,onefinds church,namely,thatitexistswherever
continuingtestimonyoftheneedforvital peoplegatherforpraise,fellowship,and
experience.TheknowledgeofGod,Calvin
ministryinthekoinoniaoftheHoly
affirms,"consistsmoreinliving
Spirit.12
experiencethaninvainandhighflown
speculation;"6thereisneedforbeing
"trulyandheartilyconverted"toChrist;7
andeveryChristianiscalledto"gloryin Nowweturntoamoreextended
thepresenceoftheHolySpirit."8Calvin considerationofthethirdarea,namely,
calledhisInstitutes,forallitstheological thathavingtodowiththefullrangeof
content,nota"summatheologiae"buta thecharismata.Weshallnoteboth

Calvin'ssomewhatmixedposition,and themnotonlyfornecessity,seeingthe
theincreasingReformedrecognitionofall Gospelwastobepreachedtostrangers
thebiblicalgiftsashavingcontinuing andtomenofanotherlanguage,butalso
validity. tobeanornamentandworship[or
'honour']totheGospel."19Thus,in
InlookingatCalvin'sviewofthegiftsof general,Calvinspeaksaffirmativelyof
theSpiritweobserveseveralthings.Itis thebiblicalcharismata.
apparent,first,thatCalvinspeaksquite
affirmativelyofthegiftsandgracesofthe Second,Calvintendstoviewthe
HolySpirit.Forexample,hewrites,"We "extraordinary"giftsashaving
arefurnished,asfarasGodknowstobe irrevocablyceased.Onereasongivenfor
expedientforus,withgiftsoftheSpirit, thisisthatGodprovidedthesegiftsonly
whichwelackbynature."13Again,"He toilluminatethenewproclamationofthe
(theascendedChrist)...sitsonhigh, gospel:
transfusinguswithhispowerthathe
mayquickenustospirituallife,sanctify TheLordwilledthatthosevisibleand
usbyhisSpirit,adornhischurchwith wonderfulgraces...whichhethenpoured
diversegiftsofhisgrace."14Notonlydoes outuponhispeople,beadministeredand
Calvinspeakpositivelyofthegiftsin distributedbyhisapostlesthroughthe
generalbutalsooftheseeminglymore layingonofhands....Butthose
extraordinary,whichhetermsvariously miraculouspowersandmanifest
as"miraculouspowers,""manifestpowers workings...haveceased;andtheyhave
andvisiblegraces(orgifts),"and rightlylastedonlyforatime.Foritwas
"singulargifts."Forexample,Calvin fittingthatthenewpreachingofthe
writesaboutthelayingonofhandsbythe GospelandthenewKingdomofChrist
apostlesthatitwasnotonlyforthe shouldbeilluminedandmagnifiedby
receptionofapersonintotheministry, unheardofandextraordinarymiracles.20
but"theyuseditalsowiththoseupon
whomtheyconferredthevisiblegracesof Anotherreasongivenforthecessationof
theSpirit[Acts19:6]."15Hereferstothe theunusualgiftsisthatpeoplesoquickly
giftoftonguesas"thesingulargiftof corruptedthemthatGodsimplytook
tongues,"16speaksofthegiftoftongues themaway.Calvinwritesthat"thegiftof
alongwithprophecyasspecialgiftsof tongues,andothersuchlikethings,are
God,17anddeclaresthat"theHolySpirit ceasedlongagointheChurch....manydid
hashere18honouredtheuseoftongues translatethat[thegiftoftongues]unto
withneverdyingpraise."TheNew pompandvainglory....NomarvelifGod
Testamentgiftoftongues,accordingto tookawaythatshortlyafterwhichhehad
Calvin,haddoublesignificance:bothfor given,anddidnotsufferthesametobe
preachingandadornment.Regardingthe corruptedwithlongerabuse."21So
GentilesatCaesarea,Calvinwrites: whetherbecauseofnofurtherneed(the
"So...theydidglorifyGodwithmany "newpreaching"beingathingofthepast)
tongues.Also...thetonguesweregiven orbecauseofthecorruptionthatso

rapidlysetin,theextraordinarygifts,by thepaucityofgiftsandgracesnottoa
God'sdecision,haveceasedonceandfor divineterminationofthembuttoour
all. littlefaith.InsimilarveinCalvinwrites:
Itmaybeimportanttoobservethat Thatwelieontheearthpoor,and
Calvindoesnotrelatethecessationofthe famished,andalmostdestituteof
extraordinarygiftstothepassingoffthe spiritualblessings,whileChristnowsits
sceneoftheapostles.Itisnotthatthe ingloryattherighthandoftheFather,
apostleshaveceasedbutthatthe[supra] andclothedwiththehighestmajestyof
"miraculouspowersandmanifest government,oughttobeimputedtoour
workingshaveceased."Sincethe slothfulness,andtothesmallmeasureof
ministryofthemiraculousgiftshasbeen ourfaith.24
withdrawn,thereisnolongerneed,for
example,ofthelayingonofhands."If
thisministry[ofthegifts]whichthe Thus,thoughCalvindoesnothimself
apostlesthencarriedoutstillremainedin directlydrawtheconclusion,itmaybe
theChurch,thelayingonofhandswould possibletosaythatthedearthofspiritual
alsohavetobekept.Butsincethatgrace blessings,ofgiftsandgraces,whether
[orgift]hasceasedtobegiven,what ordinaryorextraordinary,isnotdueto
purposedoesthelayingonofhands divinefiat(namely,nomoremiraculous
serve?"22 workingsforever)buttolackofhuman
faithandzeal.Whatifwegave"due
Third,Calvinattimessuggeststhatifwe admissiontoChrist,"whatifthegiftsand
buthadmorefaithandlessslothfulness, gracestherebybeganto"flowlikerivers?"
the"giftsandgraces"oftheHolySpirit Wouldtherebeanylimitsetoneventhe
wouldbepouredoutafresh.Forexample, mostunusualofthecharismataofthe
inreferencetothe"riversoflivingwater" HolySpirit?25
(John7:38)thatJesussaidwouldcome
fromthosewhohadreceivedtheHoly ItismyconvictionthatwhileCalvin,the
Spirit,Calvindeclaresthattherivers fatherofReformedtheology,maybecited
signify"theperpetuity,aswellasthe asdepictingthepermanentcessationof
abundanceofgiftsandgracesoftheHoly theextraordinarycharismata,his
Spirit...promisedtous."However,Calvin attitudeisessentiallypositive.His
thereafteradds,"Howsmallisthe obviousesteemforthe"wonderfulgraces"
capacityofourfaith,sincethegracesof oftheHolySpirit,forthe"singulargiftof
theHolySpiritscarcelycomeintousby tongues,"etc.,andhisconcernaboutour
drops...[they]wouldflowlikerivers,ifwe spiritualslothfulnessandlittlefaith
gavedueadmissiontoChrist;thatis,if wherebywereceivesolittleofGod'sgifts
faithmadeuscapableofreceivingHim."23 andgraces,couldreadilycombinetopoint
ThoughCalvindoesnotherespeakas toamorecomprehensivecharismatic
suchof"miraculousgifts"and"visible position.Inotherwords,therenewed
graces,"itissignificantthatherelates manifestationofthefullrangeof

charismatainourday,whilenot oftheSpiritmustnotbesoftpedaled
accordingtoCalvin'stechnicalposition,26 frommotivesofatheological
correspondswithhishighevaluationof Puritanism."30Eventheconservative
allthegiftsandwithhisviewthatGodis ReformedtheologianA.A.Hoekema,who
eagertopourouthisspiritualblessings isopposedtopresentdayglossolalia("a
uponthosewhohavefaithandzeal.It humanreaction...psychologically
mightalsohavebeenthecasethatif induced"),nonethelessconcedesthat"we
Calvinhadpersonallyexperiencedthe certainlycannotbindtheHolySpiritby
extraordinarygiftsoftheSpirit,his suggestingthatitwouldbeimpossiblefor
theologyalreadystraininginan himtobestowthegiftoftonguestoday."31
affirmativedirectionwouldhavebeen
revisedtomakeroomforthem.Since AnumberofrecentReformeddocuments
Calvinnevergivesanyexegeticalbasis onthecharismaticmovementhave
forthecessationoftheextraordinarygifts likewiserecognizedthevalidityofthe
(noteventhatofapostolicoffice),itseems giftsforthepresentday.Onthematterof
apparentthathewritesoutoflackof glossolaliatheDutchReformedChurchof
experience.27Withexperienceconfirming theNetherlands,initsPastoralLetterof
thebiblicalrecordCalvin,Ibelieve,would 1960(probablythefirstecclesiastical
readilyhavetakenafullycharismatic statementdealingwiththecharismata)
position. aboutTheChurchandthePentecostal
Groups,says:"Wethinkitpresumptuous
ThesituationtodayinReformedtheology tomaintainthattonguespeakingwas
generallycouldbecalledthatofopenness somethingonlyforthebeginningof
tothefullrangeofcharismaticgifts. Christianity.BiblicalevidenceinActs
Despitethe"Warfieldposition"ofsome and1Cor.12and14aremuchtoo
whereintheextraordinarygiftsofthe explicitforthat....Thefactthattongue
Spiritarelinkedtotheoriginalapostolic speakingalsohasameaningforourtime
office,28thereisagrowingreadinessto isthereforenottoberuledout."32The
recognizethecontemporaryvalidityofthe formerUnitedPresbyterianChurchin
charismata.KarlBarth,forexample,in theU.S.A.inits1970documentonThe
writingaboutextraordinary
WorkoftheHolySpiritdeclaresthat"we
manifestationsoftheSpirit(inthe
cannot...followtheviewofsome
contextof1Corinthians13)says,"Where
theologiansthatthepurelysupernatural
thesearelacking,thereisreasontoask
giftsceasedwiththedeathofthe
whetherinprideorsloththecommunity
apostles.Thereseemsnoexegetical
assuchhasperhapsevadedthis
warrantforthisassumption."33Again:
endowment,thusfalsifyingits
"WebelievethattheHolySpiritis
relationshiptoitsLord,makingitadead
witnessingtothechurchthatitshouldbe
becauseanominalandnotareal
'prayingandsighing'forhisministryand
relationship."29EmilBrunnerwrites:
manifestations,buttoooftenthe
"ThemiracleofPentecost,andallthatis
charismaticdimensionisbeingreducedto
includedunderthecharismatathegifts

thelevelofpsychologicaldynamicsand theologyismuchmoreambivalent,andas
dismissedasanemotionalaberration."34 yetnoconsensushasemerged.
Inthe1974ReportofthePanelon
DoctrineoftheChurchofScotland, Someoftheambivalenceisfoundin
entitledTheCharismaticMovement Calvinhimself.Calvinindealingwiththe
expression"baptizedintheHolySpirit"
WithintheChurchofScotland,thereis
hasadoubleunderstandingwhichhe
anunmistakabledifferencewithCalvin
neverresolves.Ontheonehandheviews
onthecessationofcertainspiritualgifts.
"baptismintheSpirit"asthemeansof
CriticizingCalvin'sinterpretationof
salvationorregeneration:
Mark16:17,35thePanelsays:
Wehavesaidthatperfectsalvationis
SinceGodhasfinallyspokeninChrist,
foundinthepersonofChrist.
whathaveundoubtedlyceasedarenew
Accordingly,thatwemaybecome
revelations.Whathasnotceased
partakersofit"hebaptizesusintheHoly
accordingtoScriptureisthepromiseof
Spiritandfire"...bringingusintothelight
gifts.ThepromiseinMarkwasmade"to
offaithinhisgospelandsoregenerating
themthatbelieve,"andthisisapromise
usthatwebecomenewcreatures...andhe
validforalltimes,andtotheendoftime.
consecratesus,purgedofworldly
ThereisnowarrantinScripturefor
uncleanness,astemplesholytoGod.38
confiningittothe"commencement"ofthe
Gospel.36
SimilarlyCalvinwritesthat"tobaptize
bytheHolySpiritandbyfireistoconfer
Ina"BriefSummaryofConclusions"the
theHolySpirit,whoinregenerationhas
Panelstates:"ThegiftsoftheSpiritare
thefunctionandnatureoffire."39Calvin
tobeexpected.Wherethereis
doesnothesitatetosayelsewherethat
expectation,theChurchmaywellbe
waterbaptismislittlemorethanan
endowedwithalargerandmoreevident
outwardsign,butthatChristis"the
measureofthesegiftsthanachurch
authorofinwardgrace,"40thatis,the
whichhaslongbelievedthatthesegifts
graceofsalvation.
haveceasedmayhopefor."37
Ontheotherhand,Calvinalsospeaksof
"baptismintheHolySpirit"ashavingto
Weturnnexttotheconsiderationof dowiththeconferringofthegiftsofthe
"baptismintheHolySpirit"inReformed HolySpirit:
theology.Itwillberecalledthatthis
[Itis]thevisiblegracesoftheHolySpirit
representsinthecharismaticmovement
giventhroughthelayingonofhands.Itis
aspiritualbreakthroughinwhichvaried
nothingnewtosignifythesegracesbythe
charismaticexpressionsbecome
word"baptism."Asonthedayof
operative,andinwhichtheChristianlife
Pentecost,theapostlesaresaidtohave
isvariouslyrenewed.HereReformed
recalledthewordsoftheLordaboutthe
baptismoffireandoftheSpirit.And

Petermentionsthesamething...whenhe notmissinganythingessentialthrough
hadseenthosegracespouredoutupon thedisappearanceofthisearly
Cornelius,hishousehold,andkindred charismaticendowment.Inotherwordsit
(Acts11:16).41 ispossible,fromthisperspective,tobe
Christian(regenerated,newcreatures,
AgaininhisCommentaryonActs,Calvin etc.)andnotbaptizedintheSpirit.
says:
Nowletusraisethefurtherquestion:
Itisnonewthingforthenameofbaptism assumingCalvinisrightinhisexegetical
tobetranslateduntothegiftsofthe identificationofbaptismintheSpirit
Spirit,aswesawinthefirstandinthe withcharismaticendowment,whatifthe
eleventhchapters(Acts1:5,and11:6)
deeperissuewerenotbasicallythegifts
whereLukesaid,thatwhenChrist
(charismata)butthegiftoftheSpirit?
promisedtohisapostlestosendtheSpirit
Whatifthereallacksincetheearly
visible,hecalleditbaptism....Whenthe
churchoftenhasbeennotextraordinary
SpiritcamedownuponCornelius,Peter
giftsbutthatendowmentoftheSpirit
rememberedthewordsoftheLord,"Ye
shallbebaptizedwiththeHolyGhost."42 whereinthecharismatabecomeoperative?
WhatifbaptismintheSpiritrefers,as
Calvininplacesexegeticallymaintains,
Calvin'spositionisapeculiarone. tosomethingnotessentialtoChristian
Exegeticallyitseemsthathefavorsthe existence,buttoagraciousgiftwherein
latterposition,namely,baptisminthe thereisadeepenedsenseoftheSpirit's
Spiritasnotidenticalwithregeneration presenceandpoweralongwithvarious
butwiththe"visible"giftsoftheSpirit. charismaticmanifestations?Wecould
Yetsinceheviewsthosegiftsashaving thensaythatCalvinhelpedpreparethe
beenwithdrawn(aswehaveearlier waybyhisrecognitionofbaptisminthe
noted),baptismintheSpiritfromthis Spiritasreachingbeyondsalvation
perspectivecanactuallyhaveno historyintotherealmofspiritual
relevanceforthechurchtoday.Hence, endowmentevenifheidentifiedsucha
Calvin'sfirstposition(Spiritbaptism= baptismwiththecharismataandlargely
regeneration)eventhoughless sawnohopeoftheirrecurrence.
satisfactoryisseeminglytheonlyone
thatrelatestoacontinuingpossibility.Of Inbrief,Calvin'ssignalcontributionto
course,ifCalvinhadbeenablefreelyto contemporaryunderstandingishis
embracethecharismata,thenbaptism recognitionthattherehasbeen
withtheSpiritcouldhavebeen somethinginthedimensionoftheSpirit
understoodastheongoingpossibilityof oftenmissingsinceapostolictimes.Itis
charismaticendowment. nottheactualityofsalvationor
regenerationthatistheissueherebut
ItisquitesignificantthatCalvinviews thematterofcharismaticendowment:in
theChristianlifesinceapostolictimesas thebroadestsense,theendowmentofthe

HolySpiritwithHisgifts.Thisofcourse Forhimalso[aswithLuke]theworkof
iswhatthecharismaticmovementofour theHolySpiritisnotexhaustedin
timeisalsosaying,namely,thatthis justificationandsanctification;an
aspectoftheSpirit'sactivityisagain additionalworkingispromisedandmust
becomingoperational.Inthatsense thereforebesought.Allthisleadsusto
"baptismintheHolySpirit"anewly theconclusionthatthePentecostalsare
recovereddimensionisgroundedin basicallyrightwhentheyspeakofa
Calvin'sownpneumatologicalorientation. workingoftheHolySpiritbeyondthat
whichisacknowledgedinthemajor
denominations.45
WithinrecentyearsinReformedtheology BythisstatementBerkhofhassprung
therehavebeensignsofrecognitionof openthecharismaticdimensionin
"baptismintheSpirit"asalongneglected Reformedtheology,andbecomeinmany
dimensionoftheHolySpirit'sactivity.So waysthetheologicalprecursorofthe
farasIknow,ProfessorHendrikus contemporarycharismaticmovementin
BerkhofofLeidenwasthefirsttopoint theReformedtradition.
thisdirectioninhisbook,TheDoctrineof
theHolySpirit.Hespeaksthereinofhow, Ontheecclesiasticalfrontamost
inadditiontojustificationand significantdevelopmenthasbeenthe
sanctification,various"Revivalistsand recognitionofthis"additionalworking"of
Pentecostalmovements...experiencedstill theSpiritbytheformerPresbyterian
anotherblessingoftheHolySpiritinthe Church,U.S.(Southern),initsstatement
lifeoftheindividualwhichisnowwidely entitled"ThePersonandWorkofthe
knownasthe'fillingbytheHolySpirit'or HolySpirit:WithSpecialReferenceto
'thebaptismbytheHolySpirit.'"43Then 'theBaptismoftheHolySpirit.'"46Apart
afterdiscussingtheworkbytheHoly ofthestatementreads:
SpiritinActs,Berkhofemphasizes:
BaptismwiththeHolySpirit,astheBook
Themainlineisclear:byaspecial ofActsportraysit,isaphrasewhich
workingoftheSpirit,thefaithfulare refersmostoftentotheempoweringof
empoweredtospeakintongues,to thosewhobelievetoshareinthemission
prophesy,topraiseGod,thatis,togivea ofJesusChrist....believersareenabledto
powerfulexpressionofGod'smightyacts giveexpressiontothegospelthrough
tothosearoundthem.44 extraordinarypraise,powerfulwitness,
andboldnessofaction.Accordingly,those
WemaynotethatBerkhof'sspecialpoint whospeakofsucha"baptismwiththe
isnotsomuchthecharismatathemselves Spirit,"andwhogiveevidenceofthis
specialempoweringworkoftheSpirit,
astheempoweringfortheirexpression.
canclaimScripturalsupport.Further,
ThenafteradiscussionofPaul's
since"baptismwiththeSpirit"maynot
treatmentofthespiritualgiftsin1
beatthesametimeasbaptismwith
Corinthians1214,Berkhofadds:

waterand/orconversion,weneedtobe thesenarrativesisbothastimulusforthe
openmindedtowardthosetodaywho churchtodayandahelpinthe
claimaninterveningperiodoftime.If understandingofNeoPentecostal
thisexperiencesignifiesinsomesensea experienceamongus"!51Hence,one
deepeningoffaithandawarenessofGod's sensesintheUnitedPresbyterianreport
presenceandpower,wemaybe bothanuncertaintyinthisareaanda
thankful.47 desiretobeopentowhatcharismaticsare
experiencingandsaying.TheChurchof
Finally(thelastparagraphbegins):"Itis Scotlandreportdeclaresquitebluntly:
clearthatthereisBiblicalandReformed "FromtheReformedpointofview,to
witnessconcerningbaptismoftheHoly insistonbaptismintheHolySpiritasan
Spiritandspecialendowmentsofthe experiencesubsequenttoconversionisto
HolySpiritinthebelievingcommunity."48 denytheallsufficiencyofChrist.
AlthoughtherearepassagesinActs
NowIdonotwanttosuggestthatthereis whichsuggestatheologyofsubsequence
unanimityinReformedcirclesregarding wheninterpretedliterally,thereare
this"additionalworking"oftheHoly otherswhicharenotinharmonywith
Spirit.NeithertheformerUnited this."52TheChurchofScotlandis
PresbyterianChurchnortheChurchof obviouslyalsouncomfortablewiththe
Scotlandreportadoptstheaboveposition. narrativeinActs.Still,inthesummary,
TheUnitedPresbyterianreport,while itissignificanttonotethestatementthat
recognizingthat"thepredominant "thePaneldoesnotdenytherealityofan
testimonyoftheBookofActsconcerning experiencewhichcantransformthefaith
theHolySpiritconcentratesonthe ofabelieverorgivenewlifetoajaded
outpouring,thegift,thereception,the ministry."53
fallingoftheHolySpirituponChristian
believers,"arguessemanticallythat What,ofcourse,thecharismatic
"nowhereisreferencemadeto'the movementissayingisthatthis
baptismin(or,with)theSpirit.'"49 transformingexperienceinthefaithofa
Actuallyinthisreportthereisacautious believerispreciselywhattheBookofActs
drawingawayfromActs,thereport (forallitsallegedinadequacies)istalking
arguingboththatweshouldgiveprimary aboutintermsof"baptism"(outpouring,
attentiontothedidactic(i.e.,nonActs) falling,etc.)oftheHolySpirit.HereI
portionsoftheNewTestament,andthat believetheformerPresbyterianChurch,
thereisthe"notoriousdifficultyof U.S.,reportisshowingtheway
ascertaininganysingle,consistent althoughthereissurelyroomandneed
patterninActsofthesequenceof formuchfurtherdevelopment.
conversion,receptionoftheHolySpirit,
andwaterbaptism."50Inspiteofallthis, Summary
theReportearliersays:"Wemust,
however,keepinmindthatthepatternof Anumberofthingsmaynowbe
empoweringbytheSpiritrevealedin summarized:First,"baptismintheHoly

Spirit,"howeverworded,isnottheHoly expectancyopennessto"thepromiseof
Spiritactiveinsalvationbutin theSpirit"isoftenthecontextinwhich
implementation:itisthemightycoming theHolySpiritispouredout.Evenasthe
oftheSpirituponthosewhobelieve.This heavenlyFatherdelightsto"givethe
comingisnotfortheoriginationoffaith HolySpirittothosewhoaskhim"(Luke
butbelongstothatactionofGodthrough 11:13),somaythosewhoaskinfaith
Christinwhichthereisenablementof expecttoreceivebountifullyfromHis
praise,witness,andservice.Second,as grace.
therecordinActsdemonstrates,thisis
theactionofthe"missionarySpirit,"who Awordheremaybeaddednotabout
incomingpropelsthefaithfuloutintothe Reformedtheologybutabouttheconcern
worldasavitalpartofthemissionof frequentlyexpressedintheReformedand
JesusChrist"thejustifiedand Presbyterianchurchesforanoutpouring
sanctifiedarenowturned,sotospeak, ofGod'sHolySpirit.Asfarbackas1892
insideout."54Third,"baptisminthe attheWorldPresbyterianAlliance
Spirit"presupposesfaithinChrist, meetinginTorontoitwassaidthat"there
forgivenessofsinsinHisname,and shouldbeamorerealizingsenseofthe
thereforeistotallygroundedinaliving necessityofanoutpouringoftheSpirit."
relationshiptoHimasSaviorandLord. AndattheAlliancemeetingin1899in
Fourth,suchaspiritualbaptismmaybe Washington,D.C.,theCouncilnotedthat
precededbyyearsinwhichtheHoly thereis"adeepeningthirstforapresent
Spirithasbeenactiveinpersonaland/or dayexperienceofthefullnessofHis[the
communallife.Nowthereisafurther Spirit's]power."55Allofthisofcourse
breakthroughofspiritualendowmentand precededthebirthofthePentecostal
intensity.Fifth,"baptismintheSpirit" movementinthefirstdecadeofthe
pointstoanimmersionintherealityof twentiethcentury.Thosewhowere
theSpiritofGod.Whatevermayhave privilegedtobeatthe1964Alliance
beentherelationoftheHolySpirittothe meetinginFrankfurt,Germany,will
personand/orcommunitybefore,this recallthethemeofthemeeting,"Come,
spiritualbaptismisafloodingofdivine CreatorSpirit!"inwhichtherewas
presenceandpower.Sixth,utterancein frequentexpressionofdesireforthe
"tongues"ispeculiarlyasignofthis Spirittocomeinfreshpower.Dr.W.A.
spiritualbaptism,whereinthedepthsof Visser'tHooft'sopeningsermonincluded
thehumanspiritareprobedbythedivine theseremarks:
Spiritandtheconsequentlanguage
movespastthementalandconceptual VeniCreatorSpirituscannotpossiblybe
intospiritualutterance.Insuch takentosignify:"Let'shavealittlebitof
expressionwhichisnotecstaticbabbling HolySpirit;justenoughtoputsome
buttranscendentpraisethereis energyintooursleepinginstitutions."It
declarationofthemightyactsofGodand canonlymean:"Come,ThoulivingGod,
theextollingofHisgloriousname. ThouLivingChrist,ThouCreatorSpirit,
Seventh,prayer,selfsurrender, andtransformusaltogether,sothatwe

maybetrulyconverted,radically fromtheinceptionoftheecumenical
changed."56 movementinthetwentiethcentury.
Hencethecharismaticmovement,
Itissomesuchtransformationbythe representingaprofoundunityamong
SpiritofthelivingGodthatisatthe Christiansofeverycommunionthrough
heartofthecharismaticmovementinour therenewaloftheHolySpirit,isnotonly
time,andbidsfairtobringaboutthe inaccordwiththespiritoftheReformed
radicalrenewalofthechurchofJesus traditionbutalsohasasignal
Christthroughouttheworld. contributiontomake.Sinceinthe
charismaticmovementthereisa
rediscoveryofthewellspringsofthelifeof
thechurchwhichuniteindepth
Finally,weshallmakebriefreferenceto Christiansofalldenominations
thefifthaspectofthecharismatic Protestant,Catholic,andOrthodoxalike
movementthestrikingsenseofspiritual thenthereisrealizedamajorsteponthe
unityandcommunionthattranscends waytotheunityofallchurches.There
traditionaldenominationalbarriers.This mayremain,tobesure,manydoctrinal,
correspondswellwiththegeniusofthe liturgical,andculturaldifferences,but
Reformedtraditionwhichsincethedayof thesecanbedealtwithfromanew
Calvinhashadastrongecumenical perspectiveunderthetranscending
orientation.Onerecalls,forexample, impactoftheHolySpirit.
Calvin'slettertotheArchbishopof
CanterburywhereinCalvinbespeakshis Footnotes
ownzealforunity:
1
Manyprefertheexpression"charismatic
Thisotherthingalsoistoberanked renewal"toemphasize:(1)thatthisisnota
amongthechiefevilsofourtime,viz., movementinthesenseofanorganizedeffortto
thattheChurchesaresodivided,that achievecertainends,(2)thatsince(aswillbe
notedinmoredetailbelow)oneimportantaspect
humanfellowshipisscarcelynowinany
ofthemovementistherenewalofawiderangeof
reputeamongstus,farlessthatChristian
biblicalcharismata,thebetter,andmoreprecise,
intercoursewhichallmakeaprofession nameis"charismaticrenewal."Ishallretainthe
of,butfewsincerelypractice.57 term"movement,"despitethedifficultieswiththe
word,becausethereisactuallymoreinvolved
thancharismaticrenewal.Indeedwhatisbasic,I
ThisattitudeofCalvin,despiteoccasional believe,isamovementoftheHolySpiritwherein
departures,belongstotheconsciousness thecharismataarereappearinginwidemeasure.
ofthePresbyterianandReformed Hence"charismaticmovement"isdifficultfrom
anotherperspective.Ishalllaterspeakofthisalso
churches.Thesechurchesacenturyago
asadynamicmovementoftheHolySpirit
werethefirsttoformaworld whereinthecharismataarerecurring.
confederation(theWorldAlliance
beginningin1875),andhavebeenactive ThefirstnationalOrthodoxCharismatic
2
Conferencewasheldthesummerof1973atAnn

Arbor,Michigan.National(orInternational) 9
Ibid.Introduction,51.
Episcopal,Lutheran,PresbyterianandRoman
CatholicConferencesarenowheldeachyear. UnfortunatelytheReformedtraditionhasnot
10
TherearealsoBaptist,Methodist,Mennonite,and alwaysheldtotheattitudeofCalvin.Theology
otherconferencesheldregionallyandlocally hardeningintoanorthodoxythatleftoutpiety,
throughouttheUnitedStates. alongwithanexaggeratedfearof"subjective
experience,"hasoftenbeenthepicture.
3
MymoreextendedreflectionissetoutinTheEra
oftheSpiritandThePentecostalReality. Ibid.,4.1.9.EmilBrunnerastutelyobservesthat
11
"noonewillsupposethatoneoftheapostles
4
WordsofJohnA.Mackay,formerpresidentof wouldrecognizeagaininthisformulatheEcclesia
PrincetonTheologicalSeminary:"Whatisknown ofwhichhehadlivingexperience"(The
asthecharismaticmovementamovement MisunderstandingoftheChurch,103).
markedbyspiritualenthusiasmandspecialgifts,
andwhichcrossesallboundariesofculture,race, 12
InReformedorthodoxy,afterCalvin,thethird
age,andchurchtraditionisprofoundly markofthechurchcametobediscipline(see,e.g.,
significant....Because'noheartispurethatisnot LeidenSynopsis[40:45]).Thisishardlyprogress
passionateandnovirtueissafethatisnot inthedirectionofkoinoniaoftheSpirit!
enthusiastic,'thecharismaticmovementoftoday
isthechiefhopeoftheecumenicaltomorrow" 13
("OnenessintheBody:FocusfortheFuture," Institutes,2.15.4.
WorldVision,April1970).(Seealsochap.3,"The
Ibid.,2.16.16.Alsowemayrecallthewordsof
14
UpsurgeofPentecostalism,"forafuller
Calvinin3.2.39.Seenote8supra.
quotation.)
15
Ibid.4.3.16.
5
SeethebookbyLarryChristenson(aleading
charismaticLutheranpastor),ACharismatic 16
Ibid.,3.20.33.
ApproachtoSocialAction.Seealso,interalia,
GatheredforPowerbycharismaticEpiscopal Thisisdoneinconjunctionwithareferenceto
17
priest,GrahamPulkingham.Thisisaremarkable thepowertoworkmiracleswherein,saysCalvin,
storyofacharismaticparishmovingfreelyinboth Paul"usestheterms'powers'and'faith'forthe
personalandcorporatewitness. samething,thatis,fortheabilitytowork
miracles.Thispowerorfaith,therefore,isa
6
Institutes,1.10.2(Battlestrans.hereand specialgiftofGod,whichanyimpiousmancan
hereafter). bragaboutandabuse,asthegiftoftongues,as
prophecy,astheothergraces"(Institutes,3.2.9).
7
Ibid.,3.3.25.
18
Commentingon1Corinthians14:5(Beveridge
8
Ibid.,3.2.39."Itisatokenofthemostmiserable trans.,hereandhereafterregardingCalvin's
blindnesstochargewitharroganceChristians Commentaries),Calvin'sfullstatementreads:"As
whodaretogloryinthepresenceoftheHoly itiscertain,thattheHolySpirithashere
Spirit,withoutwhichgloryingChristianityitself honouredtheuseoftongueswithneverdying
doesnotstand!"Itisnotwithoutinterestthat praise,wemayveryreadilygather,whatisthe
Calvinsaysthisinasectioninwhichhealsotalks kindofspiritthatactuatesthosereformers,who
aboutthegiftsoftheHolySpirit.Ifwesay"'we levelasmanyreproachesastheycanagainstthe
knowthegiftsbestowedonusbyGod'[1Cor. pursuitofthem."Thecontextincidentallyshows
2:12],howcantheyyelpagainstuswithout thatCalvinhereunderstandstonguesasforeign
abusivelyassaultingtheHolySpirit?" languages.

19
CommentaryonActs10:46. Godhadwithdrawnthegifts."Sincethatgrace
[whereinthegiftswereadministered]hasceased
20
Ibid.,4.19.6. tobegiven,whatpurposedoesthelayingonof
handsserve?"(Institutes,4.19.6).
21
CommentaryonActs10:44,46.Alsonotemaybe
madeofCalvin'swordregardingMark16:17 Thislackofexperienceisadmittedina
27
18"Andthesesignswillaccompanythosewho backhandedwaywhereCalvinsaysthateven"the
believe:inmynametheywillcastoutdemons; Papists...themselvesareenforcedtograntthatthe
theywillspeakinnewtongues...theywilllaytheir Churchwasbeautifiedforatimeonlywiththese
handsonthesick,andtheywillrecover"wherein gifts"(CommentaryonActs8:16).
hesays,"ThoughChristdoesnotexpresslystate
whetherheintendsthisgifttobetemporary....yet 28
B.B.Warfieldwroteconcerningthe
itismoreprobablethatmiracleswerepromised extraordinarygifts:"Theywerepartofthe
onlyforatime,inordertogivelustretothe credentialsoftheApostlesastheauthoritative
gospel...[also]theworldmayhavebeendeprived agentsofGodinfoundingthechurch.Their
ofthishonourthroughtheguiltofitsown functionthusconfinedthemtodistinctivelythe
ingratitude"(CommentaryonaHarmonyofthe ApostolicChurch,andtheynecessarilypassed
Evangelists,Mark16:17.Herebothreasonsfor awaywithit"(CounterfeitMiracles,p.6).Itmay
thecessationofthegiftsaresuggested. benotedthatWarfield'sviewofthereasonforthe
disappearanceofthecharismata,namelyapostolic
22
Institutes,4.19.6. demise,isnotthatofCalvin.
29
ThesequotationsarefromtheCommentaryon
23
ChurchDogmaticsIV/2:828.
John7:38.
30
Dogmatics,3:16.
24
Ibid.,John7:39.
31
WhatAboutTongueSpeaking?,12728.
25
OneotherpassagefromCalvin'sCommentaryon
1Corinthians14:32maybequoted.Calvinspeaks 32
DeKerkendePinkstergroepen,(Herderlijk
of"howveryillustriousthatChurchwas,in SchriivenvanderNetherlandseHervormdeKerk,
respectofanextraordinaryabundanceand 1960),4142.
varietyofspiritualgifts."Thenheadds,"Wenow
seeourleanness,nay,ourpoverty;butinthiswe
SeePresence,Power,Praise:Documentsonthe
33
haveajustpunishment,senttorequiteour
ingratitude.ForneitheraretherichesofGod CharismaticRenewal(KilianMcDonnell,ed.,
exhausted,norishisbenignitylessened;butwe 1:230).
areneitherdeservingofhisbounty,norcapableof
receivinghisliberality."
34
Ibid.,1:232.
26
Thereisnotspaceheretonoteindetailthata
35
Seenote21above.
largepartofCalvin'spositionthatthe
36
extraordinarygiftswerewithdrawnstemsfrom Presence,Power,Praise,1:530.
hisoppositiontotheCatholicteachingabout
confirmation.SincetheRomanCatholicsusedthe Ibid.,1:545.Thisisoneofeightbriefsummary
37
layingonofhandsforconfirmation"increaseof statements.
grace"andsupportedthispracticefromsomeof
thetexts(e.g.,Acts8:17and19:16)thatCalvin 38
Institutes,3.1.4.InCalvin'sCommentaryon
sawtobereferringtothe"extraordinary"gifts,he Matthew3:11"HeshallbaptizeyouwiththeHoly
coulddismissconfirmationasmeaninglesssince

Spiritandfire"hesimilarlysaysthismeansthat 52
Ibid.,1:527.Thelanguageof"theologyof
Christ"bestowstheSpiritofregeneration." subsequence"isderivedfromF.D.Bruner'sbook,
ATheologyoftheHolySpirit.Itisunfortunate
39
Institutes4.16.25. thatsomuchrelianceinthereportisplacedon
thisbasicallyanticharismatictreatise,andno
40
Ibid.,4.15.8. referencemade,forexample,toBerkhof'sbook.
AlsothoughthePresbyterianChurch,U.S.,report
41
Ibid.,4.15.18. ismentionedintheIntroductiontotheChurchof
Scotlandreport,noreferenceismadethereafterto
42 it.Incidentally,itishardtoseehowthe"all
CommentaryonActs19:5.
sufficiencyofChrist"isdeniedbyanexperience
43
subsequenttoconversion.IfitisthesameChrist
TheDoctrineoftheHolySpirit,85. whoturnspeopletoHimselfwhomaythenor
thereafterbaptizethemintheHolySpirit,the
44
Ibid.,86. sufficiencyistotallyofHim.
Ibid.,87.ForafullerpresentationofBerkhof's
45 53
Ibid.,1:545.
viewseechapter3,"TheUpsurgeof
Pentecostalism."Alsoseemyprecedingchapter, Berkhof'swordsinhisTheDoctrineoftheHoly
54
"TheologicalPerspectivesofthePersonandWork
Spirit,89.
oftheHolySpirit,"theopeningtwoparagraphs.
MarcelPradervand,"LeavesfromtheAlliance
55
AdoptedbytheGeneralAssemblyof1971.For
46
extendedexcerptsfromthisstatement,seemy History,"ReformedWorld,June1972,p.78.Dr.
chapter4. Pradervand,GeneralSecretaryoftheWorld
Alliancefrom1948to1970,haswrittenme
personally,"Iforonebelievethatunlesswetake
47
SeePresence,Power,Praise,1:314.
theHolySpiritseriouslyandarereallybaptized
bytheSpiritthereislittlehopeforthetraditional
48
Ibid.,1:316.
Churches."
Ibid.,1:261.Thereportquibbles(asIseeit)in
49
AsquotedintheCharismaticCommunionof
56
severalplacesoverthecontemporaryexpression
PresbyterianMinistersNewsletter,Fall1974,p.9.
"baptismwiththeHolySpirit,"arguingthatthe
verb"baptize"isalwaysusedintheNew
Testament.Thisistrue;however,thecritical LettertoCranmer,April,1552,LettersofJohn
57
questionisnotoneofsemanticsbutwhether Calvin,132.
howevertheexpressioniswordedthisrefersto
somethingthatmayhappentoChristian
believers.Theabovestatementbyasemantic
dodgeavoidstheobviousconclusion,namely,
"baptism(or'baptized')withtheHolySpirit"isa
parallelexpressionto"outpouring,""falling,"etc.,
andthereforeaccordingtotheBookofActsis
somethingadditionalpossiblewithinChristian
experience.
50
Ibid.
51
Ibid.,1:230.

Chapter8 ATrinitariantheologicalimbalance
occurswheneverthereisanoveror
underemphasisononeofthepersons
GOD'SMIGHTYACTS and/oractsoftheTriuneGod.Theremay,
forexample,beafocusonGodtheFather
I andHisactivityincreationwitha
devaluationofGodtheSonandSpiritto
TheMightyActsofthe thestatusofdivineattributes(suchas
wisdomorpower),ortocreaturelyand
TriuneGod impersonalmanifestations.Thesame
thingpracticallyoccursinthecaseofan
Itisurgentthatthewholechurchbecome exaggeratedChristocentrismwherein
freshlyawareofthemightyactsofthe JesusChrististhetotalfocusofworship
TriuneGod.Thecreationoftheuniverse andreflection1orwithanoverblown
fromnothing,theincarnationofthe pneumatisminwhichtheHolySpirit
eternalSon,andtheeffusionoftheHoly (SpiritofGod,eternalSpirit,etc.)isthe
Spirit:hereinistheessentialseriesof centerofconcern.2Inallthesecases,
God'smightyacts.Itisthisclimacticact eitherexplicitlyorimplicitly,Godas
oftheoutpouringoftheSpiritthat, Trinityisnotadequatelyrecognized.
followingupontheothertwo,presses Theseareactuallyinstancesofa
todayforourattention. theological/practicalunitarianism:
whetheroftheFather,Son,orHoly
LetusfocusupontheroleoftheTriune Spirit.
Godinthesemightyacts.Creationis
peculiarlytheactofGodtheFather, TheremayalsobeafocusonGodthe
althoughbothSonandSpiritarealso FatherandtheSonanimplicit
involved:GodtheFatherasfountainhead binitarianismthatlargelydisregards
andsource,GodtheSonasinstrument theHolySpiritorsubordinatesHimto
(theeternalWord),andGodtheSpiritas Fatherand/orSon.Theologicallythis
lifegivingpower.Incarnationispeculiarly occurredearlyinthelifeofthechurch
theactofGodtheSon,althoughGodthe whenconsequenttoArianism(withits
FatherisinitiatorandGodtheSpiritthe denialoftheeternalSon)therewerethe
effecter(thepoweroftheIncarnation). SemiArians(Pneumatomachi)who
EffusionispeculiarlytheactofGodthe insistedonthecreaturehoodoftheHoly
HolySpirit,althoughGodtheFatheris Spirit.Whilethisdeviationwascorrected
thepromiser/senderandGodtheSonthe intheConstantinopolitanCreedofA.D.
onewho"poursforth"theSpirit.Noneof 381whichrecognizedtheHolySpiritin
theseactsistobeidentifiedwithor Hisessentialdeityasonewho"proceeds
subsumedunderanother,yetallare fromtheFather"andis"worshipedand
essentialactionsoftheoneGod. glorifiedtogetherwiththeFatherand
Son,"andseesinHim"theLordandlife

giver"(inrelationtocreation),andasthe incarnationandtheensuingredemption
potencyoftheincarnation(theLord therewouldbenooutpouringofGod's
JesusChrist"incarnatebytheHoly fulfillingSpirit.
Spirit"),thereisnothingsaidaboutthe
effusionoftheSpirit,northeattendant Beforenotingthematterofpurposein
results.ThelaterWesternfilioque moredetail,itisimportanttoobserve
additionbringstheSonintothe that,despiteorthodoxformulationofthe
procession"whoproceedsfromthe ontologicalequalityoftheHolySpirit
withSonandFather,therehastendedto
FatherandtheSon"whilepointingin
thedirectionoftheeffusionoftheSpirit, beafunctionalsubordination.TheHoly
doesnotreallymakemuchprogress.That Spirithasbeenlargelyunderstoodas
istosay,thenatureofthiseffusionits "CreatorSpirit"thelifegivingandlife
dimensions,itssignificance,itsresults sustainingpowerincreationand
isneglected;andthiscorrespondstoa providenceandastheOnewhoapplies
continuinglackinthechurch,especially theredemptionwroughtbyGodtheSon.
intheWest,ofsensitivitytothepresence InthelattercasetheHolySpiritis
andpoweroftheHolySpirit.3Thusthe viewedastheconvicterofsin,the
implicitlytheologicalbinitarianismisofa regeneratoroftheheart,andtheOnewho
piecewithinadequatelyformedChristian unitestoChristthroughfaith;whereas
experience. Hisfurtherandpeculiaractivityin
effusionisinadequatelyrecognized.Thus
II theHolySpirit'sworkisfunctionally
ThePurposeofGod'sMightyActs subordinatedtothatofChristandis
viewedasaworkofapplicative
Weturnnexttoastudyofwhatstandsat instrumentality.5Itisinsufficiently
theheartofeachofthesemightyactsof recognizedthatnotonlydoestheSpirit
theTriuneGod.Creationisforthe pointtoChristbutalsoChristtothe
purposeofbringingintoexistencethose Spirit,andthatbeyondtheSpirit'swork
towhomGodcancommunicateHisglory, inunitingtoChristisChrist'smediation
whomaybecomeknowledgeableofHis oftheSpirit.Indeed,thislatteractof
loveandholiness,andshareHisineffable mediation,fromtheFatherthroughthe
presence.IncarnationtheeventofJesus Son,isthatclimacticactoftheeffusionof
Christ'slife,death,andresurrectionis theHolySpirit.Thisact,presupposing
forthepurposeofredeemingalost redemption,representsthebestowalof
creation.Effusionisforthepurposeof theSpirituponaredeemedhumanity.It
fillingthoserenewedinChristwiththe isasdistinctiveanduniqueanactasthat
HolySpiritsothatallthingsmay ofcreationandincarnation,of
manifestHispresenceandpower.Eachof communicationandredemption.
thecomplexofactsworks4presupposes
whathasgonebefore.Withoutcreation Itisquicklytobeaddedthatwhile
andcommunicationtherewouldbeno ChristianityisaTriunefaithitisalso
incarnationandredemption;without Christcentered.Christianfaithfocuses

onJesusChristinwhom"thewhole andwonders,"tobelivingdemonstrations
fullnessofthedeitydwellsbodily"(Col. oftherealityofGod'skingdomthusthe
2:9).Hence,whileitisthecasethat essentialpenetrationandfulfillingofall
incarnation/redemptionisChrist's thingswherebytheymaymoreandmore
primaryrole,Heisalsothewaybackto beresplendentwiththepresenceand
theFather'sworkincreationand gloryofGod.
communication,andthewayforwardto
theworkoftheHolySpiritinthe Thepurpose,itmaybeadded,isnot
manifestationofGod'spresenceand primarilysanctification.Inthe
power.NoonecomestotheFatherbutby redemptioneffectedthroughJesusChrist
theSon,andnooneisbaptizedwiththe thereisbothjustificationand
SpiritexceptbytheSon'smediation.6 sanctification.Throughtheworkof
ThusChristianfaithisbothTriuneand redemptionbothforgivenessandholiness
Christocentric. areimparted.Inthisholiness,or
sanctification,oneistogrowand
ReturningtothethirdofGod'smighty increasinglybeconformedtothelikeness
acts,theeffusionoftheSpirit,wehave ofChrist.TheHolySpiritissurelyat
alreadyobservedthattheactofeffusion workinsanctification(Heisthe"Spiritus
isthatwhereinthefullnessofGod's Sanctus"),andtherebyHeiscarrying
presenceandpowerispouredout.Itis forwardtheredemptiveworkofChristto
apparentthatthisactofGodtheHoly itsfulfillment.Buttheeffusionofthe
Spirittakesplaceinrelationtoa Spiritisforanotherpurpose,namely,
redeemedcreation.Aslongashumanity thatthehumanvesselmaybeso
isdominatedbysinandevilthereisno possessedbythedivineastobean
effusionoftheHolySpirit,butwhenthe instrumentthroughwhichGodmayfulfill
powerofdarknessisovercomebythe Hiswillandpurpose.This,thoughnot
victoryofChristatthecrossandinthe unrelatedtosanctification,isnot
resurrection,thenthemightyactof identicalwithit,forGodmayfillwithHis
effusionmayoccur.Itisupona Spiriteventhosewhohaveknownlittleof
humanity,acreationmadenewinChrist, theprocessofsanctification.Alsothere
thatGodbestowsHisHolySpiritand maybemarkedincreaseofsanctification
becomesthefulfillingpower. forthosefilledwithGod'sSpirit,since
thereisgreatinfluxofspiritualpower.
Infurtherconsiderationofthepurposeof Thepoint,however,isthattheeffusionof
thedivineeffusion,itisimportanttoadd theSpiritcarriestherecipientbeyond
thattheintentionisthatGodinChrist Christianliving(initsvarious
mayfulfillHisownwillandpurposeon ramificationsofjustification,
earthasinheaven.Godintheeffusionof regeneration,sanctification,andthelike)
theSpiritentersintosuchadynamic intothedimensionofChristianwitness.
interactionwithmanthatnewpowersare
releasedtopraiseGod,towitnessboldly Whatisbasicallybeingdescribedhereis
inthenameofChrist,toperform"signs theenablementofthechurchtofulfillthe

ministryofthegospel.Thechurch,which therebyleadingmanyintodeeper
isthecommunityofthosewhoinChrist understandingoftheCreator,Jesus
haveexperiencedtheFather'sgoodness broughtaboutatransformationinhuman
increation,andtheSon'sgracein nature.ByfaithinChristpeopleare
redemption,iscalledupontobethe forgiven,madenewcreatures,andset
avenueofFatherandSonincarrying uponthepathofeternallife.Effusion,
forwardthegospel.Theeffusionofthe whereintheHolySpiritispouredforth
Spiritbestowsuponthecommunityofthe uponaredeemedcreation,becomes
redeemedthepresenceandpowerofthe effectivewiththosebelievinginJesus
HolySpiritwherebythechurchbecomes Christwhoarereadyandopentoreceive
alivingdemonstrationoftheTriuneGod. it.Therebytheyareenabledtobea
forcefulwitnesstoChrist,domighty
III worksinHisname,andtobechannelsfor
TheAppropriationofGod'sMighty manyoperationsandmanifestationsof
ActsbyFaith theHolySpirit.
Itisnowimportanttostressthatallthe InJesusChristalltheseblessingsare
mightyactsworksofGodaretobe foundthegoodnessofGodtheFatherin
recognizedandappropriatedbyfaithin creation,thegraceofGodtheSonin
JesusChrist.Creationwhichintends redemption,thegloryofGodtheSpiritin
communicationisfulfilledincommunion effusionallthesethroughfaithinHim.
andfellowshipbetweenGodandman;it FaithisdirectedtoJesusChrist,forin
isinfaiththatthecreaturemayrespond HimisallfullnessofGodheadandall
toGod'spaternalloveandcare.However, blessings("everyspiritualblessing"[Eph.
duetoman'salienationfromGodthrough 1:3]).However,theveryfaithdirectedto
sin,suchcommunicationwasnotfully JesusChristmaybeafaithinmovement,
realizeduntiltheadventofJesusChrist, wherebythereisastepbystepunfolding
andthewaybacktotheFatherwas ofGodasFather,Son,andHolySpirit,
revealed:"Iamtheway,andthetruth, andanaccompanyingrealizationofGod's
andthelife;noonecomestotheFather, creative,redemptive,andeffusive
butbyme"(John14:6).Throughfaithin activity.
JesusChristthewayisopenedafreshto
afilialrelationshipinwhichGodthe Theprimeexampleofthisstepbystep
FatherisknowninHisintimate, unfoldingofGodasFather,Son,andHoly
providential,sustaininggraceand SpiritisfoundinthecaseofJesus'first
therebythepurposeofcreationis disciples.JesusHimselfwasthecenterof
fulfilled.Incarnation,whichisforthe theirdevotion,andastheyfollowedHim
purposeofredemptionofafallen daybydaytheyfirstbecameincreasingly
creation,attainsitsendwiththosewhoin awareofGodasFather.Theteachingsof
faithandrepentanceacceptChristas Jesushadmuchtodowiththis,forHe
Savior.MorethansharingtheFather, frequentlyspokeofGodasFatherand
whichJesusdidinhislifeandteachings, taughtHisdisciplestopray,"Our

