What is the Gift of the Holy Spirit? – Acts 2:38
What does the apostle Peter mean when he tells those on the day of Pentecost that had gladly received his word that they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit? Were they being told that they were going to have a non-miraculous, literal indwelling of the Holy Spirit? Is it a reference to the temporary, miraculous spiritual gifts which were received in the 1st century church? Or was it to be understood as a statement of salvation much like Paul speaking of the gift of God being “eternal life” – Romans 6:23?
When considering this question, it is important to note that none of the above positions are necessarily contrary to Scripture, and holding any one of these positions does not violate an overall understanding of Peter’s statement. So before examining this question, an attitude of meekness and forbearance must prevail. I pray that as this question is examined through the Scriptures, an open mind and heart might be maintained and held by all.
In light of this, one might ask if the gift of the Holy Spirit is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The only individuals who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit were the apostles (Acts 2:1-4) and quite possibly the House of Cornelius (Acts 11:15) – see Butch Adams’ article on The Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The gift of the Holy Spirit is not the same as the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The following is a collection of various class notes I have taken at the Memphis School of Preaching (MSOP) and the Online Academy of Biblical Studies (OABS). These examine the Scriptures in light of the gift of the Holy Spirit being the miraculous spiritual gifts which were given in the first century, infant church. We must remember that the early church did not possess a completed New Testament, and one should expect statements at the establishment of the church about how they would receive and be able to confirm that word through miraculous means. Click on the following link – notes-on-the-gift-of-the-holy-spirit
Conclusion:
After Peter and John preached the gospel in Samaria, the Bible says they returned to Jerusalem (Acts 8:25). Not only did they leave this newly formed congregation in Samaria, the Bible also says that Philip the Evangelist was called away by an angel of the Lord to preach in another place (Acts 8:26). One might ask at this point, “Why would the apostles and Philip the evangelist leave this newly formed church so soon?” The answer is they could leave them, because they had been given miraculous spiritual gifts by the laying on of the apostle’s hands. They therefore had the Word of God whereby they could grow and flourish as early New Testament Christians.
Again, before Peter and John arrived in Samaria, they had not yet received the Holy Spirit. When they did arrive though, Peter and John laid their hand upon them, and they received the Holy Spirit. This and the results of it were something that could be seen by Simon. The gift of the Holy Spirit then was miraculous gifts which were imparted to them by the laying on of the apostle’s hands. This was necessary in the 1st century church. They did not have at that time a completed New Testament. The gift of the Holy Spirit should underscore to us the great importance of the Bible today. With such easy access we have to Bibles and Bible study tools, may we always see what a wonderful privilege we possess and what a tremendous responsibility we then also have.
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Doctrine, Michael Carter
on November 13th, 2008