Father...."Inmanysayingsandparables thembuttothegenerationsthereafter.
JesusdepictedGod'spaternalcare.More "Repentandbebaptizedeveryoneofyou
thanthis,thedisciplescameto inthenameofJesusChristforthe
experienceGodasFatherthrough forgivenessofyoursins;andyoushall
sharingwithJesusHistrust,assurance, receivethegiftoftheHolySpirit.Forthe
andconfidenceintheFather'swill.God promise[oftheSpirit]istoyouandto
asSon,JesusChrist,inHisforgiving, yourchildrenandtoallthatarefaroff,
redemptiveactivitythedisciples everyonewhomtheLordourGodcallsto
increasinglyexperiencedastheyears him"(Acts2:3839).7Thegiftispromised
wentby.Thusitwasthattheycameto toallwhoare"called"(=callingto
lifeinHim.ByHisdeathand salvation),andisreceived,evenas
resurrectiontheywereraisedupand forgiveness,byfaith.
experiencedwhatitwastobenew
creatures.ThroughfaithinJesusasthe ItisapparentfromtheaccountinActs
SonofGodtheyreceivedthewonderof thatthegiftoftheSpiritwassometimes
forgivenessandenteredintoeternallife. receivedconcurrentwithsavingfaithin
Finally,theycametoknowGodasHoly JesusChrist,andonotheroccasionswas
SpiritasHewaspouredoutuponthemat receivedlater.Itisalsoclearthat
Pentecost,andthereafter,filledwith apostlessuchasPeter,John,andPaul
God'spresenceandpowertheybore werenotsatisfieduntilbelieversinJesus
mightywitnesstothetruthofthegospel. hadalsoreceivedthisgift:thebestowalof
AgainitwasthroughfaithinJesuswho theHolySpirit.Variouslytherewas
hadpromisedtheHolySpiritthatthis baptismandthelayingonofhands,but
tookplace.Butitdidnothappenallat thesinglemostimportantpreparation(as
once:itoccurredoveraperiodoftime. withtheoriginaldisciplesbefore
Pentecost)wasprayer.Inprayerthere
Wemaynoteinmoredetailthatthe doubtlesswaspresenttheatmosphereof
effusion,oroutpouring,oftheHolySpirit openness,expectancy,evenreadinessfor
occurredsomefiftydaysafterthe thebestowaloftheSpirit.Thusitwas,
discipleshadexperiencedthedeathand throughouttheNewTestamentchurch,
resurrectionofJesusthroughwhichthey believersinJesusbyfaithparticipatedin
hadcometonewlifeinHim.Witha thethirdmightyactofGod,theeffusion
livingfaithinJesustheyalsobelievedin oftheHolySpirit.
thepromiseofHisSpirit,andwaitedin
prayeruntiltheSpiritwaspouredout Finally,itisimportanttoemphasize
fromonhigh.TheeffusionoftheSpirit, againthatthegiftoftheSpiritwasnot
liketheredemptiontheyhadexperienced, limitedtotheNewTestamentperiod.Itis
wasanactofgrace:itwasthegiftofthe acontinuingpromisetothepeopleofGod.
HolySpirit.Theyalsotoldthosewho Thisalsosignifiesthattheeffusionofthe
wouldrepentandbelieveinChristfor Spiritwasnotaonceforallmatter,but
forgivenessoftheirsinsthatthesame occurseverandagainwherethereare
giftoftheSpiritwasavailable,notonlyto thosereceptivetoGod'sgraciousgift.By

nomeansitshouldbeaddedwasthe Regardingbaptismitisrelevantto
giftoftheSpiritgivenonceforallat observethatitisavisiblesignorsymbol
Pentecost,sothatthechurchinsome andsealofdiscipleshipenteredinto,and
sensehasbecomepossessoroftheHoly itisbackgroundforteachingtofollow.
Spiritandtherebyneedsnolongertolook Baptizingistobedoneinthenameof
forwardtothereceiptofGod'sgift. Father,Son,andHolySpirit,andthereby
Indeed,theremaybespecialneedinour demonstrationisgivenofwhat
dayforthechurchtoprayearnestlyfor discipleship,Christianization,faithare
theoutpouringofGod'sSpirit.Ifthe allabout.Thediscipleisonewhohas
churchlackshere,thereisnopossible beensetonthewayoffaithafaiththat,
wayofadequatelyfulfillingtheGreat whilesurelyfocusingonJesus,represents
Commission. entranceintothefullrealityofGodas
Father,Son,andHolySpiritandHis
IV workincreation,redemption,and
ChristianBaptism:SignandSealof effusion.
God'sMightyActs
SincebaptismisintheTriunename,then
ItisimportantnexttonotethatChristian thefullnessoffaithincludesrelationship
baptismbaptisminthenameofthe toGodasFather,Son,andHolySpirit.
Father,Son,andHolySpiritisbothsign Likewisesincebaptismbydefinition
andsealofGod'smightyactsworks suggestsimmersion,therealityoffaith
appropriatedbyfaith. therebysignifiedisthatofimmersionin,
participationin,theactivityoftheTriune
ThewordsofJesusinMatthew28:19 God.Thusifbaptism,forexample,isin
"Gothereforeandmakedisciplesofall thenameoftheSon,thespiritualreality
nations,baptizingtheminthenameof isthatofbaptismintoChrist(whichis
theFatherandoftheSonandoftheHoly themeaningoffaithasidentification)
Spirit,teachingthemtoobserveallthatI wherebynewlifeisreceived;ifbaptismis
havecommandedyou"havebeen inthenameoftheHolySpirit,thenthe
recognizedasmandateforthechurch spiritualrealityisthatofbaptisminthe
sincetheearliesttimes.Threethingsare HolySpiritbywhichpowerforministryis
hereinexpressed:first,themakingof given.Inotherwords,thefullrealityof
disciples,whichsignifiesbringingto faithordiscipleshipincludes
faith,thatis,Christianizing;second,that immersionintheTriuneGod'sthreefold
alongwithbringingtofaiththereistobe actionofcreation,redemption,and
abaptizingintheTriuneName;and effusion.
third,teachingisimperativeforallwho
aremadedisciplesandbaptized.Baptism Itissignificanttonotethatbaptismin
istherebycloselyconnectedwith theBookofActsisinthenameofJesus
discipleshipandfaith,andisasmucha only.Suchbaptismclearlyreferstothe
partoftheGreatCommissionasthe forgivenessofsinswhichcomesthrough
teachingthatfollowsit. faithinJesusChrist.FaithinJesus

whichmediatesforgivenessisactuallya throughfaithinJesusChrist;Heisthe
baptismorparticipationofwhichwater Onewhobothredeemsfromsinsand
baptismisvisiblesignorseal.Thereisno baptizesintheHolySpirit.Fourth,
mentionofpracticeoftriunebaptismin baptismintheHolySpiritisnottheother
Acts.However,onseveraloccasionsthere (spiritual)sideofbaptisminwater.
isanadditionalriteoflayingonofhands BaptisminwaterinthenameofJesus
subsequenttobaptisminthenameof Christ,asnoted,isfor(or"unto")
Jesus.Suchariteisinrelationto forgivenessofsins;baptismintheSpirit
receivingtheHolySpiritandthus signifiestherealityofempowering
completesthefullrangeofentranceinto presence(withwhichlayingonofhands,
Christiandiscipleship.Thosereceiving notwaterbaptism,maybeconnected).
theHolySpiritinActsarethereby Fifth,baptismintheHolySpiritmay
baptizedintheHolySpirit(asastudyof occursimultaneouslywithfaithinJesus
parallelpassagesshows).Suchspiritual Christforforgivenessofsins(ofwhich
baptismisnoneotherthantheimmersion waterbaptismissignandseal),oritmay
ofthosewhobelieveinthepresenceand occuratalatertime.However,notuntil
poweroftheHolySpiritwherebythey bothspiritualrealitiesareexperiencedis
becomeeffectivewitnessesforJesus Christiandiscipleshipfullyenteredupon.
Christ.Christiandiscipleshipis
completedbybaptismin(orinthename NowinreturningtotheGreat
of)theHolySpirit;however,thepurpose CommissioninMatthewitisapparent
ofsuchspiritualbaptismismoreclearly thatthewholeofChristiandiscipleship
specifiedintheBookofActsthanin (orinitiation)iscomprehendedinthe
Matthew. formulaofTriunebaptism"inthename
oftheFatherandoftheSonandofthe
Severalobservationsabouttherecordin HolySpirit."Thereisnosuggestioneither
Actsarerelevant.First,twodifferent ofbaptizinginthenameofJesusonlyor
spiritualrealitiesarebeingattested.On ofanadditionalactofhandsforreceiving
theonehandthereistheforgivenessof theHolySpirit.However,inshorthand
sinsgiventhroughfaithinJesusChrist fashionallisincluded,sothatTriune
towhichbaptisminthenameofJesusis baptismrepresentsthesignandsealof
related;ontheother,theempowering thefullnessofinitiationintoChristian
presenceoftheHolySpiritbaptisminthe discipleship.
HolySpiritwithwhichlayingonof
handsisconnected.Second,bothbaptism WhatthendoesbaptizingintheTriune
inwaterandlayingonofhands,while namesignify?Letusbequitespecific:
signandsealofthespiritualrealities ThroughdiscipleshiptoJesus("Go...make
attested,arenotsoidenticalwiththese disciples")weenterintoarelationshipto
realitiesthatthey(forgivenessofsinsand theTriuneGod,Father,Son,andHoly
empoweringpresence)maynotoccur Spiritwhereinthereisimmersioninthe
withoutthem.Third,bothforgivenessof realityofGodinHiscreative,redemptive,
sinsandtheempoweringgiftoccur andeffusiveactivity.EvenasGodisone

andnotthree,Christiandiscipleshipisa Letuspursuethismatterastepfurther
unity,relatedbasicallytotherealityof bycomparingwithLuke'sGospel.In
JesusChrist.Hence,thereis"oneLord, Luke24nothingissaidaboutbaptizing,
onefaith,onebaptism"(i.e.intheTriune buttwocriticalthingsareaffirmed:(1)
name)(Eph.4:5).HoweverasGodisone that"repentanceandforgivenessofsins
shouldbepreachedinhisnametoall
Godinthreepersons,andaccordingly
nations"(v.47);(2)thatthedisciplesare
threebasicmightyacts,Christian
"tostayinthecity,until...clothedwith
discipleship/initiationmayoccurina
powerfromonhigh"(v.49).Thelasttwo
process,possiblyoveranextendedperiod elementsoftheMattheanbaptismal
oftime.Baptisminthenameofthe formula,itwouldclearlyseem,arethere:
FatherandoftheSonandoftheHoly repentanceandforgivenessofsinsto
SpiritmayastheBookofActsattests whichbaptisminthenameoftheSon
happenallatonce,andinseparate points,andtheendowmentofpowerto
moments.Stillthereisaunity,one whichbaptisminthenameoftheHoly
initiation(notseveral),nomatterhow Spiritmaywellrefer.Thedifferenceand
longtheprocessmaytake. ahighlyimportantoneforustodayis
thatthecommandinMatthew
Thecommand,orcommission,in
unmistakablyextendstoallthereafter
Matthewmaythenwellinclude"inthe
whoaretobecomedisciples!
nameoftheHolySpirit"thebringingof
peopleintotheclimaxoftheirinitiation, Triunebaptismtosumupactually
namely,tobebaptizedintheHolySpirit. coversthewholeofGod'smightyactsand
ItissometimessaidthatthereisnoNew thetotalityofChristianinitiation.There
Testamentcommandregardingbaptism isnomentionoflayingonofhands(which
intheHolySpirit(exceptfortheoriginal wouldbeinorderifbaptismwereinthe
disciplesinActs1:15).However,thereis nameoftheSononly),fortriunebaptism
thecommandtobaptizeinthenameof symbolicallyincludesthattowhichlaying
theHolySpirit,whichcouldmean onofhandspoints.Thisdoesnotmean
essentiallythesamething(evenasto thatlayingonofhandsforbaptisminthe
baptizeinthenameoftheSon=to HolySpirit(asisfrequentlypracticed)is
baptizeinthenameofJesus).Certainly wrong;indeed,theactionmaybehelpful,
thisoughtnottobeidentifiedwith butitaddsnothingtowhatisconveyedin
baptisminthenameoftheSon,whichis triunebaptism.Theimportantthing,
thesecondpartoraspectofthebaptismal however,isnotwaterbaptismbut
formula.Whatthethirdpartofthe entranceintotherealityofafilial
formulaquitelikelyisdealingwithisthe relationwiththeFather,forgivenessin
anointingorempoweringoftheHoly theSon,andempoweringthroughthe
Spirit.Otherwise,thereisnothingin HolySpirit.Triunebaptismshouldfollow
Jesus'wordsoftheGreatCommission upon(assign)andinconnectionwith(as
relatingtothishighlyimportantmatter. seal)thefullnessofChristian
discipleship.

AproperunderstandingofChristian timecomingintoHisown,andbeing
baptismassignandsealofthemighty recognizedasuniqueinHispersonand
actsofGodisessentialfortheprogressof activityasareFatherandSon.Tobe
thechurchinourtime.Assignandseal sure,theHolySpiritglorifiestheSon,
ofthegraceoftheTriuneGod,itisbotha evenastheSonglorifiestheFather,but
challengetoenterintothefullnessof thisdoesnotmeanthateitherSonor
discipleshipandatthesametimethe Spiritistobeontologicallyorfunctionally
assuranceofGod'sprevenientgrace subordinatedtoanyotherpersoninthe
alreadyatworkinthelivesofthosewho Trinity.Thoughallpersonsparticipate
belongtoChrist.Itistobehopedthatby fullyineveryactionoftheGodhead,each
somesuchunderstandingthechurch hasHisownproperfunctiontowhichthe
todaywillbeablebettertoenterintothe otherpersonsintheTrinityrelate.
fullnessofitsinheritance.However, Especiallyitisthecasethatinourday
peopleoftensimplydonotknowwhatis theparticularroleandfunctionofthe
meanstobebaptizedinthenameofthe HolySpiritineffusioniscomingtolight,
Father,andoftheSon,andoftheHoly andwhatallofthisimpliesforthechurch
Spirit,andarenotchallengedtomove initslifeandmission.
aheadandfullyparticipateinthemighty
worksofGod.UnitedbyfaithinJesus Itshouldbeclearbynowthatthethird
ChristandbaptismintheTriunename, mightyactofGodtheeffusionofthe
thewholechurchofChristmaynowlook HolySpiritisbynomeanslimitedtothe
forwardtoenteringuponthefullnessof firstcenturyofthehistoryofthechurch.
whatGodisdoinginourtime.Wecanill UnliketheIncarnation,whichisaonce
affordtodelayanylonger.MaytheLord forallmatter,effusionoftheSpiritoccurs
giveallofusthegraceandthevisionto againandagainthroughouthistory.This
befullyapartofthegloriousfulfillment mightyworkofGoddoesnotsomuch
ofGod'spurposeinhistory. belongtosalvationhistory
(Heilsgeschichte)asitdoestopneumatic
V history.TheHolySpirit,aswehave
God'sMightyActs:Summaryand noted,isinvolvedalongwiththeFather
Reflection andSonintheworkofsalvation,butthis
mustnotbeconfusedwiththeoutpouring
Ithasbecomeincreasinglyapparentthat oftheHolySpiritwhichisforadistinctly
bothourtheologyandourexperience differentpurpose.ItisGod'ssovereign
havebeeninsufficientlyTrinitarian.The actionuponapeoplerenewedinJesus
church,withsomedifficulty,cameto Christ,wherebytheirwholelifeand
speakinorthodoxmannerofthedivinity communityareclaimedbythepresence
andequalityofeachpersoninthe andpowerofGod.Aswehaveobserved,
Godhead,butthroughouthistorythe thisbringsaboutasituationof
churchhashadgreatdifficultyin intensificationofpraise,proclamation,
recognizingjustwhatthissignifies. mightyworks,boldness,andcouragethat
EspeciallyhastheHolySpirithadahard mayleadeventomartyrdom.Without

thisspecialanointingoftheHolySpirit salvation.Onthecontrary,itisimportant
thechurchisstillthechurchoftheLord torecognizethatthepromiseoftheHoly
JesusChrist,butitmaybeseverely Spiritalwaysaccompaniesredemption,
limitedinitsabilitytowitnesseffectively. forgivenessofsins,baptismintoJesus;
Itmightbeaddedthatespeciallyinour butthepromiseisnotthegiftitself.Itis
timewhenthereissuchapreponderance tobereceivedratherbythosewho
ofevilintheworld,ofsecularism,blatant throughfaithinJesusChristlook
atheism,andrampantimmorality,the expectantlyforthepromisetobefulfilled,
churchneedstomoveinallthepower inorderthatthefullnessoftheHoly
thatGodtheHolySpiritcangive.Surely Spiritmaybeatworktocarryforward
therehasneverbeenatimeinhistory themissionofChrist.
whenthethirdmightyactofGodthe
effusionoftheHolySpiritsomuch Wemustalsoavoidanysuchlanguageas
needsrecognitionandappropriationfor a"secondworkofgrace"(or"thirdworkof
boththerejuvenationandempoweringof grace"),forinJesusChristwehave
thepeopleofGod,andfortheworldto received"graceupongrace"(John1:16).
receivetheimpactofthegospelmessage. AccordinglytheeffusionoftheHolySpirit
isnotanadditionalworkofgraceasif
Accordingly,wemustavoidmanyofthe somethingwerelackinginwhatwehave
mistakesthatthechurchhasmadein receivedfromJesusChristbutitisthe
relationtotheHolySpirit.Forexample, outpouringofGod'sSpirituponthosewho
itisacriticalmistaketorelegate haveknowngracebeyondmeasure.If
Pentecosttoaneventofthepast,and anything,theeffusionoftheHolySpirit
therebytocloseoffthepossibilityofthe belongsnottothedimensionofgracebut
effusionoftheSpiritinourtime.Itis tothedimensionofglory,wherebyGod
equallydevastatingtoaffirmthatat glorifiesHispeoplethattheymaymore
PentecosttheHolySpiritwasgivenonce trulyandfullyglorifyHisname!Any
foralltothechurch,sothatthereisno suggestion,furthermore,thatto
needtoexpectorprayforthefullnessof experiencetheeffusionoftheHolySpirit
God'sHolySpirittobepouredoutagain. istoenterintoakindofsuperspirituality
Oflikeseriousnessisthemistake orsuperChristianitymustbetotally
frequentlymadeofidentifyingeffusionof repudiated.Indeed,normaldiscipleship
theHolySpiriteitherwithregeneration astheGreatCommissionattests
orwithsanctification.Eachoftheseareas includesbaptismintheTriunename,
ofsalvation(regenerationand andthereforethetruediscipleofJesusis
sanctification)representsanimportant onewhoknowstherealityofbaptismin
aspectoftheHolySpirit'sworkin theTriunename.Whathashappenedin
relationshiptoJesusChrist,butthe thechurchtoooftenisthatwehave
effusionoftheSpiritissomethingquite acceptedasnormalwhatisactually
different.Alsothemistakeissometimes subnormal.Thechurchhasnotlivedup
madetothinkofthegiftoftheHoly toitspotential,andasaresultboth
Spiritasgivenautomaticallyalongwith churchandworldhavesufferedthereby.

Nothinghasbeensaidinthisaddress Weliveinanextraordinarytimethe
aboutthecharismaticgifts.Thereasonis timebyGod'ssovereigndispositionofthe
thatthegiftoftheHolySpiritits outpouringofHisHolySpiritaroundthe
understandingandreceptionisofmore world.Letusnothesitatetosummonthe
basicimportancethanthegiftsofthe wholechurchtobereceptivetowhatGod
HolySpirit.Wherethegiftiswelcomed isnowdoing,andtobeconstantlyopento
andreceived,therethecharismatatend God'srenewalforeffectivewitnessinour
toflourish.ForthegiftsoftheHolySpirit dayandgeneration.AndtoGodbethe
arenothingotherthanmanifestationof praiseandtheglory!Amen.
theoutpouringofGod'sHolySpirit
wherebythewholecommunityoffaith
becomesthearenaoftheHolySpirit's
activity.Onecannotemphasizetoo Footnotes
stronglytheimportanceofthegiftsofthe
HolySpiritforthelifeofthechurch,and TheologicallythereareelementsofthisinKarl
1
howweakenedmuchofthechurchhas Barth'swritings,forexampleinhisdoctrineof
electionwhereJesusChristisboththe"electing
becomethroughitsfailuretoknowand
God"andthe"electedman"(seehisChurch
experiencethem,butthecrucialmatter
Dogmatics,II/2,"JesusChrist,Electingand
forthechurchinourdayremainsthe Elected,"94127).Onthepopularlevelthe"Jesus
effusionoroutpouringoftheHolySpirit. Movement,"withaconcentrationonJesusalmost
TheimportantthingatCorinth,for totheneglectofGodtheFatherisarecent
example,wasnotthattheyhad example.
experiencedallthegifts(whichindeed 2
Thismaybefoundinsomemysticalformsof
theyhad)butthat,asPaulwrites,"in Christianity(withparallelsinvariousreligionsof
everywayyouwereenrichedinhim...so theEast)andamongenthusiastsandpneumatics
thatyouarenotlackinginanyspiritual appearingatvarioustimesinthelifeofthe
gift"(1Cor.1:5,7),orasanearly Church.
noncanonicalwritersays,therewasa 3
TheFaithandOrderCommissionoftheWorld
"fulloutpouringoftheHolySpiritupon
CouncilofChurches,inreferringtoRoman
youall."8Therewasmuchcarnalityinthe CatholicismandProtestantism,speaksthus:
Corinthiansituation,buttheydidrepent "Theologyandpracticeofthesechurcheshastoa
oftheirsins,andcontinuedtoremain largeextentneglectedtheHolySpirit,exceptfor
opentothefullnessofwhateverGodhad somestandardaffirmationsaboutHiscontinuing
presence.ThedoctrineoftheHolySpiritandeven
togive.Whatinourdayissodesperately
morethesensitivitytoHisactivepresenceinthe
neededisopennesstothefullnessofwhat Churchandtheworldwereandstillare
GodhastogivetoHispeople,and underdevelopedinthewesterntraditionof
therebynotonlytoparticipateinthegifts Christianity"(seeFaithandOrder:Louvain,
oftheHolySpirit,butalsotomakealife 1971,paper59,pp.117,131132).
changingimpactontheworld.

4
"Actworks"referstothecombinationof
creation/communication,incarnation/redemption,
andeffusion/fulfillment.
5
SeemybookTheEraoftheSpiritonthematter
of"applicativeinstrumentality"(5354).Attention
isalsocalledthereintoHendrikusBerkhof's
dissatisfactionwithwhathecalls"themain
pneumatologicaltrendinecclesiasticaltheology...
[wherein]theSpiritiscustomarilytreatedin
noetical,applicative,subjectiveterms.Heisthat
powerwhichdirectsourattentiontoChristand
opensoureyestoHisworks....SotheSpiritisa
secondrealitybesidesChrist,butentirely
subordinatetoHim,servingintheapplicationof
Hisatoningwork."Berkhofexpresseshis
disagreementwiththistrend,andaddsthat"the
Spiritisfarmorethananinstrumentalentity,the
subjectivereverseofChrist'swork"(quotations
fromBerkhof'sTheDoctrineoftheHolySpirit,
23).Thisismyownopinionaswell.
6
John1conveysinaspecialwaythisthreefold
mediationofJesusChrist:theWordthrough
whomallthingsweremade(v.3),theLambof
Godwhotakesawaythesinoftheworld(v.29),
andtheOnewhobaptizeswiththeHolySpirit(v.
33).
7
See,inadditiontoActs2:3839,Galatians3:13
14:"Christredeemedusfromthecurseofthelaw,
havingbecomeacurseforus...thatinChristJesus
theblessingofAbrahammightcomeuponthe
Gentiles,thatwemightreceivethepromiseofthe
Spiritthroughfaith."
8
1Clement,2:2.

Chapter9 praiseparexcellenceforglorifyingand
extollingGod.Ifthereislittledesireto
praiseGod,thentonguesareoflittle
WHYSPEAKIN significance;butiftheworship,the
praise,theadorationofAlmightyGodis
TONGUES? thechiefconcernofone'slife,then
tongueshaveunlimitedvalueasa
Nottoolongaftermyfirstexperienceof
supernaturalavenueofthattranscendent
speakingintongues,Irecallacolleague
praise.
sayingsomethinglikethis:"Idon'tdeny
thatsuchaphenomenonexists,but ThepraiseofGod,ofcourse,shouldalso
actuallyIseenoreasonforit,novaluein soundforthasfullyaspossibleinthe
it."Inotherwords,whyshouldonewant nativespeechofman.One'smother
tospeakintongues?Whatneedisthere tonguewhetheritbeEnglish,French,
forit,whatworthtoit? German,orsomethingelseissomucha
partofone'swholebeingthatitisthe
Thebasicreasonforsuchquestioning,I
mostnaturalvehicleofworship.Hence
amconvinced,isthefailureto
therearehymns,anthems,prayers
comprehendtheessentialnatureof
which,whethersungliturgicallyor
speakingintongues,whichis
spontaneously,mayinhumanlanguage
transcendentpraiseofGod.Speakingin declarethegloryofGod.Andsurelythose
tonguesglossolaliaisanexpressionof whoareenamoredofGodwilleverseek
thatpraiseofGodwhereinthereisthe waysoffullerworshipinthespeechof
breakthroughofusualspeechlimitations theirownplaceandtime.However,there
ofone'snativetongueintoahigherand comesormaycomeamomentwhen
fullerrealmofpraise,blessing,adoration, thelevelofnaturalspeechisleftbehind
andthanksgiving.Itistogobeyondthe andoneentersupontheextraordinary
mostelevatedofearthlyexpressions praiseofGodinthelanguageofthe
even"Hallelujahs"or"Hosannas"into Spirit.
spiritualutterance.Toputitdirectly:itis
thepraiseofGodinlanguagegivenby Awordofpersonaltestimonymaybe
theHolySpirit. helpful.Myattitudeconcerningtongues
formerlywasmuchlikethatexpressedat
Ifsuchtranscendentpraiseispossible, theoutsetofthisarticle:Icouldseeno
wouldonenotwanttoshareinit?Would valueinit.Indeedthewholematterwas
onenotwanttospeakintongues,yesto abitrepugnanttomysensibilities.
singintongues,thatis,tospeakandsing Howevertherecameadayandhourwhen
bytheHolySpirit'sinspiration?Would allthissuddenlychanged.Andwhat
onenotwanttotranscendthelimitsof broughtitabout?Namely,therecamea
earthlylanguageinthehighpraisesof suddenintensityofdesiretopraiseGod
God?Whyspeakintongues?Theanswer moretotallyandcompletely.Itwasinthe
isnotfaroff:becauseitisthevehicleof

contextofsayingtheopeningwordsof theemphasisisonwordlesspraiserather
Psalm103"BlesstheLord,0mysoul, thanpraiseinanewlanguage,the
andallthatiswithinmeblesshisholy connectionisquiteclose.Eachis
name;blesstheLord,0mysoul,and motivatedbythesameintenseyearning:
forgetnotallhisbenefits"thatmy toexpresstheinexpressiblethustogo
spirit,fullofjoy,yearnedtoexpressthis beyondordinaryspeechintotherealmof
totally"all...withinme"tobreakforthin transcendentpraise.
heavenlyblessing.Thencamethe
graciousgiftofanewtongue,aspiritual
languageanextraordinary,even
shockingevent.ButnowatlastIwas Nextitisimportanttoaddthatspeaking
praisingGodwithmywholebeingbody, intonguescanbeunderstoodonlyagainst
soul,andspirit. thebackgroundofakindoftotalyielding
toGod.Thisisnota"yieldingtotongues"
Whenspeakingintonguesisunderstood (asissometimessaid),butayieldingto
primarilyastranscendentpraise,thereis Godinwhicheverything,includingthe
everyreasontobegratefulforits tongue,becomestheavenueofGod's
occurrence.Forexample,therehasbeena presenceandpower.TheapostlePaul
longhistoryinthechurchofwhatmany urgesthatwepresentour"bodies...a
havecalled"jubilation."Tojubilateisto livingsacrifice"(Rom.12:1);inother
gobeyondordinaryspeechintoapraiseof words,ourtotalselvestobecompletely
Godthateventhemostexpressivewords giventoGod.Surelythereisnopartof
cannotconvey.St.Augustinewrotemuch thebodythatcausesmorehavocthanthe
ofjubilationinhiscommentaryon tongue.Jamesspeaksofthetongueas
Psalms,forexample:"Ifyoucannot "anunrighteousworldamongour
expressyourjoy,jubilate:jubilation members,stainingthewholebody,
expressesyourjoy;itcannotbeasilent settingonfirethecycleofnature,andset
joy."Again,"Whatisjubilation?Joythat onfirebyhell...withitweblesstheLord
cannotbeexpressedinwords;yetthe andFather,andwithitwecursemen"
voiceexpresseswhatisconceivedwithin (James3:6,9).Howessentialthe
andcannotbeexpressedverbally."St. surrenderofthetongue,howurgentits
ThomasAquinas,alsoinhiscommentary purifying,howmarvelousthatGodmay
onPsalms,wrote:"Jubilationisan grantanewtongueto"blesstheLordand
unspeakablejoy,whichonecannotkeep Father"!But,torepeat,thebasicmatter
silent;yetneithercanitbeexpressed(in isthatofsurrenderofeverythingtoGod.
words)...itisbeyondcomprehension."1
Otherquotationsmightbeadded,but Soletusprobedeeper.Intheyieldingof
theseshouldsufficetoshowhow thetotalselfbody,soul,andspiritto
jubilationhasoftenbeenexperiencedasa God,thesituationisthatinwhichthe
matteroftranscendentjoy,transcendent SpiritofGodisabletotakefull
praise.Althoughjubilationmaynotbe possession.ThisiswhattheScriptures
identifiedwithglossolaliaassuch,since refertointhelanguageofbeing"filled

withtheHolySpirit."Theprimeexample thatthisutteranceisinconceptual
ofthisistheapostlesandmanyothers speech,norforthatmatteristhe
menandwomenalikewho"withone subconsciouspredominantsothatthe
accorddevotedthemselvestoprayer" utteranceisecstatic;2rathertheHoly
(Acts1:14).OntheDayofPentecost"they Spiritmovinguponthehumanspirit
wereallfilledwiththeHolySpiritand bringsforthutterancewhichisotherthan
begantospeakinothertongues,asthe boththeconceptualandtheecstatic.Itis
Spiritgavethemutterance"(Acts2:4). glossolalicutterance:thelanguageofthe
Theprimarymatterwasthefillingwith HolySpiritspokenthroughthespeech
theSpirit,outofwhichcameglossolalic organsofpeople.
speech.Theirspeech,sofullofjoythat
manyobserversthoughtthemtobe"filled
withnewwine,"wasthatoftranscendent
praiseastheyspokeforth"themighty[or Giventheconditionsofbeing"filledwith
"wonderful"]worksofGod"(Acts2:11, theHolySpirit,"speakingintonguesisa
13).Trulytheywerefilledwithnewwine quitenormaloccurrence.Onecannotsay
butitwaswineoftheSpirit,notofthe a"natural"occurrencebecausethe
grape.TheSpiritofGodhadfilledthem: spiritual(theHolySpirit)isthesource.
theywerepeoplepossessedbythedivine Ratheritisbasicallysupernatural,and
presence. belongstotherealmof"signsand
wonders"(aNewTestamentfrequent
WemaynotefurtherthatwhentheSpirit definitionofmiracle)whichmayoccur
ofGodfillsaperson,thissignifiesthaton whenthespiritualbreaksin.However,
thedeepestlevelofhisbeing,namely,the whenapersonisfilledwiththeSpiritit
spirit,heorshehasbeenpenetratedand isnormalforspiritualutterancetooccur:
pervadedbytheHolySpirit.Notonlyhas onefollowsdirectlyfromtheother.Of
theconsciousmindbeenprobedbutalso course,theremayalsoberational
thesubconscious,evenintothedepthsof utterance(thoughpenetratedbyfresh
thehumanspirit.TheSpiritofGodmay spiritualcontent),fortheHolySpirit
alreadyhavebeenatworkwithin(asis movesthroughalllevelsofthespiritual
thecaseforeverytruebeliever);butthis andmental.Thereisoftenanalternation
isafurthervisitationinwhichtheSpirit betweenspiritualandnaturallanguage
takesinwardpossession.Thisdoesnot withmutualenrichment.Butmybasic
meandominationbutfreelygivencontrol pointisthatspeakingintongues,while
whereintheHolySpiritnowfunctions miraculous,isanormalaspectofbeing
withouthindrancethroughthehuman filledwiththeSpiritofGod.
spirit.Thuswhenspeechoccursitmaybe
notrationalutterancebutspiritual
utteranceorutterance,which,though
spokenbyman,isinspirituallanguage, Thequestionissometimesasked:Must
languagetheHolySpiritprovides.The believersspeakintonguesiftheyare
mindisnolongerthecontrollingcenterso Spiritfilled?Thequestion,incidentally,

usuallyexpressessomefearordisquiet peoplespeakintonguestheyoftenburn
aboutthepossibility.Theanswerisnot theirbridgesbehindthem.Theymaynow
thatonemust,butthatonemay!Ifpeople belabeleda"tonguesspeaker"(withall
arefilledwiththeHolySpirit,anewand thenegativeimagesusuallyassociated).
wonderfulthingcannowhappen.They Reputation,respect,andpositionmaybe
may,throughtheinfillingSpirit,speakin forfeited.Thusitisnoteasyforsometo
tongues.TheHolySpiritwillneverforce takethestep.However,ontheother
Hisway("wheretheSpiritoftheLordis, hand,itmaybethatwhatisfollyinthe
thereisfreedom"[2Cor.3:17]),buta sightofothersiswisdomintheeyesof
newevensupernaturalpossibilityis GodandthatGodhasestablishedthis
nowgiven.TheSpirit,ifallowedfree strange,andoftendespised,wayasa
accesstotheorgansofspeech,maybring channelforHispraiseandglory.
forthanewandspirituallanguage.There
isno"must"aboutitbutanexcitingand
wonderfulnewpossibilityisnowathand.
Finally,letmesummarizeanumberof
Itisimportanttoaddthatsituationsvary valuesofspeakingintongues.First,
amongpeoplewhofirstspeakintongues. whateverothers(intheworldorchurch!)
SomefilledwiththeHolySpiritareso maythink,whenpeoplespeakintongues,
floodedwiththerealityofGod'spresence theybegintoexperienceinafreshway
andpowerthattheycanscarcelycontain therealityofGod.Theymaystartwith
themselves;thusspeakingintongues,or onlyafewsyllablesorwords,orwiththe
transcendentspeech,quicklyoccurs.They wholenewlanguage,butthereisa
sensedeepwithintheirspiritagreat growingsenseofawethatGodispresent,
yearningandurgetobreakforthinfresh speakinginthemandthroughthem.This
praisetoGod,andsotheyallowtheHoly newlanguage,whichisknownnotto
Spirittoprovidethelanguage.Others, havebeenmadeuporconjuredup,isan
likewiseSpiritfilled,throughignorance, audiblereminder,wheneverspoken,of
fear,anduncertainty,mayseektohold themiraculousactivityofGod.
thingsincheckandthusdonot
immediatelyspeakintongues.However, Second,speakingintonguesasitmoves
thepossibilityisnowpresent,andwith intosingingintonguesorsinginginthe
theproperconditionsandawillingnessto Spirit(wherebothwordsandmelodyare
ventureforth,theywillsoonbespeaking givenbytheHolySpirit)becomesajoyful
anewlanguageoftheSpirit. expressionofpraisewhenpeopleare
gatheredtogetherforworship.Where
Thisisnotalwayseasy.Thereissomuch peoplenotonlysingpsalmsandhymns
resistancetothewholematterof butalsoareabletosing"spiritual
speakingintonguesasbeingirrational, songs,"3thereisthezenithoftheworship
hyperemotional,evenabitshameful ofGod.
thatittakessomecourageformanyeven
tocontemplateit.Furthermore,when

Third,speakingintongueshasgreat tongues.Tonguesoftenarethekey
benefitinthelifeofprayer.Theapostle turningthelockofthedoorintothewhole
Paulenjoinsusto"prayatalltimesin realmofGod'sextraordinaryworkings.
theSpirit"(Eph.6:18),forsuchprayeris
essentiallythatwhichtheHolySpirit Fifth,andfinally,speakingintongues
uttersinus.Manypersonsfind whereintheHolySpiritcommunicates
themselves,likePaul,prayingwiththe throughustotheFatherandglorifiesthe
Spirit(whichisprayingintongues)and Sonisthatkindofpraisewhichisvery
prayingwiththemindalso(cf.1Cor. neartothegloryoftheworldtocome.
14:1415),anddiscoverinthealternation SincetheHolySpiritprovidesthe
betweenthetwoanincreasing language,itisapureandholylanguage
enrichmentofthespirituallife.Itishard whatevertheimperfectionoftheonewho
tooverestimatethevalueoftonguesin speaks.Thusitisthenoblestlanguage
thedailyexperienceofprayer.Many thissideofheaven.
begintheirprayertimewithprayingin
theSpiritandfindtheseprayersofthe Footnotes
HolySpiritarichbackgroundandforce
fortheprayersofthemindthatfollow.
1
ThesequotationsfromSt.AugustineandSt.
ThomasAquinasaretakenfromEddieEnsley's
Oftenpeoplemovebackandforth
bookSoundsofWonder,8,53.Ensley,inthis
betweenthetwo:andtheirlifeofprayer
valuablebook,latersays,"Indicationsarethat
becomesallthericherandfuller.Thusit jubilationisacontinuationoftheglossolaliaofthe
isthatprayingintonguesdoesmuchto NewTestament,"andthat"plainsongandthe
buildpersonsupintheirfaith.Thewords musicalpartsoftheliturgyemergedfromthe
ofPaulareindeedtrue:"Hewhospeaks earlypracticeofglossolalia"(pp.115,117).Inany
eventtheconnectionbetweenspeakingintongues
inatongueedifieshimself"(1Cor.14:4);
andthepraiseofGodisunmistakable.
andthewordsofJudeareacontinuing
challenge:"beloved,buildyourselvesup 2
By"ecstatic"referenceiscommonlymadeto
onyourmostholyfaith;prayintheHoly speechuncontrolledbytheconsciousmind,which
Spirit"(Jude20). isanexpressionofthenonrationaldepths.Such
expression,inwhichthesubconsciousbreaks
through,mayhavetremendousspiritualvigorand
Fourth,speakingintonguesoftenproves
drive.However,suchecstaticutterance,inwhich
tobethedoorwayintoadeeper strongemotionmaydominate,oftenpassesinto
experienceoftheothergiftsoftheSpirit. irrationality,frenzy,evenmadness.Speakingin
Sincetonguesaresuchanextraordinary tonguesisnotecstasy;forthereiscontinuing
avenueofprayerandpraise,many controlunderthedirectionoftheHolySpirit.
Thereisjoy,elevationbutnoirrationality,nolack
personssoonfindthemselvesmoving
ofconsciouscontrol.
morefreelyintherealmofotherspiritual
gifts,ormanifestations,oftheHoly 3
PaulspeaksinbothEphesiansandColossians
Spirit.Itisnotatallunusualto about"psalms,hymns,andspiritualsongs"(Eph.
experienceprophecy,healings,miracles 5:19;Col.3:16).Psalmsandhymnsdoubtless
signifyknownandfrequentlyusedmusical
andothergiftsoftheSpirit(see1Cor.
expressions(asistrueinthechurchtoday),but
12:810)afterhavingbeguntospeakin "spiritualsongs"(orsongsinspiredbytheSpirit)

probablyreferstosongswherewordsand
melodiesarespontaneouslygivenbytheHoly
Spirit.IntheJerusalemBibleafootnoteto
Colossians3:16speaksofthesespiritualsongsas
"charismaticimprovisations"(!).

yettocome.Thisisapparentfromthe
factthattherearemanyschoolsof
Chapter10 interpretationand,despiteintended
adherencetotheScriptures,they
frequentlydifferquiteradicallyfromone
THEHOLYSPIRITAND another.Thewordaccordinglyneedsthe
Spiritforcomprehensionandonlythose
ESCHATOLOGY
whoearnestlyseektheilluminationof
theHolySpiritcanmakegenuine
progressinunderstanding.Toooften
eschatologyhasbecomeamatterofwords
Thisarticleon"TheHolySpiritand
aloneargumentsfromselectedbiblical
Eschatology"waswrittenjustfollowing
texts,predeterminedtheological
thelastsessionofaseminaron
positionswithlittleornoattentionto
eschatology.Foralmostthreemonthsa
theurgentneedfortheguidanceofthe
dozengraduatestudentsmettwicea
HolySpirit.Itshouldberecalled
weektostudyandreflectuponthewhole
constantlythatJesussaid,"Whenthe
rangeofmattershavingtodowith
Spiritoftruth[theHolySpirit]comes,he
eschatology,orthe"lastthings."Astheir
willguideyouintoallthetruth"(John
leaderItoldthematourfinalmeetingof
16:13).WithoutHimthewordprofits
mycommitmenttowriteanarticleon
nothing.
"TheHolySpiritandEschatology,"and
askedthemfortheirsuggestions.The
2.TheHolySpiritintensifiesour
seminarhadnotreallyfocusedonthe
HolySpiritassuch:itdealtmuchmore yearningfortheLordtoreturn.
withmattersasJesusChristour"blessed TheNewTestamentspeaksof"awaiting
hope,"thekingdom,eternallife,andso ourblessedhope,theappearingofthe
on.However,theseminarmemberswere gloryofourgreatGodandSaviorJesus
quicktoexpressanumberofideas Christ"(Titus2:13),and"waitingforand
concerningtheHolySpiritand hastening(or'earnestlydesiring')the
eschatology.SoIshallsummarizesomeof comingofthedayofGod"(2Peter3:12).
these,alongwithafewadditional Thishascontinuedtobethestanceof
reflections.Forbrevitythesewillbelisted truebelieversinChristwho,gratefulfor
underseveralheadings. thesalvationHehaswrought,look
forwardtoHisreturninglory.Thisvery
1.TheHolySpiritleadsusinto anticipationisvastlybrightenedbythe
understanding. presenceoftheHolySpiritwhoisnone
otherthantheSpiritofJesusmakingus
Thewholeareaofeschatologyisoneof
allthemoreeagertobeholdourLordin
themostdifficulttocomprehend.Despite
glory.ItisnotbecauseJesusisabsent
theBiblebeingtheinfalliblewordofGod,
nowthatweyearnforHiscoming(orthat
therearemanydifficultiesin
SatanisLordJesusisLord!)butjust
apprehendingitsteachingsaboutthings

becauseHeissofullypresentintheSpirit nations;andthentheendwillcome"
thatweyearnallthemoretobeholdHim (Matt.24:14).Itisimportanttorealize
inHisgloriousbody.TheSpiritfilled thatthechiefmissionofthechurchasit
Christianaboveotherscriesout contemplatestheendtimeshouldbe
continually,"Come,LordJesus!" thatofbearingtestimonytothewhole
worldaboutChristthatis,tocomplete
3.TheHolySpirit'soutpouring themissionarytask.Strategies,
signalizestheusheringinofthe"last programs,humandevicesareall
days." insufficient,especiallyinthistimeof
The"lastdays"beganalmost2000years increasingsecularism.Onlythepowerof
agoatPentecostwhentheHolySpirit theHolySpiritcanenergizethewitness
wasfirstpouredout.TheapostlePeter insuchfashionastobreakthroughthe
announcedthatwhathadhappenedto barriers.Perhapsneverbeforeinthe
the120whowere"filledwiththeHoly historyofthechurchisitquiteso
Spirit"(Acts2:4)wasthefulfillmentof necessaryforthebelievertobe"baptized
theancientprophecythat"inthelast withtheHolySpirit"(Acts1:5),foronly
days...IwillpouroutmySpirituponall thatsupernaturalpowerissufficientto
flesh"(Acts2:17;cf.Joel2:28).However, dealwiththegodlessnessoftheworld.
thiswasonlythebeginningoffulfillment,
fortheoutpouringwaslimitedto 5.TheHolySpiritgivestheChristian
JerusalemandJewsdwellingthere.Of inthe"endtimes"thecourageand
coursethissoonspreadbeyondJerusalem wisdomtoendurewhatever
andtheJewishpeople(e.g.,Acts8,10, persecutionthatmaycome.
and19).However,atnotimeinthe IntheBookofActsitisclearthatoneof
historyofthechurchhastherebeensuch theresultsofbeingSpiritfilledwas
auniversaloutpouringoftheHolySpirit boldnesstostandfirminwitnessingto
asinourtimeasisevidencedbythe thegospel:"theywereallfilledwiththe
worldwidePentecostal/charismatic HolySpiritandspokethewordofGod
movement.Inasensefarbeyondthe withboldness"(Acts4:31).Regardlessof
originalPentecostthisoutpouringis persecutiontheycontinuedtopreach
"uponallflesh,"andthereforemaywell aboutJesusastheChrist.Further,Jesus
heraldtheculminatingoftheagesinthe Himselfhadsaidthattotheveryendall
finaladventofJesusChrist. whofollowedHimwouldendure
persecutions;nevertheless"whenthey
4.TheHolySpiritalonecanmake bringyoutotrialanddeliveryouup,do
effectivetheproclamationofthe notbeanxiousbeforehandwhatyouare
Gospeltoallnations. tosay;butsaywhateverisgivenyouin
AccordingtoourLordJesusitisthis thathour,foritisnotyouwhospeak,but
universalpreachingofthegospelthat theHolySpirit"(Mark13:11).This
precedesHisfinalcoming:"Thisgospelof persecutionwillintensifyjustbeforethe
thekingdomwillbepreachedthroughout Lordreturns,andthebelievertrustingin
thewholeworld,asatestimonytoall hisownwisdomissuretofail.Buthe

whoreliesontheHolySpiritregardless thatreturnhewantstobeprepared.So
ofwhatmaycomeattheendwillfind doesPaulpray:"MaytheGodofpeace
wisdomandcouragethatnonecanstand himselfsanctifyyouwholly;andmay
against. yourspiritandsoulandbodybekept
soundandblamelessatthecomingofour
6.TheHolySpiritisthepowerofGod LordJesusChrist"(1Thess.5:23).There
thatalonecancopewiththedemonic arethosewhoareverykeenaboutthe
spiritsthatmultiplytheiractivityin comingoftheLord,theRapture,and
thelastdays. othereschatologicalevents,butwho
AccordingtoScripture,"Inlatertimes unfortunatelyseldomseemtothinkabout
somewilldepartfromthefaithbygiving theirstateofpreparedness.Theapostle
heedtodeceitfulspiritsanddoctrinesof Johnurgesthatwe"abideinhim,sothat
demons"(1Tim.4:1).Hence,weareto whenheappearswemayhaveconfidence
"testthespiritstoseewhethertheyareof andnotshrinkfromhiminshameathis
God"(1John4:1).Asthetimeoftheend coming"(1John2:28).ItistheHoly
rushestoitsclimaxand"thespiritof Spiritwhopreparesus,purifiesus,molds
antichrist"(1John4:3)moreandmore us,enablesusmoreandmoretodietosin
emerges,thebeliever'srelianceonthe andlivetorighteousness,andtobelike
HolySpirittoperceiveandcombatthe JesusatHiscoming.Weneed,inthe
falsespiritandnottobecarriedaway poweroftheHolySpirit,to"strive...for
byitsvainpretensesisallthemore theholinesswithoutwhichnoonewillsee
imperative.Thedevil,knowinghistimeis theLord"(Heb.12:14).Arewereally
short,istodaymultiplyinghisactivity, concernedaboutgrowthinholiness,being
and,beingacounterfeit,ishavinghis morelikeJesussothatwhenheappears
owncounterPentecost,pouringouthis weshallnotbeashamed?
evilspirits(witnesstheriseoftheoccult,
witchcraft,Satanworship,andsoon). 8.TheHolySpiritenlivensour
Therefore,withoutthepromiseandpower mortalbodiessothatwiththe
oftheHolySpirittheChristiancannot comingoftheLordweshallberaised
possiblystandagainstallthiswicked fromthedead.
onslaught.Butinthatpowerthebeliever Oneofthegreatempiricalfactsofthe
candiscerntheviciousdimensionsofevil, Christianlifeisthateverytruebelieveris
rebukeandovercomeitinthenameof indweltbyGod'sSpirit.Whenwebecome
JesusChrist,andwinthevictory!Praise childrenofGodbyfaith,theHolySpirit
thenameoftheLord! becomestheinnerrealityofourbeing
"becauseyouaresons,Godsentthe
7.TheHolySpiritisthesanctifier SpiritofhisSonintoourhearts,crying,
whopreparesthebelieverforthe 'Abba!Father!'"(Gal.4:6).Itisthissame
comingoftheLord. indwellingSpiritthatwillsomedaymove
ThetruebelieverinJesusChrist uponthesemortalremainsofoursand
constantlylooksforwardtotheLord's bringlifeimmortaltothem.Asthe
returninglory,andinsoanticipating apostlePaulsays,"IftheSpiritofhim

whoraisedJesusfromthedeaddwellsin
you,hewhoraisedChristJesusfromthe
deadwillgivelifetoyourmortalbodies
alsothroughhisSpiritwhichdwellsin
you"(Rom.8:11).SowhentheLordcomes
backandthesummonsgoesforthforthe
deadinChristtoberaised,thegreat
eventwilloccurbytheinwardpowerof
theHolySpirit.Thuswillthenaturalor
physicalbodybecomeaspiritualbody(a
bodytransformedbytheHolySpirit),the
perishablebecomeimperishable,andthe
mortalputonimmortality.Praisebeto
Godforthevictoryforeverandever!
Amen.
Afinalword:theHolySpirituptothe
veryendiseverseekingtobringpeople
intolifeeternal.Thusreadthebeautiful
wordsofinvitationinthelastfewverses
oftheBible,"TheSpiritandtheBride
say,'Come.'Andlethimwhohearssay,
'Come.'Andlethimwhoisthirstycome,
lethimwhodesirestakethewateroflife
withoutprice"(Rev.22:17).TheHoly
Spiritunceasinglyinvitespeopletonew
lifeinChrist.Hewillbesendingforth
thatinvitationuntilthedayJesus
returns.

Chapter11 PentecostalTheology."
Introduction:
APENTECOSTAL APentecostaltheologyfindsitsscriptural
basisprimarilyinseveralaccountsinthe
THEOLOGY BookofActs.Theyareasfollows:
chapters1and2;8:424;9:119;1011:18;
Oneofthecommoncriticismsofthe and19:17.Therearesomereferencesto
Pentecostal/charismaticmovementisits OldTestamenttexts,theGospels,andthe
lackofanadequatetheology.This Epistles,butthefocusisthespecified
criticismcomesbothfromwithinand passagesinActs.
withoutthemovement.RussellSpittler,
fromwithin,hasdeclaredthat TherelevanceoftheActspassagesfor
"Pentecostalshavemadebetter Pentecostaltheologyisthatallreferin
missionariesthantheologians.Theywrite varyingwaystoaparticular
pamphlets,notbookstracts,not event/experienceoftheHolySpirit.For
treatises.WhenaPentecostalbookis example,severalexpressionsareusedin
published,itwillreflectmorelikely Acts12:"baptizedin4theHolySpirit"
personaltestimonythanreasoned (1:5);"theHolySpirit...comeuponyou"
argument."1J.I.Packer,fromwithout,
(1:8);"filledwiththeHolySpirit"(2:4);
haswrittenthat"thecharismaticlife
streamstillneedsanadequatebiblical "theHolySpirit...pouredout"(2:33);
theologyandremainsvulnerablewhileit "receivethegiftoftheHolySpirit"(2:38).
lacksone....Thecharismaticmovementis AllrefertotheexperienceinJerusalem
theologicallyimmature,anditspublic relatingtoJesus'discipleswhichis
speechandstyleseemonoccasionhalf describedin2:14.Anotherlater
bakedasaresult."2Bothstatements referencetotheeventofActs2:14isthat
declaretheneedtheseriousneedfor "theHolySpiritfell...onus"(11:15).One
thedevelopmentofavalid ormoreofthesesixexpressionswith
Pentecostal/charismatictheology. someslightvariationsisfoundinallthe
subsequentnarratives.Seethe
Inlinewiththisneed,the1984meeting SamaritanaccountinActs8:1517for
oftheSocietyforPentecostalStudieshad "receiving"and"falling";SaulofTarsus
asitsgeneraltheme,"Towarda in9:17"filling";theCaesareansin
Pentecostal/CharismaticTheology."Some 10:4447"falling,""outpouring,"
fourteenpaperswerepresented,and "receiving,"and11:1517"falling"and
hopefullyprogresswasmadeinthe "baptizedin";andtheEphesiansinActs
directionofamaturingtheology.With 19:26"receiving"and"comingupon."It
thisbywayofbackgroundIshouldliketo isapparent,linguisticallyifnothingelse,
attemptatheological/biblicalstudy.3The thatalltheseaccountsrefertoessentially
titleofmypaperwillbesimply"A thesameexperience.

Hence,whatoccurredontheDayof event/experience.Ourprocedurewillbe
Pentecost(Acts2:1)inregardtotheHoly thatofutilizingtheJerusalemPentecost
Spiritisarepeatedexperience.TheDay asthearchetypalandparadigmatic
ofPentecostis,ofcourse,ahistoric,once account.ForevenastheaccountinActs1
foralloccurrenceasarealleventsin and2containsallthebasicterminology,
history.However,theessentialidentityof solikewiseareallthefundamental
theexperiencesoftheSpiritfollowingthe factorsrelatedtoPentecostalexperience
DayofPentecostwiththeexperienceof foundtherein.Itwillalsobeapparent
theSpiritonthatdayisapparentnot thatnotallthesucceedingaccountsmake
onlylinguisticallybutalsoevidenced referencetoallthevariouselements(any
fromsomewordsofPeter.Peter,whoof morethanallmakeuseofthe
coursewasthereontheDayofPentecost, terminology),buttheymaywellbe
describestheCaesareansas"peoplewho included.Letusnowproceedtosome
havereceivedtheHolySpiritjustaswe elaborationofthePentecostal
have"(10:47),andsayslaterthat"the event/experienceandtherebyof
HolySpiritfellonthemjustasonusat Pentecostaltheology.
thebeginning"(11:15).Ifthisistrueof
theeventsinJerusalemandCaesarea I
oftencalledtheJerusalemandGentile TheEssentialReality
Pentecostsitiscertainlyalsotrueofthe
otheroccasions.Inthissensewemay WhatliesattheheartofthePentecostal
properlyspeakofalltheseasPentecostal event/experienceisthedynamicpresence
experiences.5 oftheHolySpirit.TheHolySpiritis
pouredouton,fallson,comesupon;hence
Finally,itisofparticularimportancein thereismovement,action.Asaresult,
Pentecostaltheologythatreceivingthe peoplearebaptized(i.e.,immersed)in,
giftoftheHolySpirit(Acts2:38)notonly filledwiththeHolySpirit.Allofthis
relatestocertaineventsinActsbutalso pointstoamomentouseventand
toeventsthereafter.Forjustfollowing experienceofthedynamicpresenceof
thestatementaboutreceivingthegiftof God.
theHolySpiritarethewords:"Forthe
promiseistoyouandtoyourchildren ItoccursasamovementfromGodthe
andtoallthatarefaroff,everyonewhom FatherthroughJesusChrist.OntheDay
theLordourGodcallstohim"(Acts2:39). ofPentecost,justfollowingthedisciples'
ThepromiseofthegiftoftheHolySpirit6 experienceoftheHolySpirit,Peter
initsfulfillmentistheexperientialcenter declarestheeventtobethefulfillmentof
ofPentecostaltheology. thepromiseinJoel:"Andinthelastdays
itshallbe,Goddeclares,thatIwillpour
outmySpirituponallflesh"(Acts2:17;
cf.Joel2:28).ThereafterPeteraddsthat
Inwhatfollowsweshallseektoidentify "exaltedattherighthandofGod,and
variousaspectsofthePentecostal havingreceivedfromtheFatherthe

promiseoftheHolySpirit,he[Jesus]has permeationallthrough(abeingfilled
pouredoutthiswhichyouseeandhear"7 with).Personsinthetotalityoftheir
(Acts2:33).TheHolySpiritistheSpirit being,eventotheirsubconsciousdepths
ofFatherandSon,thusthefullnessof andsuprarationalheights,arepossessed
God'spresence. byGod.
Hence,theessentialrealityisthatofa
mediatedexperienceoftheHolySpirit. TrulytheessenceofPentecostandits
Hedoesnot,sotospeak,comeonHisown continuationisdynamicevent.Inthis
soastoprovideinHimselfadirect eventGodismoving,9dynamic,even
awarenessofGod,8butcomesfromGod driving.The"sound...fromheaven"like
throughJesusChrist.Yetthereisthe "therushofamightywind"ontheDayof
immediacyofGod'sdynamicpresence Pentecostand"tonguesasoffire"resting
throughtheHolySpirit.Paradoxically oneachpersondramatizesthedivine
then,itisamatterofmediated action.ItistheSpiritofGodmoving
immediacy.TheHolySpiritisfullyand dynamicallywithinthehumanscene.
activelypresent,butithappensonly Althoughthisimageryisnotrepeatedin
throughtheinstrumentalityofJesus otheraccounts,thelanguageof"coming
Christ. upon,"fallingon,""fillingwith"continues
toexpressthisdivinemomentum.
Nextwemaynotethesignificanceofthis
eventinbeingcalled"thegiftoftheHoly Wemayturnbackforamomenttothe
Spirit."Thismeanstwothings.First, GospelsandthebeginningofJesus'
whathappensiswhollyamatterofGod's ministryfortheprimaryexampleofthis
grace.Agiftcannotbeearned,elseit dynamicpresenceoftheHolySpirit.After
ceasestobeagift.Second,thegiftisthe JesushasbeenbaptizedbyJohninthe
HolySpiritHimself.Accordingly,thegift Jordan,Luke'saccountreads:"the
isnotsomethingtheHolySpiritgives heavenwasopened,andtheHolySpirit
suchasholiness,life,evenpowerbutis descendeduponhiminbodilyform,asa
thegiftfromFatherandSon:theHoly dove"(3:2122).Theheaven"opened"is
Spirit. theantecedenttothegreat"sound"at
Pentecost,andthedove"alightingon
Itwouldbehardtooverestimatethe him"(Matthew3:16)tothetongues
momentousnessofthisevent.Sincethe "resting"oneachperson.Jesustherebyis
HolySpiritisGod(thoughadistinct "fulloftheHolySpirit"(Luke4:1),again
person)itmeansthatattheheartofthe theantecedentofthoseatPentecostbeing
Pentecostalexperienceistherealityof "filledwiththeHolySpirit."
God'sdynamicpresence.Asnoted,inone
senseitisaninvasionfromwithout(the Anotherwayofdescribingitistosaythat
Spiritfallingupon,comingon);in thesameHolySpiritthatcamefromGod
another,itisanimmersion,a theFatheruponJesusalsocameupon
submergencewithin(beingbaptizedin); Hisdisciples.Inthatsenseitisa
stillanotheritisapenetration,a transferringoftheSpirit.AnOld

Testamentprecursorofthismaybefound 15:14);Saul(1Sam.10:10;11:6;19:23);
inthenarrativeaboutMosesandthe David(1Sam.16:13).Thereafter,the
seventyeldersofIsraelwherethetext Spirit"cameupon"David'schieftain,
reads,"ThentheLORD...tookofthe Amasai(1Chron.12:18);Azariaha
Spiritthatwasonhim[Moses]andput prophet(2Chron.15:1);Zechariahthe
theSpiritontheseventyelders"(Num. sonofapriest(2Chron.24:20)."Filled
11:25NIV).Jesus,ofcourse,isfarmore withtheSpirit"terminologyisusedin
thanMoses,for(aswehavenoted)Heis connectionwiththecraftsmanBezalel
alsothemediumoftheSpirit'scoming. (Ex.31:3);theprophetMicah(Mic.3:8).
However,thereisalsoatransferringof Alsothereisthelanguageof"falling":the
theSpirit.ThesameSpiritthatwasupon Spirit"fellupon"theprophetEzekiel
Jesus,evenasuponMoses,nowisplaced (Ezek.11:5).Itisinteresting,however,
notuponsomeelderbutuponHis thatthelanguageof"outpouring"isnot
disciples.10 usedexceptinreferencetothefuture.We
havealreadyquotedfromthepromiseof
However,aswasobservedattheoutset, Joel:"Iwillpouroutmyspiritonall
whathappenedtothedisciplesin flesh"(Joel2:28).Tothisfuturistic
JerusalematPentecostwasvariously referencewemayaddsimilarwordsfrom
repeatedonseveralotheroccasionsinthe Isaiah:"IwillpourmySpirituponyour
BookofActs.TheSpiritthatcameupon descendants(Isa.44:3);alsofromEzekiel:
JesusnowcomesthroughHimtomany "IwillpouroutmySpirituponthehouse
others.The"justas"ofActs10:47and ofIsrael"(Ezek.39:29).
11:15,whichconfirmstheonetoone
correspondencebetweentheCaesarean Whatshallwemakeofallthis?The
andtheJerusalemPentecosts,doubtless answer,Iwouldsuggest,isthattheOld
appliestoallothersimilarinstances. Testament,forallthathasbeen
experiencedoftheSpirit'spresenceand
activity,foreseesaplenitudeoftheSpirit
yettocome,forwhichtheword
Wehavespokenofthedynamicpresence "outpouring"isthevividexpression.
oftheHolySpiritinthePentecostal ThereisundoubtedlyintheOld
eventsandreviewedanumberof TestamentanactivepresenceofGod
linguisticexpressions.How,onemight throughHisSpirit,forwhichtheterm
inquire,doesthiscomparewithOld "comingon"isthemainrepresentative.
Testamenteventsthatusemuchofthe Butthereisfarmoretohappeninthe
sameterminology?Foronething,the future:adaywhenGodwillblesswithout
languageof"comingon"isemployed measure.Theaforementionedprophecyin
frequentlyintheearlyhistoryofIsrael. Isaiah,"IwillpouroutmySpiritonyour
TheSpirit"cameupon"or"took descendants,"continueswiththewords:
possessionof"anumberofpersonsinthe "andmyblessingonyouroffspring.They
BookofJudges:Othniel(3:910);Gideon shallspringuplikegrassamidwaters,
(6:34);Jephthah(11:29);Samson(14:19; likewillowsbyflowingstreams"(44:4).

Hence,whateverthemeasureofblessing God.ThistimetheSpiritwaspouredout
intheOldTestament,thattocomewill ontheCaesareans(orGentiles)
befarricherandgreater.Itwillbeverily assembled,andothers(Peterandhis
thefullnessofGod'spresenceintheHoly fellowJews)"heardthemspeakingin
Spirit. tonguesandextolling[magnifying12]God"
(Acts10:46).
II
Wemightalsonotetheconnection
ThePrimaryResponse betweenbeingfilledwiththeHolySpirit
andpraiseinPaul'slettertothe
Ephesians.Paulwrites:"Befilledwith
Theprimaryresponsetotheeventofthe theSpirit,speakingtooneanotherin
HolySpiritispraise.Whenhuman psalmsandhymnsandspiritualsongs,
existenceindividuallyandcorporately singingandmakingmelodywithyour
isbathedwiththedivinepresence,there hearttotheLord"(5:1819NASB).In
isonlyonetrulysignificantresponse, responsetobeingfilledwithGod'sSpirit,
namely,theglorifyingofGod.Godhas psalms,hymns,spiritualsongsbreak
actedthroughJesusChristtopourout forth:theheartisfilledwithmelodyand
HisSpirit,andsomarvelousisits rejoicingintheLord.13
occurrencethatnothingelsecancapture
itbutthehighpraiseofGod.
OntheDayofPentecostwhenthe Nowwecometotherecognitioninthe
discipleswerefilledwiththeHolySpirit BookofActsofthecloseconnection
theyallbeganimmediatelytopraiseGod. betweenpraiseandtongues.The
ThisisapparentfromthewordsofActs Caesareans(theRomancenturion
2:11whichrecordthemultitudesaying, Corneliusandhishousehold),aswehave
"Weheartheminourowntongues observed,wereheardtobe"speakingin
speakingofthemighty[wonderful, tonguesandextollingGod."Thisprobably
magnificent11]deedsofGod"(Acts2:11 doesnotmeantwodifferent,though
NASB).Itisnothardtoimaginethat, closelyrelated,activities,butratherthat
havingsorecentlylivedthroughthe theirspeakingintongueswasextollingor
eventsofJesus'life,death,and praisingGod.14Thisbecomesallthemore
resurrection,theywerepraisingGodfor likelyinreviewingtheJerusalem
themightydeedofredemption.Also,now narrative,becausetherethepraiseofGod
HehadjustfulfilledHispromisetopour wasunmistakablydonethroughtongues.
outtheHolySpirit.Theyhadmuchto TogobacktoActs2:4:"Andtheywereall
praiseGodfor! filledwiththeHolySpiritandbeganto
speakinothertongues,astheSpiritgave
YearslaterattheCaesareanPentecost themutterance."The"othertongues"
essentiallythesamethinghappened: wereunderstoodbythemultitudeas
theirfirstresponsewastheglorifyingof speakingintheirowntongues"the

mightydeedsofGod."Hencetheywere theoccasion.Ordinarylanguage,even
tonguesofpraise. music,maybeinadequatetodeclarethe
wonderofGodandHisdeeds.Hereinlies
PraisingGodintonguesmaybestbe themarvel:GodthroughHisSpiritgoes
understoodastranscendentpraise beyondwhathasbeenutteredorsung
praisethatgoesbeyondordinary beforeandbringsforthanewlanguage!
capacityandexperience.Thispraiseis
sometimesspokenofas"ecstaticpraise,"15
or"praisingGodinecstaticutterances."16
Ifsuchlanguageisused,wemustbe NowtoreturntotheBookofActs:letus
carefultoemphasizethat"ecstatic" observethatthelastaccount,namely,
shouldnotbetakentomeanoutof concerningtheEphesians,relates
control,irrational,frenziedspeech. tonguesandprophesying."Andwhen
RatheritisthepraiseofGodthat Paulhadlaidhishandsonthem,the
transcendsordinaryutterance,subjectto HolySpiritcameonthem;andtheyspoke
ahighercontrol,hencesuprarational.It withtonguesandprophesied"(19:6).
istheworshipofGodinaspeech, Again,asinJerusalemandCaesarea,the
therefore,thatis"other"17thanone'sown initialactivityfollowingthecomingofthe
nativelanguage.Itisutterancethrough Spiritisspeakingintongues.Oncemore
theenablingoftheHolySpirit.18 thispointstopraiseassuggestedbythe
additionalwordingaboutprophesying.
Allofthisispossiblebecauseofthenew Whereasprophesyinginmanybiblical
situationcreatedbytheevent/experience contextssignifiesacloselyrelated
oftheHolySpirit.God,whileremaining phenomenontospeakingintongues,itis
transcendent,scalestheheightsand possibleherethatthereferenceisto
plumbsthedepthsofcreaturely transcendentpraise.Letusconsiderthis
existence,thuseffectuatingasituationin further.
whichhumanexistenceissopenetrated
bytheHolySpiritthatresponsemay WeobservethatontheDayofPentecost
comeforthinanewspiritualkey.A afterthediscipleshavepraisedGodin
transpositiontherebyoccurswherein tongues,Peterdescribesthisas
humanlanguage,asrepresentativeof fulfillmentofthewordsofJoel:"Iwill
thisdynamicsituation,canbecome,inan pouroutmySpiritonallflesh;yoursons
extraordinaryway,thevehicleoftheHoly andyourdaughtersshallprophesy."This
SpiritforthepraiseofAlmightyGod.19 seeminglyunusualidentificationof
prophesyingwithpraisequitepossibly
Wemayalsounderstandthisbyfocusing hasitsOldTestamentantecedents.One
uponthesituationofhighspiritual exampleisthatoftheHolySpiritupon
intensitywhichresultsfromthe theseventyelders.Justfollowingthe
outpouringofGod'sHolySpirit.The wordsabouttheSpiritbeing"puton"the
senseofGod'sabundantpresenceevokes eldersthetextreads:"WhentheSpirit
abreakingforthinpraiseexpressiveof restedonthem,theyprophesied"(Num.

11:25NIV).Thereisnothingsaid "theyreceivedtheHolySpirit"(Acts8:17)
concerningwhattheyprophesied;hence arethewords:"NowwhenSimon[the
thisismostlikelyaninstanceof magician]sawthattheSpiritwasgiven
transcendentutterance20underthe throughthelayingonoftheapostles'
dynamicpresenceoftheHolySpirit.Not hands,heofferedthem[PeterandJohn]
unlikethelaterPentecostwhentheSpirit money"(8:18).Whathesawthatmade
thathadbeenuponJesuscomesuponHis himeagertopaymoneywas,inall
disciples,sotheSpirituponMosescame likelihood,theSamaritansspeakingin
uponhiselders;inbothcasesthereis tongues,somethingextraordinary,
resultinginspiredspeech.Onehasonlyto beyondhispreviousmanifoldoccult
ponderforamomenttheawesomeand practices.Hewaswillingtopayforthe
transcendingnatureofeacheventto powertolayhandsonothersforsimilar
expecttheresponseinspeechtobe miraculousresults.TheSamaritans,we
carriedbeyondpreviousutterance.Such maythereforeconclude,likewise
ecstaticutteranceisnoneotherthan respondedtotheSpirit'sdynamic
transcendentpraise.21 presencewithtranscendentpraise.22
AnotherOldTestamentexampleinwhich
praiseandprophesyingareclosely InthecaseofSaulofTarsusandhis
relatedisthatof1Chronicles25:1where receptionoftheSpirit,nothingissaid
Davidissaidtohaveappointedpersons abouthisspeakingintongues(seeActs
to"prophesywithlyres,withharps,and 9:1718).However,byPaul'sown
withcymbals."Thereafter,certainones testimonytotheCorinthians,"Ithank
"prophesiedwiththelyreinthanksgiving GodthatIspeakintonguesmorethan
andpraisetotheLORD"(verse3). youall"(1Cor.14:18),weknowhedid.It
Prophecyseemshereidenticalwith isquitepossible,thoughLukedoesnotso
praise. specify,thatPaulfirstspokeintongues
whenhewasfilledwiththeHolySpirit.
However,itmayalsobethathebeganto
speakatalatertime.
ReturningtotheNewTestamentandthe
BookofActs,weemphasizeagainthe Tosummarize:inthemajorityofcases
intimaterelationshipofthe threeoutoffivepeoplewhohad
event/experienceoftheSpiritand receivedthegiftoftheHolySpirit
transcendentpraise.Inthreeofthefive definitelydidspeakintongues.Thereis
instanceswehavebeenconsidering, stronglikelihoodofsuchinthefourth
namely,Jerusalem(2:4),Caesarea case,andapossibilityinthefifth,making
(10:46),andEphesus(19:6),suchspeech fiveinstanceswherepeopledidsospeak.
in"tongues"isspecificallymentioned.In BasedontheevidenceinActswecan
thecaseofSamarianothingisdirectly drawnoabsoluteconclusionthat
saidabouttheSamaritansspeakingin speakingintonguesinvariablyfollowed
tongues;however,suchseemsclearly thereceptionoftheSpirit;however,the
implied.Forjustafterthestatementthat textsdoinclineinthatdirection.Thisis

furthersuggestedbythefactthat,as Thekeytextfortheevent/experienceof
alreadynoted,wherevertonguesare theSpiritisActs1:8,whereJesus
explicitlymentioned,allspeak.Itisnot declares:"Youshallreceivepowerwhen
theexpressionofjustoneortwobutof theHolySpirithascomeuponyou;and
everyonewhohasreceivedtheHoly youshallbemywitnessesinJerusalem
Spirit.Thecommonalityofspeakingin andinallJudeaandSamariaandtothe
tongueswouldstronglysuggesttheir endoftheearth."Thetranscendent
occurrence,whetherornotdirectly praiseofGodisthefirstthing;butthe
mentioned,inallsituationswherethe purposeofthegiftistheenablingof
Spiritwasgiven. witnessandministry.
Inthepresentdayspiritualrenewal,the TheprimaryNewTestamentexampleis
intimateconnectionbetweenreceiving JesusHimself.AftertheHolySpirit's
thegiftoftheHolySpiritandspeakingin descentuponHim,andfollowingHis
tonguesisrecognizedeverywhere.It temptationsinthewilderness,Jesus
happensagainandagainthatwhen "returnedinthepoweroftheSpiritinto
peoplearefilledwiththeHolySpirit, Galilee"(Luke4:14)tobeginHis
theyimmediatelybegintospeakin ministry.Thustheendowmentofthe
tongues.Indeed,sincepraiseistheinitial HolySpiritwasclearlyforenabling
responsetothegiftoftheSpirit,and power.InalatersummaryofJesus'
tonguesrepresenttranscendentpraise, ministry,Peterspeaksof"howGod
onefollowsreadilyupontheother.In anointedJesusofNazarethwiththeHoly
someinstances,speakingintonguesmay Spiritandwithpower24[and]hewent
occurlater.Butthatitdoesoccuristhe aboutdoinggoodandhealingallthat
commontestimonyoftherenewal wereoppressed"(Acts10:38).Thuswas
throughtheworld.Tonguesarethe JesusenabledtocarryforwardHis
Spiritgivenopportunityforfullnessof ministry.25IfHeneededthisenabling
praise. power,howmuchmorethosewhofollow
Him!
III
Itmightbeinterjectedthatthecomingof
PurposeandFunction theHolySpirituponJesushadnothingto
dowithHissalvationorsanctification.
Jesus,ofcourse,hadnoneedtobesaved
ThebasicpurposeoftheeventoftheHoly fromsinortogrowinholiness.Hence,
Spiritisthatofenablingpower.23The thecomingoftheSpiritwasforatotally
biblicaltermforthispowerisdynamis differentpurpose,namely,toenableHim
power,strength,might,forceandsuch tofulfillHisvocation.AstheSonofman,
comesfromthegiftoftheHolySpirit.It atrulyhumanbeingthoughwithoutsin,
istranscendent,enablingpower. Heneededthisendowmentofpower.

NowtoreturntotheBookofActs:itis becomealsoavitalpartofthewitnessing
importanttorecognizethatthewordsof outreach.Itisnotthatsomelackinthe
JesusinActs1:8applynotonlytothe Samaritans'faithwasremediedbythe
apostles(towhomtheywereoriginally apostles'coming27orthatthepurposewas
spoken)butalsotoothersthereafterupon toincorporatethemintotheJerusalem
whomtheSpiritcomes.BeforetheDayof church,28butprimarilythatthe
Pentecostthenumberhadalready Samaritansmightreceivethesame
enlargedtoapproximately120(Acts empoweringthatPeterandJohnhad
1:15).Atleastthatmanyreceivedthegift receivedatPentecost.SinceJesushad
oftheHolySpiritandtheaccompanying said,"Youshallbemywitnessesin
powerwhenthedayarrived.Thusall JerusalemandallJudeaandSamaria
uponwhomtheSpiritlatercomeswill andtotheendoftheearth,"referenceto
receivealikeenablingpowerforwitness Samariacouldsignifynotonlyapeopleto
andministry. whomwitnessismadebutalsobywhom
InthecaseofSaulofTarsusthisis itistobecontinued.
clearlyspelledout.Wehavealready
notedthatSaulwasfilledwiththeHoly TheHolySpiritinActsisunmistakablya
Spirit(Acts9:17).Thisoccurredthrough "missionarySpirit."HencewhenHe
thelayingonofhandsbyadisciple comesuponpeople,itisforthebasic
namedAnanias.TheLordhadspokento purposeofdrivingthembeyond
Ananias:"Go,forhe[Saul]isachosen themselvesintoawitnessforJesus
instrumentofminetocarrymyname Christ.Theytherebybecomeparticipants
beforetheGentilesandkingsandthe inthecontinuingoutreachofthegospelto
sonsofIsrael"(9:15).Thusthegiftofthe thewholeworld.Thereisanever
Spiritwillbeforthepurposeofcarrying wideningmissionarycircle:Jerusalem,
forwardthisfarreachingwitness. Judea,Samaria,Caesarea,Ephesus.All
representafurtherextensionofthe
Itisnotspecificallystatedintheaccount gospelandadditionalpersonsandareas
oftheSamaritans,Caesareans,and thatthroughthegiftoftheSpiritbecome
EphesiansthattheeventoftheSpirit participantinthewitnesstoChrist.
wasforthepurposeofpowerforministry; Thus,thoughnothingissaiddirectlyin
however,suchwouldseemtobeimplied.26 thebiblicalnarrativesabouttheministry
ofthegospelthroughtheSamaritans,
InthecaseoftheSamaritans,whohad Caesareans,andEphesians,thefactthat
believedandbeenbaptized,Peterand theyalsoreceivetheHolySpiritthe
JohncamedownfromJerusalemtopray "missionarySpirit"wouldsuggestthat
forandlayhandsonthemthatthey theytoobecomeproclaimersoftheGood
mightreceivetheHolySpirit.Thereason News.
forthismissionwasquitepossiblythat
theSamaritansmighthavethesame
empoweringforministrythatPeterand
JohnhadreceivedatPentecostandthus

Itshouldalsobestressedthatthis servantJesus"(4:2930).Itistheongoing
enablingpowerwasnotonlyforwitness ministryofJesustobecarriedforwardby
bywordbutalsobydeed.WhenJesus thewholebodyofSpiritanointed
returnedinthepoweroftheSpiritto believers.ExamplesofthisareStephen
Galilee,thefirstthingmentionedisHis andPhilip,whoperformmanymiracles
wordorteachingministry:"hetaughtin thoughneitherisanapostle(6:8;8:67).
theirsynagogues,beingglorifiedbyall"
(Luke4:15).Thereafter,hegoestothe TheapostlePaul,lookingbackoverhis
synagogueinNazarethandreadsfrom ministry,speaksofbothwordanddeedin
thewordsinIsaiah:"TheSpiritofthe thepoweroftheSpirit:"Iwillnotventure
Lordisuponme,becausehehasanointed tospeakofanythingexceptwhatChrist
metopreachgoodnewstothepoor" haswroughtthroughmetowinobedience
henceaSpiritanointedwordministry. fromtheGentiles,bywordanddeed,by
Butthenthequotationcontinues,"He thepowerofsignsandwonders,bythe
hassentmetoproclaimreleasetothe poweroftheHolySpirit,sothatfrom
captivesandrecoveringofsighttothe JerusalemasfararoundasIllyricumI
blind"(4:18),thusaministryofdeedalso. havefullypreachedthegospelofChrist"
Afterthis,Jesusmovesmightilyin (Rom.15:1819).Itwasthepowerofthe
healingthesick,castingoutdemons, HolySpiritthatmadeallthispossible.
workingmiracles,andsoon.
ThebasicpurposeofthegiftoftheHoly
Likewise,whentheSpiritcameuponthe Spiritisdynamisenablingpowerforthe
disciplesatPentecost,theynotonly ministryofthegospel.
witnessbywordthereafterbutalsocarry
forwardJesus'ministryofmiraculous
deeds.29Jesus,accordingtotheFourth
Gospel,hadsaid,"Hewhobelievesinme Beforeproceedingfurtherwemight
willalsodotheworksthatIdo;and brieflylookbacktotheOldTestament
greaterworksthanthesewillhedo, andobservetheSpiritinHisenabling
becauseIgototheFather"(John14:12). power.Earlierwehavecalledattentionto
InthepoweroftheSpiritsentfromthe thewiderangeofterminologyintheOld
ascendedJesus,theyperformmany TestamentsimilartotheBookofActs,
mightyworks.Althoughtheapostles e.g.,suchexpressionsastheSpirit's
oftendosuchworks,Jesusdoesnotlimit "comingupon,""takingpossessionof,"
"beingfilledwith,""fallingupon."Nowwe
suchactivitytothemalone("hewho
notethatinalltheseinstancesthe
believes").Indeed,theBookofActs
purposeofthisactivityoftheSpiritisto
recordsthelargecompanyofdiscipleson
enableatask,acalling,avocationtobe
oneoccasionpraying,"Granttothy
fulfilled.TheSpiritendowsacraftsman
servantstospeakthywordwithall
todesignthetabernacle(Ex.31:3),a
boldness,whilethoustretchestoutthy
judgetomakedecisions(e.g,Judg.3:10),
handtoheal,andsignsandwondersare
akingtorulewiselyandeffectively(e.g.,
performedthroughthenameofthyholy

1Sam.16:13),aprophettospeakGod's
word(e.g.,Mic.3:8).Inallthesecasesthe
Spiritcomesasadynamicpresencefor Nextweshouldobservethatthereisalso
thepurposeofenablingatask,acalling, aspecialfunctionoftheSpirit'scoming,
avocationtobefulfilled. namely,testimony.Inasensewehave
beenconsideringtestimonyalreadyin
Likewise,wemightmentionthe thatthroughtheHolySpirittestimony,or
propheciesinIsaiahaboutacomingOne witness,ismadetotheworldaboutJesus
whowillactintheenablingpowerofthe Christ.AsPeterononeoccasionputsit:
HolySpirit."Thereshallcomefortha "Wearewitnessestothesethings[about
shootfromthestumpofJesse....Andthe JesusChristandsalvation],andsoisthe
SpiritoftheLORDshallrestuponhim" HolySpiritwhomGodhasgiventothose
(11:12);"Beholdmyservant,whomI whoobeyhim"(Acts5:32).Butnowwe
uphold,mychosen...Ihaveput[or'will arereferringnottothepowertobear
put'NIV]mySpirituponhim,hewill witnesstotheworld(fromJerusalemto
bringforthjusticetothenations"(42:1); theendsoftheearth)buttotheroleof
"TheSpiritoftheLordGODisuponme, theHolySpiritinbearingtestimonyto
becausetheLORDhasanointedmeto God'sacceptanceandapprovalofthose
bringgoodtidingtotheafflicted"(61:1). whobelongtoHim.
TheSpiritwill"restupon,"be"puton,"
"anoint"theMessiahtoenableHimto LetusbeginwithJesusHimself.Wehave
fulfillHismanifoldcallingandministry. alreadymadementionofthedescentof
theHolySpiritfromheavenuponJesus
andhowwiththisenablingpowerHe
beganHisministry.Butnowwemaygo
Aswehavepreviouslycommented,Jesus backtotheoccasionoftheSpirit'scoming
uponwhomtheSpiritcameisthe andobservethat,immediatelyfollowing
channelforthatsameSpirittocomeupon Jesus'baptismandthedescentofthe
others.Thismeans,therefore,thatthe Spiritasadove,"avoicecamefrom
SpiritgivenatPentecostandthereafteris Heaven,'ThouartmybelovedSon;with
forthecentralpurposeofenablingpeople theeIamwellpleased'"(Luke3:22).In
tocarryforwardHisministryafterHim. otherwords,theverycomingoftheHoly
Jesusreceivedpowerforministrywhen SpiritfromheavenpointedtoGod's
theHolySpiritcameuponHim;He approval,asthewordsspecify"my
promisedpowerforministrywhenthe belovedSon...wellpleased."Thiswas
HolySpiritcomesuponHisdisciples: demonstrativetestimonytoany
"YoushallreceivepowerwhentheHoly bystanderaswellastoJesusHimself
Spirithascomeuponyou;andyoushall thatHewasGod'sSon,approvedand
bemywitnesses"(Acts1:8).Hence,all pleasinginHisFather'ssight.30
occasionsoftheeventoftheSpiritinActs
referbasicallytoanempoweringfor Nowwemayskipovertotheaccountin
witnessandservice. ActsoftheCaesareansandobserve

likewisethatthecomingoftheHoly Itisalsoquitelikelythatthegiftofthe
Spiritwastestimonytotheiracceptance HolySpirittotheSamaritansandthe
andapprovalbyGod.WhentheHoly Ephesianshadthesamedualtestimony
SpiritfallsontheCaesareans(evidenced andcertification.Inadditiontothefact
bytheirpraisingGodintongues),Peteris thattheHolySpiritthe"missionary
therebyconvincedtheGentileshavebeen Spirit"wasgivenfortheenablingof
acceptedbyGod,forhedeclares,"Can witnesstotheworld,Hisverycomingat
anyoneforbidwaterforbaptizingthese SamariaandEphesusdoubtlesswasalso
peoplewhohavereceivedtheHolySpirit God'sownattestationthattheyhadbeen
justaswehave?"(Acts10:47).Sometime acceptedasHischildren.TheSamaritans
laterwhenPeterrehearsestheseevents inparticularhadlongbeendespisedby
totheapostlesandbrethreninJerusalem theJews,andviewedastotaloutsiders.
anddescribeshowtheHolySpiritfellon ButnowtheHolySpiritwasalsogivento
theCaesareans"justasonusatthe them.ThefardistantEphesianslikewise,
beginning"(Acts11:15),thosein bythegiftofGod'sSpirit,wereshown
Jerusalem"glorifiedGod,saying,'Thento bothtoothersandtothemselvesas
theGentilesalsoGodhasgranted acceptedintoGod'sfamily.
repentanceuntolife'"(11:18).Thegiftof
theHolySpirittotheCaesareanswasthe
divinecertificationoftheirsalvation
their"repentanceuntolife"andthusof Tomovebrieflytothecontemporary
acceptanceandapprovalofGod. scene:oneofthestrikingfeaturesofthe
presentPentecostal(orcharismatic)
ButnotonlyisthegiftoftheHolySpirit movementisthewayinwhichpeoplein
testimonytoothersoftheiracceptance manychurchesordenominationsthat
andsalvation,butalsoitwasGod's havebeenlongseparatedfrom,andeven
witnesstotheCaesareansthemselves. antagonisticto,oneanotherhave
OnalateroccasionPeterspeakstothe changedtheirattitude.Forexample,
apostlesandeldershow"Godmadechoice manyProtestantswhohadbecome
amongyou,thatbymymouththe involvedinthemovementintheearlyto
Gentiles[atCaesarea]shouldhearthe mid1960swereillpreparedtoaccept
wordofthegospelandbelieve."Peter RomanCatholicsforthereasonthatthey
immediatelyadds:"AndGodwhoknows (theProtestants)werenotatallsure
theheartborewitnesstothem,giving whetherRomanCatholicshad
themtheHolySpiritjustashedidtous" experiencedsalvation.ThentheHoly
(Acts15:78).God"borewitnesstothem" SpiritbegantomoveamongtheCatholics
means"showsthatheacceptedthem" withtheresultingdynamicpresenceof
(NIV):itwastheGentiles'own God,transcendentpraise,andpowerful
certificationthattheyhadtrulyheard witnesstothegospel.AlltheProtestants
andbelieved,hencehadcometo coulddo,liketheapostlesandbrethren,
salvation.Indeed,theywerenowsonsof wastoglorifyGodandsay:"Thentothe
GodattestedbytheHolySpirit.31

RomanCatholicsalsoGodhasgranted witnessthateveryonewhobelievesin
repentanceuntolife!" himreceivesforgivenessofsinsthrough
hisname.WhilePeterwasstillsaying
IV this,theHolySpiritfellonallwhoheard
theword"(Acts10:4344).Itistothose
TheRoleofFaith whobelieveinChrist(those"whoheard
theword")thattheHolySpiritisgiven.
TheHolySpirit,inoneeventafter PhilipatSamaria"proclaimedtothem
another,isgiventothosewhobelievein theChrist"(Acts8:5).Asaresult,the
JesusChrist.Believingmeanstolookto Samaritanscometofaithandare
HimasLordandSaviorandthroughHim baptized:"WhentheybelievedPhilipas
toenterintonewlife.Theessentialsare hepreachedthegoodnewsaboutthe
showntoberepentanceandforgiveness: kingdomofGodandthenameofJesus
"thatrepentanceandforgivenessofsins Christ,theywerebaptized,bothmenand
shouldbepreachedinhisnametoall women"(8:12).LaterPeterandJohn
nations"(Luke24:47).Toallwhoso comefromJerusalemandministerto
repentandreceiveforgiveness(usually themtheHolySpirit(8:1417).Again,the
accompaniedbywaterbaptism),andthus HolySpiritisreceivedbythosewhohad
exercisefaith,theHolySpiritis cometofaithinJesusChrist.
promised.InthewordsofPeteronthe
DayofPentecost:"Repent,andbe PaulproclaimsJesusChristtothe
baptizedeveryoneofyouinthenameof Ephesiansbeforetheyreceivethegiftof
JesusChrist32fortheforgivenessofyour theHolySpirit.Heremindsthemthat
sins;andyoushallreceivethegiftofthe "Johnbaptizedwiththebaptismof
HolySpirit.Forthepromiseistoyou..." repentance,tellingthepeopletobelieve
(Acts2:3839).ThepromiseoftheSpirit intheonewhowastocomeafterhim,
istothosewhocometofaithinChrist. thatisJesus"(Acts19:4)."Onhearing
this"theEphesians"werebaptizedinthe
InalltheActsnarrativesthatrelateto nameoftheLordJesus"(19:5).
thegiftoftheSpirit,faithinChristis ThereafterPaullayshandsonthemand
essential.OnlythosewhobelieveinHim theyreceivetheHolySpirit(19:6).Once
receivetheHolySpirit.Thisis again,theHolySpiritisgiventothose
demonstratedmostclearlyinthe whobelieveinChrist.
accountsoftheCaesareans,Samaritans,
andEphesians.Letusobserveeachin Inthesethreenarrativesfaithis
turn. essentialtoreceivingthegiftoftheHoly
Spirit.Itisapparentalsothatbelieving
PeterproclaimsJesusChrist,Hislife, inJesusandreceivingtheHolySpirit
death,andresurrection,andclimaxeshis occuratthesametime(Caesareans),
messagetotheCaesareanswiththe shortlythereafter(Ephesians),orsome
words:"Tohimalltheprophetsbear dayslater(Samaritans).Thisdoesnot

meanthatfaithisonlythebackgroundas receivetheHolySpiritwhenyou
if,sotospeak,theSamaritansbelieved believed?"35(Acts19:2).Hencetheremay
onedayandreceivedanother;rather beabelievinginChrist36priortothe
faithoperatesthroughout. receptionoftheHolySpirit.Tobesure,
faithacontinuingbelievingis
Basicallythenitisamatteroffaithnot necessarytothisreception,butthe
asastaticfact,aonceforallthing,buta criticalmatterhereisthatPaulimplies
living,evengrowingreality.Hence,to thepossibilityofgenuinefaiththathas
thosebelieving,whetheratthemomentof notyetresultedinthereceptionofthe
initialfaithoralongthewayoffaith,the HolySpirit.
HolySpiritisgiven.
Letitnowbeemphasizedfromtherecord
Wemaybetterappreciatethis inActs:itisthroughfaithinChristthat
understandingoffaithbyviewingthe personsinitiallyreceiveforgiveness.Itis
situationofthedisciplesatPentecost.In likewisethroughfaiththattheyreceive
arealsensetheywerebelieversinJesus theHolySpirit.Ortoputitdifferently,it
already.TheyhadknownHiminHislife, isthesameChristwhothroughfaith
death,andresurrection,hadreceivedHis bringsboththeforgivenessofsinsand
forgiveness33andwerewaitingatHis thegiftoftheSpirit.
behestinJerusalem.Hencetheyhad
believedsurely,andnowatPentecost Wemayspeak,accordingly,offaithin
theywerebelievingwhentheHolySpirit movement,faithinprocess.Sucha
came.SomelaterwordsofPetertothe recognitionofthedynamicsoffaithas
apostlesandbrethreninJerusalemabout depictedinActsisessentialtoproper
hisrecentexperiencewiththe understandingofthereceptionofthe
Caesareansunderscorethis:"SoifGod HolySpirit.Atacertainmomentinfaith
gavethemthesamegift[oftheHoly whetherattheoutsetorsomewherealong
Spirit]ashegaveus,whobelieved34in
thewaytheHolySpiritmaybereceived.
theLordJesusChrist,whowasItothink
Thismomentmayormaynotcoincide
thatIcouldopposeGod?"(Acts11:17
withtheinitialmomentofreceiving
NIV).ItwasnotthatonlyatPentecost
forgivenessofsins.Ithappenedatthe
thediscipleshadcometobelieveorthat
sametime(Caesareans),shortly
believingwasapastaction;itwasrather
thereafter(Ephesians),dayslater
thatasbelieverstheHolySpiritwas
(Samaritans37),orevenlonger
pouredoutuponthem.
(Jerusalem38).Whateverthecase,faithin
JesusChristisshowntobetheessential
Itisimportanttorecognizebefore
matterwhenevertheHolySpiritisgiven.
proceedingfurtherthatintheActs
accountspersonsmaybebelieversand
notyethavereceivedthegiftoftheHoly
Spirit.InthecaseoftheEphesiansPaul Whatmustnotbesaidisthatforgiveness
attheoutsetquestionsthem:"Didyou ofsinsandthegiftoftheSpiritare

identical.Forexample,therearethose inrelationtothefirstcategory,sinceit
whoequatethegiftoftheSpiritwiththe hasfewresponsibleadherents,butthe
giftofsavinggrace39orregeneration. secondisimportant.DotheEpistlesbear
However,thereisnothingintheActs outwhathasbeensaidregardingActs?I
narrativetosuggestsuchanequation.To havetimeandspaceforonlyafew
saythatthediscipleshadnotexperienced comments,buttrusttheywillbehelpful.
suchgracebeforethePentecostalgiftof
theHolySpiritrunscountertoany Firstofall,itisimportanttorecognize
perceptivereadingoftheNewTestament thattheEpistlesarewrittentoChristian
record.OrtoclaimthattheSamaritans believersinvariouschurchesand
hadnottrulybelievedinChristthrough situations.Noepistlethereforedirectly
Philip'sministrypriortotheirlater showspeoplecomingtofaithinChristor
receptionoftheHolySpiritstrains receivingtheHolySpirit.Thedynamics
credulity.40SurelytheEphesianshad ofChristianbeginningshavealready
cometofaithinChrist,andwerebaptized happened.Second,aswillbeapparent,
inHisname,beforePaullayshandsupon thereissignificantevidenceforthe
themtoreceivetheHolySpirit. receptionoftheHolySpiritoccurring
subsequenttoinitialfaith.Althoughsuch
Itisalsoapparentthattheresimplyisno subsequencecannotbeproventobe
evidenceinActsthatforgivenessofsins temporal,therecanbenoquestionofat
(salvation)automaticallyleadstothe leastasubsequenceinorder(aswillbe
receptionoftheSpirit.Philiphadbrought noted).Suchsubsequenceinorderlends
theSamaritanstothispoint,butPeter credencetoapossiblesubsequencein
andJohnwerealsoneededtominister time.
theHolySpirit.Saulhadbeguntofollow
Jesusonthewayoffaith,butAnanias ThemainexampleisfoundinEphesians
wasneededtoprayforSaulthathe 1:13"Inhimyoualso,whohaveheard
wouldbefilledwiththeHolySpirit.Paul thewordoftruth,thegospelofyour
hadledtheEphesianstofaithand salvation,andhavebelieved[or'having
baptisminJesus'name,butitwas believed'41NIV]inhim,youweresealed42
necessarythathetakeafurtherstepfor withthepromisedHolySpirit."The
themtoreceivetheHolySpirit. Ephesians'believinginChristprecedes
theirbeingsealedbytheHolySpirit.
Thereisunmistakablyaprecedencein
order(believinginChristandthen
Hereweneedtospeaktoanother sealing);thereisalsoasuggestionof
concern.Therearethosewhomayagree temporalprecedenceinPaul'swords43:
onthewholewithouraccountofwhat "havebelieved"(or"havingbelieved").
happenedinActs,buteitherare Thisbecomesallthemorelikelyifwe
unwillingtoapplyittotodayorclaim looktotheaccountinActs19where,as
thattheEpistlesdonotbearoutthe wehaveobserved,Paulraisesthe
interpretationgiven.Iwillspendnotime questionthatassumesthepossibilityof

priorbelief;44moreover,afterthe
EphesianscometofaithinChrist,helays
handsonthemtoreceivetheHolySpirit. Thisleadstooursecondexample,
namely,anothersignificantNew
Wemaysay,then,thatthenarrativein Testamentpassagethatrefersin
ActsabouttheEphesiansshowsa sequencetoanumberofbasicChristian
definitetemporalorder,howeverbrief, elementsinsequence.Herewelookat
frominitialfaithinChristtoa Hebrews6whichreads:"Letusleavethe
subsequentreceptionoftheHolySpirit. elementaryteachingsaboutChristandgo
Thewholeeventisdescribedinits ontomaturity,notlayingagaina
occurrence.InthelettertotheEphesians, foundationofrepentancefromactsthat
Paulislookingbackonwhathasalready leadtodeath,andoffaithinGod,
happened45withoutdetailingeachaspect instructionaboutbaptisms,thelayingon
asitoccurred.Ifwemayproperlyusethe ofhands,theresurrectionofthedead,
narrativeinActsforilluminationofthe andeternaljudgment"(vv.12NIV).Six
statementsinEphesians,46webeholda "elementaryteachings"arementioned,
temporalmovementfrominitialfaithto thefirsttwoofwhich,repentanceand
receptionoftheHolySpirit.The faith,areobviouslythemostbasicsinceit
EphesianshadcometofaithinChrist isbyrepentanceandfaiththatonecomes
beforetheyreceivedtheHolySpirit. tosalvation.Thelasttwoareclimactic,
OnefurtherthingabouttheEphesian theresurrectionofthedeadandeternal
narrativemaybenoted,namely,that judgment.Inbetweenareinstructions
Paulbothbaptizedandlaidonhands. about"baptisms"47andthelayingonof
TheEphesianshadalreadybeenbaptized hands."Instructionsaboutbaptisms"
"intoJohn'sbaptism"(19:3).Upontheir couldrefertothedifferencebetween
believinginJesus,they"werebaptized variousJewishlustrationsorbetween
[byPaul]inthenameoftheLordJesus." John'sbaptismandChristianbaptism,48
ThereafterPaul"laidhishandsupon orhowChristianbaptismrelatesto
them"and"theHolySpiritcameon repentanceandfaith."Thelayingonof
them."Itisimportanttoobservethatthe hands"verylikelyreferstothegiftofthe
actofbaptizinginwaterrelatedtotheir HolySpirit49asoftenimpartedthrough
faithinChristandthefollowing theimpositionofhands(asatEphesus).50
impositionofhandstotheirreceivingthe Itisquiteinterestingthatthesequenceof
HolySpirit.AllfaithinChrist,baptism faithinChristrepentance,baptisms
inChrist(goingbeyondJohn'sbaptism), (probablyJohn'sandChrist's),andlaying
layingonofhands,receivingtheHoly onofhandsisthesameasthatinthe
Spiritwereimportantfactorsintheir EphesiannarrativeofActs19.Moreover,
Christianbeginnings.InthisEphesians theimpositionofhandsgoesbeyond
passage,Pauldoesnotmentioneither mattersofsalvation(faith/repentance)
baptismorhands,thoughtheypossibly intotheareaofreceptionoftheHoly
maybeassumed. Spirit.51

WithActs19againasapossible inEphesians),henceapossiblelater
historicalprecedent,Hebrews6 receptionoftheSpiritafterinitialfaith.
demonstratesthedynamicmovement
frominitialfaith(andrepentance)
throughthematterofbaptismsintothe
receptionoftheHolySpirit.Moreover, Athirdexamplethatmaybementioned
justaswaterbaptismisadistinctand isGalatianschapter3.Paulfirstasks:
prioractionrelatingtofaithand "DidyoureceivetheSpiritbyworksof
repentance,solayingonofhandsis thelaw,orbyhearingwithfaith?....Does
distinctandsubsequentinbothActs19 hewhosupplies[or'gives']theSpiritto
andHebrews6.Thusthiscondensed youandworksmiraclesamongyoudoso
passageinHebrews,whichenumerates byworksofthelaw,orbyhearingwith
elementaryChristianprinciples,maybe faith?"(vv.2,5).InPaul'squestionsthere
helpfullyunderstoodagainstthe isunmistakablereferencetothereception
backgroundofthenarrativeofsuch oftheSpirit,thatitoccursbyfaith(aswe
eventsasoccurredinActs19.52 havepreviouslyobserved),andthatthe
workingofmiraclesresultsfromthe
Inregardtothese"elementaryteachings" givingoftheSpirit.54Allofthissounds
inHebrews,itistobenotedthatthe quitefamiliaragainstanActs
word"instruction"precedesbaptismsand background.Thereis,however,nothing
thelayingonofhands(thisisnotthecase intheseopeningversesthatstatesor
inrelationtothepriormentionoffaith suggeststhetemporalrelationshipto
andrepentance).Isittoomuchtosuggest theirsalvationjustification,redemption
thatthisistheareawhereinstructionis (thetwoPaulinetermsmostusedin
particularlyneededinourtime?Offaith Galatians).Aswemoveon,however,to
andrepentancetheareaofsalvation verses1314,weread:"Christredeemed
muchissaid,especiallyinevangelical usfromthecurseofthelaw,having
circles,butwhatofbaptisms(inthe becomeacurseforus...thatinChrist
plural)53andthelayingonofhands? JesustheblessingofAbrahammight
comeupontheGentiles,thatwemight
Buttoreturntoourmainpoint:both receivethepromiseoftheSpiritthrough
Ephesians1:13andHebrews6:13bear faith."
outmuchofwhathasbeendetailedin
variousActsnarratives.Whilewrittenin Whatisimportanthereisthatagainst
compactandnonnarrativefashion,they thebackgroundofredemption("Christ
bothincludethefulldynamicsof redeemedus"),wereceivethroughfaith
Christianbeginnings.Moreover,thereis "thepromiseoftheSpirit."Notecarefully:
subsequenceinorder(Ephesians)andin notthatthroughfaithwereceivethe
presentation(Hebrews)indealingwith SpiritbutthepromiseoftheSpirit."The
initialfaithandthereceptionoftheHoly promiseoftheSpirit"55isessentiallythe
Spirit.Thesubsequenceinorderalso sameexpressionasfoundinActs2:33
suggestssubsequenceintime(especially ("thepromiseoftheHolySpirit"56),andis

thepromisegiventothosewhocometo inparticular:prayer,obedience,andthe
faithinChrist(repent,bebaptizedinHis layingonofhands.Howdotheyrelateto
name,receiveforgivenessofsins):"you thereceptionoftheHolySpirit?
shallreceivethegiftoftheHolySpirit.
Forthepromiseistoyouandtoyour Inregardtoprayer,itisapparentfrom
childrenandtoallthatarefaroff"(Acts mostofthenarrativeaccountsthat
2:3839).InGalatianstheorderisclear: prayerhasmuchtodobywayof
first,thereisredemption;57second,to background.WemaybeginwithJesus
thosewhoreceivesuchthroughfaith HimselfandthecomingoftheHolySpirit
thereisthepromiseoftheSpirit.Hence, uponHim.Therelevantpassageinthe
faithbywhichsalvationisappropriated GospelofLukereads:"Nowitcameabout
isaccompaniedbythepromisebutnot thatwhenallthepeoplewerebaptized,
necessarilyatthesametimebythe thatJesusalsowasbaptized,andwhile
realizationofthepromise. Hewaspraying,heavenwasopened,and
theHolySpiritdescendeduponHim"
ThusinGalatians,asclearlyinActs,and (3:2122NASB).Althoughnodetailsare
likelyinEphesiansandHebrews,there given,theGospelclearlyportraysa
maybeaseparationintimebetweenthe connectionbetweenJesus'actofpraying
occurrenceofforgivenessofsins andthedescentoftheHolySpirit.
(redemption,salvation)andthereception
oftheHolySpirit.Itisstillbyfaithin Thebackgroundofprayerisgraphically
Christ(not"byworksofthelaw"Gal.3:2) setforthinrelationtothecomingofthe
thatsuchoccurs,eventhoughitmaybe HolySpirituponthedisciplesat
onalateroccasion. Pentecost.Aftertheapostleshadheard
Jesustellthem"towaitforthepromiseof
theFather"(Acts1:4),they"wentupto
theupperroom"(13),andalongwith
Weshallnottaketimetoexamineother severalothers"devotedthemselvesto
relevantNewTestamentpassages.58Itis prayer"59(1:1314).Fortendaysthey
hopedthatwhathasbeendiscussedin continueinprayer,withtheirnumber
connectionwithEphesians1,Hebrews6, growingtoabout120,untiltheHoly
andGalatians3willbesufficientto SpiritrushesuponthematPentecost.
demonstratebasiccongruitywiththe
Actsnarratives. InthestoryoftheSamaritanstherecord
readsthatwhenPeterandJohncome
V downfromJerusalemtoministerthe
HolySpirit,theirprimaryactionis
TheReceptionoftheSpirit prayer:"Nowwhentheapostlesat
JerusalemheardthatSamariahad
receivedthewordofGod[i.e.,hadcometo
Wecomefinallytoconsidertheactual faithinJesusChrist],theysenttothem
receptionofthegiftoftheHolySpirit. PeterandJohn,whocamedownand
Thequestionhereconcernsthreematters

prayedforthemthattheymightreceive whowillreceiveprecedestheeventof
theHolySpirit"(Acts8:1415).The theSpirit.
prayinginthiscaseisdonebythe
apostles,andsuchprayers(possibly OnlyintheincidentaboutPaul's
includingtheSamaritansprayingalso) ministeringtotheEphesiansisnothing
immediatelyprecedethelayingonof saidaboutprayer.However,sincehedoes
handsandtheSamaritans'receptionof layhandsuponthemtoreceivetheHoly
theHolySpirit(8:17). Spirit,thiswasprobablypreceded(asin
Samaria)byprayer.Eventhelayingonof
ThenarrativeaboutSaulofTarsusis handsitselfmaybeviewedasakindof
suffusedwithprayer.Forthreedays outwardactofprayerfulministry.60
Saul,blindedbythelightfromheaven,
neithereatsnordrinks(Acts9:9)ashe Allinall,prayerisshowntobevital
giveshimselftoprayer.Ananias,whowill backgroundforreceivingthegiftofthe
ministertoSaul,islikewiseinprayer. Spirit.OnefurtherScripturepassage
TheLordspeakstohiminavisionand highlightsthisallthemore,namely,
tellshimtogotothehousewhereSaul Luke11:113.WhenJesusisprayingata
maybefound,for"behold,heispraying" certainplace,HisdisciplesaskHimto
(9:1011).Hence,extendedprayeristhe teachthemtopray.Jesusthereupon
backgroundforAnanias'subsequent givesthe"Lord'sprayer,"butthentellsa
ministrywhereinSaulisfilledwiththe parableemphasizingimportunateprayer:
HolySpirit(9:1718). "Ask...seek...knock"(v.9).Itclimaxes
withthewords:"Ifyouthen,whoareevil,
InthecaseoftheCaesareans,prayer knowhowtogivegoodgiftstoyour
againisverymuchthebackground.The children,howmuchmorewillthe
centurionatCaesarea,Cornelius,is heavenlyFathergivetheHolySpiritto
describedas"adevoutmanwhofeared thosewhoaskhim!"(v.13).Theasking
Godwithallhishousehold...andprayed meaningimportunate,earnestprayeris
constantlytoGod"(Acts10:2).Cornelius backgroundforGod'sgivingtheHoly
istoldbyanangelinavisionthat"your Spirit.61PrayertotheheavenlyFatheris
prayersandyouralmshaveascendedas channelforGod'sblessedgift.62
amemorialbeforeGod"(10:4).Theangel
theninstructsCorneliustosendfora Whyprayerissoimportantforthegiftof
mannamedSimonPeterinanothercity. theSpiritmaybeunderstoodinlightof
ThenextdayPeterispraying(he"went thenatureofthegiftandthehuman
uponthehousetoptopray,"10:9)and situation.ItisprayerwhichinvitesGod's
alsohasavision.AsaresultPetergoes holyanddynamicpresence63toinvadea
withthedelegationfromCaesareaand believer'slife.Thechannelneedstobe
proclaimsthegospeltoCorneliusandhis openforthistohappen.Thismaycallfor
household.PrayeronbothsidesPeter prayeroveranextendedtime;orifthe
whowillministerandtheCaesareans channelisinreadiness,theSpiritmaybe
immediatelypouredout.Themoment

JesuslookstoheavenafterHisbaptism whollytotheLord.Suchsurelywasthe
andpraystheHolySpiritdescends:the burdenofhisthreedaysofpraying.At
channelisopenandreadyfora lastemptied,SaulofTarsuswaslikewise
tremendousvisitationoftheHolySpirit.64 filled.
TheCaesareancenturionandhisdevout
householdarereadytoreceiveGod's Whatshallwesayaboutthecaseofthe
dynamicvisitation.Themomentthe Samaritans?Tocomparethemeven
blockageofsinisremovedthrough brieflywiththeCaesareansshowsavast
forgiveness(hearingandreceivingPeter's difference.UnliketheGodfearing,God
message)andtheycometofaithin seekinghouseholdofCornelius,theywere
Christ,theHolySpiritispouredforth. apeoplecaughtupinmanyunclean
Thechannelwasalreadyprepared.65 practices69andtotallygivenovertoSimon
themagician(Acts8:10).Soevenwhen
Herewemustbecarefulnottooverstate theycometofaithinJesus,unlikethe
thecase,butitseemsquitelikelythatthe Caesareans,theyarescarcelyreadyto
reasoninseveralinstancesfortheSpirit receivetheHolySpirit.Hence,Peterand
notbeinggivenuntilsometimeafter John'sprayerswiththemmaywellhave
repentanceandfaithisthatfurther beentohelpthemfurthertoabjurethe
preparationisneeded.Jesus'own demonsoftheirpast70andtomakean
immediatedisciples,thoughreceiving unreservedsurrendertothelordshipof
forgivinggracebytherisenLord,had JesusChrist.
muchdebrisintheirchannelsomestill
doubting,66manystilldividedintheir Severalthingsshouldbeemphasized
devotion,67allstillconcernedabout beforeproceedingfurther.First,inno
materialfulfillment.68Sotheyweretold caseisGodreluctanttogivetheHoly
totarry,towait.Doubtlesstheyneeded Spirit.Hedelightsto"givegoodgifts"
thetendaysofearnestprayingas (Matthew7:11)71toHischildren;He
preparationfortheHolySpirittobe delightstogivetheHolySpirit.ButHe
given.Whenatlasttheyhadbecomea doesnotgivetothoseforwhomthewayis
vacuumemptiedofnaggingdoubt, notprepared.Second,moreover,since
dividednessofheart,selfstrivingthe thisisagift,thereisnowayofearningit.
windoftheHolySpiritrushedin.They Prayerearnestandimportunateisa
werefilledwiththeHolySpirit. negationofallwork:itistoallowGodto
removethebarrierssothatHemaytake
SaulofTarsusseemstohavebeenvery over.Third,attheheartofsuchprayeris
muchinasimilarsituation.Although selfsurrender,thetotalyieldingofthe
acknowledgingtherisenandascended persontothelordshipofJesusChrist.
JesusasLord,heundoubtedlyhadmuch ThosethusemptybeforetheLordHe
selfdyingtodo.Theformerlyproud,self delightstofillwithHisHolySpirit.72
reliant,bitterPharisee,nowblindedby
thegloryofJesus,neededtimenotjustto
rethinkhistheologybuttosurrender

Thisleadsnexttoaconsiderationofthe preparationforthegiftoftheHolySpirit.
matterofobedience.Itwillberecalled Behindallofthesewemayreferagainto
thatononeoccasionPeterdeclared:"We thewordsofJesus,earlierquoted:
arewitnessesofthesethings,andsois "Ask...seek...knock"(Luke11:9).These
theHolySpiritwhomGodhasgivento words,itshouldnowbeemphasized,are
thosewhoobeyhim"(Acts5:32).Ifprayer astrongcommand,indeedthreefold,
isbackgroundforthegiftoftheHoly whichrelatesaltogethertothegiftofthe
Spirit,obedienceistheproperattitudeof HolySpirit.Theremay,ormaynotbe,a
heartandwill.73 directwordfromChrist(aswiththe
disciplesandSaul),butsuchisnot
Inthecaseoftheoriginaldiscipleswho necessary.ThewordsofChristare
receivedtheHolySpirit,itisapparent inscribedforalltoreadandobey:Ask,
thattheyobeyedChristbywaitingasHe seek,andknock.FortheHolySpirit,as
hadcommanded.AccordingtoLuke Petersaid,isgiven"tothosewhoobey
24:49,Jesushadsaid:"Stayinthecity, him."
untilyouareclothedwithpowerfromon
high."Acts1:4recordsthatJesus Butlestthisbeviewedonlyasamatterof
"chargedthemnottodepartfrom obediencetoaparticularcommand
Jerusalem,buttowaitforthepromiseof relativetothegiftoftheHolySpirit,we
theFather."ThiscommandofJesusthey shouldrecallthewordsofChristinthe
fullyobeyed,andGodgavethemtheHoly FourthGospel:"Ifyouloveme,youwill
Spirit.SaulofTarsussimilarlyobeyed keepmycommandments.AndIwillpray
thewordsofJesus.AcknowledgingJesus theFather,andhewillgiveyouanother
asLord,"WhatshallIdo,Lord?"he Counselor...theSpiritoftruth"(John
receivesacommand:"Rise,andgointo 14:1517).KeepingChrist's
Damascus"(Acts22:10;cf.9:56).Saul commandments,strivingtobefaithfulto
goes,waits,andprays.Ananiaslikewise Hiswords,abidinginHistruth:allsuch
receivesacommand:"Riseandgotothe preparesthewayforthegiftofHis
streetcalledStraight"(9:11),whereSaul Spirit.75Thisdoesnotmeanthatbeyond
wouldbefound.Thecenturionof faithobedienceisrequired(notfaithplus
Caesareaiscommandedbyanangel: works),butthisistheobediencethat
"SendmentoJoppa,andbringoneSimon faithengenders,andtosuch
whoiscalledPeter"(10:5).Peteristold faith/obediencetheSpiritisgiven.Forthe
bytheSpirit:"Riseandgodown,and HolySpiritisgivenintheatmosphereof
accompanythemwithouthesitation" obedientfaith.
(10:20).Intheselattertwoinstances,
thoseofthecenturion74andSaul,thereis Allofthissuggeststhatthosewhoseekto
obedienceonthepartofbothsides:the walkfaithfullyinthewayofChristare
onetoministerandtheothertobe livinginanatmosphereconducivetothe
ministeredto. receptionoftheHolySpirit.Theremaybe
Nowtheseareallactsofspecific failures,buttheessentialintentionand
obediencethatrelatedirectlyto directionisthatofobediencetotheword

oftheLord.Alreadyinsomesense onthemandtheyreceivedtheHoly
walkinginthewayofholiness,76such Spirit"78(Acts8:17).FollowingSaul's
personsareinapositionforafurther threedaysofprayingandAnanias'
implementationoftheHolySpirit(whois "layinghishandsonhim,"Saulis"filled
theSpiritofholiness).Conversely,ifa withtheHolySpirit"(9:17).Inregardto
personisnotwalkinginthewayof theEphesians,"whenPaulhadlaidhis
faithfulobediencetoChrist;ifheis handsuponthem,theHolySpiritcame
harboringanger,lust,bitternessinhis onthem"(19:6).
heart;iflovehasgrowncoldandholiness
aggrievedsuchaoneishardlyina SinceintheActsaccountsthereisshown
positiontoreceiveGod'sHolySpirit.For tobenonecessaryconnectionbetween
obedienceliesattheheartoffaith,andit impositionofhandsandthereceptionof
isbyfaithalonethattheHolySpiritis theSpirit,thequestionemerges:Whyis
received.77 thereadifferencebetweenCaesarea79on
theonehandandtheSamaritans,Saul,
andtheEphesiansontheother?Whythe
layingonofhandsinthelatterthree
Finally,letuslookintothematterofthe instances?Theanswerwouldseemtobe
layingonofhands.Whatrelationhas muchinlinewithwhatwassaidabout
suchanactiontothereceptionofthe prayerandobedience:theCaesareans
HolySpirit?WhatdotheActsnarratives weresoreadytoreceiveeverythingfrom
show? GodthatHeimmediately,withouthuman
Theimmediateansweristhatthere mediation,poursforththeHolySpirit.
obviouslyisnonecessaryrelationship. Theothersneededfurtherhelpwhichthe
Forinthecaseofboththedisciplesat layingonofhandsprovided.
JerusalemandoftheCaesareans,thereis
nolayingonofhands.Ofcourse,sincethe Itisapparentthatthelayingonofhands,
Jerusalemdiscipleswerethefirst,there foronething,isadramaticsymbolforthe
wasnoonewhocouldhavelaidhands.In givingoftheHolySpirit.Handsplaced
theinstanceoftheCaesareansPeterwas uponapersonclearlyrepresentstheHoly
presentandcouldhavedoneso;however, Spiritcomingupontheperson.Moreover,
therewasnoopportunityorneed,forthe bytheveryactofallowinghandstobe
momenttheycometofaiththeHoly placeduponthehead,theindividualis
Spiritisgiven.Inbothcasesitis therebyexpressingsubmissionand
apparentthathandswerenotinvolved; docility80toafreshworkofGod.Also
hence,theywerenotnecessary. handssignifycontact,community,
sharingahumanchannelforthedivine
Intheotherthreeinstancesthe gift.Althoughapersonmayreceivethe
Samaritans,SaulatDamascus,andthe giftoftheSpiritwithouthuman
Ephesians,therewaslayingonofhands. mediation,theimpositionofhandsmay
AfterPeterandJohnhaveprayerforthe greatlyfacilitatethisreception.
Samaritans,"thentheylaidtheirhands

Nowletusemphasizeseveralmatters. prayer,nomatterhowferventor
First,basedontheaccountsofJerusalem protracted,orobedience,nomatterhow
andSamaria,Godisnotdependentonthe devout,theplaceofprimacy.Godasthe
mediationofhumanhandsforthegiving sovereignLord,regardlessofsuchfactors,
oftheHolySpirit.Otherthings,suchas isfreetogiveHisHolySpirittothose
prayerandobedience,arefarmorebasic. whobelieve,whenandhowHewills.On
Second,wherethereislayingonofhands, thehumansidetheonlycriticalmatteris
thereisnolimitationtooffice.Apostlesdo faithacontinuingbeliefandtrust;but
layhandsinSamaria(PeterandJohn) thereisnoguaranteeofGod'stimetable
andEphesus(Paul),butalaybrother, offurtheraction.
Ananias,placeshandsonSaul.Third, Moreover,ifitistrueasmanyfirmly
thereisnosuggestioninActsthatthe believethatwearelivinginan
layingonofhandsofitself81confersthe extraordinarytimeoftheoutpouringof
HolySpirit.Itistruethateachtimein God'sSpirit,thisisnotfirstofallour
ActswhenhandsarelaidtheHolySpirit doingbutHis.Godhaspromisedthat"in
isreceived,butthisisnotbecauseofany thelastdays"HewouldpouroutHis
latentpowerinthetransmitter.82Rather Spirituponallflesh;andifweareinthe
itisduetoGod'sgraceoperatingthrough lastofthese"lastdays,"thenwhatis
ahumanchanneltothefaithofthosewho happeningstemsbasicallyfromHis
arepreparedtoreceiveit. sovereignintention.Itisnotbecausewe
aremoreprayerfulorobedientorsaintly
Unmistakablythereisneedformuch thangenerationsbeforeus,sothatGodis
furtherconsiderationofthelayingonof respondingtheretoandsendingusHis
hands.Itwillberecalledthatinstruction HolySpirit.No,itisprimarilyand
aboutthelayingonofhands(alongwith profoundlyamatterofGod'swilland
baptisms)belongsto"elementary purpose.HeissendingforthHisSpirit,
teachings"(Hebrews6:1).Theproper quitepossiblyinpreparationforthe
understandingandpracticeofthelaying consummationofallthings.
onofhandsismuchneededinourtime.
Butthereisalsotheimportantsideof
humanexpectancy.Thefirstdisciples
beforePentecostlivedinexpectationof
Awordshouldbeaddedabouttwothings:
theSpirit'sbeingpouredout.Although
God'ssovereigntyandhumanexpectancy. theydidnotknowjustwhenthepromise
Althoughwehavebeendeclaringthat oftheHolySpiritwouldbefulfilledin
prayeristheregularbackground, theirbehalf,theywaitedandprayedwith
obedienceimportantpreparation,andthe fullexpectancythatitwouldcomeabout.
layingonofhandsthemeans,wemust Moreover,afterithappenedtothem,
notoverlookGod'ssovereigndisposition. Peterdeclaredthatitwasbynomeansa
ThistobesureisseeninthatHemayor onceforallevent,butthatthegiftofthe
maynotusehandsasachannel.In HolySpiritwaspromisedlikewisetoall
additionitwouldbeanerrortogive whocometofaithinChrist:"thepromise

istoyouandtoyourchildrenandtoall spiritualintensity.Sincetongues
thatarefaroff,everyonewhomtheLord occurredfrequentlyintheearlychurchas
ourGodcallstohim"(Acts2:39).Surely theprimaryresponsetothegiftofthe
thisbuiltupgreatexpectation.Since, HolySpirit,theymaybeexpected
moreover,thepromisewasnotjustto likewiseinthechurchthereafter.
peopleinthatdaybuttothose
throughouttheages,theneveryonecalled Thebasicpurposeofthegift/receptionof
byGodstandsunderthesamepromise. theSpiritintheearlychurchwas
Soshouldtheexpectationofthepeopleof enablingpower.Thiswasthecasein
Godbeexceedinglygreattoenterinto Jesus'ownministryaswellasHis
thatpromiseandlivemorefullyinthe disciplesthereafter:itwaspowerfor
realityofGod'sdynamicpresenceand ministry.Thegiftwasnotforsalvationor
power. sanctificationbutforserviceinwordand
deed.AtthesametimetheSpiritwho
camewasatestimonytoGod'sacceptance
andapproval:forJesusasGod'sSon,for
thoseafterHimthattheyhadrepented
SummaryofAPentecostalTheology untolife.
ThecriticalcenterofaPentecostal WhatwastrueinNewTestamenttimes
theologyisthegiftandreceptionofthe istruealsotoday:thereceptionofthe
HolySpirit.Intheearlychurch,as HolySpiritbringsaboutbothpowerfor
recordedintheBookofActs,theHoly ministryandcertificationofsonshipand
Spiritwaspouredoutupon,fellon,came salvation.
uponpeople;andtheywereimmersedin, Theroleoffaithwascentralinthe
filledwiththeHolySpirit.TheSpirit receptionoftheHolySpirit;onlythose
thusgivenandreceivedcamefromGod whobelievedinJesusreceivedthisgift.
theFatherthroughJesusChrist.The EachaccountinActsmakesthis
resultofthiseventwasthedynamic unmistakablyclear.Tobelievetruly(i.e.,
immediacyofGod'spresence.Sincethe torepentandbelieve)resulted
giftoftheHolySpiritwaspromisedfor immediatelyintheforgivenessofsins,
allgenerationstocome,itisavailablein hencesalvation.However,inmanycases
ourtime. thegiftoftheSpiritdidnotoccuratthe
momentofinitialfaithandsalvationbut
Theprimaryresponsetothegift/reception shortlythereafter,orevendaysand
oftheHolySpiritintheearlychurchwas weekslater.Insuchcasespeoplewere
praise,theglorifyingofGod.IntheBook believerspriortoreceivingthegiftofthe
ofActs,thispraisecameforthintongues Spirit.Hence,intheActsnarrativesthere
asarecurringexpressionoftranscendent iswitnesstoachronologicalsubsequence
praise.Thismaybeviewedasresulting ofthegiftoftheHolySpirit,nottofaith
fromthedynamicpenetrationoftheHoly buttosalvation.Onthematterof
Spiritbringingaboutasituationofhigh subsequencetheEpistles,thoughthereis

nonarrationaldescription,attesttothe SomeCriticalPointsinAPentecostal
receptionoftheHolySpiritfollowing Theology
uponsalvation.Thissubsequenceinorder
lendscredencetoapossibleseparationin
time,andthusaconfirmingoftherecord 1.ThegiftoftheHolySpiritisa
inActs.Inanyeventfaith,believing, recurringevent.Theearliestchurch
continuedtobetheessentialconditionfor historicalrecord(Acts)depictstheSpirit
thereceptionoftheHolySpirit.Therole beinggivenandreceivedonseveral
offaith,whateverthesituationof occasions.Thereisalsothepromiseofthe
subsequence,remainsuntiltodaycentral giftoftheHolySpirittogenerations
inthereceptionoftheHolySpirit. thereafter.
TheSpiritwasnotgivenonceforallat
ThereceptionoftheSpiritintheearly Pentecost.
churchoccurredordinarilyagainstthe
backgroundofprayerandselfsurrender. 2.ThenarrativesintheBookofActsthat
Theproperattitudeofheartandwillwas recordthegivingandreceivingofthe
obediencethusactinginaccordance HolySpiritare,intheirunityand
withChrist'scommand.Bothprayerand variety,theprimaryexegeticalbasisfor
obediencewerethecontext,notthe thegift/receptionoftheHolySpirit.
condition(whichwasfaithonly),for Againstthenarrationalbackgroundthe
receivingtheHolySpirit.Thelayingonof Epistlesmaybestbeunderstood.
hands,whilenotnecessary,wasoftenthe
Itisnotpropertoplacethesocalled
externalmediumfortheSpirittobe
didactic(e.g.,Paul'sepistles)abovethe
given.
narrational.
However,theimpositionofhandsinand
ofitselfdidnotconfertheHolySpirit.Far 3.ThegiftoftheHolySpiritistheHoly
morebasicwasthematteroffaithand SpiritHimself.HecomesfromtheFather
priorsalvation,prayerandobedience. throughtheSon.Theresultisthe
Ultimately,thereceptionoftheSpirit dynamicandimmediatepresenceofGod.
wasduetoGod'sgracecommunicated ThegiftoftheHolySpiritisnotan
withorwithouthumanmediationtothe unmediatedimmediacy;theSpiritcomes
faithofthosereadytoreceiveit.Itfollows throughthemediationofJesusChrist.
thatthesamesituationcontinuesto
prevailinourtime. 4.Theoccurrenceoftongues(glossolalia)
inActsisbestunderstoodas
Finally,itisapparentintheearlychurch transcendentpraise.Tonguesofpraise
thatbothGod'ssovereigntyandhuman areexpressiveofthesituationofdivine
expectancywereinvolvedinthegiftand penetrationandhighspiritualintensity.
receptionoftheHolySpirit.Canthisbe Tongues,accordingly,aretheprimary
anylesstruenow? (thoughnotnecessary)responsetothe
gift/receptionoftheHolySpirit.

Glossolaliaisnotthespeakingofforeign nonChristianreligions;(2)thosewho
languages,norisitapassing claimthatbyvirtueofsalvationthrough
phenomenonoftheearlychurch. JesusChristallpersonshavereceivedthe
giftoftheHolySpiritthepositionof
5.Theprimarypurposeofthegiftofthe manyevangelicals;(3)thosewhohold
Spiritisenablingpower.Itistoenable thatthroughthepropersacramental
thebelievertoministermoreeffectively action(baptismorconfirmation)theHoly
andtoprovideauthenticationofsonship Spiritisinvariablygiven
andsalvation. sacramentalistsingeneral;(4)thosewho
stressthevalidityofthegiftsoftheSpirit
ThegiftoftheHolySpiritisnotthegiftof
fortodaybutwhoholdthatthegiftofthe
savinggrace;however,therecanbeno
Spiritisthereleaseoractualizationof
giftoftheSpiritwithoutpriorgraceand
whathasbeenreceivedinsalvationor
salvation.
throughthesacramentstheviewpointof
manycharismatics;(5)thosewhoexpress
6.Faithisbasictothereceptionofthe
muchconcernfortherenewalofthe
HolySpirit;however,theSpiritmaynot
churchthroughsuchmeansasworship
begivenatthemomentofsalvationbut
andfellowship,witnessandservicebut
atsometimethereafter.Thusonemay
wholaylittleemphasisoneitherthegift
believeinChristandnotyethave
orthegiftsoftheHolySpiritthe
receivedtheHolySpirit.
perspectiveofmanywhomightbecalled
Itisnotcorrecttosaythatbelievers "renewalists."
invariablyreceivethegiftoftheHoly
Spiritattheinceptionoftheirfaith.
7.Thebackgroundofprayerand Mychallengeisasfollows:
obedience,andoftenthelayingonof (1)Tomanymysticstherecanbeno
hands,arethecontextforthe immediatepresenceoftheHolySpirit
gift/receptionoftheHolySpirit. withouttheredemptiveactionofJesus
Theimpositionofhandsinandofitself Christthatmakespossiblethegiftofthe
doesnotconveythegiftoftheHolySpirit. HolySpirit.FaithinJesusChrist
wherebysinsareforgivenisthe
preconditionofGod'simmediateand
dynamicpresence.Theurgentquestionto
suchmysticsis:"DoyoubelieveinJesus
TheChallengeofAPentecostalTheology Christ?"
Fivegroupsmayherebeaddressed:(1) (2)Tomanyevangelicalsthefactthata
thosewhoaffirmthattheSpiritofGodis personhascometofaithinJesusChrist
immediatelypresenttoallpersons,hence andtherebyenteredintosalvationisno
withoutmediationthroughJesusChrist guaranteeofthereceptionoftheHoly
oftenafeatureofmysticism,especiallyin Spirit.Thegiftofeternallifeandthegift

oftheHolySpiritarenotthesame.The
1
Pneuma:theJournalforPentecostalStudies,vol.
criticalquestiontosuchevangelicalsis 5,no.2,Fall,1983,p.39.
thePaulineone:"Didyoureceivethe 2
KeepinStepwiththeSpirit,23132.
HolySpiritwhenyoubelieved?"
3
Afullerelaborationofmanyofthematters
1. Tomanysacramentaliststhe discussedinthispapermaybefoundinmybook,
sacramentalactioncannot,ex TheGiftoftheHolySpiritToday(1980).Alsosee
opereoperato,conveythespiritual RenewalTheology,vol.2,Salvation,theHoly
Spirit,andChristianLiving(1990).
reality.Onlywherethereisvital
faithisitpossibletoreceivethe 4
Insteadof"with"asisfoundintheRSVandmost
HolySpirit.Theimportant translations.TheGreekwordenmaybe
question,similartothepreceding translatedas"in,""with,"or"by.""By,"inthis
one,is:"DidyoureceivetheHoly context,however,isquitemisleading.
Spiritwhenthesacramentalaction
occurred?"
5
Thereareanumberofotherreasonsbesidesthe
linguisticandempiricalforspeakingofthebasic
identityofthefiveexperiences.Thiswillbecome
(4)Tomanycharismaticsthegiftofthe apparentasweproceed.
HolySpiritisadistinctanduniqueaction
ofGod,socannotbeviewedassimplya 6
That"thepromise"inActs2:39referstothegift
releaseoranactualizationofwhatis oftheHolySpiritisapparentfrom2:33wherethe
promiseisstatedspecificallyas"thepromiseof
alreadythere.Thereisseriousdangerin
theHolySpirit."Thisiscalled"thepromiseofthe
suchaviewpointofminimizingthe Father"in1:4(cf.Luke24:49"thepromiseofmy
necessityofthespecialevent/experience Father").
wherebythegiftsmayflourish.Perhaps
thebestwordtosuchcharismaticsis:"Do
7
"Thiswhichyouseeandhear"referstothe
visibleandaudibledemonstrationswhich
notquenchtheSpirit"(1Thess.5:19).
accompaniedtheoutpouring(seehereafter),but
thebasicrealityistheHolySpiritHimself.
(5)Tomanyrenewalistsgenuineand
lastingrenewalcanonlycomeabout 8
Mysticism,insomeofitsforms,speaksofadirect
throughtheundergirdingofvarious orunmediatedsenseofGod'spresence.
activitiesbythedynamicpresenceand 9
ThefirstreferenceintheBibletotheSpiritof
poweroftheHolySpirit.Otherwise
God,i.e.,theHolySpirit,isthatof"theSpiritof
renewalislittlemorethanan God...movingoverthefaceofthewaters"(Gen.
accentuationofwhatisalreadythere. 1:2).
ThecommandofJesusneedsmuchtobe
heeded:"Stay[tarry,wait 10
SeeRogerStronstad,TheCharismaticTheology
expectantly]...untilyouareclothedwith ofSt.Luke,77,on"thetransferoftheSpirit
powerfromonhigh"(Luke24:49). motif."Stronstad'sbookhasmanyvaluable
insightsnotonlyonLuke's"charismatictheology"
butalsoontheOldTestamentbackground.
Footnotes
11
TheGreekwordismegaleia.

12
Greek:megalunonton. "...theverysamephenomenonwhichissometimes
notonlynaturalbutevenpathologicalisatother
Cf.alsotherelationbetweenjoyandthefilling
13 times...theorganoftheHolyGhost"(p.10).
oftheSpiritinActs13:52"Andthediscipleswere "Thosewhospokewithtongues,asSt.Pauldid,
continuallyfilledwithjoyandwiththeHoly canwellunderstandhowthatholyphenomenon
Spirit"(NASB). differedfromthehystericalphenomenon
although...theywereinasenseexactlythesame
14
EGTinreferencetoActs10:46callsthis phenomenon"(p.17).Lewislaterspeaksabout
"jubilantecstaticpraise." "theinevitablenessoftheerrormadeaboutevery
transpositionbyonewhoapproachesitfromthe
lowermediumonly"(p.19)."Transposition"
Asinthequotationintheprecedingnote
15
accordinglyisanexcellenttermtoexpresswhat
regardingCaesarea.
happenswhentheHolySpirit,thehigher
medium,isexpressedinthelower,thehuman
F.F.Bruce,TheBookoftheActs,NICNT,57.
16
spirit.Thevehicleofexpression,humanlanguage,
AccordingtoBruce,thiswas"possibly"what becomestransposedintoanewdimensionof
occurredatPentecost.Hehadjustdescribedthe utterance.
utterancesatPentecostas"wordsspokenbythe
disciplesintheirdivineecstasy." 20
KeilandDelitzschhaveaninterestingcomment
abouttheprophesyingoftheelders"notasthe
17
Acts2:4."Other"issometimestakentomean foretellingoffuturethings,butasspeakinginan
otherinthesenseofadditionalhumanlanguages. exaltedandelevatedstateofmind,underthe
However,themorelikelyunderstandingof"other" impulseandinspirationoftheSpiritofGod,just
inthistextisqualitativeotherness.Thayerhas likethe'speakingintongues'whichfrequently
twoheadingsunderheteros("other")referringto followedthegiftoftheSpiritinthedaysofthe
(1)Numberand(2)Quality."Number"would apostles"(CommentaryontheOldTestament,
pointtoothertonguesasadditional,thusinthe 1:70).
caseofActs2:4,thespeakingofadditional
languagessuchasArabic,Greek,Chaldean;
LeonWoodidentifiestheelders'prophesying
21
"quality"wouldsignifydifferenceinkind"notof
withpraise:"Intheinstanceoftheseventyinthe
thesamenature,form,class,kind."
wilderness...'prophesying'wouldbethatthese
seventybegantorenderpraisetoGod,whenthe
18
Thewordtranslated"utterance"is
Spiritwasplaceduponthem"(TheHolySpiritin
apophthengesthai,literally"tospeakout."Itisa
theOldTestament,111).
termused"ofthespeechofthewiseman[in
Greekliterature]...butalsooftheoraclegiver,
A.T.Robertsonstatesthatthewordstructurein
22
diviner,prophet,exorcist,andother'inspired
Acts8"showsplainlythatthosewhoreceivedthe
persons'"(BAGD).This"inspired"speechisgiven
bytheHolySpiritthroughhumanlips. giftoftheHolySpiritspokeintongues"(Word
PicturesintheNewTestament,3:107).F.F.Bruce
19
C.S.Lewisinhisaddressentitled affirmsthat"thecontextleavesusinnodoubt
"Transposition"(inTranspositionandOther thattheirreceptionoftheSpiritwasattendedby
externalmanifestationssuchashadmarkedHis
Addresses)describeshowatranspositionoccurs
descentontheearliestdisciplesatPentecost"
wheneverahighermediumreproducesitselfina
lower.Ifviewedmerelyfromtheperspectiveof (TheBookofActs,NICNT,181).Forsimilar
thelower,thehighermaybecompletelymissed. commentsseeJohannesMunck,TheActsofthe
Concerningglossolalia(speakingintongues) Apostles,AB,75andF.J.FoakesJackson,The
Lewiswrites,"allnonChristianopinionwould ActsoftheApostles,MC,73.
regarditasakindofhysteria,aninvoluntary
dischargeofnervousexcitement"(p.9).However,

InRenewalTheology,vol.2,Ihavemorerecently
23 assumptionoftheworkofredemption."Sowrites
spokenofthefirstpurposeofthecomingofthe NorvalGeldenhuysinTheGospelofLuke,
HolySpiritasguidance"intoallthetruth"(see NICNT,147.
pp.23743).ThereafterIspeakof"powerfor
ministry"(pp.24863),afullerelaborationofthe Obviouslythereisagreatdifferencebetweenthe
31
purposedescribedabove. approvalgiventoJesuswhoneedednosalvation
andtheGentileswhohadreceivedit.However,
TheHolySpiritandpowerarenotidentical.As
24
theGentileshadbeenacceptedthroughfaithin
earlierobserved,thegiftoftheHolySpiritisthe Jesuswherebytheylikewisehadbecomesonsof
SpiritHimself,notsomethingelse.However,the God.Hence,itwasasifGodweresayingtothem
basicpurposeofthegiftispowerforministry. becauseoftheirsalvationthroughChrist,"You
aremybelovedsons;withyouIamwellpleased."
25
InJohn6:27Jesussaysthat"onhim[Jesus
Himself]hasGodtheFathersethisseal"literally, 32
Baptismitselfisnotessentialtoforgivenessof
"thisoneGodtheFathersealed"(toutonhopater sins(astheaccountinActs10willshow),butthe
esphragisenhotheos).Theideaofsealinghere faiththatbaptismsignifiesiswhollynecessary.
wouldseemclearlytorefertothisanointingwith
powerattheJordan:"todedicate,""toconsecrate,"
33
ThewordsofJesusafterHisresurrectiontothe
"toendowwithheavenlypower"(TDNT,7:949, disciples,allofwhomhadforsakenHim,arethree
n.83). timesrepeated:"Peacebeuntoyou"(John
20:19,21,26).Theycontainastrongnoteof
AccordingtoR.R.Williams,"throughoutActs,
26 forgivenessandgrace.Thispeace,inthewordsof
theHolySpiritisthoughtofasthemeans R.V.G.Tasker,is"thepeaceofthepardoned
wherebyChristiansreceivepowertowitnessto sinner"(TheGospelAccordingtoSt.John,TNTC,
ChristandHisresurrection"(TheActsofthe 266).
Apostles,36). 34
"Whenwebelieved"(RSV)ismisleading.This
suggeststhatPeterandtheothersatPentecost
27
JamesD.G.Dunnholdsthat"theSamaritans'
didnotbelieveuntilthetimetheSpiritwasgiven.
responsewassimplyanassentofmindtothe
TheGreekwordinvolvedhereispisteusasin,an
acceptabilityofwhatPhilipwassaying"(Baptism
aoristparticiplewhichmayexpressaction
intheHolySpirit,65).Hence,PeterandJohn antecedenttoorconcurrentwiththeactionofthe
camedowntoleadthemintoagenuineChristian
mainverb(see,e.g.,A.T.Robertson,AGrammar
experience.This,Isubmit,isafaultyreadingof
thenarrative. oftheGreekNewTestamentintheLightof
HistoricalResearch,86061).Ifconcurrent,then
28
As,e.g.,I.H.Marshallwrites:"Godwithheldthe "whenwebelieved"wouldbecorrect.However,as
SpirituntilthecomingofPeterandJohninorder Dunnsays,"theaoristparticipledoesinfact
thattheSamaritansmightbeseentobefully usuallyexpressantecedentaction,butitisthe
incorporatedintothecommunityofJerusalem context,notthegrammaticalform,which
Christians"(TheActsoftheApostles,TNTC,157). determinesthis"(BaptismintheHolySpirit,159).
Sincetheaoristdoesusuallyexpressantecedent
29
E.g.,observehowPeter'ssermonofActs2is action,and,Iwouldadd,thecontextheresuggests
followedbyahealingministryinActs3. thesame(thediscipleshadbelievedpriorto
Pentecost),then"whobelieved"ismoreaccurate.
However,sincethisisnotonlyamatterofthe
"Thisopeningoftheheaven,thedescentofthe
30
pastbutacontinuingreality,"believing"
HolyGhostinavisibleshape,andthevoicefrom
(embodyingbothantecedenceandconcurrence)
heaven,weretoJesusthefinalassurancefrom
maybeanevenbettertranslation.Believingwas
GodthatHewasindeedHisSonandtheanointed
bothapastfactforthePentecostdisciplesaswell
Messiah,andthatGodwhollyapprovedofHis

asacontinuingreality("afterbelieving"(NASB) entersintoChristianexperienceandlife"
failstocapturethecontinuationoffaith).(Also (BaptismintheHolySpirit,226).
seepreviouschap.5,nn.15and19.)
40
ContraDunnwhoholdsthat"theSamaritans'
35
Pisteusantesistheaoristparticiple(asinActs responsewassimplyanassentofthemindtothe
11:17)."Whenyoubelieved"(alsoNIV,NEB)is acceptabilityofwhatPhilipwassaying"butnot
againmisleadingsinceitconveysonlytheideaof truefaith(ibid.,65;recalln.27.
concurrence."Sinceyebelieved"(KJV)and"after"
(NIVmargin)bothpointtoantecedence.Probably TheGreekwordispisteusantes;"havingalso
41
thebesttranslation(thoughawkward)wouldbe: believed"(NASB),"afterthatyebelieved"(KJV).
"DidyoureceivetheHolySpirit,believing?"
(antecedenceandconcurrence).However,Ihave 42
TheGreekwordforseal,sphragizo,mayreferin
retainedthe"when"sinceinthiscontext(unlike
theNewTestamenttopowerforwitnessand
Acts11:17supra)it,alongwith"since"or"after,"
ministry.AsstatedinJohn6:27(aswehave
pointstoapastbelievingwhereintheHolySpirit
noted),JesusdeclaresaboutHimselfthat"him
maynothavebeenreceived.(Alsoseeprevious
chap.5,nn.13and20.) hathGodtheFathersealed[esphragisen]"(KJV).
AccordingtoBAGD,syragi zw inthiscontext
means"enduewithpowerfromheaven."Likewise
Althoughitturnsoutthatthese"disciples"(Acts
36
2Corinthians1:22"hehasputhissealupon
19:1)didnotyethaveasavingfaithinChrist(vv.
35),hencewerenotbelieversinafullChristian [literally'havingsealed'sphragisamenos]usand
sense,thisdoesnotalterthefactthatPaulviewed givenushisSpiritinourheartsasaguarantee"
themassuchinhisinitialencounterand means"morethanjust'providewithamarkof
question. identification.'"Itrepresents,accordingtoBAGD,
thesameenduementofpower.Hence,Iwould
37
SaulofTarsuscouldalsobementionedhere. submit,wemayviewthesealingofEphesians
ThreedaysafterhisinitialfaithinChristheis 1:13inthesamemanner.Thefactthatthisis
filledwiththeHolySpirit.Itissometimesargued "withthepromisedHolySpirit"(literally,"the
thatSauldidnotreallybelieveuntilAnanias HolySpiritofpromise")lendsfurthersupportto
cametohim.However,SaulrecognizesJesusas thesealingasprimarilyanenduementofpower.
Lord(Acts9:5;cf.withActs22:10),andwhen However,sealingmayalsorefertocertification,
AnaniascomestohimAnaniasgreetshimas attestation,acknowledgmentto"attest,certify,
"BrotherSaul"(Acts9:17;22:13).Forahelpful acknowledge(asasealdoesonadocument)"
discussionofthis,seeHowardM.Ervin, (BAGD,syragi zw,2.c).Thusthesealingwiththe
ConversionInitiationandtheBaptismintheHoly HolySpirit,inthissense,bringsanassuranceof
Spirit,chap.5,"Paul'sConversion." forgiveness,ofsalvation,ofnewlifeinChrist
(recallthepriordiscussionofthetestimonial
functionofthegiftoftheSpirit).Bothattestation
EduardSchweizerwritesthat,accordingto
38
andempowermentareprobablyincluded.
Luke,"days,andinexceptionalcasesevenweeks
AccordingtoJ.O.F.Murray,"thesealing[cf.Eph.
andyearsmaypassbeforeendowmentwiththe
1:13]...asinthecaseofourLordathisBaptism
Spiritfollowsfaith"(TDNT,6:412).Iagreewith
(Jn.vi.27),andofthedisciplesontheDayof
SchweizerthattheNewTestamentrecordshows
Pentecost(Actsxi.17),andofthehouseholdof
thepossibilityofalaterimpartationoftheSpirit;
Cornelius(Actsx.44,xv.8)wasatoncetheDivine
however,Iwouldprefertosaynot"followsfaith,"
attestationofaspiritualfactalreadyrevealedand
butfollows"initialfaith."Clearly,peoplearestill
appropriatedandthemeansbywhichthe
believingwhentheylaterreceivetheHolySpirit.
recipientwasempoweredtoliveuptothetruthhe
hadheardandbelieved"(Ephesians,CGT,26).
E.g.,Dunnwhowritesthat"thegiftofthe
39
Spirit...isthegiftofsavinggracebywhichone

43
Sincepisteusantesisanaoristparticiplewhich "thatismostprobablyitssignificancehere"(The
(aspreviouslynoted)usuallyexpresses EpistletotheHebrews,NICNT,116).LeonMorris
antecedenceor,aswehavediscussed,antecedence writes:"ItisChristianbeginnings,perhapswith
pluscontinuance. thethoughtofGod'sgiftoftheSpirit,thatisin
mindhere"(Hebrews,EBC,12:53).
Quitesignificantly,thesameaoristparticiple,
44
pisteusantes,isusedinbothActs19:2and AlsoinrelationtotheSamaritans(Acts8:17)
50
Ephesians1:13. andSaul(Acts9:17).
45
Therewere,tobesure,only"abouttwelve"(Acts 51
Hebrews6:4,thereafter,alsosuggestsboth
19:7)involvedintheearliernarrativeand salvationandthereceptionoftheHolySpirit.
doubtlessmanymorepersonsthantwelveto Referenceismadetothosewhohave"oncebeen
whomtheEphesianletterwasaddressed.So enlightened,whohavetastedtheheavenlygift,
obviouslytherecanbenoonetoone andhavebecomepartakersoftheHolySpirit."
correspondencebetweenthetwoScriptures. "Oncebeenenlightened"doubtlessrefersto
However,thepatternofEphesians1clearly salvation(cf.Heb.10:32),"tastedtheheavenly
followsthenarratedeventsofActs19. gift"probablytoenjoyingthegraciousnessofthe
Lord(cf.1Peter2:3,esp.KJV),and"partakers[or
46
Irecognizethatsuchanapproach,utilizinga 'sharers']oftheHolySpirit"definitelysuggests
narrationinActstoilluminateaPaulineletter,is participatingintheSpirit'spresenceandpower.It
quitedifferentfromtheviewthatthesocalled istobenotedthatonefollowsuponanother.
didactic(i.e.,Paul'swritinginthiscase)ought
invariablytotakeprecedenceovernarrativeor
52
ThesequenceinHebrewsisalsoquitesimilarto
historicalparts.JohnR.W.Stottholdsthat"the Acts8,theSamaritanaccount.First,inActs8
revelationofthepurposeofGodinScripture thereisrepentance(turningfromtheirprevious
shouldbesoughtinitsdidactic,ratherthanits dominationbySimonthemagician)andfaithin
historicalparts.Moreprecisely,weshouldlookfor Christ,baptism(thoughnotbaptisms;however,
itintheteachingofJesus,andinthesermonsand theymayhavereceivedsuchinstruction),the
writingoftheapostles,andnotinthepurely layingonofhands,andthereceptionoftheHoly
Spirit(theoverallpatternfollowsthatofPeter's
narrativeportionsofActs"(BaptismandFullness,
wordsinActs2:38).
8).Whynotbothwiththehistoricalas
backgroundforthedidactic?Thisissurelythe 53
Ofcourse,John'sbaptismisnolongerarelevant
caseintheGospels:theteachingofJesusistobe issue.However,instructionaboutbaptismsmight
bestunderstoodagainstthebackgroundofHislife legitimatelyincludebothbaptisminwaterand
andministry. baptismintheSpirit,especiallyhowthelatter
maybereceivedthroughthelayingonofhands.
TheGreekwordisbaptismon;alsotranslatedas
47
"baptisms"inKJV.RSVhas"ablutions,"NASB 54
HermanRidderboswritesthat"Paulreminds
"washings,"NEB"cleansingrites." them[theGalatians]oftheirconversionandof
theirreceivingthegiftoftheSpirit[italicsmine]."
48
AccordingtoTDNT,"bapt i smwn di dachV,denotes ThenRidderbosadds,inregardtoverse5,"We
thedifferencebetweenJewish[andpagan?] aretothinkofthosespecialoperationsofthe
'washings'[includingJohn'sbaptism?]and Spiritbywhichintheearlyperiodofthe
Christianbaptism"(1:545). Christianchurchtheacceptanceofthegospelwas
sometimesaccompaniedandconfirmed(verse5;
F.F.BrucerefersthisstatementinHebrewsto
49
cf.alsoActs8:1417,10:4446,and19:6)"The
"anearlyChristianpractice,associatedespecially
EpistleofPaultotheChurchesofGalatia,NICNT,
withtheimpartationoftheHolySpirit,"andadds
112.

TheGreekphraseistenepangeliantou
55 thatthegiftisnotprimarilyforoneself(salvation,
pneumatos. edification,sanctification),butforministryto
otherssincetheimportunateprayerisforbreadto
givetoavisitingfriend(seevv.56).
TheGreekphraseistenepangeliantou
56
pneumatostouhagiou(parallelsinLuke24:48; 63
Recallourfirstsectionon"TheEssentialReality.
Acts1:4;2:3839).
InJesus'case,ofcourse,thereisnosinblocking
64
57
AslikewiseinActs2:38. thechannel.HisbaptismwasnotforHisownsins
butanactofidentificationwithothers.Hence,
Othersthatmeritconsiderationinclude:John
58
oncethishasbeendoneandHeisabouttobegin
7:3739;Romans5:5;8:1516;15:1819;1 Hisministry,themomenthascomeforthe
Corinthians2:12;2Corinthians1:2122; descentoftheSpirittoanointandfurther
Ephesians5:1819;Galatians4:6;1Thessalonians empowerHim.SodoesHepray,andtheSpirit
1:5,4:8;Titus3:57;1Peter1:12;1John3:24and comesuponHim.
4:13.Valuablediscussionsofmostofthese
passages,andothers,maybefoundinSpirit Indeed,thewholenarrativeinActs10about
65
Baptism:APentecostalAlternativebyHaroldD. Corneliusandhishouseholddepictsasituationof
Hunter,andConversionInitiationandthe earnestness,eagerness,andreadinessforallthat
BaptismintheHolySpiritbyHowardM.Ervin. Godhastogive.
NIVtranslates:"theyalljoinedtogether
59 ThomasinJohn20:2428.Also,evenuptothe
66
constantlyinprayer." momentofhisascension"somedoubted"(Matt.
28:1617).
60
FrancisA.Sullivan,SJ,writesthat"evenwhen
noexplicitmentionismadeofprayer Peterandseveralothersgofishingagain;later
67
accompanyingthelayingonofhandsforthegiftof JesusasksPeter,"Doyou[really]loveme?"(John
theHolySpirit(asinActs9.17;19.6),wecan 21:117).
rightlyseethegestureitselfasexpressiveof
prayer,sinceitisobviousthattheapostleswere
68
Acts1:6.
awarethatthisgiftcouldonlycomefromtherisen
Lord"("LayingonofHandsinChristian BeforetheycometofaiththroughPhilip's
69
Tradition"inSpiritandRenewal:Essaysin ministry,"uncleanspirits"comeoutofmany(Acts
8:7).
HonorofJ.RodmanWilliams,MarkWilson,ed.,
45).
InthecontemporaryPentecostalmovementthis
70
hasoftenbeenfoundnecessary.See,e.g.,Dennis
61
OneofthequestionsintheHeidelberg
Catechism(Q.116)is:"Whyisprayernecessary andRitaBennett,TheHolySpiritandYou,chap.
forChristians?"Thenfollowsthestrikinganswer: 4,"PreparingtoReceivetheBaptismintheHoly
"Becauseitisthechiefpartofthegratitudewhich Spirit."
Godrequiresofus,andbecauseGodwillgivehis 71
Matthew7:11istheparallelversetoLuke11:13.
graceandHolySpiritonlytothosewhosincerely
For"goodgifts"or"things"inMatthew,Lukehas
beseechhiminprayer,andwhothankhimfor "theHolySpirit."
thesegifts"(italicsmine).
72
JohnReaputsitwell:"Thoseseekingtobe
62
Incidentally,thispassageinLukealso baptizedandfilledwiththeHolySpiritmustbe
demonstratesthatthegiftoftheHolySpiritisfor willingtoyieldcontrolofeverypartoftheirbeing
believers,thosewhoknowGodasFatherandare totheHolySpirit....Yieldyourwillsothatyour
trulyHischildren.Further,thepassageshows motivesarepure....Yieldyourmembers,especially

yourtongueastheorganofexpressionoftheHoly attainmentofperfection,buteverseeking,
Spiritthroughyou"(TheHolySpiritandthe regardlessofmanyafailure,towalkinthewayof
Bible,181). obedience.
73
FrederickD.Brunerwritesthat"theobedience
77
Therewasnothingsaidintheabovesectionon
obedienceabouttheSamaritansandEphesians.
spokenofinActs5:32isanobediencewhichflows
InthecaseoftheSamaritansthedelayin
from[italics:his]thepriorgiftoftheHolySpirit" receivingtheHolySpiritmayhavebeendueto
(ATheologyoftheHolySpirit:ThePentecostal theneedformoretimeafterthebeginningoffaith
ExperienceandtheNewTestamentWitness,173). forobediencetodevelop.Longdevotedto
Thisisanextraordinarymisreadingofthetext, idolatrouspractices,theymayhaveneededmore
promptedbyBruner'sviewthatifthetextreally timeforcommitmentandobediencetoChristto
saysotherwise,thenobediencebecomesa replacetheirdeepseatedcommitmenttoSimon
conditionofreceivingtheHolySpirit.Obedience, themagician.InthecaseoftheEphesians,the
however,shouldbeviewednotasacondition(the atmosphereisthatofreadinesstodowhatJohn
onlyconditionisfaith),butasanattitudeofheart theBaptisthadcommanded,andthereafterto
andwill:itisreally"theobedienceoffaith"(see followPaul'sinjunctions(seeActs19:46).
hereafter).Incidentally,Schweizerhasno
hesitationinsayingthat"obedience Literally,they"werelaying[epetithesan
78
must...precede[italics:mine]thereceptionofthe imperfecttense]theirhandsonthemandthey
Spiritaccordingto[Acts]5:32"(TDNT,6:412). werereceiving[elambanon]theHolySpirit."
This,ratherthanBruner's,isproperexegesis. NASBtranslates:"Thentheybeganlayingtheir
handsonthemandtheywerereceivingtheHoly
Atthetimeofthecommandtothecenturion,
74
Spirit."TheGreektensesuggestsanactionovera
Corneliusisnotyetabeliever.However,hedoes periodoftime,andpossiblythattheSamaritans
becomeabeliever,atwhichmomenttheHoly onebyonereceivedtheHolySpirit.
Spiritispouredout.Hence,hisobedienceis
caughtupinfaith:tosuchaonetheSpiritwas OmittingJerusalemforthemomentsince,
79
given. unlikeCaesarea,aswehavenoted,noonewas
therewhocouldhavelaidhands.
ThecloseconnectionbetweenJesus'
75
commandmentsandthegiftoftheSpirittothe 80
DonaldGelpi,S.J.,speaksofprayingfor"full
apostlesisshownnotjustinthespecificcommand docilitytoChrist."Headds:"...[this]isineffectto
thatHegavethemtostayinJerusalem(Acts1:4), expressone'swillingnesstodowhateverGodmay
butpriortothisJesushadbeengivingother becallingonetodo,nomatterwhatthepersonal
commandmentstohisapostles(1:2KJV):"hehad sacrificeorsufferingthatcallmightentail.The
givencommandments[plural]untotheapostles personwhocannotpraysuchaprayerandmean
whomhehadchosen."Hencewemaybelievethat itisnotyetreadyfor'Spiritbaptism'"
theirobedienceinthedayspriortoPentecostwas
(Pentecostalism:ATheologicalViewpoint,183).
notonlytothecommandtostayinJerusalem,but
alsotheobedienceofheartandwilltowhatever 81
IntheRomanCatholicview,graceis
elseJesushadcommanded.
transmittedthroughpropersacramentalaction,
exopereoperato,inthiscasethroughthelayingon
76
Thisdoesnotmeanthatonemustbewithoutsin
ofhands.Suchaview,however,makesbasically
toreceivetheHolySpirit.Ifsuchwerethecase,
unnecessaryallthathasbeensaidaboutfaith,
noonewouldbearecipient,forallcontinuetosin.
prayer,andthelike:theSpiritisgivenregardless.
Hence,thosewhocallfor"completesanctification"
SomeRomanCatholicparticipantsinthe
ortotal"heartpurification"asnecessaryforthe
Pentecostal/Charismaticmovementseekto
receptionoftheSpiritareaskingforthe
mitigatethisbysayingthattheimportantmatter
impossible.Whatisnecessaryisnotthe

isthatofappropriatingwhathasalreadybeen
receivedsacramentally.Thatiswherepersonal
receptioncomesin.KilianMcDonnell,aleading
RomanCatholicinterpreter,whileaffirmingex
opereoperatospeaksof"thescholasticdoctrineof
exopereoperantis[wherein]wereceiveinthe
measureofouropenness"("TheDistinguishing
CharacteristicsoftheCharismaticPentecostal
Spirituality,"OneinChrist,10.2[1974],11718).
Myreplyisthatsincethereisnoguaranteethat
theSpiritisgiveninsacramentalaction,there
maybenothingtoreceive,orappropriate,exopere
operantis.
82
SimonthemagicianiscondemnedbyPeterfor
thinkingthatthepowerbelongstothe
transmitter.HeoffersmoneytoPeterandJohn
saying,"Givemealsothispowerthatanyoneon
whomIlaymyhandsmayreceivetheHolySpirit"
(Acts8:19).PeterangrilydenouncesSimon
thereafterforthinkinghecould"obtainthegiftof
Godwithmoney"(v.20).

Chapter12 "thirdteachers."Accordingly,"apostles,"
"prophets,"andpossibly"teachers"could
bethegreatergiftstobedesired.
THEGREATERGIFTS However,thisinterpretationimmediately
runsintoatwofolddifficulty.First,the
Thispaperintendstobeanexegetical listingisnotdesignatedbyPaulasgifts
andtheologicalreflectionstemmingfrom (charismata)butas"appointments"
thewordsofPaulin1Corinthians "Godhasappointed4inthechurch...."In
12:31a:"zeloutedetacharismatata theearlierlisting(vv.810),the
meizona""butearnestlydesirethe backgroundis:"Nowtherearevarietiesof
greater1gifts."Whatarethe"greater gifts[charismata],butthesameSpirit";
gifts,"themeizonacharismata,andhow hence"wordofwisdom,""wordof
dotheyrelatetothelifeofthechurchin knowledge,"etc.arespecifiedasspiritual
ourtime? charismata.Butinverse28Paulis
referringtodivineappointments
BasedonPaul'swordsin1Corinthians (settings,placements)withinthechurch,
12uptoverse31twopossibilitiesmaybe consistingbothofcertainoffices
suggested.First,sinceinthedelineation (prioritized),namely,apostles,prophets,
ofninecharismata2(vv.810),hebegins andteachers5andcertainspheresin
with"wordofwisdom"and"wordof whichthegiftsfunction,namely,
knowledge"andendswith"tongues"and miracles,healing,helps,administrations,
"interpretationoftongues,""thegreater" variouskindsoftongues.6Bothoffices
couldbethosefirstlisted,hence"wordof andspheresaredivineplacementswithin
wisdom"and"wordofknowledge."3 thechurchbuttheyarenotcharismata.7
Second,sinceshortlybeforePaulspeaks Second,itisquiteforeigntoPaul's
ofearnestlydesiringthegreatergifts,he writing,indeed,totheNewTestament,to
declaresthat"Godhasappointedinthe viewtheofficesofapostlesandprophets
church,firstapostles,secondprophets, (andteachers)assomethingtobe
thirdteachers,thenmiracles,thengiftsof "earnestlydesired."Inthelanguageof
healing,helps,administrations,various Ephesians4theyaredivinedomata(v.
kindsoftongues"(v.28),thegreatergifts 9)notcharismata8thesovereignLord
couldbe"apostles"and"prophets" givesasHewills.Theyare"callings"of
(perhapsalso"teachers"). God.9Thusitcanscarcelybethecase
thatPaulisreferringtotheappointments
Thelatterpossibilitymayreadilysuggest listedin1Corinthians12:28whenhe
itselfasPaul'sintentionbothinlightof adds"earnestlydesirethegreatergifts."
thefactthathehasjustspokenof
"apostles"and"prophets"andsincehe Whatthenmaywesayofthelistin1
hasalsospecificallygivenaprioritized Corinthians12:810?Asobserved,they
listing:"firstapostles,""secondprophets," aredesignatedcharismatabyPaul,hence

mightseemmorelikelytocontainthe ratherthanencouraginghisreadersto
greatergifts,themeizonacharismata.In desireearnestlythecharismata,hewill
otherwordstorecallourearlier showawayfarbetterthanstrivingafter
quotationtheywouldbe"wordof thesegifts.Ifsuchbethecase,thewhole
wisdom"and"wordofknowledge"(and questionofwhatarethe"greatergifts"
possiblythenextoneortwocharismson becomesmootinlightoftherebeinga
thelist).But,again,certaindifficulties "moreexcellentway"thanzealforthe
emerge.First,unlikethelistingof greatergifts.However,amoreprecise
appointmentsinverse28,whichcontains renderingoftheGreektextifnothing
somespecificpriorities"first,""second," elsepointsaquitedifferentdirection;
"third"thereisnosuchenumerationin literallyitreads:"And[yet]Ishowyoua
verses810.Ofcourse,itispossibleto waybeyondmeasure."15Thusitisthat
assumethatthegiftsinthelistfirst Paulisnotheresettingforthan
mentionedbyPaulwouldbe"thegreater alternativetodesiringthegreatergifts:
gifts"byvirtueoftheirpriorlisting,but hedoesnotintendtoshowsomething
suchisonlyanassumption.10Indeed, better.RatherPaulisdeclaringthathe
sincePaulspeaksof"varietiesofgifts"11 willshowasuperexcellentway"away
(v.4)priortolistingthem,itwouldseem beyondmeasure"whereinthegifts,
thattheemphasisfallsnotonprioritybut including"thegreater,"aretobe
diversity.12Secondandherewelook exercised.
beyond,into1Corinthians14:1Paul
willlatersay,"desireearnestlyspiritual FromthisunderstandingofPaul'swords,
gifts,butespeciallythat13youmay whathehastosayin1Corinthians13,
prophesy."Ifprophecy,orprophesying,is the"love"chapterthatimmediately
especiallytobedesired,thenitwould follows,fallsintoproperperspective.
clearlyseemtobeofhighpriority. Verseafterverse,from1through13(the
However,inthelistingofthecharismata last),Paulisdescribingthewaybeyond
in12:810Paulmentionsprophecyafter measureoflove.Allthegiftstongues(v.
fiveothergifts.Thisaloneissufficient 1),prophecy,knowledge,faith(v.2)
evidencetorefuteanyideathatPaulis mustbeexercisedinlove;elsetheyare
givingahierarchicallistinthisfirst noisy,abrasive,andvirtuallyworthless.
account. Hence,theimportanceoflovecannotbe
exaggerated.Moreover"loveneverends"16
(RSV),whereasthegiftswillpassaway
when"theperfect"hascome(vv.810)
Beforeweproceedfurther,itistobe "asforprophecies,theywillpassaway;
notedthatPaul,immediatelyafter asfortongues,theywillcease;asfor
saying,"Butearnestlydesirethegreater knowledge,itwillpassaway...butwhen
gifts,"adds:"AndIshowyouastillmore theperfectcomes,theimperfect(lit.,
excellentway"(12:31b).Thistranslation "thatwhichisinpart"[KJV])willpass
oftheGreektext14seemstopointanother away"(RSV)."Theperfect"17referstothe
directioninPaul'sthought,namely,that perfectionoftheglorytocome,forPaul

shortlyadds,"Fornowweseeinamirror thegifts.Pauldoesindeedsaythat"the
dimly;butthenfacetoface"(v.12).When greatest[lit.,"thegreater"19]oftheseis
weare"facetoface"withthemajestic love";however,itisapparentthatheis
glory,tongues,prophecy,knowledge nottalkingaboutthegreateramongthe
indeedallthecharismatafallaway,for charismata,butthegreater(orgreatest)
theybelongtothepresentage,andare amongthetriadoffaith,hope,andlove.
utterlytranscendedinthevisiodei.Soit Paulisspeakingofeternalverities:those
isthatintheglorytocome(asPaul realitiesoffaith,hope,andlovethat
reacheshisclimax):"faith,hope,love "abide"or"remain"20;heisnotreferring
abide,thesethree;butthegreatestof togifts,thatforalltheirgreatness,pass
theseislove"(v.13RSV). awayineternity.21Itshouldbeadded
thatloveneitherherenorelsewherein
ButtoreturntoourearlierpointPaul theScripturesisdepictedasagift,or
isbynomeanssayingthatloveisabetter charism.RatheritisafruitoftheSpirit
waythanthecharismata,hencetobe (Gal.5:22thefirstmentionedfruit).Itis
earnestlydesiredratherthanthegifts.To aneffectoftheHolySpirit'sinner
besure,thegiftswillsomedaybeno presence:"theloveofGodhasbeen
more,butwhiletheyareavailableinour pouredoutwithinourheartsthroughthe
presentlifetheyaremuchtobedesired. HolySpiritwhowasgiventous"(Rom.
However,theymustbeexercisedinlove, 5:5);butloveisnotacharism.Sincelove
ifthereistobegenuineedification.Thus, isnotagift,itcannotbeoneofthe
itisnotatallpropertosaythatthe "greatergifts"aboutwhichPaulspeaks.
concernforgiftsshouldbetranscendedby
thepursuitoflove.Indeed,asPaulmakes Incidentally,itisnotalwaysrecognized
histransitiontochapter14,justafter thatthisclassicchapter22onloveissetin
saying,"thegreatestoftheseislove,"he themidstofadiscussionofthegifts.Paul
writes,"Pursuelove,yetdesireearnestly writestothosewhoknowthegiftsand
spiritualgifts."18Itisnoteither/orbut whoareexperiencingthem.Heurges
both/and:withloveasthewaytheway themtodesireearnestlythe"greater
beyondmeasurewhereinthegiftsfind gifts,"indeed"spiritualgifts"ingeneral
theirtrulymeaningfulexpression. (1Cor.14).Chapter13isnotbasicallya
dissertationbyPaulontheChristianlife
atlarge,thewayoflove,andsoforth.23It
ismainlyadiscourseonthewaythegifts
Nowgoingbacktochapter13weneed aretobeexercised.Paul'swords(itis
tomentionanadditionalmatter,another apparentfromthestilllargercontext)
errorsometimesmade:thatofviewing werewrittentopeoplewhowerenot
thegreatestofthegiftsaslove.Wehave lackinginanyspiritualgift,butwho
reflecteduponthemistakeofconsidering obviouslylackedmuchinlove.24Hence,
loveasasuperiorwaytothegifts;butwe theapostle'swordsaresurelyapplicable
needalsotoobservethatloveisinno tobelieverstodaywhoneedtobe
sensethegreatestor"thegreater"of encouragedtoseekafterthecharismata

andintheireveryexpressiontoexhibit manifestationoftheSpirit.Prophecyisa
thespiritoflove. "speakingfor"26GodwhereinHeprovides
thewordsandthemessage;theresultis
thatthewholebody,oritsvarious
membersarebuiltupinthefaith.Little
Withallthisbywayofbackground,we wonderthatPaul,inreferencetoseeking
mayturnagaintoPaul'sinjunction:"but thespiritualgiftssays,"especiallythat
earnestlydesirethegreatergifts."Since youmayprophesy."Healsoaddslater,
thesegiftscannotbeidentifiedwiththe "desireearnestlytoprophesy"(1Cor.
toplistingofthecharismataof1 14:39).
Corinthians12:810,orwiththeprimary
placements(theoffices)of12:2829,and
sinceaccordingto1Corinthians13the
charismataarenottobesupersededby DoesPaulgiveinformationconcerning
love(orbyfaith,hope,andlove),what anyother"greater"gift?Unmistakably,
thenarethese"greatergifts"? prophecyissuchagift,butwhatelse?
Theansweristhatinanextraordinary
Oneanswerhasalreadybeenmentioned kindofwayspeakingintonguesmay
prophecy.Forafterhisinjunctionto alsooccupythetopposition.Letusfollow
"pursuelove"and"desireearnestly Paulcarefullyhere.Itwouldseematfirst
spiritualgifts,"Pauladds,"butespecially glancethatPaulplacesglossolaliaona
thatyoumayprophesy"(1Cor.14:1).It ratherlowlevel.Thismightbededuced
isscarcelytobedoubted,therefore,that fromthelistofcharismatain1
prophesyingistobeviewedunderthe Corinthians12:810,wherespeakingin
headingof"greatergifts,"25ifnotthe tonguesismentionednexttolast,orfrom
greatestorthe"greaterofthegreat,"if thelistofplacementsin1Corinthians
Paulhasonlytwogiftsinmind.Andthe 12:28whichmentionstongueslast.
reasongivenfordesiringtoprophesy, However,aswehaveseen,thelistingin
Paulshortlythereafterstates:"onewho verses810isclearlynotbyrank,27and
prophesiesspeakstomenforedification thatinverse28isnotagradationof
andexhortationandconsolation"(v.3). gifts.28
Fortruly,Pauladds,"onewhoprophesies
edifiesthechurch"(v.4).Apparently,the Nowmovingontochapter14,wherePaul
measureofagift,acharisma,isthe beginstodiscusstherelationship
measureofitsabilitytobuildupthebody betweenprophecyandtongues,hemay
ofChrist.Andnothingcanstandhigher initiallyseemtoholdalowerviewof
thanprophecyinthatregard. tongues:"Onewhospeaksinatongue
edifieshimself;butonewhoprophesies
Inasmuchasprophecyisadirect, edifiesthechurch"(v.4).Sinceedification
intelligiblecommunicationfromGod ofthechurchisthepurposeofthegifts,29
primarilyaddressedtobelievers,it andthe"greatness"ofagiftismeasured
cannotbesurpassedbyanyother byitscapacitytoedify,orbuildup,the

church,andsincetonguesaresaidto churchisgreatlyedified.34Howcouldit
edifythespeaker,theconclusionwould beotherwise?
seemtobethattonguesinrelationtothe
bodywouldhavelittleornovalue.Any Itfollowsthatprophecycouldnotpossibly
othergiftpresumablywouldrankhigher. be"greater"thantongueswhenthereis
ButletuslistenfurthertoPaul,for interpretation.Theonespeakingin
shortlyaftertheabovequotedstatement, tonguesisatleastonthesamelevelas
hedeclares:"greaterisonewho theprophet,35becauseinbothcasesthere
prophesiesthanonewhospeaksin isgenuineedificationfromGod,even
tongues,unlessheinterprets,sothatthe thoughthecontentofthespeechmaybe
churchmayreceiveedifying"(v.5).This different.36Further,anotherpointnow
meansintheeventthatinterpretation needstobemade:bothprophecyand
followsupontonguesthegiftofprophecy tonguesaredirectspiritualutterances.
isnotgreater.30Indeedspeakingin Thishasalreadybeenmentionedin
tongues,then,mayberecognized,along relationtoprophecya"speakingfor"
withprophecy,asa"greatergift"which GodinwhichHeprovidesthemessage.In
hasnonehigherorgreater.Prophecy,for thecaseoftonguesitisa"speakingto"
allitsabilitytoupbuild,exhort,and GodwhereintheHolySpiritprovidesthe
consoleisnot,therefore,greaterthan language.37Thoughthehumanaspectis
tongues.Butwhy?Howcantongueswith notdeniedpersonsdothespeakingin
interpretationfollowingcomparewith bothcasesitisapparentthatinaway
suchedification? beyondanyothercharismata,prophecy
andtonguesareoperationsofdivine
Forananswertothisquestionwemay directnessandimmediacy.
nowturnbacktoverse2:"Onewho
speaksinatonguespeaksnottomenbut
toGod;fornooneunderstandshim,but
heuttersmysteriesintheSpirit"31(RSV). Forallofthisitisnothardtoconclude
Sinceglossolaliaisonthehighlevelof thatprophecyandtonguesareboth
speakingtoGod,eventhatofspeaking numberedas"greatergifts"whichare
mysteriesintheHolySpirit,ifthereisan muchtobedesired.However,onceagain
interpretation,thechurchwillbe itneedstobeemphasizedthatthelatter
immenselyedified.Thereasonisclear: onlyoccupiesthathighlevelinthebody
therewillbetheunfoldingofdivine ofChristifinterpretationalsooccurs.
mysteries.Pauldoesnotrevealthe WhenPaulspeaksoftonguesalone,he
natureofthesemysteries,butby statesapreferenceforprophecy:"NowI
definitiontheyare"hiddenthings."32Such wishthatyouallspokeintongues,but
thingsaredeclaredbytheonespeaking evenmorethatyouwouldprophesy"(1
intongues,fornooneunderstandswhat Cor.14:5).38Moreover,hemakesmany
heissaying,33andonlytheSpiritcan statementsbeginningwithverse6about
makethemknown.Whenthisoccurs theunedifyingcharacterofuninterpreted
throughthegiftofinterpretation,the tonguesinthebody,39andclimaxeswith

thewords,"Thereforeletonewhospeaks Spiritwithinthehumanspiritspeaks
inatonguepraythathemayinterpret" forththroughhumanlipsprayer43and
(v.13).Paulinnoneofthisis praisetoGod.Thusprayingwiththe
depreciatingalltongues,40butonly spiritandintheSpirit(recall1Cor.
tonguesthatarenotinterpreted. 14:15),singingwiththespiritandinthe
Justfollowinghisstatementthata Spiritareactuallythesamephenomenon.
personwhospeaksintonguesshould
prayforinterpretationofthisspeech, Moreoverandhereletuslookbriefly
Pauladds,"ForifIprayinatongue,my beyond1Corinthiansthereis
spiritprays,butmymindisunfruitful. affirmativementionelsewhereofsuch
Whatistheoutcomethen?Ishallpray spiritualutterance.InEphesiansPaul
withthespiritandIshallpraywiththe urgeshisreadersto"prayatalltimesin
mindalso;Ishallsingwiththespiritand theSpirit"(6:18),evenasheearlierurged
Ishallsingwiththemindalso"(1Cor. themtobe"filledwiththeSpirit,
14:1415). speakingtooneanotherinpsalmsand
hymnsandspiritualsongs"44(5:1819).
First,prayinginatongue,prayingwith ThusprayingintheS(s)piritandsinging
thespirit,andsingingwiththespiritare intheS(s)pirit("spiritualsongs")areboth
allreferencestoessentiallythesame spokenofveryhighly.Itistobe
phenomenon:glossolalia,whetherspoken, recognizedthatinhislettertothe
prayed,orsung.41Whatisstrikingis EphesiansPaul'sreferencetoprayingin
Paul'sverymentionofthevarietyof theSpiritdoesnotcallforinterpretation
glossolalicutteranceinspeech,prayer, sincesuchprayingisfortheindividual's
songwhichhebynomeansdiscountsor ownedificationandstrengthening45;
devalues;rather,hedeclaresthathewill however,itsgreatimportancecannotbe
dothemall.Thereis,further,no minimized:"prayatalltimesinthe
suggestionthatsuchutteranceshouldbe Spirit."Noristhereanysuggestionthat
supersededbysomethingother,42perhaps "spiritualsongs"donebytheassembly
higher. aretobefollowedbyinterpretation;
perhapsthepointisthatsuchisnot
Second,theintroductionofthe neededinthecontextof"psalmsand
terminologyof"prayingwiththespirit" hymns"which,beingsunginthe
and"singingwiththespirit"are vernacular,areunderstoodbyall.
obviouslyfurtheramplificationsof Additionalreferencestoprayingand
speakingintongues.Glossolaliaisan singingintheSpiritoccurinJude
utteranceinprayerand/orsong;and 20"prayingintheHolySpirit"46and
sinceitisdone"withthespirit,"notthe Colossians3:16"spiritualsongs." 47
mind,itreferstosomethingotherthan Theseadditionalstatementsin
communicationthroughthemind(beit Ephesians,Colossians,andJuderelated
wordofwisdom,prophecy,teaching,or tospeakingintonguespointfurtherto
anythingelsesimilar).Itisundoubtedlya theirgreatimportance.Accordingly,as
spiritualutteranceinwhichtheHoly wereturnto1Corinthians14:1415,itis

withenhancedrecognitionofthehigh beabletoparticipateintheblessing.52
significanceofglossolaliawhether Thus,despitethehighvalueofpraising
prayedorsungforbothindividualand andthankingGodintonguesasPaul
community. continues(inv.17)"theothermanis
notedified."Hence,theapostleagain
Third,sincePaulisvitallyconcerned stressestheneedforinterpretationthat
abouttheedificationofthebodyinthe otherbelieversmaybeedified.
Corinthiansituation,heemphasizes
repeatedlytheurgencyofinterpretation. Theconclusionstatedquitevigorously
WhatisdoneintheS(s)pirit,whether isthis:"IthankGod,Ispeakintongues
prayerorsong,istobefollowedbyprayer morethanyouall;however,inthechurch
andsong"withthemind,"or Idesiretospeakfivewordswithmy
"understanding"(KJV).Innowaydoes mind,thatImayinstructothersalso,
Paulsuggestthatspiritualutterance ratherthantenthousandwordsina
shouldbeeschewedinfavorof tongue"(vv.1819).Firstagainisthe
comprehensiblearticulationeven highvaluationplacedontongues("I
thoughwiththeformerthemindis thankGod"),butinchurch(whereboth
"unfruitful."Rather,whathappensin "gifted"and"ungifted"believersare
spiritualutteranceisfartooimportant present)fivewordsthatareunderstood
foritsbeingminimizedorsetaside.48 byallarepreferabletoanynumber,
However,inthebodytheredefinitely howevermany,ofwordsspokenin
shouldbeinterpretationthatallmaybe tongues.Thisisnotadevaluationof
edified. tonguesasifPaulweresayingthat
speakingwiththemindisbetter53orthat
NowwemoveontoPaul'snext speakingintonguesdoesnotreally
statementin1Corinthians14:16 belonginchurch.Thebasicpointrather,
whereagainhestressesboththehigh asthewholecontextshows,isthat
valueofspiritualutteranceandthe speakingamultitudeofwordswithout
importanceofinterpretation:"Otherwise interpretationwillnotedifya
ifyoubless49inthespiritonly[i.e.,in congregationwithitswiderangeof
tonguesonly],howwilltheonewhofills experiencedandinexperiencedbelievers.
theplaceoftheungifted50saythe'Amen'
atyourgivingofthanks,sincehedoesnot Aswelookbackoverthewordsin1
knowwhatyouaresaying?"Wemayfirst Corinthians14:619,itisapparentthat
recognizeherethevitalsignificanceof Paulisnotdenyingthegreatvalueof
speakingintongues,inthiscaseasaway tongueswithinterpretationinthe
ofblessingandgivingthankstoGodthat assembly(asdeclaredinv.5).Butheis
issuperlative:"...thouverilygivest speakingthroughoutagainst
thankswell"(v.17KJV).51Second, uninterpretedtongues;54theysimplydo
however,onceagainaninterpretationis notedifythebody.
immediatelyneeded(toreturntov.16)
forthe"ungifted"person,sothathemay

Therefore,itisnotthatrevelationand ofthechaptershowsPaul'scontinuing
knowledge,prophecyandteachingare greatconcernwiththesegifts.Tobemore
profitable,whereasglossolaliaisnot; specific,verses2025areapresentation
wordswiththemindarenotbetterthan oftherelationshipoftonguesand
wordsspokenintongues;thanksgivingin prophecyprimarilytounbelievers56;in
understandablespeechisnotpreferable 2633,afterabriefmentionof
toblessingwithspiritualutterance.Tobe "psalm...teaching...revelation
sure,whenthereisnointerpretation ...tongues...interpretation"(thatall
given,allthesecomprehensible shouldbepracticedforedification),Paul
operationsofspeecharefarmore devoteshiscompleteattentiontothe
significantsimplybecausetheyedifyall. properorderingoftongueswith
Buttongueswithinterpretationoccurring interpretationandprophecy57;and3740
whichgreatlyedifiesremainsamong containafinalcommentonprophecyand
the"greatergifts." tongues.
Letusparticularlyconsidertheselast
versesin14:3740.Accordingtothe
ItwouldseempropertosayfromPaul's commonreadingofthepassage,tongues
discussionofprophecyandtonguesthat andprophecyarementionedonlyinverse
bothrepresent"greatergifts"thatare 39andinthatversethepresumption
muchtobedesired.Theonlydifferenceis usuallyisthatPaulsuggestsagreater
thatprophecyinitsveryutteranceedifies desirabilityforprophecythantongues
theassembledbodyofbelievers,whereas ("Therefore,mybrethren,desireearnestly
tonguesmustbefollowedby toprophesy,anddonotforbidtospeakin
interpretationforthesametooccur. tongues").58Butletusfirstnotethe
Nevertheless,oneisnot"greater"than interestingstatementofPaul'sinverse
theother;eachcarriesitsownmessage 37thenweshallreturntoverse39.
andbytheirfunctioningtogetherthe
churchmayberichlyblessed. Paulbeginsthispassage(v.37)withthe
statement,"Ifanyonethinksheisa
FurtherevidencethatPaulisreferringto prophetorspiritual,lethimrecognize
tonguesandprophecyasthe"greater thatthethingswhichIwrotearethe
gifts"isthefactthatinallthediscussion Lord'scommandment."Theword
ofthewayoflovein1Corinthians13, translated"spiritual,"59pneumatikos,isa
tonguesandprophecyarementionedfirst substantivaladjectiveparallelingthe
(cf.vv.12andv.8)55andthatinthe noun"prophet,"thusliterallysuchaone
wholeofchapter14(vv.140)theonly is"aspiritual."Thus"aprophetora
giftsthatPauldiscussesindetailare spiritual"istheliteralrenderingofthe
prophecyandtongues.Inourreflection text.Butwhois"aspiritual?"Somewould
on1Corinthians14thusfarwehaveonly say"aSpiritfilled"person60;however,a
consideredverses119;however,evena prophetaprophetesissurely"Spirit
cursoryglanceovertheremainingverses filled,"andyetheismentionedin

contradistinctiontotheonedesignatedas nottobesoughtafterordesired;suchis
apneumatikos.Accordingly,thereisa nottobeforbiddeneither.64Ifthisiswhat
furthermeaning,namely,thatPaulis Paulisstatinghere,itwouldseemquite
referringtoonewhospeaksintongues. outofharmonywithanyideathat
Thisisclearlysuggestedbythe tonguesbelongtothecategoryof"greater
parallelismwithverse39whereprophecy gifts"tobedesired.Rather,tonguesare
andspeakingintonguesarespecifically perhapsonlyreluctantlytobepermitted.
mentioned,andinthesameorderas Theanswer,Ibelieve,tothisseeming
verse37(prophetesfirst,pneumatikos shiftofemphasis,almosttoaself
second).Thustheonewhoisa contradiction,restsinamisapprehension
pneumatikosispeculiarlyonewhospeaks ofPaul'smeaninginthisverseandit
intongues.61Hence,climacticallyin stemsfromtheusualEnglishtranslation,
Paul'sdiscourseofchapters1214,the "Donotforbid."However,fromanother
speakerintonguesbearsthetitleof understandingofthemeaningofthe
Greekword,andagainstthebackground
pneumatikos.62Inauniquefashionheisa
ofwhatPaulhasbeenstating,theapostle
pneumatic,aSpiritendowedperson63
ismuchmorelikelytobesaying:"Donot
notbyanymeansmore"spiritual"than
restrain65speakingintongues."Itisnota
others;butpneumatikosbecausethrough matterofgrantingnegative,
thelanguageoftheSpirit,i.e.,tongues,
hespeaksdirectlytoGod.Ifsuchisthe perhapsgrudging,permission,butof
case,thisisanadditionalreasonfor declaringthattonguesshouldnotbe
viewingspeakingintonguesasa"greater hinderedorchecked.Inotherwords,
gift." whatisoftenreadasnegativepermission
ismorelikelyapositiveaffirmation.Paul
Butletusproceedtoamorecarefullook issayingtoanywhowouldviewtongues
at14:39.EvenifitbegrantedthatPaulis asonlytolerable,thusnottobesought
referringtoprophecyandtongues after,"Letthembespoken!"Fromthis
speechinverse37,thatapneumatikosis perspective,heisnotsayingprophecyis
onewhospeaksintonguesallofwhich desirablewhereasspeakingintonguesis
soundslikeahighevaluationoftongues nottobedesired.Itisratherthatany
itmightseemherethatPaulisfinally restraintupontonguesneedstobe
subordinatingtonguestoprophecy.For, removedsothattheymayhavetheir
torepeat,accordingtoacommonreading properexpressionandsignificanceinthe
ofthetext"desireearnestlytoprophesy, bodyofbelievers.66
anddonotforbidtospeakintongues"
thereseemstobeadefiniteloweringof Paulconcludeswiththewords:"Butlet
theplaceoftongues.Doesnotsuchan allthingsbedoneproperlyandinan
injunctionaffordpositiveaffirmationfor orderly67manner"(14:40).Sincethisfinal
theone,andgiveonlyanegative statementistheconclusionofhis
permissionfortheother?Thatistosay, injunction,"desireearnestlytoprophesy,
speakingintongues,unlikeprophecy,is anddonotrestrainspeakingintongues,"

itpointsupPaul'sgreatconcernthat givenbytheHolySpiritandaddressed
especiallythesehighlypotentcharismata directlytoGod.Theinterpretation(inthe
ofprophecyandtonguesbeproperly body),aswithprophecy,doesnotactually
ordered.Aswasmentioned,Pauldevotes involvethemind,butsetsforthdirectly
aratherlengthystatementtothismatter inthecommonlanguagewhathasbeen
(14:2733),specifyinginpart,"ifany declaredinandbytheHolySpirit.74
speakinatongue,lettherebeonlytwoor Thus,prophecyandtonguesrepresent,as
atmostthree,andeachinturn;andlet noothercharismata,75adirectness,even
oneinterpret....Lettwoorthreeprophets animmediacy,ofcommunicationbetween
speak,andlettheothersweigh68whatis Godandhumanity.Thisbeingthecaseit
said"(RSV).Proprietyandorderliness seemsagainallthemoresurelythatthey
callforboththeinterpretationoftongues arethe"greatergifts."
andtheweighingordiscerningof
prophecy.69Therefore,whiletonguesand HerewemayleavingPaulfora
prophecyaregreatlytobedesired,ofall momentalsoberemindedfromtheBook
thegiftstheydoubtlessneedthemost ofActsthatintheinitialoutpouringof
judiciousexercise. theHolySpiritprophecyandtongues
occupyahighplace.OntheDayof
Possiblyenoughhasnowbeenwrittento Pentecostspeakingintongues(2:14)and
substantiatethethesisthatPaul'swords prophecy(2:1418)aretheprimary
"earnestlydesirethegreatergifts"refer demonstrationsoftheHolySpirit,indeed
toprophecyandtongues.70Noattempt hisdirectworkings"Andtheywereall
willbemadetosummarizetheevidence filledwiththeHolySpiritandbeganto
setforthintheprecedingpages.However, speakwithothertonguesastheSpirit
onepointmadeearlierthatindicates wasgivingthemutterance"(v.4);"Iwill
theirbeing"greatergifts"needsfurther pourforthofmySpirituponallmankind;
emphasis,namely,thatprophecyand andyoursonsandyourdaughtersshall
tonguesareuniquely(amongthe prophesy"(v.17).ItistheHolySpirit
charisms)directutterancesrelatingto givingpersonsutteranceintongues;the
AlmightyGod.Inprophecythewords sameHolySpiritoutpoureduponpeople
spokenarethespeaker'sownlanguage, bringsforthprophecythroughthem.76
butthemessageisgivenbytheSpiritof Whateverelsewillhappenonthatday
God71;thereisnomentalinvolvementon (andsurelymuchwill,includingthe
thepartofthespeaker.72Thewordsare salvationofsomethreethousandpersons
God'smessageinhumanlanguage73; andtheformationofthefirstChristian
hencetheoneprophesyingsimplyspeaks community),andhowevermuchtheHoly
itforth.Thusthereisdirectutterance Spiritwillbeinvolvedinitall(andsurely
fromGod.Inthecaseoftonguesthe Hewill:convictingofsin,bringingabout
directnessisevenmoreapparentsince faith,enablingkoinonia)thepriorand
thewordsfirstspoken(before directworkingsareunmistakablytongues
interpretation)arenotinthespeaker's andprophecy.77
ownlanguage;thewordsthemselvesare

OnefurthernoteconcerningtheBookof all(atleastforthechurchtoday),butalso
Actsshouldbemade.Itissignificantthat tothosewhodoclaimtheircontinuance.
onanotheroccasionintheearlymission Itistothislattergroupthatsomeclosing
ofthechurch,thereisreferencetoboth remarksfollow.
tonguesandprophecy.Paulhadbeen
ministeringtosomeEphesianswiththe Mypointisthis:Ibelievethatwehave
resultthat"theHolySpiritcameon scarcelybeguntorealizethebasic
them,andtheybeganspeakingwith importanceofprophecyandtongues.If
tonguesandprophesying"(19:6).What theyaredirect,immediateutterancesof
theEphesianssaidisnotdisclosed;but theHolySpiritforthebody,theyshould
thattheprimarymanifestationofthe haveprimacyinallgatheringsof
HolySpirit'scomingwastonguesand assembledbelievers.79Thisisnotinany
prophecyisapparent.Againglossolalia waytominimizetheimportanceof
andprophecyareshowntobeHis evangelizingandteaching,80ofliberality
primaryandimmediateworking. andmercy,81orofanyoftheother
ninefoldgiftsoftheHolySpirit.Alljust
ItwouldseemtofollowfromtheBookof mentionedaregiftsofgrace,82henceof
Actsthatifprophecyandtonguesare greatvalue,butnoneofthesearequiteas
ongoingpossibilities,78theywouldrankas powerfulanddirectexpressionsof
themosttobedesired.Forasnoother AlmightyGodasareprophecyand
manifestationsoftheSpirittheyexpress tongues.Forwhatelsecancorrespondto
directlythepresenceandpowerofthe aprophetic"ThussaystheLord"?IfGod
HolySpirit.Ofcourse,thisbringsusfull istrulyspeakingtherein,thenprophecy
circle;forPaulclearlyspeaksof callsforthehighestplaceand
continuingmanifestationsoftheSpirit, consideration.Again,whatelsecan
stressingthedesirabilityofallandurging transcendanutteranceintonguesthat
theseekingofthe"greatergifts,"oneof declaresdivinemysteries,thehidden
whichhespecifiesasprophecy.Our thingsofGod?IfGod'ssecrettruthis
conclusionisbasedprimarilyontheinner beingdeclaredtherebyforHisgathered
evidenceof1Corinthians1214;andfrom people,therecanbenothingelseofmore
aquickreviewofActs,tonguessurely importancetocomprehend.
qualifiesforinclusionin"thegreater."In
sum:prophecyandtongues,intheir Itisquiteasadthingthatevenwherethe
properfunctioning,aregiftsoftheSpirit giftsoftheSpiritarerecognized,and
greatlytobedesired. prophecyandtonguesareexpected,far
toooftenthereisafailurebothto
Aconcludingword:thisarticlehasbeen appreciatetheirextraordinarycharacter
writtenunderthegrowingconvictionthat andtheirproperfunctioning.There
prophecyandtonguesareofapotency should,ontheonehand,beaholyawein
andvalueseldomrealizedinthechurch. thepresenceofHimwhoisnowspeaking,
Thisissaidnotsimplytothosewhomay aneagernesstoheareverywordspoken,
havedifficultyacceptingtheirvalidityat andayearningtoappropriateandact

uponwhateverisbeingdeclared.Onthe andsomeasprophets,andsomeasevangelists,
otherhand,realizingthehumanelement andsomeaspastorsandteachers."Theorder
omitting"evangelists"and"pastors"isthesame.
inallpropheticutteranceand Althoughtheword"appointed"isnotused,there
interpretationoftongues,thereshouldbe isclearlyasensethatthesearesetoffices.The
afreshsenseofurgencyindiscerningthe word"gave"(edoken)expressesacompletedand
truththatisbeingproclaimed,not fixedaction.
hesitatingifneedbetoseparateoutwhat
isnottrulyofGod,andthereupon
6
Thelatterlistingofspheresisnotsaidtobe
fourth,fifth,sixth,etc.TheGreekwordpreceding
earnestlyandfaithfullyseekingtofulfill
"miracles"isepeita,translatedas"then"inthe
whateverGodhasspoken.Itcouldbea NASB,butperhapsbetteras"afterthat"(asin
newdayinthechurchwhenthe"greater theKJV).Thusthereissuccessioninthespheres,
gifts"arebothearnestlydesiredandtruly butnotnecessarilyaprioritizedlisting.Epeita
exercised.MaytheLordgrantusfresh alsoprecedes"giftsofhealing,"butisnotusedin
zealanddetermination! referencetothelastthreespheres,namely,helps,
administrations,tongues.Hence,thissuggests
evenmorestronglythattheprioritizedlistingby
Footnotes nomeansincludesthem.
1
NASBtranslation(hereandthroughoutthe 7
Hence,forexample,thecharismaof"prophecy"
article,unlessotherwisenoted).TheGreekword (v.10)isonething,theofficeof"prophets"is
meizonaisrenderedas"best"intheKJV,"higher" another.Allmayprophesy(seePaul'slaterwords,
intheRSVandNEB."Greater"alsosotranslated "youcanallprophesy"[14:31]),thusthecharisma
intheNIVseemsclosertotherootmeaning butnotallareprophets(seePaul'squestionwith
(meizonafrommegas,usuallytranslated"large" impliednegativeanswer:"Areallprophets?"
or"great"). [12:29]).Also,thereisboththecharismof"the
effecting[orworking]ofmiracles"(v.10),andthe
2
Inverse4Paulspeaksof"varietiesofgifts"or sphereof"miracles"(v.28).BecauseGodhas
"charismata"also"varietiesofministries"(v.5) placedmiraclesinthechurch,theworkingsof
and"varietiesofeffects"(v.6).Thenheadds:"But miraclescanhappen:theplacementisantecedent
toeachoneisgiventhemanifestationofthe tothecharism.
Spirit"(v.7).ThusPaulwillbesettingforth
charismataoftheSpirit,spiritualgifts,inverses 8
Bothdomataandcharismataare"gifts,"butthe
810. formerreferstogiftsofoffice:theyare"forthe
equippingofthesaintsfortheworkofservice[or
3
"Greater"suggestsatleasttwogifts;however,if 'ministry']"(Eph.4:12).
Paulisgivingahierarchyofgiftsinverses810,
thenextone"faith,"perhapsalsonext"giftsof 9
E.g.,Paulspeaksofhimselfas"calledtobean
healings,"mightbeviewedasinthe"greater" apostle"(Rom.1:1;cf.Cor.1:1;Gal.1:15);but
category.Actually,fromahierarchicalperspective neitherhadhe"earnestlydesired"it,nordoeshe
anygiftinthelistmightbeviewedasgreater everurgeanyoneelsesotodesire.
thanthenextonelisted.
Paulspeaksoffaith,hope,andlovein1
10
4
TheGreekwordisethetoalso"set"(KJV)or Corinthians13:13inthatorder,butdeclaresthat
"placed." thegreatestislove.Thefirstmentionedinthis
caseisnotspecifiedasthegreatest!
5
TheparallelwithEphesians4:11is
unmistakable"He[Christ]gavesomeasapostles,

Also,aswehavenoted,"varietiesofministries"
11
12:1).However,Englishtranslationsregularly
and"varietiesofeffects"(or"workings"). renderpneumatikaas"spiritualgifts"inlightof
thecontext(inboth1Cor.12and14).
RSVtranslatesas"diversitiesofgift,"
12
KJV"differencesofgifts";theGreekphraseis 19
TheGreekwordismeizon.
diaireseischarismaton.
20
NEBtranslates:"therearethreethingsthatlast
13
TheGreekphraseismallonde.KJVtranslates forever:faith,hope,andlove."
as"ratherthat"whichgivesanadversativesense.
Thoughmallondeoftencarriesthatconnotation 21
Faith(pistis)uniquelyfunctionsbothasagiftof
(e.g.,Eph.4:28),itmayhaveasupplementary theSpirit(see1Cor.12:9)andasoneofthe
meaning(Thayer:it"markswhathasthe eternalverities.However,afullerdiscussion(not
preference:morewillingly,morereadily,sooner") possiblehere)wouldshowthatfaithasacharism
asintheNASBtranslation(similarlyinRSV, isaspecialfaithforhealing,workingofmiracles,
NIV;NEBhas"aboveall"). etc.Thefaiththat"abides"iseternalfaithand
trustinthelivingGod.
AlmostidenticalintheRSV.KJVomits"still,"
14
NIVhas"themostexcellentway."Allare 22
Ofcourse,thereisnochapterintheoriginal
essentiallythesame. letter.Unfortunately,thechapterseparationcan
easilyleadtoisolationfromtheoverallcontext.
TheGreekphraseiskath'hyperbolen"beyond
15
measure"or"comparison"(see,e.g.,Gal.1:13
23
Thisisnottosaythatthechapterhasno
"beyondmeasure";2Cor.4:17"beyondall relevancetothegeneralChristianwalk.Quitethe
comparison"[alsoRSV]).Thusthetranslation contrary,thereismuchofgreatedification(note
earliergiven,"astillmoreexcellentway"(with esp.vv.47),regardlessofthegifts.Butthe
parallelsinotherversions)isquitemisleading. chapterbothbeginsspecificallywiththegifts(vv.
AccordingtoEGT,"kath'hyperbolen...is 13),andlatercontinueswiththem(vv.810).
Thusitisclearthat,howevermuchPaulgoes
superlative,notcomparative;Paulisnotpointing
beyondthegiftsashespeaksoflove,thecontext
outamoreexcellentwaythanthatofseekingand
usingthecharismsofchapterxii,butasuper isthecharismata.
excellentwaytowinthem."AlthoughImight
differonthelastphrase,"towinthem,"EGTis
24
Seeespeciallychapter1.WhereasPaul
surelyrightinspeakingoutagainstthe expresseshisthanksgivingtoGodthatthe
comparativeidea. Corinthianswere"notlackinginanygift
[charisma]"(vv.47),healsoimmediately
16
TheGreekwordispiptei"fails"(NASB,NIV; thereafterspeaksof"thequarrels"(v.11)and
KJV"faileth").NEB,asRSV,has"ends.""Ends" divisionsamongthem.
isthemorelikelytranslationinviewofverse13.
LaterPaulusestheword"greater"indescribing
25
TheGreekphraseistoteleion.Theattempton
17 prophecyasitrelatestospeakingintongues:
"greateristheonewhoprophesies"(1Cor.14:5).
thepartofsometoidentifytoteleionwiththe
TheGreekfor"greater"ismeizon,thesameasthe
completionofthecanonofScripturehardlyneeds
comment.Suchanattemptwhichactuallyisonly meizonain"greatergifts."
adevicetoseekinvalidationofthegiftsas
continuinginthechurchisutterlyfutile. 26
TheGreekispro+phemi.
Thewordhereisnotcharismatabut
18 Sinceprophecyismentionedsixth,andyetis
27
pneumatika,literally"spirituals"(asalsoin1Cor. especiallytobedesired,thelistingoftongues

thereafteractuallyeighthdoesnotimply InEGTthefollowinginterestingcommentisto
35
inferiority. befound:"Thepowertointerpretsuperaddedto
theglossolalia...putsthemysticspeakeronalevel
Aspreviouslynoted,though28containsa
28
withtheprophet:first'utteringmysteries'(2)and
prioritizedlistingofofficesandadesignationof thenmakingthemplaintohishearers,he
variousspheresofcharismaticactivity,itisnota accomplishesintwoactswhattheprophetdoesin
hierarchyofgifts. one"(2:903).Noteespecially"...onalevelwiththe
prophet."
WhenPaulfirstdiscussesthegifts,hespeaksof
29
themas"themanifestationoftheSpiritforthe 36
Whatisrevealedintheinterpretationofa
commongood"(1Cor.12:7)."Thecommongood"is mysterymaynotbethesameaswhatiscontained
theedification,orupbuilding,ofallinthebody. inamessagethatupbuilds,exhorts,andconsoles.
Thetwomayoverlap,evenattimesprove
ThisisapparenteventhoughPaulspeaks(inv.
30
identical,butthereisnotnecessarilyan
5)morespecificallyofthepersonwhoisthe equivalence.Tonguesplusinterpretationmay
channelforthegiftthanthegiftitself. equalprophecy(asisoftensaid),butequalityis
notequivalency.Theyareequalinvaluetothe
31
NASB,KJV,andNIVhavelowercase"s."NASB communitywhenproperlyexercised.
andNIVgive"bytheSpirit"aspossible
renderings(seemargins).SincePaulhasearlier Wemayrecallthatinthefirstoccurrenceof
37
characterizedtonguesasamanifestationofSpirit glossolaliaontheDayofPentecost,those
(notspirit),IbelievethattheRSVreading(and assembled"begantospeakwithothertongues,as
NASB,NIVmargins)of"Spirit"ispreferable. theSpiritwasgivingthemutterance"(Acts2:4).
TheGreekwordmysterionis"ahiddenthing,
32 38
Thisimmediatelyprecedesthewords:"greateris
secret,mystery...notobvioustothe theonewhoprophesiesthanonewhospeaksin
understanding"(Thayer),thusmysteriesare tongues,unlessheinterprets."
"hiddenthings."
E.g.,suchisofnomorevaluethanabuglethat
39
33
"Theonewhospeaksintongues...utterssecret givesanindistinctsound,andthuspreparesno
truthsintheSpiritwhichhealoneshareswith oneforbattle;alsoitisbuta"speakingintothe
God,andwhichhisfellowman,evenaChristian, air"(v.9).
doesnotunderstand"(must hri on,BAGD).
40
Verse6issometimesreadasadevaluation:"But
34
Itisimportanttoaddthatmysteriesutteredin now,brethren,ifIcometoyouspeakingin
tonguesandmadeknownbytheSpiritthrough tongueswhatshallIprofityou,unlessIspeakto
interpretationarenot"newtruths"beyondwhat youeitherbywayofrevelationorofknowledgeor
arerecordedinScripture.Theyareratherinline ofprophecyorofteaching?"Afirstimpression
withPaul'sprayerthatbelieversmayhave"all couldbethattonguesareofnoprofittothebody
therichesofassuredunderstandingandthe ofbelievers:thereisprofitonlyifonespeaks
knowledgeofGod'smystery,ofChrist,inwhom ratherbyrevelation,knowledge,prophecyor
arehidallthetreasuresofwisdomand teaching.However,suchareadingofPaul'swords
knowledge"(Col.2:23RSV).InthatsenseGod's seemsunwarranted,firstofall,bythefactthat
mysteryisChrist,withallthetreasuresof theyfollowimmediatelyfromhisstatementabout
wisdomandknowledgecontainedinHim.Hence, theneedforinterpretation"sothatthechurch
amysteryspokenintongues,wheninterpreted, mayreceiveedifying."HencewhatPaulis
willinsomesensebeadeclarationofthose emphasizingisthatspeakingintonguesalone
treasuresbothinthemselvesandinrelationto (i.e.,withoutinterpretationfollowing)isofno
Hisbody. profit.

IthasbeenproposedbysomethatPaul'swords, focushereisalsoonpersonaledificationthrough
"ifIcometoyouspeakingintongueswhatshallI tongues.
profityou,unlessIspeaktoyoueitherbywayof
revelation...knowledge...prophecy...teaching," 47
IdenticalwithEphesians5:19"psalmsand
refertothegreatvalueoftonguesplus hymnsandspiritualsongs."Aninteresting
interpretation,namely,thatthroughthe commenton"spiritualsongs"(inCol.3:16)is
interpretationrevelation,knowledge,prophecy,or madebyafootnoteintheJerusalemBiblestating
teachingwilloccur.IfthisisPaul'smeaning, thatthey"couldbecharismaticimprovisations
tongues(withinterpretation)unquestionably suggestedbytheSpiritduringliturgical
transcendsallothergifts(evenrevelationitself) assembly"(!).Accordingly,Iwouldadd,such
asachanneloftheirfunctioning.(SeeHowardM. "improvisations"are"singingintheSpirit."
Ervin,TheseareNotDrunken,asYeSuppose,pp.
16365;RayHubbard,GiftsofGrace,pp.9294.)
48
Asobservedearlier,"mysteriesintheSpirit"are
AlthoughIlikethestrongemphasisontonguesin beinguttered.Seethenextparagraphforthe
thisview,itreallysaystoomuch.ForPaulisnot furthersignificanceoftongues.
speakingoftongues'interpretationasbringing
revelation,knowledge,prophecy,teaching.Thisis 49
TheGreekwordiseuloges.Thebetter
especiallyclearinlightofPaul'slaterstatement, translationmaybe"praise"(asinNIVandNEB).
"Whenyouassemble,eachonehasateaching,has InanyeventitisdirectedtoGodandcontainsthe
arevelation,hasatongue,hasaninterpretation" noteofthanksgiving(asthecontinuationofthe
(1Cor.14:26).Inthisverse"tongue"and verseshows).
"interpretation"aresetalongside"revelation"and
"teaching";thelatterdonotcomebywayof 50
TheGreekwordisidiotou"unlearned"(KJV);
interpretationoftheformer.Thusforallthe "thosewhodonotunderstand"(NIV);"outsider"
importanceoftongues,itisanoverstatementto (RSV);"himthatiswithoutgifts"(RSVmg.);"the
viewtheirinterpretationasbringingabout plainman"(NEB).Theidiotaiseemtorepresent
revelation,teaching,etc. thosewhoarenotunbelieversbutare"outsiders"
tospiritualgifts("unversedinspiritualgifts"
41
Asreferencebacktoverse13makesclear. NASBmg.).Incidentalnote:perhapstheidiotai
arerepresentedtodaybybelieversunfamiliar
42
ThisemphasizesallthemorethatPauldidnot withandunversedincharismaticexperience.
meanearlier(recallv.6)thatthereisnoprofitin
tonguesunlessonealsospeaksbywayof 51
TheKJVisquotedherebecausemostother
revelation,prophecy,etc.
translationsproduceamisimpression."Foryou
aregivingthankswellenough"(NASB),"youmay
43
NEB,ratherthanrendering1Corinthians givethankswellenough"(RSV,similarlyNIV),
14:14aas"ifIprayinatongue,myspiritprays" "yourprayerofthanksgivingmaybeallthatcould
(asNASBandmanyotherssimilarly),translates bedesired"(NEB)allsoundlikeagrudging
thelatterphraseas"theSpiritinmeprays."The admissionofthevalueofthisblessingofGodin
NEBcorrectlycatchesthedeepermeaning. theSpirit.TheKJVisontarget,sincetheGreek
textliterallyreads:"Foryouindeedgivethanks
TheGreekphraseisodaispneumatikais;
44
well(symengarkaloseucharisteis)."
"pneumaticodes,"songsgivenbytheSpirit.
52
OnemightwonderwhyPaulheresinglesoutthe
Wemayrecall1Corinthians14:4"Onewho
45
"ungifted"asnotbeingedifiedbyuninterpreted
speaksinatongueedifieshimself." tongues.Wouldthatnotbetrueofallbelievers
present?Thepoint,however,isthattongues
"Butyou,beloved,buildingyourselfuponyour
46
describedherearepeculiarlyexpressionsof
mostholyfaith;prayingintheHolySpirit."The blessingandthanksgivingtoGod.The"gifted"

amongbelieverswouldknowwhatisgoingon, Theparityoftongueswithinterpretationand
57
hencecouldverywellsayan"Amen"tosuchan prophecyisfurthersuggestedbythefactthat
uninterpretedexpression;butthe"ungifted,"not Pauldirectsthattherebe"twooratmostthree"
comprehending,wouldbequiteatalosstodoso. speakersintongues,"twoorthree"whoprophesy.
Thehighimportanceofbothisalsoimpliedin
53
SometimesthewordsofPaul,"Idesire[or'would thatPauldoesnotspeakoftwoorthreewith
rather'RSV,NIV,NEB]speakfivewordswithmy "wordofwisdom,""wordofknowledge,"etc.This
mind,"areunderstoodtomean,"Itisbetterto againsuggeststhatPaulviewstonguesand
speakcomprehensively."However,Paulnever prophecyasthe"greatergifts."
(hereorelsewhere)deemphasizesthe
extraordinaryvalueofglossalalicutterance.
58
SimilarlyinKJV,RSV,NIV,NEB,andother
translations.
54
UndoubtedlytheCorinthianswereoutoforder
inthisregard.InthemidstofthepassagePaul
59
AlsoinKJV,RSV.
writes:"sinceyouarezealousofspirits(lit.
'pneumaton'),seektoaboundfortheedificationof 60
E.g.,Thayerinreferencestopneumatikos"one
thechurch"(v.12).TheCorinthiansbeing whoisfilledwithandgovernedbytheSpiritof
"zealous(orzealotszelotai)ofspirits"signifies God."BAGDinregardtopneumatikoi"spirit
zealousforspiritualrealitiesingeneral(not filledpeople."
simplyspiritualgiftswhicharepneumatika[see
earliernote]andforwhichPaulurgesthemtobe
61
AttentionmaybecalledtoHermannGnkel's
zealous).Beingthuszealous,theyshouldbeall seminalwork,TheInfluenceoftheHolySpirit,in
themoreconcernedtoaboundinwhatedifiesthe whichhesaysforcefully:"In1Cor.14:37;
church.Interpretationoftongues(whichPaul pneumatikosincontrasttoprophetes...clearly
discussesimmediatelythereafterinverse13)is denotesglossolalia"(p.31).A.T.Robertson
urgentifthisistohappen.
likewiseviewsthepneumatikosasthespeakerin
tongues:"Theprophetortheonewiththegiftof
55
Theorderinverses12istongues,prophecy,
tongues"(WordPicturesintheNewTestament,
knowledge,faith;inverse8itisprophecy,
4:185).(IowethisquotationtoHowardM.Ervin's
tongues,knowledge(incidentally,"knowledge"
probablyreferstowordofknowledge"in12:8; TheseAreNotDrunken,asYeSuppose,114).
"faith"tothegiftoffaithin12:9).
62
ItisinterestingtoobservethatPaulbegins1
Corinthians1214thus:"Nowconcerning
56
Theconcernaboutunbelievers(apistoi)inthe
churchassemblygoeslargelybeyondPaul's pneumatikon...."Theword"gifts"isusuallyadded;
however,itcouldbe"matters"or"things,"oreven
earlierconcernaboutthe"ungifted"(idiotai).The
"persons."Iaminclinedtotheusualtranslationof
questionnowisanadditionalone:nothowdo
"gifts";however,thereisundoubtedlysome
tonguesandprophecyedifythebeliever,butwhat
attractivenessinthinkingthatPaulattheoutset
aretheireffectsontheunbeliever?Tongues,Paul
isprimarilyconcernedwiththosewhospeakin
says,areasign(ofjudgment)fortheunbeliever,
tongues.(Forahelpfuldiscussionof1Corinthians
butnotsoforthebeliever;prophecyontheother
12:1seeErvin'sTheseAreNotDrunken,chap.14.)
handcanbringanunbeliever(alsoan"ungifted"
person)intoaprofoundexperience:"Butifall
prophesy,andanunbelieveroranungiftedman RudolfBultmannwritessimilarly:"SincePaul
63
enters,heisconvictedbyall,heiscalledto cansay,'Ifanyonethinksthatheisaprophetor
accountbyall;thesecretsofhisheartare oneSpiritendowed...'hepresupposesausageof
disclosed;andsohewillfallonhisfaceand speechaccordingtowhichtheecstatic[sic]
worshipGod,declaringthatGodiscertainly speakerintongues(inthecontextitcanmean
amongyou"(vv.2425). onlyhim[italics:mine])isthe'Spiritendowed'

parexcellence"(TheologyoftheNewTestament,tr. 67
TheGreekwordiseuschemonos"decently"(KJV,
byKendrickGrobel,1:158). RSV,NEB),"inafittingway"(NIV)."Becomingly"
isanothergoodtranslation(cf.Rom.13:13;1
Inregardtospeakingintonguesfromthis
64 Thess.4:12).
perspective,agoodruleofthumbwouldindeedbe:
"Seeknot,forbidnot."
68
TheGreekwordisdiakrinetosanjudge"(KJV);
"passjudgment"(NASB);"exercisejudgment
65
TheGreekwordiskolyete.Thetranslationfor upon"(NEB)."Weigh"(RSVandNIV)avoidsany
negativeimpressionthatmaybecontainedinthe
kolyooftenis"forbid."However,"restrain"or
ideaofjudgingorjudgment."Discern"isanother
"check"isfarmorelikelyinthiscontext.Wemay
helpfultranslation.Sinceprophecyis"inpart,"
notetheuseofkolyoin2Peter2:16,whereonly noteverythingsaidmaybeawordfromtheLord;
"restrained"or"checked"makesgoodsense:"a thusthereisparticularneedforweighing,
dumbdonkey,speakingwiththevoiceofaman, judging,discerning.
restrained(ekolysen)themadnessoftheprophet"
(KJVtranslatesekolysenas"forbid,"butsuch 69
Itisprobablynotwithoutsignificancethatinthe
unfortunatelyonlyconfusesthemeaning;RSV listingoftheninecharismataoftheSpiritin1
andNIV,likeNASB,translateas"restrained"). Corinthians12:810thatthesixthandseventh
Incidentally,BAGDrefersto2Peter2:16,andthe relatetoprophecyandthe"discernings
translationas"restrained,"inthecontextof (diakriseisfromthesamerootasdiakrinetosanin
discussing1Corinthians14:39(seearticleon 14:29)ofspirits,"theeighthandninthtotongues
kwl uw).Inlinewiththis(andtheoverallcontext),I andinterpretationoftongues.Although
repeatthat"donotrestrainspeakingintongues" "discernings"(weighing,judging)mayreferto
issurelyPaul'smeaning.Weymouth'sNew morethanprophecy,itsurelyhasaconnection
TestamentinModernSpeechisoneofthefew therewith.Thusprophecyneedsdiscernmenteven
versionsthattranslatesinsimilarfashionthus: astonguesneedinterpretation.Inaccordance
"Donotcheckspeakingwithtongues."Alsosee withthisistheclimacticlistingoftheninegiftsin
Moffatt'sNewTranslation:"Donotputanycheck 12:810andtothesamemattersPaulreturnsin
uponspeakingin'tongues.'" 14:2733.
66
ItisinterestingtoobservethatPaulwrites 70
Or,asinthepriorobservation:"prophecywith
similarlyaboutprophecyin1Thessalonians discernment"and"tongueswithinterpretation."
5:20"donotdespisepropheticutterances."A Theshorthandforthisissimply"prophecyand
restraintuponspeakingintonguesanda tongues."
despisingofprophecyarebothserioushandicaps
forthebodyofChrist.Incidentally,inwordsjust Bearinmindthatprophecyis"inpart,"or
71
preceding"donotdespisepropheticutterance," partial;hencenoteverythingsaidmaycomefrom
Paulsays:"DonotquenchtheSpirit"(v.19).Itis theHolySpirit(thustheneedfordiscernment).
quitepossiblethatthisfirstexhortationconcerns
speakingintongues(e.g.,Gnkelwrites:"in1 72
"Wordofwisdom"and"wordofknowledge,"on
Thess.5:19pneumaissetnexttopropheteiaas theotherhand,aregiftsinwhichthemindwhile
thecapacityforspeakingintongues"[The anointedbytheHolySpiritisfullyinvolved.In
InfluenceoftheSpirit,p.31]);ifsothereisaclose thesetwogifts,ormanifestationsoftheHoly
parallelbetween1Corinthians14:39"desire Spirit,theSpiritinspirestheutteranceofwisdom
earnestlytoprophesyanddonotrestrain andknowledgewhichisgivenbythespeaker.But
speakingintongues"and1Thessalonians5:19 nosuch"wordofwisdom"or"knowledge"comes
20"DonotquenchtheSpirit;donotdespise forthwiththedirectnessofaprophetic"Thussays
propheticutterances." theLord."

73
"Humanlanguage"includesaperson'snatural 78
Inregardtoprophecy,thewordsofPeter
wayofspeaking,hisowninflectionandtone,even (quotingJoel)"yoursonsandyourdaughtersshall
hispeculiaritiesofspeech.TheHolySpirit,while prophesy..."clearlypointtosuchapossibility.
speakingdirectly,doesnotreducethehuman Alsothereiscontinuingpropheticactivity
instrumenttoamereautomaton. recordedinvariousplacesinActs.Thereis,
however,noreferenceassuchtothecontinuation
74
Aswithprophecy,sincetheinterpretationcomes oftonguesbeyondtheinitialevents(inActs2,19;
throughahumanvessel,itmaylikewisebe"in cf.Acts10:46).Inthelattercaseweneedtoturn
part."Thiscouldmeanthatbecauseofhuman tootherportionsoftheNewTestamentaswe
limitationsonlyapartofthemessageisgiven,or havepreviouslydonewhichimplycontinuance.
thattheinterpretationofitcontainselements Mark16:17notpreviouslymentioned"theyshall
whicharenotfullyconsonantwithwhatisspoken speakwithnewtongues"underscoresanongoing
inthetongue. reality.
75
Theotherspiritualcharismata(afterwordof
79
0fcourse,Idonotmeanbythisthatwords
wisdomandwordofknowledgeandbefore spokeninprophecyandtonguesstandabove
prophecyandtongues),namely,faith,giftsof Scripture,fortheScripturesarenormative,
healing,andworkingofmiraclesareofcoursenot decisive,andunerring;whereas,asobserved
intherealmofcommunication.Theyare before,prophecycallsfordiscernment,and
supernaturalpowersbutnotsupernatural tonguesneedinterpretation.Accordingly,inboth
utterances. prophecyandtonguesthehumanelementis
present.Neithergiftinitsexercisecanbe
76
ItissignificanttonotethatthesameGreek normative,norcanithavetheassuranceofbeing
word,apophthengomai,isusedinActs2:4and freeofallerror.However,inspiteofthis,through
Acts2:14forcommunicationregardingboth prophecyandtonguesthelivingGod,whose
tonguesandprophecy.Thewordfor"utterance"in writtenwordisinHolyScripture,speaksinandto
2:4is"apopthengesthai";likewiseintheprefaceto Hispeopletoday.
thewordsconcerningtheoutpouringoftheHoly
Spiritthetextreads:"Peter...declaredtothem," 80
AsinEphesians4:11twodomataamongfive(or
thewordfor"declared"beingapephthenxato. fourif"pastors"and"teachers"arethesame
Englishtranslationsdonotcarrythefullforceof office).
apophthengomai,whichcontainsthenoteof
inspiredspeech.AccordingtoBAGD,inGreek
81
AsinRomans12:8twocharismataamongseven.
literature,thewordisused"ofthespeechofthe
wiseman...butalsooftheoraclegiver,diviner,
82
Whetherdomataorcharismata.
prophet,exorcist,andother'inspiredpersons.'"
AgainstthatbackgroundtheNewTestament
usageofthewordsignifiesspeechinspiredbythe
HolySpirit.Intheonecaseitwasspeechin
tongues,intheotheritwasspeechinprophecy
bothgivendirectlyfromtheHolySpirit.
GnkelwritesinhisTheInfluenceoftheHoly
77
Spiritthatin"thePentecostnarrative...theSpirit
directly[italicsmine]worksonlyglossolaliaand
prophecy"(p.16).This,Ibelieve,isacorrect
statement.

Chapter13 toexamineeverythingcarefullyinlightof
Scripture"(22),MacArthurdeclares.Let
usexaminehowMacArthuroperateswith
BIBLICALTRUTHAND relevantscripturaltruth.Wewillbegin
byturningfirsttochapter7,"HowDo
EXPERIENCE SpiritualGiftsOperate?"andnoteseveral
statements.Ibeginherebecausea
aReplytoJohnF.MacArthur, primaryconcernofthecharismatic
Jr. renewalrelatestospiritualgifts.
MacArthurwritesinregardto1
Corinthians14:19that"condemningthe
InhisbookCharismaticChaos,JohnF.
Corinthians'misuseofthegiftoftongues,
MacArthur,Jr.frequentlystressesthe theapostle[Paul]arguedthatall
priorityofbiblicaltruthoverexperience. ministryofspiritualgiftsinthechurch
Forexample,"Experience,however,isnot
shouldbeaimedatpeople'sminds[italics
thetestofbiblicaltruth;rather,biblical
his]"(157).MacArthurthereuponquotes
truthstandsinfinaljudgmenton
Paul'swords,"InthechurchIdesireto
experience."1MacArthurwritesthese
speakfivewordswithmymind,thatI
wordsinconnectionwithhischargethat
mayinstructothersalso,ratherthanten
charismaticsgiveprioritytoexperience
thousandwordsinatongue(NASB)."I
overScripture.
mustreplytoMacArthurthatPaul's
AsoneagainstwhomMacArthurlevels statementaboutpeople'smindsrelates
thischarge,2Ishouldliketomakereply.3 onlytohispreferenceforprophecyover
IhavenodisagreementwithMacArthur tonguesinthechurchassembly.Hebyno
aboutthepriorityofbiblicaltruthor meansisdeclaringthatallspiritualgifts
theologyoverexperience,4butIam shouldbe"aimedatpeople'sminds."
concernedprimarilyabouttheway Indeed,intheelaborationof1
MacArthurhandlesbiblicaltruthin Corinthians1214,Pauldealswithquite
regardtothecharismaticrenewal.SoI anumberofspiritualgifts,including
willspeaktothatmatterfirst. faith,healings,miracles,andtongues
Thereafter,Iwillbrieflycommenton (12:810)thatarenotbasicallymental
MacArthur'srelationshiptoexperience. operations.However,inregardto
tongues,MacArthurseekstobringthem
I underthementalumbrellabyadding
laterthat"thetruegiftoftongueswas
BiblicalTruth theabilitytospeakinaforeignlanguage"
(166).
MacArthurclaimstostandforthrightly MacArthur'sstatementisfarwideofthe
onbiblicaltruth.Itis"ourresponsibility mark,for,withthepossibleexceptionof

Pentecost,thereisnosuggestioninthe
NewTestamentthattongueswereforeign
languages.Forexample,speakingin Weobservenextthat,inregardtothe
tonguesbytheRomancenturionand situationoftheCorinthianchurch,
household(Acts10:46)issetwithinthe MacArthurspeaksof"spiritual
contextofworship"speakingintongues confusion."Hiswords:"Thedepthofthe
andextollingGod"(RSV);moreover,what spiritualconfusioninCorinthcertainly
pointwouldtherehavebeenintheir revealedthatmanyoftheecstaticand
speakingforeignlanguages?Further, miraculousphenomenaintheirmidst
Paulquiteexplicitlydissociatesspeaking werenottruespiritualgifts"(169).
intonguesfromamentalactivity(i.e., Hence,accordingtoMacArthur,the
speakinginaforeignlanguage)bysaying, ecstaticandmiraculousmixedtogetherin
"IfIprayinatongue,myspiritprays,but deepspiritualconfusionwastheproblem
mymindisunfruitful"(1Cor.14:14 Paulhadtodealwith.Toreply:thiswas
RSV).ThenPauladds,"WhatamItodo? surelynottheproblem;itwasratherthe
IwillpraywiththespiritandIwillpray Corinthians'disorderintheexpressionof
withthemindalso"(v.15aRSV).Praying thegifts.Paul'sfinalwordsin1
inatongue,accordingtoPaul,isnot Corinthians1214are:"Allthingsshould
prayinginaforeignlanguage,amental bedonedecentlyandinorder"(14:40
activity,butprayingwiththespirit RSV).
whereinthemindisidleorunfruitful.
MacArthur,however,goesbacktoPaul's
Further,inthischapterMacArthur wordsin1Corinthians12:35"Iwant
contrasts"thetruegiftoftongues"with youtounderstandthatnoonespeaking
"ecstaticspeech,"addingthat"nothingin bytheSpiritofGodeversays'Jesusbe
theNewTestamentsuggeststhatthegift cursed!'andnoonecansay'JesusisLord'
oflanguageswasecstaticspeech"(166). butbytheHolySpirit"(RSV).Thereupon
Ecstaticspeech,accordingtoMacArthur, MacArthuradds:"Infact,itseems
bordersonthedemonic,forinthenext obviousthatifpeopleintheCorinthian
sentencehestates,"Godwouldnotgivea assemblywerecallingJesusaccursed,the
giftthatisthesameastheoneusedby giftstheyclaimedtohavereceivedfrom
Satantoholdpeopleinthegripoffalse theHolySpiritwerecounterfeit"(16970).
religions."Thus,tonguesareeither Paul,however,makesnoconnection
foreignlanguagesordemonically betweensuchacursingofJesus(by
inspired5utterances.MacArthurfailsto whomPauldoesnotsay)andany
recognizeathirdpossibility,namely,that Corinthianactivityinspiritualgifts.The
truetonguesareneitherforeign Corinthiansmayhaveexaggeratedthe
languagesnordemonicallyinspired importanceofcertaingifts,theymay
speechbutspiritualutterances.Orin haveshowntoolittleloveintheir
Paul'swords,theyarepraying"withthe expression,andtheremayhavebeen
spirit." disorderliness,butinnowaydoesPaul
suggestthatsomeoftheexpressionswere

notfromGod.Thegiftswereallfromthe gifts"(199;italicshis).Headds:"These
HolySpiritwho,saysPaul,"apportionsto werespecificenablementsgivento
eachoneindividuallyashewills"(1Cor. certainbelieversforthepurposeof
12:11RSV). authenticatingorconfirmingGod'sWord
whenitwasproclaimedintheearly
MacArthur,viewingtheCorinthian churchbeforetheScriptureswere
situationasoneof"deepspiritual written.Thetemporarysigngifts
confusion,"thereuponappliesthistothe includedprophecy(revelatoryprophecy7),
charismaticmovementbyadding:"Who miracles,healings,tongues,and
candenythatthecharismaticmovement interpretationoftongues.Thesigngifts
asawholeissufferingfromexactlythe hadauniquepurpose:togivetheapostles
samespiritualproblemsthatPaulfound credentials,thatis,toletthepeopleknow
intheCorinthianchurch?"(170).Yes, thatthesemenallspokethetruthofGod.
therearemanyofthesamespiritual OncetheWordofGodwasinscripturated,
problems6butnotfromsaying"Jesusbe thesigngiftswerenolongerneededand
cursed"withresultingcounterfeitgifts. theyceased"(199).Soitturnsoutthat
"JesusisLord"isthecontinuing thewords"whenthespiritualgiftsare
affirmation,andthegiftsbasicallyare usedproperly"canonlyrefernowtowhat
fromtheHolySpirit.
MacArthurcalls"permanentedifying
gifts"(199;italicshis).Theseinclude
"knowledge,wisdom,prophecy
Istherethenavalidoperationofthe (authoritativepreaching),teaching,
spiritualgifts?MacArthuraffirmssuchin exhortation,faith(orprayer),
thelastsentenceofchapter7:"The discernment,showingmercy,giving,
churchcanbebuiltuponlywhenthe administration,andhelps"(199).Thus
spiritualgiftsareusedproperly,when regardingtheninespiritualgiftsthat
Scriptureisunderstoodandtaught Pauldelineatesin1Corinthians12:810,
accurately,andwhenbelieversare onlyfourinsomesensecontinuetobe
walkingintheSpiritwithselfcontrol, available:wordofwisdom,wordof
committedtoobeyingtheWordofGod" knowledge,faith,anddiscerningof
(170).Icanagreeheartilywiththis spirits.8Itfollows,forexample,inregard
statement;however,inregardtothe tohealing,that"thosewhoclaimthegift
spiritualgiftsoperating"properly,"it ofhealingdonotreallyhaveit"(203).
turnsoutthatMacArthurisactually AccordingtoMacArthur,Godhas
referringonlytocertainones. withdrawnthegiftlongago.
Inthisregardletusmoveontoa Beforelookingfurtherintothereasons
statementofMacArthur'sinchapter9, MacArthurgivesforthecessationof
"DoesGodHeal?"MacArthurspeaksof manyspiritualgifts,Icanonlyfirstreact
severalofthespiritualgiftsin1 inamazement.ForPaulinnoway
Corinthians12:810as"temporarysign suggestsadivisionofthegiftsbetween
temporaryandpermanent,orthatanyof

thesewouldhavenoplaceinthefuture canthefinalizingofthecanonhavetodo
lifeofthechurch.Thegiftsareallmixed withthecessationofspiritualgifts?
together,MacArthur's(notPaul's) ThereissurelynomentionintheNew
"temporary"and"permanent"9inno Testamentitselfthecompletedcanon
particularorder,andallareheadedby thatsomeofthespiritualgiftshave
Paul'sstatement,"Toeachisgiven..."(1 finallybeenwithdrawn.
Cor.12:7RSV).Moreover,accordingto
Paul,theyareallapportionmentsofthe MacArthur'spositionisindeedapeculiar
one.TheCorinthianspresumablycould
HolySpiritandallareneededforthe
practiceallthespiritualgiftsbecausethe
properfunctioningofthebodyof
apostleswerestillaroundandScripture
believers.Inregardspecificallytothegift
wasnotyetcomplete.However,oncethe
ofhealing,howcanMacArthurdareto
apostlesweregonefromthesceneand
sayitcannotexisttodaywhenPaul
theirteachingshadbeeninscripturated,
states:"toanothergiftsofhealingbythe
theCorinthianscouldnolongerexercise
oneSpirit"(1Cor.12:9RSV)?Thisisjust
suchgiftsashealings,miracles,and
asmuchacontinuinggiftoftheHoly
tongues.DidPaulhimselfevenhintat
Spiritasany"permanent"giftthatPaul
this?HadhesonotifiedtheCorinthians?
names.MacArthursurelydoesnothave
Doeshesuggestthisinanyofhisletters?
Paulonhissideindeclaringthatthegift
Suchquestionshardlyneedaserious
ofhealinghasceased.
answer.
ThereasonsMacArthurgivesforthe
Whatismostdisturbingtorepeat
cessationofthe"signgifts"areequally
aboutMacArthur'spositiononthe"sign
questionable.Ontheonehand,asnoted,
gifts"isthatbydeclaringtheircessation
MacArthursaysthatthesegiftsoccurred
hedoesnothesitatetoruleoutall
toauthenticatetheproclamationofthe
subsequentexpressionofthesegifts.We
gospelonlyaslongastheWordofGod
havealreadycommentedonMacArthur's
wasnotinscripturated;ontheother
statementthat"thosewhoclaimthegift
hand,thatthegiftsoccurredonlyto
ofhealingdonotreallyhaveit."
certifygenuineapostleship.Oncethere
MacArthurspendsmucheffortto
wasnolongerneedforapostolic
demonstrateempiricallythatallclaimsto
credentialingandthecanonofScripture
thegiftofhealingtodayarefakeclaims,
wascompleted,thegiftswouldbe
butsuchdemonstrationdoesnotreally
withdrawn.However,thespiritualgifts
matterbecause,accordingtoMacArthur,
in1Corinthians12arenotapostolic
inactualitythegifthaslongagobeen
credentials:theyaremanifestationsof
removedbyGodHimself.Sowhen
theHolySpiritintheassemblyamong
MacArthurtakesajaundicedlookatany
ordinarychurchmembers.Further,there
andallcontemporaryexpressionsof
isnottheslightesthintthatthe"sign
healing,itreallycannotbeotherwise.
gifts"willceasewiththecompletionof
Scripturebecausetheyarenolonger
needed.Onthelatterpoint,whatpossibly

Nowletusobservehowsimilarly miraclesareuniquelyapostolic
MacArthurspeaksaboutmiracles.Inan credentials;second,ifotherswhoworked
earlierchapter(5),entitled,"DoesGodDo closelywiththemcouldworkmiracles,
MiraclesToday?"MacArthurdeclares,"I howcanoneruleout"theaverage
amconvincedthatthemiracles,signs, Christian"?MacArthuridentifiesthose
andwondersbeingclaimedtodayinthe who"workedmostcloselywithhim"as
charismaticmovementhavenothingin those"commissionedbyhim,"andwrites
commonwithapostolicmiracles"(109). that"nomiracleseveroccurredinthe
ThereasonMacArthurgiveslater: entireNewTestamentrecordexceptin
"NothinginScriptureindicatesthatthe thepresenceofanapostleoronedirectly
miraclesoftheapostolicageweremeant commissionedbyanapostle"(121).
tobecontinuousinsubsequentages" ExamplesthatMacArthurmentionsare
(117).MacArthurhasmanydisparaging StephenandPhilip;however,MacArthur
remarksaboutthecharacterof quicklyadds,"thepowerneverwentany
contemporaryclaimsto"signsand further"(121).Imustrejoin:ifsuch
wonders"(especiallyinchap.6,"Whatis powerneverwentanyfurther,whatdoes
Behindthe'ThirdWave'?"),andseeksto PaulmeaninwritingtheCorinthians"to
showtheirspuriousness.Indeed,from another[isgiven]theworkingof
MacArthur'sperspective,miracleclaims, miracles"(1Cor.12:10RSV)?Wassucha
aswithhealing,mustbespurious,not person"commissioned"byPaul?Hardly.
becauseofanysensationalexpression, Hewouldseemtofitfarbetterintothe
butbecausemiraclesnolongercan categoryof"averageChristian."But,
possiblytakeplace!Itissurelynot accordingtoMacArthur,asnoted,sucha
withoutsignificancethatMacArthur, personcouldnotperformmiracles!
heraldofbiblicaltruthoveragainst
experience,doesnothesitatetouse
contemporaryexperiencetofortifyhis
negativeviewpoint! AnotherattemptbyMacArthur(inchap.
4)toassignsuchgiftsasmiracles,
LookingfurtherintoMacArthur'schapter healings,andtonguestotheapostolic
onmiracles,wenotethatherecognizes circleisevidencedinthewayhetreats
miraclesintheNewTestamentasalso Mark16:1718:"Thesesignswill
occurringthroughothersclosely accompanythosewhobelieve:inmy
associatedwiththeapostles.Hewrites: namethywillcastoutdemons;theywill
"Miracleswereuniquetotheapostlesand speakinnewtongues;theywillpickup
thosewhoworkedmostcloselywith serpents,andiftheydrinkanydeadly
them"(12021).Still,MacArthuraddsin thing,itwillnothurtthem;theywilllay
thenextsentence,"TheaverageChristian theirhandsonthesick,andtheywill
hadnoabilitytoperformsignsand recover."MacArthur,assumingthatthe
wonders"(121).Wemustquestion,first,if versesareareflectionofanoriginal
othersthantheapostlescouldalsowork inspiredmanuscript,states:"Itis
miracles,whathappenstotheviewthat

incorrecttoassertthatthesesignsshould forPaultotrytoprovehisapostleshipby
bethenormforallbelieverstoday"(102). citingthemiracleshehaddone"(121).
However,Paul'sstatement,Imustreply,
However,thisclearlyisMacArthur's wasnotintendedtopositionhimselfover
judgment;butbynomeansdoesthetext against"ordinaryChristians"butto
suggestinapplicabilityforbelieversat emphasizethathewas"notintheleast
anytime.MacArthurseekstoshoreup inferiortothe'superapostles'"10(2Cor.
hisviewbyappealing,first,tohistory, 12:11NIV).Hence,Paulisnotsaying
namely,thatbelieversingeneralhave thatmiracleswerelimitedtoapostles,
notdemonstratedthesesigns,and butthat"asatrueapostle"heperformed
second,thatbiblically,"thesesignswere genuinemiracles.Incidentally,ifPaul
trueofonecertaingrouptheapostolic weresayingin2Corinthians12,as
community"(102).Toreply:ifMark MacArthurclaims,thatmiracleswerea
16:1718reflectsagenuinewordofJesus, kindofapostolicpreserve,Paulis
itwouldseemmuchbettertotakethisas contradictingwhathesaysin1
apossibilityforallbelieversratherthan Corinthians12aboutmiraclesbeingone
boldlytocontradictthetext.Also, ofthegiftsinthebodythattheHoly
discountingMark16:1718becauseofa Spiritsovereignlyapportions.Notonly
viewderivedfromothertextsthat doesPaulsayto"ordinary[nonapostolic]
presumablyonlytheapostoliccommunity Christians""toanothertheworkingof
coulddosuchsignshardlyseemscredible. miracles"(v.10),butalsolateraddsthe
ThewordsofMark16:1718"thesesigns categoryofmiraclesasseparatefrom
willaccompanythosewhobelieve"(RSV) apostles:"Godhasappointedinthe
unmistakablygofarbeyond"the churchfirstapostles,secondprophets,
apostoliccommunity."
thirdteachers,thenworkersofmiracles"
(v.28RSV).Insum,2Corinthians12:12
cannotconsistentlybeusedtoruleout
miraclesfromcommonChristian
Inhisclearaffirmationthatcertaingifts
experience.
werelimitedtotheapostoliccircle,
MacArthurfrequentlyquotes2
Corinthians12:12andHebrews2:34.
PaulwritesintheCorinthianpassage,
WhataboutHebrews2:34?Theauthorof
"Thesignsofatrueapostlewere
Hebrews,speakingabout"agreat
performedamongyouinallpatience,
salvation,"addsthat"itwasdeclaredat
withsignsandwondersandmighty
firstbytheLord,anditwasattestedtous
works"(RSV).Suchastatement,
bythosewhoheardhim,whileGodalso
accordingtoMacArthur,emphasizesthat
borewitnessbysignsandwondersand
miraclesweresingular"proofs"of
variousmiraclesandbygiftsoftheHoly
apostleship;accordingly,"Ifdoing
Spiritdistributedeachaccordingtohis
miracleshadbeenthecommonexperience
will"(RSV).Unquestionably,miraclesare
ofordinaryChristians,itwouldbefoolish
hereattributedto"thosewhoheard"the

Lord,theirwitnessbeing"attested"or reportedallthatthechiefpriestsand
"confirmed"by eldershadsaidtothem.Whenthey[the
"signs...wonders...miracles...giftsofthe 'people']heardthis,theyraisedtheir
HolySpirit."Theapostlesmaybe voicestogetherinprayertoGod"(NIV).
identifiedasthoseaboutwhomHebrews Theprayerofthepeople,thegathered
speaks,forsurelythey"heard"theLord believers,concludes:"Now,Lord,consider
andworkedmanymiracles;however,that theirthreatsandenableyourservantsto
bynomeanslimitsmiraclestothe speakyourwordwithgreatboldness.
apostles.Astatementofoccurrenceisnot Stretchoutyourhandtohealand
necessarilyastatementof performmiraculoussignsandwonders
circumscription.InthisconnectionI throughthenameofyourholyservant
wouldcallattentiontoaquestionofPaul Jesus"(NIV).TheapostlesPeterand
totheGalatians:"Doeshewhosupplies Johnwerethereandpresumablythe
theSpirittoyouandworksmiracles othertenapostlesbuttheprayerwas
amongyoudosobyworksoflaw,orby obviouslythatofthelargercompanyof
hearingwithfaith?"(3:5RSV).Hereisa believerswhoprayedforboldnessto
somewhatsimilarstatementtoHebrews witnessandformiraclestobeperformed
regardingmiraclesandtheHolySpirit, throughthembyJesus.Thereisno
butwithoutanysuggestioninGalatians suggestionintheirprayerthatmiracles
thattheapostles(oranapostle)were willbedonethereafteronlybythe
thosewhoworkedthemiracles.The apostlesintheirmidst.EarlierinActs
miracles,inPaul'swordsandwithno thereisthestatementthat"many
referencetohimselfsimplyoccurred wondersandsignsweredonethroughthe
"among"theGalatians.TheGalatian apostles"(2:43).However,sometime
situationseemsnottoodifferentfromthe later,aswehavejustnoted,thelarger
Corinthianwhere"ordinaryChristians" companyprayedthattheLordwould
aswehaveseensurelyworked accompanytheirwitnessby"miraculous
miracles.MacArthur,incidentally,while signsandwonders."Wouldtheyhave
frequentlycitingHebrews2:34never prayedthus,especiallywiththeapostles
mentionsGalatians3:5.This,asis present,ifmiracleswereasoleapostolic
frequentlythecase,isanunbalanceduse prerogative?Further,whoknowsbutthat
ofGod'swrittenWord. latermiraclesperformedbynonapostles
StephenandPhilipwereananswertothe
prayerofthecompanyofbelieversrather
thantheresultofapostolic
Iwouldalsocallattentiontotheprayerof commissioning?MacArthuragainhas
thecompanyofbelieversinActs4:2331. drawnthenettootightinhiselimination
PeterandJohnhadwroughtamiracleof of"ordinaryChristians"frommiraculous
healingonalamemanandwerelater activity.
threatenedandimprisoned.Thenverse
23begins:"Ontheirrelease,Peterand
Johnwentbacktotheirownpeopleand

Finally,inthematterofbiblicaltruthI seekstodismissthesereferencesby
wouldliketoreturntoMacArthur'sview sayingthatsinceActsis"primarily
ofspeakingintongues,especiallychapter historicalnarrative...theextraordinary,
10,"IstheGiftofTonguesforToday?"I miraculousevents[includingtongues]it
willalsomakesomereferencetochapter recountsdonotrepresentanormative
8,"WhatwasHappeningintheEarly patternfortheentirechurchage"(224).
Church?". Despitethequestionablenessofaview
MacArthurstates:"Tonguesare thathistoricalnarrativeprovidesno
mentionedinthreebooksoftheBible: patternfortheensuingchurchage,Iwill
Mark(16:17);Acts(2,10,19);and1 simplycommentthatMacArthurviews
Corinthians(1214)"(224).However,says alltonguesinActsashumanlanguages,
MacArthur,wemayfirsteliminateMark andallowsthatviewtocontrolhis
16:17"Thosewhobelieve...willspeakin interpretationoftonguesin1Corinthian
newtongues,"because"Mark16:17 1214.Forexample,MacArthur
simplymentionstonguesasanapostolic comments:"NowheredoestheBibleteach
sign"(224).Really?Suchbiblical thatthegiftoftonguesisanythingother
interpretationisfarfromthemark.The thanhumanlanguages"(226).Actually,
texthasnoreferencewhatevertoapostles aswehaveseen,1Corinthians1214by
orapostolicsigns:itreferstotallyto nomeanscorroboratesthisview.
"thosewhobelieve."Thusallthemore
egregiousisthestatement,earlier
quoted,inregardtoMark16:17by
MacArthur:"Itisincorrecttoassertthat LetusmoveonagaintotheCorinthian
thesesigns[includingtongues]shouldbe chapters.Ihavealreadymadeseveral
thenormforallbelievers."Thisobviously comments,especiallyinreferenceto
isMacArthur'sopinion,butitisnotwhat chapter12,sowillnownotetwootherof
Mark16:17says.Itwouldbefarmore MacArthur'sinterpretations.
profitableandedifyingifMacArthur,
First,thereisMacArthur'sviewof1
ratherthandistortingthetext,might
Corinthians13:8:"Loveneverfails;butif
questionwhatare"newtongues,"and,for
therearegiftsofprophecy,theywillbe
example,howdotheyrelatetotongues
doneaway;iftherearetongues,theywill
spokenintheActsaccountsandin1
cease;ifthereisknowledge,itwillbe
Corinthians?OntheDayofPentecost
doneaway"(NASB).MacArthurclaims
peoplespokein"othertongues"(Acts2:4).
thatprophecyandknowledgewillbedone
Werethese"newtongues"orwhat?How
away"whentheperfectcomes"(v.10),
do"newtongues"relateto"strange
theperfectbeingviewedastheeternal
tongues"in1Corinthians14:21?
state"facetoface"(v.12).However,
MacArthur'sdeterminationtoremove
tongues,withoutregardtothefinal
"tongues"fromtheChristiancommunity
perfection,willsimplycease:"thegiftof
atlargeseemssostrongthathefailsto
tongueswill'stopitself'"(231n.20).
pursuemanychallengingpossibilities.
InregardtoActs2,10,and19MacArthur MacArthuradds:"Whenisnotstipulated,

buttheywon'tbearoundwhenthe andthenadds,"hewasusingirony,
perfectthingarrives.Historysuggests pointingoutthefutilityofspeakingin
thattonguesceasedshortlyafterPaul tongueswithoutaninterpreter,because
wrotethisepistle"(ibid.)Toputit onlyGodwouldknowifanythingwas
bluntly,MacArthurisskewingthis said"(228).Usingirony?Howpossibly
passagebadly.Foronething,Paulnever canoneseeironyinPaul'swordswhich
intendedtoseparateaperiodoffuture areasimpleandprofoundstatementthat
prophecyandknowledgefromthatof tonguesareaddressedtoGod,nottomen,
tongues.Theywillallendwhenthe andthatmysteries,hiddenthings,are
perfectcomes."Doneaway"and"cease" beingspoken?Tobesure,interpretation
aresimplystylisticvariants,11not isneeded,asPaullatersays,forother
referencestodifferenttimeschedules.For believerstobeedified(v.5),butthatdoes
another,sinceMacArthurviewsprophecy notinanywaydiscountthefactthat
andknowledgeascontinuingtothe tonguesareessentiallyaddressedto
consummation,heisconstrainedtoposit God.13MacArthuriswayofftarget.But
thembothas"permanentgifts." worseisyettocome:MacArthuraddsina
Prophecy,accordingly,saysMacArthur, footnote,14"Becauseoftheabsenceofany
inthiscontextisnotamiraculousgiftbut definitearticleintheGreektext,itisalso
"theabilitytoproclaimtruthpowerfully" possibletotranslatethisverseas,'One
(ibid.).Suchaviewofprophecyis whospeaksinatonguedoesnotspeakto
altogetherforeigntothebiblicalmeaning, menbuttoagod'[italicshis]referring
andtotallyrationalizeswhatPaulis toapagandeity"(228n.17).Toapagan
saying.Stillagain,MacArthurfinally deity?IcanreplyonlythatMacArthur's
doesnotrelyonthebiblicaldatabuton wordsarenotonlyexegeticallyquite
presumedhistoricalevidencethat questionable15butveryclosetobeing
tonguesceasedshortlyafterPaul'sletter. blasphemous."MysteriesintheSpirit"to
Suchastatementisquitecontroversial12; apagandeity?Itisnothardtoseewhy
moreover,itshowsanattitudethatistoo MacArthurcontinuesinthefootnotewith
dogmaticregardinghistory.MacArthurso thereminder:"Eitherway["toGod"or"to
muchassays:IftheBibleisnot agod"],1Corinthians14:2is
convincingthattongueswillshortlystop, condemnation,notcommendation."Again
historyis!Thisisnotaveryscholarly thisisexegeticallyindefensible:thereis
wayofdealingwithanissueofmuch nogenuineoption,norisPaulbyany
importance. meanscondemningsuchspeakingin
tongues.
Second,ImustcommentonMacArthur's
interpretationof1Corinthians14:2and NextwenotePaul'swordsin1
4.1Corinthians14:2reads:"Onewho Corinthians14:4"Hewhospeaksina
speaksinatonguespeaksnottomenbut tongueedifieshimself,buthewho
toGod;fornooneunderstandshim,but prophesiesedifiesthechurch"(RSV).
heuttersmysteriesintheSpirit"(RSV). MacArthurwrites,"Paulwasnot
MacArthurquotesthesewordsofPaul commendingtheuseoftonguesforself

edification,butcondemningpeoplewho maybeedified"(v.5bRSV).Itisobvious
wereusingthegiftinviolationofits thatPaulisnotdisparagingtonguesbut
purposeandindisregardoftheprinciple isdesirousthattheybeusedthrough
oflove"(228).Toreply:whileitistrue interpretationtoedifythebodyof
thattheCorinthianslackedmuchin believers.
termsoflove(note1Corinthians13)and
mayhavebeenvaluingtonguesmore
highlythanprophecy,thisdoesnotmean
thatPaulwasnegatingorcondemning Butletusgobacktothevalueoftongues.
thevalueoftonguesforselfedification. MacArthurseesthematbestintermsof
MacArthur'sfurtherstatementaboutone egocentricactivity,atworstaspossibly
whospeaksintonguesthat"thechief diabolical(addressedto"agod").He
valuehegetsoutofitisthebuildingof wouldthereforesurelywarnagainstany
hisownego"(229)is,tosaytheleast, practiceoftongues.Thusheislightyears
deplorable.MacArthur'sbiases16areso awayfromPaulwhodeclared,"Iwant
strongthathecannotenvisionthe youalltospeakintongues."MacArthur
possibilityoflanguageasprayertoGodin canonlyurgepeopletostayawayfromall
whichthereisatthesametimegenuine suchpractice,andthusfallsvictimto
spiritualedification.17Whymustone Paul'slaterwords,"So,mybrethren,
thinkofselfedificationasselfishego earnestlydesiretoprophesy,anddonot
building?ToleavePaulforamoment forbidspeakingintongues"(v.39).
Judewrites:"You,beloved,build MacArthurmaynotdirectlyforbid,but
yourselvesuponyourmostholyfaith; hisattitudeissonegativethatthis
prayintheHolySpirit"18(v.20RSV). conclusionfollowspractically.
Thisindeedisaninjunctiontoself
edification,andhasnothingtodowith MacArthurfinallyseekstofortifyhis
"building"one's"ownego."Not negativitybysayingquitebluntly:"The
dissimilarlyPaulwascommendingthe tonguesbeingspokentodayarenot
useoftonguesforselfedification,for biblical.Thosewhospeakintonguesare
beingbuiltupinfaith. notpracticingthegiftdescribedin
Scripture"(244).Thisisaconfusing
However,tonguesassuchdonot statement.Since,asweearlierobserved,
immediatelyedifythechurchwhereas MacArthurviewstonguesintheBibleas
prophecydoes"buthewhoprophesies foreignlanguages"thetruegiftof
edifiesthechurch."SoPauladds:"NowI tongueswastheabilitytospeakina
wantyoualltospeakintongues,buteven foreignlanguage,"19andsincehisview,as
moretoprophesy"(v.5aRSV). noted,ishighlyquestionable,MacArthur
Furthermore,whentonguesare hasreallynoadequatewayofcopingwith
interpretedtheyareequalinvalueto thecontemporaryphenomenon.
prophecy:"Hewhoprophesiesisgreater MacArthur'sadditionalview,asnoted,is
thanhewhospeaksintongues,unless thatfalsetonguesintheBiblewere
someoneinterprets,sothatthechurch "ecstaticspeech."Sincetodayforeign

languagescannotbeprovedasoccurring, truthofGod'sWord,amplifiedbythe
allthatcanremainisecstaticand HolySpiritandappliedbyhimtous
irrationalutterance.20Itisquite personally."Howdoesthisdifferfrom
unfortunate,butbyabasic whatcharismaticssay?
misunderstandingofthenatureof
biblicaltonguesasspiritualutterance MacArthurproceeds:"Charismaticserr
(prayingwiththespirit,uttering becausetheytendtobuildtheirteachings
mysteriesinthespirit,theextollingof onexperience,ratherthanunderstanding
Godintranscendentspeech,andsoon), thatauthenticexperiencehappensin
MacArthurisincapableofrendering response[italicshis]totruth."Thus,
adequatejudgmentonthecontemporary accordingtoMacArthur,bothnon
scene. charismaticsandcharismaticsaffirm
experience,butthelatterfailtodosoin
responsetobiblicaltruth.
Beforecommentingoncharismaticsand
Tosumupthissection:itisapparentthat experience,Imustimmediatelycomment
MacArthur'sprofessedallegianceto thatif"authenticexperiencehappensin
biblicaltruthisquiteproblematic.His responsetothetruthofGod'sWord,"and
claimtostandfullyontheBibleinregard thereissomemisapprehensionofthat
tocharismaticmatterscannotbe truth,thentheensuingexperiencemay
substantiated.MacArthurcorrectlystates verywellbepartialorlacking.Since,as
thatbiblicaltruthstandsinfinal wehaveseen,MacArthurisseriouslyoff
judgmentonallexperience;however,his baseinmuchofthescripturaldata
viewsofthattrutharesoconfusedthat relatingtothingscharismatic,his
hisjudgmentsfarmissthemark.Thereis experiencecanhardlybeadequate.By
evidentlyananticharismaticbias failuretointerpretcertainScriptures
operatingthatcolorsandslantsallofhis accurately,hisresultingexperience
writingaboutcharismaticmatters. unfortunatelycanonlybeshortcircuited.
Sowhilehepilloriescharismaticsfor
II claimstocertainexperiences,MacArthur
Experience boxeshimselfofffromsharinginthem.
Nowweturntothematterofexperience. Themostobviousexampleofthisis
MacArthur,inchapter1,"IsExperiencea speakingintongues.MacArthur,by
ValidTestofFaith?,"speaks holdingthatgenuinespeakingintongues
affirmativelyofexperiencebydeclaring wasoriginallyspeakinginforeign
personally,"Manyofmyownspiritual languages(amisapprehension)andthat
experienceshavebeenprofound, thegiftoftongueshasnecessarilyceased
overwhelming,lifechangingevents"(24). (aseriouserror),virtuallyclosesthedoor
Thenheadds,"Spiritualexperienceby toanyrecognitionoftonguesasvalid
definitionisaninternalawarenessthat todayorforthechurchorforhisown
involvesstrongemotioninresponsetothe personalspirituallife!

Charismaticsgenerallyhavenoproblem first),opensupdeeperunderstanding.
here:theyreadabouttonguesinthe MacArthurunfortunatelydoesnothave
Bible,hearthewords,"Theywillspeakin this,sothathisdiscussionaboutthe
newtongues,"noteinActsthatmany spiritualgiftsnotonlylacksbiblical
peoplespokeintongues,andhearPaul's validity,butalsolacksgenuinevitality.
words"toanothertongues"and"Iwant Vitalunderstandingofsuchbiblical
youalltospeakintongues."Thuswhen realities,forexample,asjustificationand
peoplespeakintongues,isthisamatter regeneration,callsforparticipationand
ofputtingexperiencefirstoractingon experience.Soitiswithspiritualgifts.
biblicaltruth?Charismaticsdonotspend
theirtimeevacuatingtheplainteaching InhisIntroductionMacArthurquotesmy
ofScripturebyintellectualizingtongues, words:"Againstthebackgroundof
orclaimingsuchasonlyanapostolic sharingintheHolySpiritandthe
prerogative,orseekingtodiscovera consequentgiftsoftheHolySpirit,
scripturalcutofftime.Charismaticsare information,instruction,andteaching
humblygratefulthatthisbiblicaltruth concerningthembecomesrelevant.A
hascomealiveintheirexperience.Whose fundamentalthesismayherebesetforth:
experiencethenisauthentic? Anyvitalinformationconcerningthegifts
oftheSpirit,thepneumaticcharismata,
MacArthurseemsdeterminedtodisavow presupposesaparticipationinthem.
allsuchspiritualgiftsastongues, Withoutsuchaparticipation,whateveris
healings,andmiracles.Thereare,tobe saidaboutthegiftsmayonlyresultin
sure,charismaticsthatexaggerateinall confusionanderror"21(19).Thisisthe
theseareas,butatleasttheyareopen quotationtowhichIearlierreferred22
becauseofthebiblicalrecord.Thusthey thatwasfollowedbyMacArthur'swords,
areabletoexperiencethosethingsthat "Experience,however,isnotthetestof
MacArthurstronglyresists.Charismatics biblicaltruth,rather,biblicaltruth
donotthereforebeginwithexperience; standsinfinaljudgmentonexperience."
rather,theirexperienceistheoutworking
ofscripturaltruth.Experienceisnot MacArthurmisunderstandsmywords.I
(hereIagreewithMacArthur)avalidtest wasnotsayingthatexperienceisthetest
oftruth;butitsurelydoesserveto ofbiblicaltruth;rather,thatparticipation
confirmtheteachingsoftheBible. makesforvitalunderstanding.Without
suchparticipationasistrueforallthe
Furthermore,inregardtoMacArthur,it realitiesoftheChristianfaiththere
followsthatbyhisdenialofthe maybesomeintellectualapprehension
continuingvalidityofmanyofthe butlittlemore.Especiallyifthereis
spiritualgifts,heeffectivelyshutshimself negativityaboutthepossibilityofthe
offfromanyrealapprehensionofthem. biblicalrealitieshappening,inthiscase
Experienceofthebiblicalgifts,whilenot thespiritualgifts,therecanbeevenmore
primary(theScripturesmustremain seriousmisunderstanding.Idonot

hesitatetosayitagain:theremaybeonly understandwhatitisallabout.
"confusionanderror." Farworsethancharismaticchaosisnon
charismaticnegativity.Inthecharismatic
Letmeillustratethisfurtherbyonce
movementprophecymaybeoverdone,
morereferringtospeakingintongues.
healingsoverclaimed,miraclesover
Therealityoftonguesisunquestionably
stressed,tonguesoveremployed,butfar
intheNewTestament.Unless,however,
worseisthenegativitythatmakesno
onehasspokenintongues,itisnot
roomforthesespiritualrealitiestooccur.
possibletograspthefullmeaning.Until
Moreover,iftheseareindeedgiftsofthe
onecansharewithPaulhisexperienceof
HolySpirit,andtheyarehappening
praying"withthespirit"(aswellaswith
today,istherenottheveryserious
themind),theremaybenotonly
dangerofoppositiontothembeing
confusionbutalsoopposition.In
oppositiontotheHolySpiritHimself?
MacArthur'scasethereisobviouslyalack
ofsensitivityinregardtothosewho
speakintongues.Hecanshedlittlelight
becausehestandsinthedark.Paulcould Finally,inabrotherlyfashion,Iwould
writetheCorinthiansaboutthepurpose encourageJohnMacArthurto
oftonguesasonewhohimselfsharedthe reinvestigatehistheologicalandbiblical
experience;MacArthur,strugglingto moorings;andtobeopentofresh
distancehimself,consequentlyhaslittle activitiesoftheHolySpiritinhislifeand
tosaythatisvitalorhelpful. ministry.Mayitsobe.
Thisbringsmetothepointof
emphasizingthedamagingeffectoflack Appendix:
ofexperience.MacArthurfaults Iwouldliketospeaktothreecharges
charismaticsfortheirpresumedprimary MacArthurlevelsagainstmeinreference
stressonexperienceanddoubtlesssome toquotationsfrommyearlybook,The
charismaticsmaylaytoomuchemphasis EraoftheSpirit.24
here.However,evenmorecriticalcanbe
lackofexperiencewhereinthereislittle
1.Theologyshouldbeadaptedto
ornoconfirmationofthebiblicalwitness.
experience
Thusthereisnoempathyfortheoriginal
scripturaltexts.ItisasifMacArthuris "J.RodmanWilliamsarguesthatwe
onadifferentwavelength,sothat shouldadaptourtheologytoexperience,
nothingcomesthroughclearly.Thereisa ratherthaninsistingthatexperiencebe
kindofbewildermentforMacArthur evaluatedbytheology"(45).Then
professestoseemanygoodthingsabout MacArthurquotesmywords,"WhatI
thecharismaticmovement23butbecause havebeenattemptingtostressisthatthe
oflackofexperiencecannotreally theologicalimplicationsofthisdynamic

movementoftheSpiritareofnolittle pagesearlierinEraoftheSpirit(p.52)I
significance.Atthecriticalcenterthereis say,"Letuspushontheologically"and
theknowledgethatsomethinghas thebasicthrustofthewholebookis
happened!"MacArthurinterruptsmy theologicalagainstthebackgroundofthe
wordsatthatpoint;intheoriginalthey movementofGod'sHolySpirit.ThusIam
continue(withoutanexclamationpoint) notsuggestingthatweshould"adaptour
"forwhichonehasdifficultyfinding theologytoexperience"buttothe
adequatetheologicallanguageorwaysof biblicallygroundedactivityofGodinthe
relatingittovariousdoctrinesofthe HolySpirit.
Christianfaith."Bybreakingmy
statementwith"somethinghas
2.ChristianscanaddtotheBible
happened,"MacArthurcanadd,"Thatis
"WilliamsisdeclaringthatChristianscan
thekeysomethinghashappened.Never addtotheBibleandthattheycan
mindifitfits'airyfairy'doctrineor acceptothers'additionstoScriptureas
theology"(4546).25ThusMacArthurtries normalandconventional"(51).
toincludemeinastatementmadeafew MacArthur'schargeagainstmeisagainst
sentencesearlier,"Theexperientialwave thebackgroundofafairlylengthy
rollson,anddoctrineandtheologyare quotationofminewhichbegins:"The
beingwashedoutthedoor"(45).To Bibletrulyhasbecomeafellowwitnessto
identifymypositionasnotcaringabout God'spresentactivity."ThenIcomment
doctrineandtheologyisgrosslyunjust.26 aboutChristianswhomayspeaka"'Thus
ButwhatIamsayingisthatthe saystheLord'...evengoingbeyondthe
"dynamicmovementoftheSpirit"(an wordsoftheBible,"andIaddthewords:
objective,biblical,andprimarily "TheSpiritasthelivingGodmoves
nonexperientialreality)isdifficultto throughandbeyondtherecordsofpast
expressinadequatetheologicallanguage. witness,howevervaluablesuchrecords
Aparallelwouldbethedifficultythe areasamodelforwhathappenstoday"
earlychurchhadinfindingadequate (50).InnowaydoIdeclarethat
theologicallanguagetoexpress,for "ChristianscanaddtotheBible,"orthat
example,theIncarnationortheTriune theycanmake"additionstoScripture."
realityofGod.Todaythesamething,I AllIamsayingisthatGodastheliving
believe,ishappeningintheareaofthe GodwhospokeintheBiblestillspeaks
HolySpirit(anareaforwhichthechurch Heisnotsilent.WhatHesaidthereis
hasneverfoundadequatetheological the"model"(=pattern,norm)for
expression),sothatwearecalledupon speakingtoday.Henceany"Thussays
particularlyinourtimetoserious theLord"whateverthewordingmust
theologicalwork. bewhollyconsonantwithScripturetobe
trulyawordfromGod.
ThusMacArthurcompletely
misunderstandsandmisrepresentsme:
3.Charismaticprophecyisdivine
myconcernisanythingbutthewashing
awayoftheologyordoctrine.Indeedthree revelationequaltoScripture

Afteranotherlengthyquotationofmine authoritativethanthoseintheBible.
aboutprophecy,MacArthurconcludes: Prophecydoeshaveadirectnessaboutit;
"Thatistantamounttosayingthat itisagiftoftheHolySpirit.Butitmust
currentinstancesofcharismaticprophecy alwaysstandunderGod'sinscripturated
aredivinerevelationequaltoScripture" Word.
(55).InthequotationIspeakofhow
prophecyisrecurringtoday:"Inprophecy
Godspeaks....Mostofusofcoursewere Footnotes
familiarwithpropheticutteranceas
recordedintheBible....Manyofusalso 1
CharismaticChaos,19.
hadconvincedourselvesthatprophecy 2
MacArthur'swordsimmediatelyfollowa
endedwiththeNewTestament(despite
quotationbyhimfrommybookRenewalTheology,
alltheNewTestamentevidencetothe
vol.2,Salvation,theHolySpirit,andChristian
contrary),untilsuddenlythroughthe
Living,326.
dynamicthrustoftheHolySpirit
prophecycomesaliveagain.Nowwe 3
ShortlyafterMacArthur'spreviousbookThe
wonderhowwecouldhavemisreadthe Charismatics:ADoctrinalPerspectiveappeared,I
NewTestamentforsolong!"Innowaydo wroteapaperprivatelycirculatedentitledA
Isayinthesewordsthatcharismatic ReplytoTheCharismatics:ADoctrinal
prophecyis"divinerevelationequalto Perspective(1979).SinceMacArthur'srecentbook
Scripture."Alllegitimateprophecymust islargelyarevisionofthefirst,Iwillseekinthis
articletoprovideanupdatedandmorepublic
standunderthenormofScripture.Iam
reply.
gratefulthatMacArthuraddedmywords
fromanothersource:"Ivigorouslyaffirm 4
DespiteMacArthur'sstatement:"J.Rodman
thedecisiveauthorityofScripture;hence, Williamsarguesthatweshouldadaptour
Goddoesnotspeakjustasauthoritatively theologytoexperience,ratherthaninsistingthat
experiencebeevaluatedbytheology"
todayasHespoketothebiblicalauthors.
(CharismaticChaos,45).Iwillreturntothislater
ButHedoescontinuetospeak(Hedidnot
(seeAppendix).
stopwiththecloseoftheNewTestament
canon)."27NeverthelessMacArthuradds, 5
WeshallnotehereafterthatMacArthurdoesnot
"Thedistinctionbetweenbiblical viewalltonguestodayasdemonicallyinspired:
authorityandadditionalrevelationseems theymayalsobelearnedbehavioror
psychologicallyinducedutterance.
tobeartificial.HowcouldsomeofGod's
wordsbelessauthoritativethanothers?" 6
Iwouldnotdenythatthecounterfeitmayoccur
(56).Noteagain:Isaidnothingabout (thereisalwaysthepossibilityofalienvoicesina
"additionalrevelation."Prophecybeyond churchassembly),butthatwasnotPaul'sreal
Scriptureisnotadditionalrevelation;nor concern.MacArthurseemsintentonmakingthe
counterfeit,eventhedemonic,thebasicissue.
doesitcarrytheauthorityofScripture.
SurelyGodspeakstoday,forexample, 7
TheseareMacArthur'swords.Hemakesa
oftenthroughpreachingandteaching, distinctionbetweenprophecyas"revelatory
butHiswordsthereinspokenareless prophecy"andprophecyas"authoritative
preaching"(199).Thelatter,MacArthurclaims,is

acontinuinggift.Suchaviewispatently didPeteraddressthecrowd,"MenofJudeaand
unbiblical.Prophecycannotatanytimebe allwhodwellinJerusalem..."(v.14).
subsumedunderthecategoryof"authoritative
preaching."Thereisnobiblicalbasisforsuch. Thefootnote,withminorverbaldifferences,isa
14
partofthemaintextinMacArthur'searlierbook,
8
Isay"insomesense"becauseMacArthurhas TheCharismatics:ADoctrinalPerspective(seep.
modifiedeventhesefour:knowledgeforwordof 161).Oneshouldbegrateful,Isuppose,thatthe
knowledge,wisdomforwordofwisdom,prayer statementabovehasbeenloweredtoafootnote.
(possibly)forfaith,discernmentfordiscerningof However,eitherwayitisamostunfortunate
spirits. misinterpretation.
9
Astudentinoneofmyclassesafterreading 15
E.g.,PaulbeginshislettertotheCorinthians,
CharismaticChaosandMacArthur'sdivisionof "Paul,calledtobeanapostlebythewillofGod."
thespiritualgiftsintotemporaryandpermanent, Since"God"islikewisewithoutadefinitearticle
askedinawrittencritique:"IsMacArthur there,theoreticallyonecouldalsotranslateby
perhapsreceivingextrabiblicalrevelation?" "thewillofagod."Butwho(notevenMacArthur)
MaybeMacArthurwouldliketoreply! wouldentertainsuchanidea?
AccordingtoBAGD,"thesuperapostles...[were]
10
GordonFeewritesinthisconnectionthat
16
eithertheoriginalapostles...or,perhapswith MacArthur's"biasesintrudeonhisinterpretation"
moreprobability,theopponentsofPaulin (FirstEpistletotheCorinthians,NICNT,657
Ephesus"(see'uperlion).Ifthelatteristhecase, n.24).
Paul'sconcernisallthemoreclearlynotto
establishhiscredentialsoveragainst"ordinary 17
WhatPaulactuallywascondemningwasnotthe
Christians"butinrelationto"selfinflatedsuper valueoftonguesforselfedificationbuttheir
apostles"(PhilipE.Hughes'characterizationin communityexpressionwithoutinterpretation
hiscommentary,TheSecondEpistletothe following.Seeverses1316.
Corinthians,NICNT,455).
18
PrayingintheHolySpiritprobablywasin
11
GordonFeewrites:"Somehavearguedthatthe tongues.RichardJ.Bauckham,commentingon
changeofverbs(includingthechangeofvoice) Jude20,statesthatthelanguage"indicates
withtongues...hasindependentsignificance,as charismaticprayerinwhichthewordsaregiven
thoughthismeantthattonguesmightcease bytheSpirit"(2PeterandJude,WBC,113).
beforeprophecyandknowledge.Butthatmisses JamesD.G.Dunnwritessimilarly:"Areference
Paul'sconcernratherwidely.Thechangeofverbs tocharismaticprayer,includingglossolalic
ispurelyrhetorical"(FirstEpistletothe prayer,may...bepresumedforJude20"(Jesus
Corinthians,NITNC,64344n.17).D.A.Carson andtheSpirit,246).However,evenifonewereto
similarlyspeaksof"stylisticvariation"(Showing argueagainstJude20asreferringtoglossolalia,
theSpirit:ATheologicalExpositionof1 thepointstillremains:thereisneedforself
edification;itisnotassuchegosatisfaction.
Corinthians1214,66).
CanonepossiblyimaginePaultomean:"Iwant
19
ForamorebalancedviewpointseeGrant
12
youalltospeakinaforeignlanguage"?
Osborne'sarticle,"Tongues,Speakingin,"
EvangelicalDictionaryofTheology,110003. 20
Eithersatanicorpsychologicalinorigin.
Tonguesmaybe"satanicordemonic"(239),
Recall,again,Acts10:46"speakingintongues
13
andextollingGod."Also,ontheDayofPentecost "learnedbehavior"(240),or"psychologically
speaking"inothertongues"wasdeclaring"the induced"(242,emphasesMacArthur's).Iwould
mightyworksofGod"(Acts2:11).Onlythereafter notdisagreethat"falsetongues"maybeany,or

all,ofthese.TheproblemisthatMacArthur
placesallcontemporaryglossolaliaunderthese
categories.Truetonguesarenoneofthese.
21
FromRenewalTheology,vol.2,Salvation,the
HolySpirit,andChristianLiving,326(emphasis
intheoriginal).
22
Infootnote2.
23
PerhapsmoresoinhisearliervolumeThe
Charismaticswherehehasafineconcluding
chapterentitled,"WhatCanWeLearnfromthe
CharismaticMovement?"Thatchapterisomitted
inCharismaticChaos.
Since1971Ihavewrittentwofurtherbookson
24
theHolySpirit,ThePentecostalRealityandThe
GiftoftheHolySpiritToday.Alsothemajor
portionofRenewalTheology,vol.2,Salvation,the
HolySpirit,andChristianLiving,isdirectedto
theHolySpirit.Iearliercommentedinthisarticle
onMacArthur'squotationfromRenewalTheology,
vol.2.
MacArthurdoesproceedatthispointwiththe
25
restofmystatementabove;however,byvirtueof
hiswordsjustquotedheseverelydistortsmy
viewpoint.
26
InadditiontoRenewalTheology,vol.2
(previouslymentioned),Ihavealsowritten
RenewalTheology,vol.1,God,theWorld,and
RedemptionandRenewalTheology,vol.3,The
Church,Kingdom,andLastThings.Thishardly
suggestsonmypartalackofconcernfortheology.
QuotedfromLogosJournal,"Opinion"(May
27
June,1977),35.

Chapter14 Acts2:1617"Thisiswhatwasspokenof
throughtheprophetJoel...thatIwillpour
forthofMySpirituponallmankind"2(cf.
THEOLOGICAL Joel2:28).Jesushadearlierspokenof
"theHolySpirit,whomtheFatherwill
PERSPECTIVESOF sendinMyname"(John14:26).
THE
Comment:Onemayspeakofthis
PENTECOSTAL/CHARIS sendingasthethirdmightyactofGod:
MATICMOVEMENT theothertwobeingthecreationofthe
universebyGodandtheIncarnationof
JesusChrist.Thethirdact,highlighting
Introduction:Nomenclature
theHolySpirit,wasasdistinctiveasthe
othertwo.Thechurchandtheologyhave
Iamusingthetwoterms"Pentecostal"
oftenfailedtogiveduerecognitiontothis
and"charismatic"interchangeably.
thirdmightyactofGod.
"Pentecostal,"however,isoftenappliedto
themovementinthefirsthalfofthe
2.ThebackgroundofPentecostwas
twentiethcenturythatresultedinthe
thepromiseofGodtheFatherand
separateformationofPentecostal
churches."Charismatic"(atfirstcalled theexaltationofJesusChrist.
"NeoPentecostal")isthenameoften
(1)ThepromiseoftheFatherLuke
giventothoseofPentecostalpersuasion
24:49"Behold,Iamsendingforththe
inthesecondhalfofthetwentieth
promiseofMyFatheruponyou."Acts1:4
centurywhoremainedintheirown
"Hecommandedthemthattheyshould
churches.Bothgroupssharebasicallythe
notdepartfromJerusalem,butwaitfor
sameperspectives.
thepromiseoftheFather"(KJV).
Thereare,however,twoaspects:
(2)TheexaltationofJesusChristJohn
Pentecostascontinuingeventandthe
7:39"TheSpiritwasnotyetgiven,
validityofthegifts(charismatic)ofthe becauseJesuswasnotyetglorified."Acts
HolySpiritfortoday.Iwillfocusinthis 2:33"Havingbeenexaltedtotheright
addressontheformer1bysettingforth handofGod,andhavingreceivedthe
tenbiblicalpropositionswithappended promiseoftheSpirit,Hehaspouredforth
theologicalcomment. this."
1.TheeventoftheHolySpiritat Comment:Therearemanypromisesof
Pentecostoriginatedfromamighty GodintheBible;however,since"the
actofGod:itisGodHimselfwhosent promiseoftheFather"uniquelyrelatesto
forththeHolySpirit. theHolySpirit,itshouldbetakenwith
utmostseriousness.DoesGodeverrenege

onHispromises?Inregardtothe (2)BaptizingActs1:5"Youshallbe
exaltationofChrist,itisimportantto baptized['immersed']in4theHolySpirit
recognizethatthesendingforthorgiving notmanydaysfromnow."Cf.Acts11:16.
oftheHolySpiritoccurredthroughthe
channeloftherisenandexaltedSavior, (3)CominguponActs1:8"Youshall
JesusChrist(recallJohn14:26).TheHoly receivepowerwhentheHolySpirithas
SpiritisamediatedSpirit.Thisis comeuponyou."Cf.JesusHimself"the
contrarytoanyviewthattheSpiritcomes SpiritofGoddescendingasadove,and
onHisown. cominguponHim"(Matt.3:16;parallels
inMark1:10,Luke3:22,John1:3233).
3.TheHolySpiritwassenttothose
believinginChrist,tothecommunity (4)FillingActs2:4"Theywereallfilled
offaith. withtheHolySpirit."Cf.JesusHimself
as"fulloftheHolySpirit"(Luke4:1).
The120atPentecostwerefirmbelievers
inChrist.AccordingtoLuke24:53,just (5)OutpouringActs2:33"[He]has
followingtheAscensionofJesus,the pouredforththiswhichyoubothseeand
disciples"werecontinuallyinthetemple hear."Cf.Joel2:38"IwillpouroutMy
praisingGod,"andpriortoPentecostthe Spiritonallmankind."
120oftengatheredtogetherforprayer
(seeActs1:!4).Petermanyyearsafter Comment:Allofthesetermsexpressthe
Pentecostspokeofwhathappenedtohim manysidedaspectsoftheeventofthe
andothersasoccurring"afterbelievingin Spirit'ssendingandcoming.Itwasan
theLordJesusChrist"(Acts11:17).3 invasionfromwithout(theSpiritclothing
people,comingupon,pouredoutupon,an
Comment:ThesendingoftheSpirit immersionwithin(beingbaptized),a
permeationthroughout(beingfilled
accordinglywasnottounbelievers.Itisa
with).ThisdoesnotdenytheSpirit's
criticalerrortoviewPentecostasanact
beingalreadyactive(seeActs1:2)and
ofGod'ssavinggrace.RathertheSpirit
indwelling(seeJohn20:22).However,
cametothosewhobelievedinChrist.
thiswasanexperienceofthepresenceof
4.ThesendingoftheHolySpiritis Godinalmostoverwhelmingreality.
variouslydescribed:clothing,
5.Speakinginothertongueswasthe
baptizing,comingupon,filling,
immediateaccompanimentofthe
outpouring.
HolySpirit'scoming.
(1)ClothingLuke24:49"Youareto
Acts2:4Those"filledwiththeHoly
stayinthecityuntilyouareclothedwith
Spirit...begantospeakinothertongues,
powerfromonhigh."Cf.Judges6:34
astheSpiritwasgivingthemutterance."
"TheSpiritoftheLordclothedGideon
Cf.Mark16:17"Thesesignswill
withHimself"(Amp.).

accompanythosewhohavebelieved...they 10:38"GodanointedHimwiththeHoly
willspeakinnewtongues." Spiritandwithpower,and...Hewent
aboutdoinggood,andhealingallwho
Comment:Speakinginother(ornew) wereoppressedbythedevil."Luke24:19
tongueswasspiritualutterance,the Jesuswas"aprophetmightyindeedand
languageoftheSpiritthroughhuman word."SowerePeterandtheother
voices.Thecontentofthetongueswas disciples"mighty"afterbeingfilledwith
praise:"We[theaudience]hearthem[the theHolySpirit.See,forexampleActs
Spiritfilleddisciples]declaringthe 2:1440,amightymessagewithsome
wondersofGodinourowntongues"(Acts 3000soulsbeingsaved(v.41),andActs
2:11NIV).Thiswaspraisethatgoes 3:19,amightydeedofhealingforaman
beyondnormalutterance,transcendent lamefrombirth.
joyouspraise.Someintheaudience
mockinglysaid,"Theyarefullofsweet Comment:thesendingoftheSpiritwas
wine"(v.13),butitwasthejoyful notprimarilyforthebenefitofthosewho
exuberanceoftheHolySpirit! receivedbutfortheirbenefittoothers.
TheSpiritcameatPentecostforneither
Speakingintongueswasnotproclaiming salvationnorsanctificationbutfor
thegospel:theywerenot"missionary ministry.
tongues."Proclamationcamelater.The
firstthingthe120did,afterbeingfilled 7.ThecontextoftheSpirit'scoming
withtheSpirit,wastospeakinother wasGod'ssovereignactionandthe
tongues. disciples'earnest,expectantprayer.
6.Thepurposeofthesendingofthe Acts2:12"Andwhenthedayof
HolySpiritwaspower(dynamis)for Pentecosthadcome,theywereall
ministry. togetherinoneplace.Andsuddenlythere
camefromheaven...."God'sactionwas
Acts1:8"Youshallreceivepowerwhen primaryandsuddentothemwhowere
theHolySpirithascomeuponyou;and gatheredtogether.
youshallbeMywitnessesbothin
Jerusalem,andinallJudeaandSamaria, Acts1:14"Theseallwithonemindwere
andeventotheremotestpartofthe continuallydevotingthemselvesto
earth."Cf.Luke24:4748"that prayer,alongwiththewomen,andMary
repentanceandforgivenessofsinsshould themotherofJesus,andwithHis
beproclaimedinHisnametoallthe brothers."
nations...Youarewitnessesofthese
things"wordsofJesusthatpreceded Cf.Luke3:2122"WhileHewas
Hisstatementaboutneedof"powerfrom praying,heavenwasopened,andthe
onhigh."Alsocf.Luke4:1415"Jesus HolySpiritdescendeduponHim."
returnedtoGalileeinthepowerofthe
Spirit....andHebeganteaching."Acts

Comment:GodsenttheHolySpiritas thepromiseoftheHolySpirittobelievers
HewilleditwasHissovereignaction reachesfarbeyondtheearlyPentecost.
butnotwithoutregardtotheprayerful
attitudeofthosewhoweretoreceive.To 9.Astheproclamationofthegospel
thoseearnestlyandexpectantlypraying, extendedbeyondJerusalem,believers
theHolySpiritcamewithpower. variouslyreceivedthegiftoftheHoly
Spirit.
8.ThepromiseofthegiftoftheHoly
Spiritisacontinuingpromiseto (1)Samaria"TheybelievedPhilipashe
thosewhobelieve. preachedthegoodnews...theywere
baptized,bothmenandwomen...TheHoly
Acts2:3839Peter'swords:"Repent,and Spirithadnotyetcomeuponanyof
leteachofyoubebaptizedinthenameof them....ThenPeterandJohn[sameday,
JesusChristfortheforgivenessofyour later]placedtheirhandsonthem,and
sins;andyoushallreceivethegiftofthe theyreceivedtheHolySpirit"(Acts8:12,
HolySpirit.Forthepromiseisforyou 1617NIV).
andyourchildren,andforallwhoarefar
off,asmanyastheLordourGodshall (2)SaulofTarsusHeacknowledged
calltoHimself." Jesusas"Lord"(Acts9:13)andthree
dayslater(v.9),afterhandswerelaidon
Cf.John7:3839"Whoeverbelievesin himbyAnanias,Saulwas"filledwiththe
me...streamsoflivingwaterwillflow HolySpirit"(v.17).
fromwithinhim.Bythis[Johnadds]he
[Jesus]meanttheSpirit,whomthosewho (3)CaesareaPeterpreachedin
believedinhimwerelatertoreceive" CaesareatotheRomancenturion,
(NIV). Cornelius,hisrelations,andfriendsthat
"everyonewhobelievesinHimreceives
Comment:Theword"promise"(recall forgivenessofsins,"andatthesametime
Luke24:49;Acts1:4;2:33)againrefersto "theHolySpiritfell[or'came'NIV]upon
theHolySpirit.Butnowtheprojection allthosewhowerelisteningtothe
goesbeyondthefirstdisciples.TheHoly message...thegiftoftheHolySpirithad
Spiritinthefuturewillbegiventothose beenpouredoutupontheGentilesalso.
whobelieve(tothosewhorepentandare Forthey[Peterandassociates]were
forgiven).Theword"gift"makesitclear hearingthemspeakingwithtonguesand
thatthiscomingoftheSpiritwillbeof exaltingGod"(Acts10:4346).
God'sgraciousdoing.Thegifthere
promisedagainisnotsalvationbut (4)EphesusPaulinformedsomedozen
presupposessuch(thosewhomtheLord Ephesiansoftheirneedto"believein
callstoHimself,i.e.,callstosalvation). Him[Christ],"andthereafter"whenPaul
ThepromiseextendstoJewsand hadlaidhishandsuponthem,theHoly
Gentilesalikeofallagesandplaces.Thus Spiritcameonthem,andtheybegan

speakingwithtonguesandprophesying" bearMynamebeforetheGentilesand
(Acts19:46). kingsandthesonsofIsrael"(Acts9:15).
ThustheSamaritans,Ephesians,and
Comment:Thatthesewereall Samaritanswerenotonlythosewho
extensionsofthePentecostaleventis receivedthegoodnewsofsalvationbut
apparentforseveralreasons: alsobecameempoweredbythegiftofthe
Spirittobearpowerfulwitnessinword
(a)AllwhoreceivedthegiftoftheHoly andindeed.
Spiritwerealsobelievers.Somehadbeen
believersformanydays(thedisciplesat (e)Thecontext,humanlyspeaking,ofthe
thefirstPentecost),someforafewdays variouseventswasprayer.6Saulof
(theSamaritansandSaulofTarsus), Tarsuswaspraying"behold,heis
someonlybriefly(theEphesians),some praying"(Acts9:11)whenAnaniascame;
receivedimmediatelyuponbelieving(the theRomancenturion"prayedtoGod
Caesareans). continually"(10:2);andPeterandJohn
"camedownandprayedforthem[the
(b)MuchofthesamePentecostal Samaritans],thattheymightreceivethe
languageaboutthedifferenteventsis HolySpirit"(8:15).Earnestprayer,asat
employed:comingupon,filling, Pentecost,helpedtopreparethewayfor
outpouring,andbaptizing(seeActs11:16 thecomingoftheHolySpirit.
alsoinregardtobaptizing).
Layingonofhandsforthereceptionof
(c)Speakingintonguesisexplicitlysaid theHolySpiritisanewfeatureafter
tohaveoccurrednotonlyatPentecostbut Pentecost.Thisoccurredinregardtothe
alsoinCaesareaandEphesus.The Samaritans,SaulofTarsus,andthe
Scripturemayimplythesameaboutthe Ephesians,butnottheCaesareans.
Samaritans5andPaul(SaulofTarsus Layingonofhandssymbolically
himselflaterclaimstospeakintongues representstheSpirit'scomingdownupon
see1Cor.14:18).Speakingintongues people;italsopointstothevalueof
eachtimewastheprimaryactivityupon ministryofbelieverstooneanother.
receivingthegiftoftheHolySpirit;itwas
alsoinitialevidencethattheSpirithad 10.Pentecostals7todayclaimtostand
beenpouredout(recallCaesarea"For inthesuccessionofPentecost.
theywerehearingthemspeakingwith
tonguesandexaltingGod"). Theybelievethatthepromiseofthe
SpiritdidnotendwiththebookofActs
(d)AllsuchcomingsoftheSpiritoccurred andthatasbelieverstheyhavereceived
asatPentecostinconnectionwiththe thegiftoftheHolySpirit.They
extensionofthegospelfromoneplaceto frequentlyclaimthatthishashappened
another.InthecaseofSaulofTarsus,the afterearnestprayerand,inmanycases,
textmakesclearthatthe"filling"wasin thelayingonofhands.Theyfreelyuse
connectionwithJesusdeclaring,"He suchtermsasbeingbaptizedintheHoly
[Saul]isachoseninstrumentofMine,to

Spirit,filledwiththeHolySpirit,the bythesameSpiritwhonowcomesin
outpouringoftheHolySpirit,andreferto dynamicpresenceandpower.
speakinginothertonguesasan
immediateaccompanimentandasinitial Further,thiscomingoftheSpiritdoesnot
evidence.Pentecostalsattestthatthe invariablyfollowuponfaith.Paulasked
Spirithasgiventhembotharichersense theEphesiantwelve,"Didyoureceivethe
ofGod'spresence,ahigherlanguageof HolySpiritwhen8youbelieved?"(Acts
praise,andagreaterpowerfor 19:2).Thequestionimpliesthepossibility
ministeringthegospelinwordanddeed. ofbelievingwithoutreceiving.Thuswhile
thepromiseoftheSpiritalwaysis
Comment:Iamfullyconvincedthat presenttothosewhobelieve,thereality
Pentecostalshaverecoveredavital maynotyethaveoccurred.Henceitis
dimensionoftheNewTestament.Itisthe highlyimportantthatPaul'squestionbe
comingoftheHolySpirittothosewho raisedagaininourtime.Theevangelical
believeinsuchrichnessandfullnessasto question"HaveyoubelievedinChrist?"is
releasetonguesoftranscendentpraise andremainsabsolutelyprimary,forit
andtoenablethegospeltogoforthwith dealswithsalvation.Butnowwemust
supernaturalpowerandeffectiveness. pressontothesecondquestion,notabout
believinginChristbutaboutreceiving
Itishardtooverestimatetheimportance theHolySpirit.Foritisinthereception
ofthePentecostalwitnessforbothchurch oftheHolySpiritthatthedoorisopened
andworld.Pentecostisacontinuing tofurthervistasofGod'spresenceand
event! power.
Footnotes
ConcludingRemarks:
1
Seemypaperentitled"TheGiftsoftheHoly
ThecomingoftheSpiritshouldnotbe SpiritandTheirApplicationtotheContemporary
Church"forthelatter.
confusedwithHisactivityineither
regeneration(inwhichthereisnewbirth 2
TheNewAmericanStandardBible(NASB)
bytheSpirit)orsanctification(inwhich translationisusedhereandelsewhereunless
HeisthesanctifyingSpirit).Bothofthese otherwisestated.
refertothelargeandvitalareaof
salvationandChristianliving(dealtwith ForotherpossibletranslationsseeRenewal
3
especiallyintheNewTestamentletters) Theology,vol.2,p.274andn.7.
inwhichtheHolySpiritisfullyactive. 4
Ratherthan"with."
However,thecriticalpointisthatthe
comingoftheHolySpiritisforan 5
JustfollowingtheSamaritans'receptionofthe
entirelydifferentpurpose.Itpresupposes HolySpirit,thetextreads,"NowwhenSimon[the
avital(saving,sanctifying)faithenabled magician]sawthattheSpiritwasbestowed
throughthelayingonoftheapostles'hands,he
offeredthemmoney..."(Acts8:18).Simonprobably

observedthenewlySpiritfilledSamaritans
speakingintongues.SeeRenewalTheology,vol.2,
pp.209210,alson.5.
6
God'ssovereigntywassurely,asatPentecost,
alsoanimportantfactor.Forexample,at
Caesarea"whilePeterwasstillspeaking...the
HolySpiritfell"(Acts10:44).Godsovereignly
brokeintoPeter'smessage!
7
Imeanbythistermtoincludecharismatics(see
Introduction).Ishouldadd,however,thatsome
charismaticsfocusalmostentirelyonthegifts
(charismata)oftheHolySpirit.
8
Or"since"(KJV),"after"(NIVnote).

Chapter15 1Cor.12:27foramixofthevariousgifts
[therelabeled"appointments"]).Theneed
isgreatforallthegiftsinallcategoriesto
THEGIFTSOFTHE beoperational.
HOLYSPIRIT ThemostNewTestamentinformationis
ANDTHEIR tobefoundinregardtothepneumatic
charismata.1Corinthians1214are
APPLICATIONTOTHE devotedtothissubject.Despitethebroad
CONTEMPORARY rangeofinformation,therearewide
differencestodayofopinion,
CHURCH interpretation,andexercise.Myconcern
correspondstoPaul'scontinuingwords,
I.IntroductionDivineGifts "Nowconcerningspiritualgifts,brethren,
Idonotwantyoutobeunaware"1(or,
TherearevariousgiftsthatGodmakes perhapsbetter,"uninformed"RSV).Solet
availabletothechurch.Letusnotethree usseektofollowsomeofPaul'steaching
basiccategories. in1Corinthians1214.
A.DomataEphesians4:8,1112gifts II.Context
oftheascendedChristfortheequipping
ofthechurchministries. A.TheFullnessofGifts1Corinthians
1:47"Ineverythingyouwereenriched
B.CharismataRomans12:48 inHim...sothatyouarenotlackingin
functionalgiftsofGod'sgracealso any[spiritual]gift."TheCorinthians
broadlystewardshipgifts1Peter4:10 wereexercisingthespiritualgifts.Hence
11. Paul'steachingisnotaddressedto
inexperiencedpeople!Itwasachurch
C.Pneumatic(spiritual)charismata ladenwithspiritualgifts.
dynamic,manifestationalgiftsofthe
HolySpirit1Corinthians12:111.They TheCorinthianshadthegiftsofthe
arelistedas:wordofwisdom,wordof Spiritinabundancetheoppositeofwhat
knowledge,faith,giftsofhealing, isfoundinmanyofourchurchestoday.
miracles,prophecy,distinguishingof ForthechurchinCorinthasPaul's
spirits,tongues,andinterpretationof letterlatershowsitwasamatterof
tongues(vv.810). proprietyandorder.Becauseofthe
abundanceofgifts,theycouldhardly
Onlythelastcategoryisdesignatedas restrainthemselvesallwantingto
spiritualgifts"Nowconcerningspiritual prophesy,allspeakintongues(seechap.
gifts"(1Cor.12:1)althoughallare 14)somuchsothattherewasconfusion.
essentialtothelifeofthechurch(alsosee Paulfeltconstrainedtowritethat"Godis

notaGodofconfusionbutofpeace" Allofthisleadstoastressonthe
(14:33),andhisfinalwordswere:"Butlet importanceofthePentecostalexperience
allthingsbedoneproperlyandinan ofthegiftoftheHolySpirit.Inhis
orderlymanner"(v.40). messageontheDayofPentecostPeter
notonlyproclaimedthewayofsalvation,
B.TheOutpouringoftheHolySpirit "Repent,andleteachofyoubebaptized
1Corinthians12:13"ForbyoneSpirit inthenameofJesusChristforthe
wewereallbaptizedintoonebody...and forgivenessofyoursins,"buthealso
wewereallmadetodrinkofoneSpirit" added:"Andyoushallreceivethegiftof
(or"oneHolySpiritpouredoutforusall theHolySpirit"(Acts2:38).ThenPeter
todrink"NEB).Accordingtooneearly extendsthepromiseofthisoutpouredgift
Christianwriter,theCorinthianshad tofuturegenerations:"Forthepromiseis
experienced"afulloutpouringoftheHoly foryouandyourchildren,andforallwho
Spirit."2 arefaroff,asmanyastheLordourGod
shallcalltoHimself"(v.39).Toallwho
ThislanguagesuggestsaPentecostal areeffectuallycalledtoGod(hence,are
outpouring.Herewerecallthe saved),thepromiseofthegiftoftheHoly
Pentecostalfulfillmentoftheprophet Spiritisextended.
Joel'swords,quotedbyPeter,"Iwillpour
forthMySpirituponallmankind;and InActsthelanguageoftensimplyisthat
yoursonsandyourdaughtersshall ofreceivingtheHolySpirit.SeeActs
prophesy"(Acts2:17;cf.Joel2:28);also 8:17"they[theSamaritans]were
Peter'swords,"He[Christ]haspoured receivingtheHolySpirit";10:44"[they]
forththiswhichyoubothseeandhear" [theCaesareans]receivedtheHolySpirit
(Acts2:33).Asaresultofthisoutpouring, justawedid";19:12"Didyou
therewasprophesying,alsotongues(Acts [Ephesians]receivetheHolySpiritwhen
2:4)bothgiftsoftheHolySpiritas youbelieved?"Thequestionin19:2points
describedbyPaulin1Corinthians1214. totheimportanceofthematterand
Paullaterlaidhishandsuponthe
Hereweneedtobeginwithbasics:Has Ephesiansforthereceptiontooccur.
anygivenchurch,orChristian
community,andindividualmembers TheCorinthianshadreceivedthegiftof
experiencedthisoutpouring?Ifno theHolySpirit.Thisisstatedindirectly
outpouring,therecanbelittle in2Corinthians11:4"Ifyoureceivea
understandingoractivityinregardtothe spiritdifferentfromtheSpiritalready
gifts.Iftheoutpouringhasoccurredand giventoyou"(REB).Theirreceptionof
continuestooccur,thegiftsmaybe thegiftoftheHolySpiritwascontextfor
presentinabundance. theoccurrenceofspiritualgifts.
C.PentecostalExperience SoagainthePentecostalexperience
howeverdescribedisbasictothefull
operationofthegiftsoftheHolySpirit.

III.Background B.TheTriuneGod
A.TheLordshipofChrist Thisleadstothenextimportantmatter,
namely,thatofrecognizingtheactivityof
Behindtheoperationofthespiritualgifts theTriuneGod.Paulwrites:"Thereare
istheLordshipofJesusChrist.Although varietiesofgifts,butthesameSpirit.And
thecharismataarepneumatic,hence therearevarietiesofministries,andthe
operationsoftheHolySpirit,theyareall sameLord.Andtherearevarietiesof
derivedfromJesustheexaltedLord.Itis effects['workings'NIV],butthesameGod
throughHisLordship,recognizedand whoworksallthingsinallpersons"(1
affirmed,thatthegiftsoftheHolySpirit Cor.12:46).
becomeareality.
Thismeans,first,thatwhateverthe
Paulstates,in1Corinthians12,thatthe varietyofgifts,ministries,andworkings,
communitymovingintheSpiritisone itisthesameHolySpirit,thesameLord
thatdeclares"JesusisLord"(v.3).Those Jesus,thesameGodatworkineach.
whoaffirmandcontinuetoaffirmHis Thereisdiversitybutatthesametime
LordshiparethosetowhomtheHoly unity.Separation,division,factionalism
SpiritdistributesHisgifts.Thefocusof anyplayingoffofoneactivityagainst
theSpiritfilledcommunityisnotthe anothercannotbeofGod.Second,
SpiritbuttheexaltedLord.Foritis althoughthereisnosimpleidentification
ChristtheLordwhoactsintheSpiritto ofgifts,ministries,andworkings,4the
multiplythesegifts.Throughthe TriuneGodisatworkinandthroughall
pneumaticgiftsHemakesknowndepths ofthem.Thereisnogiftthatisnota
ofwisdomandknowledge,performs ministry,noministrythatisnotan
mightydeedsofhealinganddeliverance, operationorworking,andthesameGod
indeedworksmiraclesofmanykinds. Father,Son,andHolySpiritisinthem
all.Third,thismeansthatwhilethe
Tosay"JesusisLord"isfarmorethana spiritualgiftsareprimarilyexpressions
verbaldeclaration.Itistobeuttered, oftheHolySpirit,theyhavebehindthem
Pauladds,"by[or'in']theSpirit"(12:3). thefullweightoftheTriuneGod.
Inotherwords,itisaprofound
expressionofworshipandpraise3that Accordingly,acommunitymovinginthe
preparesthewayforallthegiftstoflow. giftsoftheHolySpiritisTrinitarianin
Trulythereisnoplacesofullof itsfundamentalorientationandlifestyle.
anticipationandexcitementasthatin JustasthefocusisnottheHolySpirit
whichtheLordJesusisglorified. butChrist(aspreviouslydiscussed),so
thetotaloperationisnotthatoftheHoly
TheLordshipofChristaffirmedinthe SpiritbuttheTriuneGod.Tobetruly
Spiritistheprimarybackgroundforthe pneumaticistobebothChristocentric
operationofthegiftsoftheHolySpirit. andTrinitarian.

C.TheManifestationoftheHoly oftheSpiritislove,joy,peace,patience,
Spirit kindness,goodness,faithfulness,
gentleness,selfcontrol"(Gal.5:2223).
Thefinalandmostimmediate Hencethereisbothaninefold
backgroundforthespiritualgiftsis"the manifestation(beginningwith"wordof
manifestationoftheSpirit"(1Cor.12:7). wisdom"and"wordofknowledge")anda
Throughthepneumaticcharismatathe ninefoldfruit.Althoughtheyarethe
HolySpiritshinesforthandopenlyshows sameinnumber,thegiftsandthefruit
Himself.TheSpiritwhoisinvisible aretotallydifferentinnature.Thegiftsof
therebymanifestHimselfvisiblyand theSpiritaretheimmediateself
audibly. expressionoftheSpiritoccurringthrough
instrumentsopentoHispresenceand
InhismessageontheDayofPentecost, power.Veryyoungandimmature
PeterdeclaredaboutJesusthat"having believersmaymanifestthese(asdidthe
receivedfromtheFatherthepromiseof Corinthians),butwiththefruitthere
theHolySpirit,Hehaspouredforththis mustbealengthyprocessofgrowthand
whichyoubothseeandhear"(Acts2:33). maturation.Bothgiftsandfruitare
Whatthecrowdsawandheardwassome valuableforverydifferentreasons,but
120Spiritfilledpeoplespeakingin"other theyarebynomeansthesame.Giftsare
tongues."This,accordingly,wasthe dynamicmanifestations,giftsofpower;
manifestation,orshowingforth,both fruitsareexpressionsofcharacter.How
visiblyandaudiblyoftheHolySpirit. muchweneedthemboth!
However,allthespiritualcharismata,not Toconclude:inregardtothegiftsas
justglossolalia,aretheSpirit'sself dynamicmanifestationtheremustbethe
manifestation.Theninegiftslistedby backgroundofthegiftoftheHolySpirit.
Paulin1Corinthians12:810thusare Bythatgiftthereisentranceintothe
exhibitions,theshowingforth,oftheHoly dynamicdimension;bytheoccurrenceof
Spirit.Touseananalogy,thegiftsmay thegiftsthereisdynamicmanifestation.
bethoughtofaslightsthatturnonfrom Hence,whenwearedealingwith
ahiddenelectricalcurrent.Thecurrent spiritualgifts,theirimportanceisneither
cannotbeseen,butwhenthelightscome littlenorsecondary.Forthroughthegifts,
on,theyarevividevidenceand theHolySpiritisonthesceneindynamic
demonstrationofitspresenceandpower. selfexpression.
Soitisthatinandthroughthespiritual
giftstheinvisibleHolySpiritshines IV.Ministry
forth.
ThegiftsoftheHolySpiritareall
Beforeproceedingfarther,aclear ministrygifts.Paulwritesnext:"Toeach
distinctionshouldbemadebetweenthe oneisgiventhemanifestationofthe
giftsoftheSpiritandthefruitofthe Spiritforthecommongood"(1Cor.12:7).
Spirit.Paulelsewherewrites,"Thefruit

LetuscarefullyexaminePaul's B.EachPerson
statement.
Eachpersonhasadistinctiveroleto
A.TheCommonGood fulfill.Notonlyarethespiritualgiftsfor
thesakeofthecommunity,butalsoeach
Theorientationofthegiftsisthegoodof memberisaparticipant:"toeachone...."
thecommunity.Thuseachofthespiritual Thecommongoodistheorientationofthe
giftsnamed,fromwordofwisdomto community,andtothatendeachperson
interpretationoftongues,isfortheprofit isinvolved.
ofall.Accordingly,whentheHolySpirit
manifestsHimselfinagifttoan Notecarefully:eachandeverypersonin
individual,itisnotforthesakeofthe thecommunityisgivenamanifestationof
individualbutforthegoodorprofitof theSpirit.Itisnotamatterofcertain
others.Thegiftshaveahorizontal individuals,perhapsleadersor
reference.Theministrymaybetoone officeholders,whoaresogifted.Nooneis
person,toseveral,ortothewholebody
leftout.Evenasthespiritualgiftsarefor
whatevertheneedmaybe.
thewholebody,soeveryoneinthebodyis
equallyinvolvedintheministryof
ThegiftsoftheSpiritareforthe
edification.
upbuildingofthecommunity.Paul
furtheronwrites,"Whenyouassemble,
Accordingly,inatrulySpiritgifted
eachonehasapsalm,hasateaching,has
communitypeopledonotlooktoone
arevelation,hasatongue,hasan
personorafewtoministertothe
interpretation"(1Cor.14:26).Headds
assembly.RathertheylooktotheLord,
immediately,"Letallthingsbedonefor
expectingHimtoministerbytheSpirit
edification."Whateverthemanifestation
througheachonepresent.Inthissense,
oftheHolySpirit,itsonepurposeisthe
pulpitandaltarbecomesecondary,for
edification,thebuildingup,ofthebodyof
thespiritualministryisnotthrough
believers.ItisthepurposeoftheLord
preacherorpriest,butthrougheachand
thatHispeoplebestrengthenedasa
everyindividual.Everypersoninthe
community.
assemblyistobeactivelyinvolved,forthe
HolySpiritwishestomanifestHimself
Itisapparentthatconcernforthe
notthroughafewbutthroughall.
spiritualgiftsisbynomeansaself
centeredpreoccupation.Theyarenotfor
Thistotalinvolvementisneglectedin
privatebenefitbutwhollyforthe
mostchurchtraditions.Especiallyisthis
edificationofothers.Moreover,itisnota
trueinliturgicalchurcheswhereworship
matterofupbuildinginthenaturalrealm
islargelyritualisticandthecongregation
byhumanwordsandactsofkindnessbut
islittlemorethanspectators.However,
"intheSpirit"bypersonsopentoHis
evenwheretheassemblyisexpectedto
ministrations.
joininprayers,singing,andresponses,
thereisrarelytheexpectationthatany

individual,muchlessall,willbethe essentialtofullfunctioning,andnoneis
channelforthemanifestationoftheHoly tobeneglectedordespised,somusteach
Spirit. personintheChristianbodyfulfillhisor
herownactivity.
But,practicallyspeaking,howcanthis
happen?Manychurchgatheringsare Incidentally,therearesometoday,
quitelarge,sothatevenifeveryone outsidetheSpiritfilledcommunity,who
wantedtoparticipate,itcouldscarcely seektodividethegiftsintotemporary
occur.GoingbacktoPaul'sinstructions andpermanent.Itisasiftosay"hands,
about"toeach,"Ibelievethatheis yes,""feet,no,""ears,yes,""eyesno,"
viewingagatheringofbelieversofsuch "wordofwisdom,yes,""miracles,no,"
sizethatthisparticipationcanmore "faith,yes,""prophecy,no,"andsoon.It
readilyhappen.Alargeassemblymay ishardtoimagineamoredevastating
surelybeinorderforatimeofpreaching, dismembermentofthebodyiforwhen
teaching,andpublicworship,butitis suchanattitudeprevails.
scarcelysuitableforafullministryinthe
spiritualgifts.Clearly,somethinglikethe Butbacktothemainpoint:eachperson
"housechurch"isneeded,nottoreplace asamemberofthebodyhasaroleto
the"templechurch"buttosupplementit. fulfill.Nowwemayknowthis
Insuchasmallergatheringthereis theologicallyandhistorically,andstillnot
betteropportunityandoftenmore takeittoheartpersonally.YoumeanI
freedomforthespiritualgiftstooperate. haveagift,anditisuptometoexercise
it?Yes,itisafearfulandwonderful
Allofthiscallsforindividual responsibility.Thisleadstothenext
responsibilityofahighorder.For point.
howevertrueitisthattheHolySpirit
givestoeachanddistributesasHewills C.IsGiven
(1Cor.12:11),ithappensthrough
individualswho,inturn,areresponsible "Toeachoneisgiven...."
fortheexpressionofthegift.Thismeans,
foronething,tofollowcloselytheleading NoticethatPaul'swordsdonotsay"may
andpromptingoftheHolySpiritand begiven."No,thewordsare"isgiven."It
wheneverHeimpartsagiftnottohold isnotamatterof"maybe"theHolySpirit
back. willgiftme,andifso,Iwillsurelyact.
Paul'swordsarebluntandinescapable:
Soitisthatallmembersinthebody nooneiskeptoutandallhavearoleto
function.Paulpressesonwiththe playwhatevertheparticulargift.
analogyofthephysicalbodybysaying
that"thebodyisnotonemember,but "Isgiven"alsosuggeststhenon
many"(1Cor.12:14).Evenasthehuman possessivecharacterofthegift.Onedoes
bodyhasmanymembershands,eyes, notownagift,ratheritisfreelygivenas
ears,nose,andsoonandeachis anactofgrace:theyaregracegifts.Also

theyordinarilyaregivenattheoccasion V.Description
ofassemblingtogether.Thusthe
communityandeachindividualbecomes Becauseoftimeandspacelimitationsit
aplaceoflivelyexpectation.Whatwillbe willnotbepossibletogoveryfarinto
thegiftsthattheHolySpiritwill Paul'sdescriptionofthespiritualgiftsin
manifestaswecometogether? 1Corinthians12:810.5Thegiftsmaybe
viewedunderthreeheadings:mental,
Moreover,thegiftsvarywithindividuals extramental,andsupramental.HereI
fromtimetotime."Isgiven"suggests followatwofivetwogroupingin
thatataparticularmeetingaparticular sequence.6
giftmaybegiven.Itmaybeawordof
knowledge,thenexttimeaprophecy,one A.Mentalgiftsoperatingthroughthe
timeagiftofhealing,thenexttimea mind:wordofwisdomandwordof
distinguishingofspirits.Thereisnothing knowledge.InChrist"arehiddenallthe
fixedorrigidaboutthespiritualgifts. treasuresofwisdomandknowledge"(Col.
Thisfactwhenrealizedcanmakeofany 2:3).Thesegiftsarethoseofutterance,
assemblyofSpiritfilledbelieversaplace speakingforthoutofthetreasuresin
ofkeenexpectationandexcitement. Christ,astheHolySpiritilluminatesthe
mindandismanifestthroughthem.
Again,the"isgiven"rulesoutanyidea
thatthegiftsbelongonlytopasthistory. B.Extramentalgiftsoperatingoutside
Outsidecharismaticcirclesthereare themind:faith,giftsofhealing,working
thosewhoholdthatthecharismatawere ofmiracles,prophecy,anddistinguishing
onlyfortheearlychurch.Theargument ofspirits.Theymaybecalledactive
fornoncontemporaneityissometimes ministrygifts.Thegiftoffaithheadsthe
drawnfrom1Corinthians13:8"Ifthere listandmakesoperationalthegiftsthat
aregiftsofprophecy,theywillbedone follow.
away;iftherearetongues,theywill
cease."Butclearlythisdoesnotrefertoa C.Supramentalgiftsoperatingabove
cessationinourpresenthistory,since themind:variouskindsoftonguesand
Pauldeclaresthatthisreferstothe interpretationoftongues.Thefinaltwo
comingofthe"perfect"(v.10,thefinal giftsfunctiontogetherinagroupsetting
daywhenweseeChrist"facetoface,"v. becausetheexpressionoftonguesmust
12).Thevariousgiftswillsurelyno befollowedbyinterpretationforthebody
longerbeneededthen(what,forexample, tobeedified.
wouldoneneedtoprophesyabout?the
futurewillbecomplete!),butfornowwe Iwilladdthreegeneralcomments.
maybegratefulfortheirgracious
availabilityandoperation. (1)Thegiftsarenotlistedinorderof
importance.Ifso,wordofwisdomwould
Toeachoneisgivenwhatachallenge, beoffirstimportanceandtonguesand
whatajoyousresponsibility! interpretationoftonguestheleast.

However,Paullatersays,"Earnestly ofthegift.Come,HolySpirit,moveas
desirespiritualgifts...especiallythatyou Youwill!
mayprophesy"(1Cor.14.1).YetinPaul's
enumerationoftheninefoldgifts VI.TheSpiritualGiftsandLove
prophecyissixthinthelist!Thismeans
alsothattonguesandinterpretationare A.EarnestDesire
nottheleast.Thereisnohierarchyof
giftsin1Corinthians12:810. Aswehavenoted,Paulwrites,"Desire
earnestly[or'eagerly']spiritualgifts"(1
(2)Allthegiftsareequallysupernatural. Cor.14:1).Suchanadmonitionmayon
Forexample,awordofwisdomisjustas firstreflectionseemcontrarytoanearlier
muchasupernaturalmanifestationas statementofPaul's:"Oneandthesame
workingofmiracles,distinguishingof Spiritworksallthesethings[thegifts],
spiritsasspeakingintongues.Itisa distributingtoeachoneindividuallyjust
mistaketoidentifythesupernaturalwith asHewills"(1Cor.12:11).Ifthespiritual
thesensational;ifsoamiraclemightbe giftsareHissovereignaction,His
viewedasmoresupernaturalthana distributions,whatdifferencedoes
prophecy.Allaresupernatural,not anyone'sdesiremake?Toanswer:
natural,workings.Theyarenot althoughthegiftsaretheSpirit's
enhancementsofwhatisalreadythere, sovereignbestowal,itistheLord'sway
asiftosayawordofwisdomisonly oftentogivetothosewhoearnestlydesire
increasedwisdom.Thegiftsratherare andask.Jesusdeclared:"Ifyou...know
endowments,comingfrombeyondthe howtogivegoodgiftstoyourchildren,
human,evenastheyoperatethrough howmuchmoreshallyourFatherwhois
humanchannels. inheavengivewhatisgood[or'good
gifts']tothosewhoaskHim!"(Matt.
7:11).God,theLord,theHolySpirit,
(3)TheHolySpiritisnotdependenton
delightstorespondtooursincereasking,
ourunderstandingofthegiftstooperate
andmultiplyHisgiftsasweearnestly
inthem.Whileunderstandingisvaluable andeagerlydesirethem.
surelyweneedallwecanattainthe
Spiritmaymove,forexample,inaword Concernforthespiritualgiftsasearlier
ofknowledge,agiftoffaith,ora emphasizedisinnosenseaselfconcern;
distinguishingofspiritswithouttheone hencetodesirethemearnestlyisnota
whoisachannelbeingableexactlyto selfcentereddesire.Zealforthegiftsis
identifyit.Also,theremayevenbeother anythingbutapreoccupationwith"my
manifestationsoftheSpiritbeyondthe needs,""mywishes,""mypleasures."The
ninespecified.Thecriticalthingistobe concernisessentiallyaltruistic,forother
opensothattheHolySpiritisnotblocked persons.Theintentionofeachandevery
andatthesametimenottobetoo giftisnotone'sownblessingbutministry
concernedaboutthepreciseidentification tothebodyoffellowbelievers.

Howmuchdowedesirethegiftseven, Thespiritualgiftsmustbeexercisedin
forexample,suchaseeminglysmallone loveifthereistobegenuineedification.
as"interpretationoftongues"?Ofcourse, TheCorinthiansmuchneededPaul's
theHolySpiritknowsfarmorethanany admonition.Theyhadnolackofspiritual
ofuswhattheneedsare,soHemaywant gifts,butmuchlackoflove.Earlyinhis
touseusinanothergift.Still,torepeat, letterPaulfaultsthechurchatCorinth
eagerdesireisimportant.TheHolySpirit foritsdivisiveness.Indeed,immediately
isnotlikelytowasteHisgiftsonthose afterhispraisefortheCorinthiansnot
whodonotwantthem.God'ssovereign lackinginanygift(1:49),hecriticizes
willandourearnestdesiremakea themfordivisionsandquarrels(vv.10
beautifulcombination! 15).AndonthroughouttheletterPaul
feelsconstrainedtospeakaboutmany
B.TheWayofLove otherlackofloveproblems:e.g.,gross
immorality(chap.5),lawsuitsagainstone
Loveisthewayofthegifts."Pursuelove" another(chap.6),thoughtlessactions
(1Cor.14:1)actuallyprecedes"desire (chaps.8and10),andselfishnessatthe
earnestlyspiritualgifts"forloveisthe Lord'sSupper(chap.11).Likewise,in
way,thepath,alongwhichthegifts regardtothegiftstherewasmuch
shouldoperate.Letusturnbackto1 unlovingpractice:someboastedoftheir
Corinthians12:31,endofverse,""AndI gifts(seechap.4:7),somelookeddown
showyouastillmoreexcellentway"(just uponthosewhomanifestedpresumably
following"Earnestlydesirethegreater lessergifts(impliedin12:1427),some
gifts,"beginningofverse).Theusual weredisorderlyintheirgiftexpression
translation,Iquicklyadd,ismisleading, (14:40).
foritsuggestsawaybettera"stillmore
excellentway"thanthegifts.Ifsuchis Incidentally,loveshouldnotbeviewedas
thecase,whynotforgetthegifts;whygo aspiritualgift.SincePaulsays,"Desire
theinferiorroutewhenthereisafar earnestlythegreatergifts(1Cor.12:31),
betteroneavailable;namely,thewayof justbefore"Ishowyouawaybeyond
love?Sincewhatfollowsinchapter13 measure,"andlaterwrites,"Nowabide
focusesonlove,whynotdisregardall faith,hope,andlove,thesethree;butthe
theseconfusinggifts!Thereissurelyneed greatest[literally,'greater']oftheseis
forabetterandmoreliteraltranslation, love"(1Cor.13:13),theconclusionis
e.g.,"Inowshowyouawaybeyond sometimesdrawnthatloveisthegreatest
measure"7(NIVisclose:"Iwillshowthe (orgreater)ofthespiritualgifts.Clearly
mostexcellentway").SoPaulisnot theansweristhatloveisthegreatestin
settingforthanalternativetodesiring comparisonnotwiththegifts,butwith
thegifts;hedoesnotintendtoshow faithandhope.Thegiftsarefor
somethingbetter.Ratherisheshowinga edificationinthisworld;faith,hope,and
superexcellentwaywhereinthegifts, love"abide"goonforever.
including"thegreater,"aretobe
exercised.

Afinalword:wherethereisgenuinelove 1.ConfesstheLordshipofJesus"Jesus
thereshouldbeastrongdesireforthe isLord!"(1Cor.12:3).Asthecommunity
gifts,fortheirsisaministryofloveand gathers,focusonJesusinworshipand
compassion.Themorethereislovefor obedience.
one'sbrother,one'ssisterinChrist,the
moretherewillbeanearnestandeager 2.PrayforallthegiftsoftheHolySpirit
desiretoreceivespiritualgiftsandpass (1Cor.12:810)tobeoperational.The
onblessingstoothers. Corinthiancommunitywas"notlacking
inanyspiritualgift"(1Cor.1:7)nor
Pursueloveandletthegiftsflow! shouldwebeinourday.
VII.ApplicationforToday 3.Expecteachpersoninthecommunity
tobeachannelforsomemanifestationof
Iwillclosewithastatementofminein theSpirit"Toeachoneisgiventhe
RenewalTheology,volume2: manifestationoftheSpirit"(1Cor.12:7).
"Letitbefirmlysaidthatthechurch 4.Beconcernedwhollyfor"thecommon
cannotbefullyandfreelythechurch good"(1Cor.12:7).Spiritualgiftsarenot
withoutthepresenceandoperationofthe forpersonalblessingbutforthebenefitof
giftsoftheHolySpirit.Whatisdepicted others.
thereforein1Corinthiansandrecurring
inourdayisinnosenseaperipheral 5.RemainawarethattheHolySpiritwill
matterbutiscrucialtothelifeofthe distributegiftstoeachpersonasHe
church.Fortherecurrenceofthe wills"distributingtoeachone
charismataoftheHolySpiritsignalsthe individuallyjustasHewills"(1Cor.
church'srecoveryofitsspiritualrootsand 12:11).
itsemergenceinthetwentiethcentury
6.Bezealousforallthespiritualgifts
withfreshpowerandvitality."8
"Desireearnestlythespiritualgifts"(1
Cor.14:8)especiallyprophecy
"especiallythatyoumayprophesy"(1
AppendixA:TheCommunityMoving Cor.14:11).MoveboldlyastheSpirit
intheSpiritualGiftsaPractical manifestsHimself.
Guide
7.Letlovebethecontrollingforcein
everyoperationofthespiritualgifts
Preparation:Bethoroughlyinformed "Pursuelove"(1Cor.14:1,alsoallof1
aboutthenatureandoperationof Cor.13).
spiritualgifts"Concerningspiritual
gifts...Idonotwantyoutobe 8.Exerciseallthespiritualgiftsinan
uninformed"(1Cor.12:1).Studyand orderlymanner"Letallthingsbedone
ponderallofchapters12through14. properlyandinanorderlymanner"(1
Cor.14:40).

9.DoeverythingtothegloryofGod 10.Thoughindividualsinthebodyhave
"Whateveryoudo,doalltothegloryof differingapportionmentsofgifts,this
God"(1Cor.10:31). doesnotprecludeallfromprophesying,
speakingintongues,etc.
AppendixB:ThesesonSpiritualGifts 11.Eachpersoninthebodyistobea
channelforsomespiritualexpression.
1.Spiritualgiftsarethemanifestationof
theHolySpirit;bythegiftstheHoly 12.Thespiritualgiftsareessentialfor
SpiritopenlyexpressesHimself. thefunctioningofthebody;noneis
unimportantorunnecessary.
2.Spiritualgiftsinclude:wordofwisdom,
wordofknowledge,faith,giftsofhealing, 13.Spiritualgiftsareearnestlytobe
miracles,prophecy,distinguishingof desiredandexpected.Especiallyisthis
spirits,tongues,andinterpretationof trueofthe"greatergifts"(1Cor.12:31).
tongues.
14.Spiritualgiftsaretobeexpressedin
3.SpiritualgiftsstandinthelineofOld love,elsetheyprofitnothing.
Testamentspecialanointingsbythe
SpiritofGod. 15.Spiritualgiftspassawaywhenwe
shallseetheLord"facetoface."
4.JesusHimselfwasachannelof
spiritualmanifestations. 16.Spiritualgiftsmaybeapprehended
onlybyspiritualdiscernment.
5.Spiritualgiftsaremultipliedwiththe
outpouringoftheHolySpirit. 17.Exerciseofthespiritualgiftsneedsto
beproperlyordered.
6.Spiritualgiftswhilesimilartoother
giftsarepeculiarlytheoperationofthe 18.Spiritualgiftsbelongtothe
HolySpirit. continuinglifeofthechurch.
7.Spiritualgiftsareallspiritual,or Footnotes
supernatural,endowments;thustheyare
allextraordinary.
1
NewAmericanStandardBible(NASB).Unless
otherwisenoted,thistranslationisused
throughout.
8.Spiritualgiftsaregivenforthe
upbuildingofthebodyofbelievers;they 2
See1Clement2:2.
are"powertools."
3
JamesD.G.Dunnwritesthat"theconfessionof
9.TheHolySpiritdistributesgiftstoeach Jesus'Lordship...isacharismaticconvictionborn
believerasHewills;accordingly,thereis ofinspirationandexpressedinwordsgivenfrom
beyond"(JesusandtheSpirit,319).F.W.
diversityintheexerciseofthegifts,some
Grosheidegoesevenfurthertosay:"This
therebyprophesy,someheal,etc. confessionnobodycanmakeexcepthebeinthe

SpiritofGod....Inthiscontextthesewordsarenot
tobetakenoftheordinaryconfessionofthe
believerbutoftheconfessioninglossolalia"(First
EpistletotheCorinthians,NICNT,281).
4
Theearlierdistinctionbetweendomata,
charismata,andpneumaticcharismatamaybe
relevanthere:"ministries"relatingtothedomata
oftheascendedChrist,"workings"tothe
functionalcharismataofGod'sgrace,andthe
pneumaticcharismatatotheHolySpirit.
5
See,forexample,mymorecomprehensive
presentationinRenewalTheology,volume2,
chapter14,"TheNinefoldManifestation."
6
Ratherthanathreethreethreearrangementnot
fullyinsequencewhichissometimesdone.
7
TheGreekphraseiskathhyperboln"beyond
measure[or'comparison']away."TheGreek
phraseisnotcomparativebutsuperlative.
8
Page327.

Chapter16 onthesameground,namelythatwithout
personalengagementinmanyareasthere
canbelittleornoillumination.
THEENGAGEMENTOF
Letmetakeasaprimeexampleadeeper
THEHOLYSPIRIT understandingofthekingdomofGod.In
theSynopticstherearemanyteachings
Thequestionof"TheRoleoftheHoly andparablesaboutthekingdomofGod
SpiritintheInterpretationofScriptures" thatrightlycallforcarefulstudy
theoverallconferencethemehasbeen comparison,correlation,criticalanalysis,
particularizedforthissessionastowhat andthelike.However,somethingvitalis
sortofactivityoftheHolySpiritshould lackingunlesswealsoappropriatethe
weexpectinregardtointerpreting wordsofJesusintheGospelofJohn:
Scripture?Iwasinvitedtospeakasa "Truly,truly,Isaytoyou,unlessoneis
charismatictheologian,hencepresumably bornagain,hecannotseethekingdomof
myanswerwouldreflectacharismatic God"3(3:3).Nomatterhowmuchonemay
stanceandthereforebesubjecttodebate.1 studyaboutthekingdomofGod,there
canbenoseeing,hencenounderstanding
LetmedescribefirstwhatItaketobean
inadeepersense,withoutanewbirth.
essentialpointofagreementinanswerto
Jesusspokeelsewhereoftheinabilityto
thegeneralthemeoftheroleoftheHoly
see"whileseeingtheydonotsee,and
SpiritininterpretingScripture,namely
whilehearingtheydonothear,nordo
illumination.Whenallhasbeensaidand theyunderstand"(Matt.13:13).Inthe
doneaboutproperexegesis,therestill GospelofJohnJesusmakesitclearthat
remainstheneedfortheilluminationof theonlywaytoseetrulyisthroughbeing
theHolySpirit.Whatismeantby abornagainperson.Further,thiscan
illumination?Oneveryhelpfulstatement, happenonlybyentranceintothat
Ifind,isthatbyMillardJ.Erickson:"The kingdomthroughtheagencyoftheHoly
roleoftheSpiritinillumination...isto Spirit.SoHiscontinuingwords,"Truly,
conveyinsightintothemeaningofthe truly,Isaytoyou,unlessoneisbornof
text.Illuminationdoesnotinvolvethe waterandtheSpirit,hecannotenterinto
communicationofnewinformation,buta thekingdomofGod"(John3:5).Bybeing
deeperunderstandingofthemeaning bornagain,orregenerated,oneisthenin
thatisthere."2"Deeperunderstanding" thekingdomandcanforthefirsttime
not"newinformation"istheresultofthe truly("truly,truly")seeandunderstand.
Spirit'sillumination.
Thusthereneedstobearadical
engagementbytheHolySpiritresulting
innewbirthfortheretobetrue
NowIwouldliketopursuethematterof perceptionofthekingdomofGod.No
illuminationfurtherbyspeakingof matterhowmuchwemayreadaboutthe
engagement.HereIbelieveweallstand

kingdom,evenponderJesus'own Thereneedstobeascarefulandaccurate
parablesintheSynopticsasimportant readingaspossibleofthebiblicaltexts
asallthisistherecanbenodeep thatrelatetosanctificationbutalsoan
understandingwithoutarebirthbythe ongoingpersonalengagementbytheHoly
HolySpirit.Thebestexegesispossibleof Spirit.Forexample,Paul'sinjunctionof
thekingdomcangainnodepthperception "Donotwalkaccordingtotheflesh,but
unlesswehavebeenradicallyengagedby accordingtotheSpirit"(Rom.8:4)must
theHolySpirit.Adeeperilluminationof belivedoutnotonlyforgrowthin
textsrelatingtothekingdomofGodcalls holinessbutalsofordeeper
forparticipationinthatkingdom.Whoof understandingofthemeaningof
uswouldtrustthefinalwordinsuch sanctification.Theremustbeengagement
exegesistoanunregeneratedperson? bytheHolySpirit.
Thisdoesnotmeanthatasaresultof
regenerationonemaysimplylayaside
carefulstudyofScriptureaboutthe Nowletusmovetocharismatictheology
kingdomofGod.Indeed,thishasfartoo andnoteitsparticularemphases.They
oftenhappenedwithshoddyexegesisand arebasicallytwo:Pentecostisviewedasa
personalbiasesbecomingdominant.Thus continuingeventandspiritualgiftsare
itisurgentthattherebetheconstantand saidtobevalidfortoday.Forthepurpose
normativeguidelinesofScripturethrough ofthisdialogueIwillconsideronlythe
whichspiritualunderstandingis claimtocontemporaryPentecostal
channeled.Thereshouldbenoimparting experience.4
ofanewanddifferentmeaningtothe
biblicaltext.Ratherthroughspiritual ThebiblicalrecordofPentecostinActs
engagementrebirthbytheHolySpirit actuallycontainstwomainevents:first,
thereshouldbedeeperunderstandingof theSpirit'scomingwiththeresultthat
whatalreadyisthere. thedisciplesofJesuswerefilledwiththe
HolySpiritandspokeinothertongues
Basically,whatiscalledforisanongoing (2:121);second,thepreachingofthe
interactionbetweenthebiblicaltextand gospelwiththousandscomingto
spiritualexperience.Scripturemustbe salvation(2:2241).Charismatics,5along
theexternalnormwithwhichspiritual withotherevangelicals,laystrong
experiencemustbeinharmony.Inturn, emphasisontheongoingproclamationof
avalidspiritualexperiencewillsurely thesavingmessage.Inthatsensewhat
throwfurtherlightonthebiblicalrecord. happenedatPentecostsurelycontinues.
Butthecoreofdepthunderstandingis Butcharismaticsfurtheraffirmthatthe
engagementbytheHolySpirit. Pentecostalfillingalsocontinuestotake
place.Moreovertheyclaimthatthis
Incidentally,thesamethingcouldbesaid eventhasbeenconfirmedintheirownlife
fortheworkoftheHolySpiritnotonlyin andexperience.Therehasbeena
regenerationbutalsoinsanctification. personalengagementoftheSpirit's

comingandfillingaccompaniedby NowhereintheOldTestamentisthe
speakingintongues.6Further,becauseof Spiritsaidtobegiventothepeopleasa
thisengagement,charismaticshold,there whole;however,thehopeisheldoutthat
isadeeperunderstandingoftheprimary thiswillsomedayoccur.Mosesexpressed
Pentecostalevent.7 adeepyearningthatallGod'speople
mightbeprophets("Wouldthatallthe
Thisclaimsometimesencountersthe LORD'speoplewereprophets,thatthe
criticismthatcharismaticsexegetetheir LORDwouldputHisSpirituponthem!"
ownexperienceratherthantheScripture. Num.11:29),andJoelprophesiedthatthe
Theobjectivityofthebiblicalnorm timewillcomewhenGodwillpourout
presumablyisbiasedbythesubjectivity HisSpiritonallmankind(Joel2:28).
ofpersonalexperience.Inreply,
subjectivityissurelyalwaysadangerand IntheNewTestamentthereisakindof
mustbeguardedagainst;however,there stepbystepunfoldingoffulfillment.
isalsothedangerofexegesiswithout First,certainpersons,priortoJesus'
experienceofthebiblicalrealitythereby ministry,continuedtheOldTestament
resultinginseriouslackofunderstanding lineofindividualsoccasionallyanointed
orevenmisunderstanding.Recallour bytheHolySpirit(Luke1:4142,6768;
previousdiscussionofthekingdomof 2:2532);uponthemthedivineSpirit
God. cameforpropheticutterance.Second,
JohntheBaptistissaidto"befilledwith
Stillthecritichaseveryrighttochallenge theHolySpiritevenfrombirth"(Luke
charismaticsatthepointofScriptural 1:15NIV),forthelifelongpurposeof
integrity.WhatdotheScripturessay? preparingthewayforChrist.Johnmoved
"inthespiritandpowerofElijah"(Luke
Letusturntothebiblicalrecord.Long 1:17),andthedivinefervorwassuchasto
beforePentecosttheScripturesrecordthe setfiresofrepentanceburninginthe
Spirit'scominguponindividualsto heartsandlivesofthosewhoheardhim.
enablethemtofulfillcertaintasks:for Third,JesusuponHisbaptismatJordan
example,anartisanforthebuildingof receivedtheanointingofGod'sSpirit
thetabernacle(Ex.31:3),ajudgeora (Luke3:22,4:1),andtheSpiritissaidto
kingfortherulingofIsrael(e.g.,Judg. "comedownandremain"(John1:33NIV),
3:10;1Sam.16:13),aprophetforthe thusacontinuingendowment.According
speakingofGod'sword(e.g.,Mic.3:8).At tooneaccount,justfollowingJesus'
timestheSpiritcame"mightily"upona baptism,theHolySpirit"immediately
manfortheperformingofprodigious drovehimoutintothewilderness"(Mark
feats(e.g.,Judg.14:6),sometimesupon 1:12RSV),thusthepictureofadivine
onesothatheprophesieddayandnight energythatmightilypropelsanddirects.
(1Sam.19:24),sometimesevencarrying ThereafterHebeganHisprophetic
apersonbodilyfromoneplacetoanother ministrywiththewords,"TheSpiritof
(1Kings18:12). theLORDisuponMe,becausehe
anointedMetopreachthegospel"(Luke

4:18).AtonepointJesusdeclaredthat
the"heavenlyFather[would]givethe
HolySpirittothosewhoaskHim"(Luke Nowwecomebacktothecharismatic
11:13).8TowardtheendofJesus'ministry testimony,namelythattheytoohave
Hespokeofthecomingpowerofthe sharedinthePentecostalevent.Of
Spiritwithwhichthediscipleswilllater course,theoriginalPentecosthistorically
beendowed(Luke24:49). hashappened.Theclaimratheristhat
Pentecosthasbasicallyrecurredintheir
Pentecostwasthereforetheclimaxto livesinthattheytoohavebeenfilledwith
whichprecedingeventspointed.Itwasan theSpirit,spokeninothertongues,and
outpouringoftheHolySpirituponthe beengivenfreshpowerforwitnessin
communityoffaithlongagoprophesied wordanddeed.
byJoel:"Thisiswhatwasspokenof
throughtheprophetJoel...Iwillpour Thisbringsusbacktothe
forthofMySpirituponallmankind" objectivity/subjectivityquestion.
(Acts2:1617).Pentecostwasalsoa Charismaticsbelievethattheir
baptismwiththeHolySpirit.Jesushad experiencenotonlyconfirmsthe
said,"YoushallbebaptizedwiththeHoly Scripturebutalsothroughthe
Spiritnotmanydaysfromnow"(1:5). engagementoftheHolySpiritsheds
Further,thePentecostalevent,ashad furtherlightuponit.Onlyaparticipant
nothingbefore,relatedtotheexaltedand inthePentecostaleventcanfully
glorifiedChrist:InPeter'swords,"He understanditsmeaningandsignificance.
[Christ]haspouredforththiswhichyou Ontheotherhand,thecriticismmay
bothseeandhear"(2:33).Thisevent againberaisedinregardtocharismatic
occurredtothedisciplesofJesus,tothose testimonythatitisasubjectivereading
whobelievedinHim,withaSpiritfilling ofScripture.ForwasnotPentecost
ofsuchintensitythatthedisciplesbegan uniqueinthatitwastheeventofthelong
speakinginothertongues.Therebythey promisedoutpouringoftheHolySpirit?
weredeclaring"thewonderfulworksof Thisevent,alongwithspeakinginother
God"(2:11KJV).Thiswasevidentlydone tongues,shouldnotbeexpectedto
withsuchexuberancethatsome happenagain.
mockinglysaidthatthediscipleswere
drunk:"fullofnewwine"(v.13KJV).9 LetusreturnagaintotherecordinActs.
Thepurposeofthisoutpouringwaspower Doesthebiblicaltextsuggest
forministry:"Youshallreceivepower continuationoftheprimaryPentecostal
whentheHolySpirithascomeuponyou; event?First,weobservesomewordsof
andyoushallbeMywitnessesbothin PeterspokenontheDayofPentecost
Jerusalem,andinallJudeaandSamaria, aboutthepromiseoftheSpirit.Peterhad
andeventotheremotestpartofthe finishedhismessagewhichconsistedof
earth"(1:8).Pentecostwasbotha twoparts,thefirstanexplanationthat
climacticandafutureorientedevent. whathadjusthappenedtohimandthe
othergathereddiscipleswasthe

fulfillmentofJoel'spromise(Acts2:14 accompaniedlikewisebyspeakingin
21),andthesecondtheproclamationof tongues:"ThegiftoftheHolySpirithad
thedeathandresurrectionofChrist(vv. beenpouredoutupontheGentilesalso.
2236).ThenPeterdeclared,"Repent,and Forthey[Peterandthosewithhim]were
leteachofyoubebaptizedinthenameof hearingthemspeakingwithtonguesand
JesusChristfortheforgivenessofyour exaltingGod"(10:4546).Peterlater
sins;andyoushallreceivethegiftofthe emphasizedthatthiseventoftheSpirit
HolySpirit.Forthepromiseisforyou wasidenticalwithwhathadhappenedto
andyourchildren,andforallwhoarefar himselfandothersatPentecost.Seeking
off,asmanyastheLordourGodshall tojustifyhisactionofpreachingtothe
calltoHimself"(vv.3839).Theword Gentiles,Peterdeclared:"AsIbeganto
"promise"refersto"thepromiseofthe speak,theHolySpiritfelluponthem,just
HolySpirit,"forPetershortlybeforehad asHediduponusatthebeginning....If
spokenaboutChristthus:"Havingbeen Godthereforegavetothemthesamegift
exaltedtotherighthandoftheFather, asHegavetousafterbelieving13inthe
andhavingreceivedfromtheFatherthe LordJesusChrist,whowasItostandin
promiseoftheHolySpirit,Hehaspoured God'sway?"(11:15,17).ThePentecostal
forththiswhichyoubothseeandhear" eventoftheSpirithadoccurredagain.
(v.33).Thusthepromiseofthegiftofthe
Spiritisnotthepromiseofsalvation UndertheimpactoftheHolySpiritthe
(whichrelatestorepentanceandbaptism) Gentileslikewisespokeintongues.Since
butthepromiseofthesameSpiritof thegiftoftheSpiritwasthesameas"at
powerthatthediscipleshadreceived.10 thebeginning,"thetonguesmustlikewise
Further,accordingtoPeter,thepromise havebeenthesameinessence.Sinceat
willreachouttothose"faroff"inboth theoriginalPentecostthediscipleswere
timeandspace,11toallwhomGod"calls speaking"thewonderfulworksofGod"in
toHimself,"thatistosalvation.Thus tonguesandinCaesareawere"speaking
whiletheeventoftheSpiritatPentecost withtonguesandexaltingGod,"theyboth
inJerusalemwasanhistoricalfirst,it wereundoubtedlyaspeakingofpraiseto
wasonlythebeginningofthefulfillment God.14
ofGod'spromise:thegiftoftheSpirit
wouldcontinuethroughthegenerations.12 OtherActsaccountslikewisedepict
Pentecostasacontinuingevent.In
Thesecondreasonforviewingthecoming SamariaPhiliphadpreachedthegospel
oftheSpiritatPentecostasacontinuing withtheresultthatmany"believed
eventisthefurtherrecordintheBookof Philip"andwerebaptized(8:12).Peter
Acts.Particularlyoutstandingisthe andJohnsomedayslater"camedown
narrativeinActs10and11aboutthe [fromJerusalem]andprayedforthem,
centurionCornelius,relativesandfriends thattheymightreceivetheHolySpirit"
inCaesarea,whowhilePeterwas (vv.1516).Thereaftertheapostles'hands
preachingthegospelalsoexperiencedan werelaidandtheSpirit"wasbestowed"
outpouringoftheHolySpirit (v.18).ThewordsfollowingaboutSimon

themagicianseemtoimplythatthe obviouslythecaseinthelineof
Samaritansthenspokewithtongues.15In anointingsthroughJohntheBaptist,and
EphesusPaulledsometwelvemento surelytrueforJesuswhoneededneither
faithinChrist"tobelieveinHim"(19:4) salvationnorsanctification.Thedisciples
andbaptizedthem.Thereafter"when atPentecostwerealreadybelieverswhen
Paulhadlaidhishandsuponthem,the theSpiritwaspouredout.The
HolySpiritcameonthem,andthey Samaritanshadcometofaithand
beganspeakingwithtonguesand baptismbeforetheSpiritwasbestowed,16
prophesying"(v.6). andliketheEphesiansreceivedtheHoly
Spiritthereafterwiththelayingonof
ThusweseethatPentecostwasa hands.AlthoughtheHolySpiritwas
continuingevent.Thepromiseofthe outpouredwhilePeterwaspreachingthe
SpiritwasproclaimedbyPeterasgiven gospeltotheCaesareans,thecontext
toallgenerations,andindemonstration suggeststhatitwasforthefurther
therewasaneverwideningcircleof outreachofthegospel.17Actshaslittleto
fulfillmentintheBookofActs.Sinceno sayabouttheactivityoftheHolySpiritin
limitshavebeenset,thepromisesurely theoccurrenceofsalvationbecausethe
continuesinourtime. focusofthebookisontheroleoftheHoly
Spiritintheoutreachofthegospeland
theempoweringofitsmessengers.18This
isamarkeddifference,forexample,from
thelettersofPaulinwhichmuch
Nowletmesummarizesomeofthe attentionisgiventotheHolySpirit's
biblicaldata. activityintheChristianlife.
1.TheSpiritwasgivenfor 3.Thereisanongoingconcernin
enablement.IntheOldTestamentthe Actsthatbelieversreceive(thegiftof)
Spiritbroughtadditionalwisdomand theHolySpirit.AlthoughGod
powerforfulfillingcertaintasks.The sovereignlypouredoutHisSpiritin
SpiritcameuponJesustoenablethe JerusalemandCaesareawithouta
fulfillmentofHisministry.Thedisciples humanmedium,PeterandJohnin
atPentecostuponwhomtheSpiritwas SamariaandPaulinEphesuslaidhands
pouredoutwereenabledtherebytocarry forthereceptionoftheHolySpirit.Paul's
forwardthemissionofthegospel.The concernisparticularlyshowninthathe
textsinActsfurtherimplythatthe earlieraskedtheEphesians,"Didyou
Samaritans,Caesareans,andEphesians receivetheHolySpiritwhenyou
bythegiftoftheSpiritwereincludedin believed?"19(Acts19:2).Paul'squestion
theeverenlargingcircleofthosecalled impliesthepossibilitythatbelieversmay
likewisetobewitnessesofChrist. notyethavereceivedtheHolySpirit
(recall,forexample,theSamaritans).
2.TheSpiritwasnotgivenforeither
SinceitturnsoutthattheEphesians'
salvationorsanctification.Thisis knowledgeoftheHolySpiritwaslacking

andtheyhaveonlyknownthebaptismof initialevidencethecleareststatement
John,PaulledthemtofaithinChristand regardstheCaesareans.Justafterthe
afterwardslaidhandsonthemtoreceive words"thegiftoftheHolySpirithad
theHolySpirit.Believingwasprimary, beenpouredoutontheGentilesalso,"the
butreceivingwasalsoimportant. textadds,"Fortheywerehearingthem
speakingwithtonguesandexaltingGod"
4.IntheBookofActsitisapparent (Acts10:4546).21
thatthegiftoftheHolySpirit
occurredbothsubsequenttoand 6.Prayerandsometimeslayingonof
coincidentwithinitialfaith.Inregard handsoftenprovidedthecontextfor
tosubsequence,theHolySpirit"filled" theHolySpirittobereceived.Jesus
some120waitingbelievers,felluponthe Himselfwasprayingimmediatelypriorto
Samaritanssometimeaftertheyhad theSpiritcominguponHim:"WhileHe
believedandbeenbaptized,andcame waspraying,heavenwasopened,andthe
upontheEphesiansfollowingtheirfaith, HolySpiritdescendeduponHim"(Luke
baptism,andlayingonofhands.In 3:2122).ThedisciplesinJerusalemprior
regardtocoincidence,theHolySpiritwas toPentecostwere"continuallydevoting
pouredoutupontheCaesareanswhile themselvestoprayer"(Acts1:14);the
Peterwasproclaimingsalvationin centurioninCaesareabeforethe
Christ.Inlightparticularlyofthe outpouringoftheHolySpiritwasone
incidentsofsequence,theimportant who"prayedtoGodcontinually"(10:2);
matterisboththenonidentityof PeterandJohn"camedownandprayed
salvationandthecomingoftheSpirit, forthem[theSamaritans],"and
andthattherewasoftenaseparationin afterward"beganlayingtheirhandson
timebetweenthetwoevents. them,andtheywerereceivingtheHoly
Spirit"(8:15,17);"Paullaidhishands
5.Speakingintonguesisspecifically uponthem[theEphesians]"(19:6).In
saidtohaveoccurredinJerusalem, regardtoprayerthismaypointtoasking
Caesarea,andEphesus.Itisalso forthegiftoftheHolySpiritin
implied(asnoted)inSamaria.Thus accordancewithJesus'words:"If
speakingintongues,accordingtoActs, you...knowhowtogivegoodgiftstoyour
maybecalledthenormalorusual children,howmuchmoreshallyour
accompanimentofreceivingthe heavenlyFathergivetheHolySpiritto
PentecostalgiftoftheSpirit.Moreover,it thosewhoaskHim?"(Luke11:13).
alsoisapparentthattongueswasboth
theprimaryactivityandtheinitial
evidenceofthereceptionoftheSpirit.20In
WhatIhavedoneinthepreceding
eachcasethefirstthingthathappened
paragraphsistoseektopresentthe
wasspeakingintonguestonguesand
biblicaldataasobjectivelyaspossible.If
preaching(Jerusalem),tonguesand
andwherethereiserror,itshouldbe
exaltingGod(Caesarea),tonguesand
pointedout.Charismaticexperience,to
prophesying(Ephesus).Inregardto

repeatmyearlierwords,muststand mostcasestheywerealreadybelievers,
whollyunderthebiblicalnorm.Ifthatis andtheyclaimthatthegiftoftheHoly
thecase,Iamconvincedtherewillbe Spiritfurtherequippedthemfor
vindication.Withtheengagementofthe ministeringthegospel.Forcharismatics,
HolySpirittherethenoccursadeeper theHolySpirithasengagedthem
understandingoftheinscripturatedword. personallyinsuchawayastogivevital
understandingofandresonancewiththe
Insomeevangelicalcirclesobjectionis biblicalrecord.
raisednotsomuchfromanexegetical
baseasfromtheuseofActsasa Incidentally,Isometimeswonderabout
guidelineforcontemporaryexperience. noncharismaticcritics.Whatcanthey
Forexample,onewriter'sviewisthat reallysaytothemillionsofChristians
Actsisatransitionalbook"fromlawto whoclaimtoacontinuingPentecostin
grace"andthus"thetransitions[i.e., theirlives?Aretheyallmisguided?Are
Jerusalem,Caesarea,etc.]itrecordsare theyguiltyofscripturaldistortion?What
nevertoberepeated."22Another aboutthetestimonytoaspeakingin
somewhatsimilarviewpointisthatsince tonguesthatagainandagain
Actsishistoricalnarrativeandthe accompaniestheirexperience?Arethey
Epistlesdidacticmaterial"therevelation alldeluded?Isitpossiblethat
ofthepurposesofGodshouldbesought charismaticsareonagenuinebiblical
primarilyinitsdidacticratherthanits trackwhichhasbeenconfirmedintheir
descriptiveparts....whatisdescribedas lives?Coulditbethatmanycriticsare
havinghappenedtoothersisnot notabletoreallycopewithbasic
necessarilyintendedforus."23Such charismaticissuesbecauseoflackof
viewpointsas"transitional"and engagementintheirownlives?
"descriptive"onlyavoidthenecessityof
comingtotermswithActsanditsown
particularimportanceforusinourtime.
Perhapsawordofpersonaltestimonyis
Personsofcharismaticexperiencefind inorder.Priortomyowncharismatic
suchattitudesaboutActsverystrange. experienceIwasquitenegativeaboutthe
Unlikethosewhostandatadistance wholematter.Ididsenseamongmany
fromtheActsnarratives,charismatics charismaticsacertainvitalityand
feelmuchathome.Theyclaimthatthe enthusiasm,butwasitwhateverthey
promiseofthegiftoftheHolySpirithas hadbiblical?Soontwopassagesof
beenactualizedintheirownlives.Often Scripturebegantostandoutforme:Acts
ithasoccurred,theysay,againstthe 2:39andLuke11:13.Intheformer(as
backgroundofmuchprayer,and earliernoted)Peterdeclaredthatthegift
sometimesthelayingonofhands:thus oftheHolySpiritwouldbeavailableto
wasthegiftreceived.Theusual allgenerationsthereafter.Whatwasthat
testimonyaddsthattheytoohavespoken gift?ForatimeIidentifieditwith
intonguesandtherebyglorifiedGod.In salvation,24butexegeticallycamemore

andmoretoquestionthisinterpretation. presenceandpowerthatledme
ForitseemedtorefertowhatPeterand immediatelytopraiseandglorifyGod.
theotherdiscipleshadbeenpromisedand Ordinarylanguagenolongersufficing,I
receivedandthatwashardlysalvation. wassoonspeakinginanotherlanguageas
Stillevenifitwasadistinctpromiseto theexaltationofGodwentonandon.It
thosewhobelieved,didnotthegiftcome seemedlikePentecostalloveragainand
automaticallyalongwithsalvation?HadI asifIwerewiththeearlydisciples
notthereforealreadyreceivedthisgift? declaringthe"wonderfulworksofGod."
Readingthenwithmoredetermination AsaresultIfoundmyselfmorefully
thanever,andnotingthatthegiftoften endowedtobearwitnesstoGod'struth.
occurredtobelieversandthatprayerwas
frequentlythecontext,Iwonderedallthe Butthisisenoughpersonaltestimony.
more.Incidentally,thematterof AgainstthebackgroundoftheScriptural
speakingintongueswastotallybeyond recordIamconvincedthatthe
mycomprehension. charismaticexperienceofmanyhas
confirmedandilluminatedthebiblical
Whatturnedthetideformewasmy text.Therehasbeentheengagementof
goingbackpriortoActstoLuke11:13, theSpiritofsuchakindastomakethe
Jesus'wordsaboutthegiftoftheHoly Actsnarrativesvividlycontemporaneous.
Spirit(asearlierquoted):"Ifyou...know Ithasandthisiscriticalhappened
howtogivegoodgiftstoyourchildren, withuntoldnumbersofpeople.
howmuchmoreshallyourheavenly
FathergivetheHolySpirittothosewho Addendum:
askHim?"Ah,therewasthesame
promiseofthegiftoftheSpirittoGod's Itmaybeobjectedthatmypaper
children,butwithallemphasisonasking scripturallyhasbeenalmostexclusively
forthegiftindeedasking,seeking, devotedintheNewTestamenttothe
knocking(previouswordsofJesus). Lukanmaterial:theGospelofLukeand
Continuingprayer!Thismademereflect theBookofActs.Thishasbeendonein
onJesus'ownprayingpriortothedescent partbecauseIamconvincedthat
oftheHolySpirituponHim,thedisciples theologicalreflection,exegeticalstudy,
constantlydevotingthemselvestoprayer andpersonalexperiencehavenot
beforetheyreceivedthepromisedgift,the sufficientlycometotermswithLuke's
Romancenturionwhoprayedcontinually distinctivecharismaticemphases.26
toGodpriortotheSpirit'sbeingpoured EspeciallyisthistrueoftheBookofActs.
outonandon.God,theheavenly
Father,sovereignlygives,butnotwithout Thispaperbynomeansintendsto
thesincereprayingofHischildren.25So suggestacanonwithinthecanon:Lukan
notquiteknowingwhattoexpect,I theologyandexperienceoveragainstthe
enteredintoearnestprayerforthegiftof restoftheNewTestament.Indeed,we
theHolySpirit.Thensuddenlyit needallthebiblicalrecordforafully
happenedthecomingofapersonal roundedpictureoftruth.However,itisa

factthatinLukeActsespeciallyActs Lorddwellsinyou"Rom.8:9),thesame
istobefoundthescripturaldatarelating "Spiritwhoindwells"willsomedaygive
totheempoweringofthewitnessin lifetoourmortalbodies(v.11),bythe
variousstages.Paul,forexample,writes Spiritwemay"puttodeaththedeedsof
tochurchesalreadyfoundedbythat thebody"(v.13)onandon.Alsotobe
witness(especiallybyPaulhimself27),and notedisthefruitoftheindwellingSpirit,
sofocusesonthewayofChristianliving. namely,"love,joy,peace,patience,
NoneoftheNewTestamentlettersare kindness,goodness,faithfulness,
missionaryorientedasisActs.Noris gentleness,selfcontrol"(Gal.5:22).Truly,
Lukeconcernedaboutsuch "theSpiritupon"and"theSpiritwithin"
pneumatologicalmattersaslifeinthe arebothvitaloperationsoftheHoly
Spirit,sanctification,theinnerassurance Spirit.
oftheSpirit,andsoforth.Itisapparent
thatweneedLukeandPaulforboththe Whatcharismaticsattestisthat"the
missiologicalandecclesiologicalNew Spiritupon"isadistinctiveoperationof
Testamentemphases. theHolySpirit,hencenottobeidentified
with"theSpiritwithin."Itisthecoming
Itisimportanttorecognizetwobasic oftheHolySpirituponpeopleoffaith
operationsoftheHolySpirit:theSpirit withsuchexplosiveforceastocausea
upon(oron)personsforoutwardwitness breakingforthinpneumaticspeechand
andtheSpiritwithin(orin)peoplefor inpowerfulexpressionofthegospel.This
innercharacter.Asearliernoted,thereis operationoftheSpiritisnottobe
anOldTestamentlinewemaycallit assumedbecausetheSpiritisalreadyat
"charismatic"thatextendsalltheway workwithinacommunityorperson;itis
totheministryofJesusHimself("the ratherauniqueoperationthat
SpiritoftheLordisuponme")and presupposessavingfaith.
reachesazenithatPentecost(where
Charismatics,itshouldbeadded,donot
Jesus'wordswerefulfilled"theHoly
claimthatbyvirtueoftheirPentecostal
Spiritwillcomeuponyou)insuch
experiencethattheyaloneareableto
measureastobeanoutpouring,and
bearwitnesstothegospel.Alltrue
continuingbeyondPentecosttoother
believersbyvirtueoftheSpirit's
communitiesofChristians(recall,e.g.,
indwellingrealitycansurelyand
EphesustheSpiritcameonthetwelve effectivelyattesttothegospel.Pentecost
disciples).InActs,however,thereisno ratherrepresentsanadditionalinfusion
referencetoanyinteriorworkofthe ofpowerthatmakesstillmoreeffective
Spirit.TheNewTestamentlettersdeal thewitnessinwordanddeed.28Itisa
largelywiththeSpiritwithinfor fillingwiththesameSpiritwhodwells
example,"theHolySpiritwhodwellsin within.
us"(2Tim.1:14).BytheSpiritwithinwe
arenolonger"intheflesh"("youarenot NordoestheeventofPentecostcreatea
intheflesh...ifindeedtheSpiritofthe superiorclassofChristians.Allbelievers

bygracestandonthesamelevel.Thus "classicalPentecostals,"whilesharingthesame
Pentecostisnota"secondworkofgrace," experience,ordinarilyreferstodenominational
Pentecostals.Iwriteasonestandingwithinthe
forallhavereceived"graceupongrace" Reformedtradition.
(John1:16).RatherPentecostisarelease
of"powerfromonhigh"(Luke24:49)that 6
Somecharismaticswouldsay,"oftenaccompanied
enablesbelieverstobemoreeffective byspeakingintongues."
witnessestothegospel.Unlikethegrace
ofsalvationwhichisselforiented,the
7
ReferencestoPentecosthereafterwillrelateto
thisprimaryevent.
Pentecostalexperienceiswhollyother
directed.Pentecostisnotforsalvation 8
TheparallelpassageinMatthew7:11,insteadof
butforservice.Itisnotagraduationtoa "theHolySpirit,"readsas"goodthings"(KJV),
superspiritualitybutareleaseofpower agatha.
forthemissionarychallenge.
9
F.F.Brucereferstothisas"wordsspokenbythe
disciplesintheirdivineecstasy,"TheBookofthe
Footnotes Acts,NICNT(GrandRapids:Eerdmans,1988),52.
10
WilliamNeildescribesthegiftoftheSpiritas
1
Sincethisaddresswasgivenatameetingofthe
the"giftofthenewpowerwhichPeter'saudience
largelynoncharismaticEvangelicalTheological
hasseenatworkinthePentecostalexperienceof
Society,debatewastobeexpected.
theApostlesandPeter'sassociates,"TheActsof
2
InEvangelicalInterpretation:Perspectiveson theApostles,NCBC(GrandRapids:Eerdmans,
1981),79.EduardSchweizerwritesthatinActs
HermeneuticalIssues(GrandRapids:Baker,
"salvation...isneverascribedtotheSpirit.
1993),54.
AccordingtoAc.2:38theSpiritisimpartedto
thosewhoarealreadyconvertedandbaptized,"
3
NASBhereandthroughoutunlessotherwise
TDNT,articleonpneuma,(GrandRapids:
noted.
Eerdmans,1968),6:412.KirsoppLakestatesthat
inthevariousActspassagesthatdealwiththe
4
Thispaper,accordingly,isnotastudyofthe giftoftheSpirit"thereisnosuggestionof
relationshipoftheHolySpirittovariousand regenerationbytheSpirit,oroftheviewthat
sundrybiblicaltexts.Myfocusisonethingonly,
salvationdependsonit,"Beginningsof
namely,Scripturethatrelatestothebasic
Christianity,TheActsoftheApostles,eds.
Pentecostalexperience.Anotherpapermightwell
dealwithcharismaticunderstandingofsuchtexts FrederickJ.FoakesJacksonandKirsoppLake
asRomans15:1819;1Corinthians2:14; (GrandRapids:Baker,1979),5:109.
Ephesians5:1820;Colossians3:1017;1
Thessalonians5:1920;Hebrews6:12;1John
11
"Faroff"isatranslationofeismakran.Makran
2:2021,2627.1Corinthians1214ofcourse isusedof"bothplaceandtime,"TDNT4:372.
wouldcallforspecialattention.(Foranextended
studyofthespiritualgifts,seemyRenewal "Ac2:39probablyreferstofuturegenerations,"
12
Theology,vol.2[GrandRapids:Zondervan,1990], BAGD,makran (Chicago:Univ.ofChicagoPress,

323409.) 1979),487.
5
By"charismatics"Irefertothoseinthemainline "Afterbelieving,"theNASBtranslationofthe
13
churcheswhoclaimcontemporaryPentecostal Greekaoristparticiplepisteusasin,expresses
experience."Pentecostals,"sometimescalled antecedentaction.NIVandKJVread"who

believed."J.D.G.Dunnstatesthat"theaorist regenerationisnotinviewhere,"TheBookofthe
participledoesinfactusuallyexpressantecedent Acts,188,n.34.
action,"BaptismintheHolySpirit(Philadelphia:
Westminster,1970),159.AccordingtoErnest 17
AccordingtoR.R.Williams,"ThroughoutActs,
DeWittBurton,"theaoristparticipleismost theHolySpiritisthoughtofasthemeans
frequentlyusedofanactionantecedentintimeto wherebyChristiansreceivepowertowitnessto
theactionoftheprincipalverb,"(Syntaxofthe ChristandHisresurrection,"TheActsofthe
MoodsandTensesinNewTestamentGreek Apostles(London:SCM,1953),36.Thiswould
(Chicago:Univ.ofChicagoPress,1898),63.The surelyincludetheCaesareans.Inconnectionwith
aoristparticiplemayalsoexpresscoincident theCaesareans,R.C.H.Lenskiwrites:"This
action.Ifso,thetranslationabovewouldread(as fallingoftheHolySpirituponpeople...isentirely
intheRSV)"whenwebelieved."InDunn's separatefromtheSpirit'sreceptionbyfaithfor
continuingwords,"itisthecontext,notthe salvation,"TheActsoftheApostles(Minneapolis:
grammaticalform,whichdeterminesthis."I
Augsburg,1961),431.
wouldurgethatthecontexthereclearlypointsto
antecedentaction(asinNASB,NIV,andKJV).
InI.H.Marshall'swords,"Actsisabookabout
18
mission.Itisnotunfairtotake1.8asasummary
14
I.HowardMarshallwrites:"JustastheJewish
ofitscontents:'Youshallbemywitnessesin
believershadreceivedtheSpiritandpraisedGod
JerusalemandinallJudeaandSamariaandto
inothertonguesonthedayofPentecost,sonow
theendoftheearth.'ThepurposeoftheChristian
theseGentilesreceivedtheidenticalgiftofGod,"
churchwastobearwitness,"TheActsofthe
TheActsoftheApostles,TNTC(GrandRapids:
Apostles,25.Basictothismissionandwitnessis
Eerdmans,1980),194.
theneedforempowerment.ThusIwouldaddthat
the"contents"ofActsalsoincludesthefirstpart
15
Boththewordstructureandcontextsuggest
of1:8"YoushallreceivepowerwhentheHoly
tongues.Simonthemagicianseeing[idon]that Spirithascomeuponyou."Since,asMarshall
"theSpiritwasbestowedthroughthelayingonof says,"thepurposeoftheChristianchurchwasto
theapostles'hands"(v.18).Regardingword bearwitness,"theprimarymatterisenabling
structure,A.T.Robertsonstatesthatthe power.Actsagainandagainportrayshowthe
participle[idon]showsplainlythatthosewho powerwasreceived.Thisemphasisisvitaltoan
receivedthegiftoftheHolySpiritspokewith understandingoftheBookofActs.Itisbotha
tongues,"WordPicturesintheNewTestament bookaboutmissionandtheempowermentofthe
(Nashville:Broadman,193033),3:107. gospelmessengersatcertaincriticalpoints.
ConcerningcontextF.F.Brucestatesthat"the
contextleavesusinnodoubtthattheir[the 19
KJVreads,"HaveyereceivedtheHolySpirit
Samaritans']receptionoftheSpiritwasattended sinceyebelieved?"NIV,whiletranslatingas
byexternalmanifestationssuchashadmarked NASBdoesabove,hasafootnoteto"when"as
HisdescentontheearliestdisciplesatPentecost," "after."Again,thisisaninstanceofanaorist
TheBookoftheActs,181.SeemyRenewal participle,namelypisteusantes(recallpisteusasin
Theology,2:210,n.5,forotherquotations. inActs11:17).Eveniftheaoristparticipleinthis
caseexpressescoincidentaction,thesenseisstill
ThussaysCalvin,"Lukeisnotspeakinghere[in
16
thesame,implyingthepossibilityofabelieving
regardtotheSpirit'sbestowalActs8:18]about priortoreceptionoftheHolySpirit.
thegeneralgraceoftheSpirit,bywhichGod
regeneratesustobeHisown'sons,'"New 20
J.D.G.Dunnwrites:"Itisafairassumption
TestamentCommentaries,TheActsoftheApostles thatforLuke'theSamaritan'Pentecost,likethe
113,trs.J.W.FraserandW.J.G.McDonald ChristianPentecost[i.e.,inJerusalem],was
markedbyecstaticglossolalia.Ifso,thenthefact
(GrandRapids:Eerdmans,1965),236.F.F.Bruce
writes,"TheprioroperationoftheSpiritin isthatineverycase[italicsDunn's]whereLuke

describesthegivingoftheSpirititisaccompanied aberrationbornofexperientialexcessesbuta
and'evidenced'byglossolalia,"Jesusandthe 20thcenturyrevivalofNewTestamenttheology
Spirit(London:SCM,1975),189. andreligion"(pp.viiviii).
21
Dunnadds:"Thecorollaryisthennotwithout Paulrefersto"thepoweroftheSpirit"the
27
forcethatLukeintendedtoportray'speakingin empoweredwitnessbywhichheproclaimedthe
tongues'as'theinitialevidence'oftheoutpouring gospel"inthepowerofsignsandwonders,inthe
oftheHolySpirit"(ibid,189190).Ernst poweroftheSpirit;sothatfromJerusalemand
Haenchenstates:"TheSpiritmakesitselfknown roundaboutasfarasIllyricumIhavefully
preachedthegospelofChrist"(Rom.15:19).
inActsbythegiftofspeakingintongues,"The
ActsoftheApostles(Oxford:BasilBlackwell, 28
1971),304.
A final note: Dwight L. Moody, a century ago,
testified to this additional infusion of power.
After many years of preaching, Moody relates
JohnF.MacArthur,Jr.,CharismaticChaos
22
how two women would say to him regularly,
(GrandRapids:Zondervan,1992),172.
"You need the power of the Holy Spirit." Moody
reflected thereafter: "I need the power! Why, I
JohnR.W.StottinBaptismandFullness
23
thought I had power [because] I had the largest
(DownersGrove:InterVarsity,1976),15.
congregation in Chicago and there were many
conversions." Soon though, the two godly
24
Asdosomeexegetes,e.g.,DunnandBruce.
Dunnwrites:"ThegiftoftheSpirit...isthegiftof
women were praying with Moody, and "they
savinggracebywhichoneentersintoChristian poured out their hearts in prayer that I might
experienceandlife,"BaptismintheHolySpirit,
receive the filling of the Holy Spirit. There
226.Brucestates:"ThegiftoftheSpiritmay came a great hunger into my soul....I began to
comprehendavarietyofgiftsoftheSpirit,but cry out as I never did before. I really felt that I
firstandforemost'thesavingbenefitsofChrist's did not want to live if I could not have this
wordasappliedtothebelieverbytheSpirit,'"The power for service." Then, "one day, in the city
BookoftheActs,71.(Recall,however,earlier of New York-oh, what a day!-I cannot describe
quotationsfromWilliamNeil,EduardSchweizer, it, I seldom refer to it; it is almost too sacred an
andKirsoppLakewithwhichIagree.) experience to name." After this, says Moody, "I
went to preaching again. The sermons were not
IntheHeidelbergCatechismoneofthe
25 different; I did not present any new truths, and
questions(116)is:"Whyisprayernecessaryfor yet hundreds were converted. I would not now
Christians?"Thenfollowsthestrikinganswer: be placed back before that blessed experience if
"Becauseitisthechiefpartofthegratitudewhich you should give me all the world" (W. R.
Godrequiresofus,andbecauseGodwillgivehis Moody, The Life of D. L. Moody (Westwood,
graceandHolySpiritonlytothosewhosincerely NJ: Barbour, repr. 1985), 146-47, 149). Moody,
beseechhiminprayerwithoutceasing,andwho while of course not being a participant in the
thankhimforthesegifts"(italicsadded). present charismatic renewal, is surely a
precursor of those who likewise in our time are
26
See,however,TheCharismaticTheologyofSt. being filled with the Holy Spirit and finding a
LukebyRogerStronstad(Peabody,MA: fresh power for witness.
Hendrickson,1984).ClarkPinnockinthe
forewordwrites:"Themeaningofthisbookisthat
thewallsmustcomedownbetweenPentecostals
andevangelicals.IfcanonicalLukehasa
charismatictheologyasStronstadproves,we
cannotconsiderPentecostalismtobeakindof

ABBREVIATIONS
TheologicalDictionaryoftheNew
TDNT
Testament
AB AnchorBible
TNTC TyndaleNewTestamentCommentary
Bauer,Arndt,Gingrich,andDanker,
BAGD GreekEnglishLexiconoftheNew
WBC WorldBibleCommentary
Testament
CGT CambridgeGreekTestament
EBC Expositor'sBibleCommentary
EGT Expositor'sGreekTestament
Harper'sNewTestament
HNTC
Commentary
JB JerusalemBible
KJV KingJamesVersion
MC MoffattCommentary
NASB NewAmericanStandardBible
NCBC NewCenturyBibleCommentary
NEB NewEnglishBible
NewInternationalCommentaryof
NICNT
theNewTestament
NewInternationalGreekTestament
NIGTC
Commentary
NIV NewInternationalVersion
RSV RevisedStandardVersion

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A Theological Pilgrimage J. Rodman Williams, Ph.D.

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