On this special Theology Lounge, Rachel looks at the Scripture describing the 3rd person of the Trinity: The Holy Spirit. Recorded on 05/07/18.

Here are her notes from her talk:

God’s Spirit in the Bible

Hebrew Bible/Old Testament

Ruach Elohim, “Spirit of God”

Inspires people to prophesy (Ezek. 11:5, Joel 2:28-29, 1 Sam. 16, Neh. 9:20-30, Micah 3:8)

Gives wisdom and understanding (Gen. 41:38, Ps. 143:10, Prov. 1:23)

Creates (Ps. 33:6, Ps. 104:30)

Gives life (Ps. 146:4, Eccl. 12:7, Isa. 42:5)

Gives superhuman abilities (Judges 3:10, 6:34, 11:29)

Brings God’s presence (Ps. 139:7, paniym, “face”)

Brings refuge and rest (in fact “refuge” seems to be another meaning of ruach; Isa. 64:14)

Transports a person, as in a vision (Ezek. 3:12)

 

Ruach Kadesh, “Holy Spirit” (Is. 63:10-11)

 

Ruach Hochmah, “Spirit of Wisdom” (Deut. 34:9)

Wisdom as co-creator with YHWH? (Prov. 8:15-31, Wisdom of Solomon 7:22-30, 9:2; Isaiah 40:13)

Philo and the Logos of God

Echoes in the New Testament (John 1, Colossians 1)

 

Ruach, “Spirit, Wind, Breath” (Exodus 10:13-19, 14:21, 15:8-10, Numbers 11:31, 2 Sam 22:16, Ps. 18:16, Ps. 104:3-4, Ps. 107:25)

 

New Testament

Parakl?tos, “comforter, advocate, patron” (John 14:16, 26; 1 John 2:1)

 

Pneumatos Hagiou, Pneuma tou Theou, “Holy Spirit,” “Spirit of God”

Conceives Jesus (Matt. 1:18)

Baptizer/Baptizing Agent (Matt. 3:11, Acts 11:15-17)

Leads (Matt. 4:1, Mark 1:12, Rev. 22:17)

Transports a person, as in a vision (Rev. 17:3)

Affirms God’s presence, truth, and wisdom to the believer (John 15:26, 1 Peter 1:12, 1 John 3:24)

Gives superhuman abilities (Acts 2:1-4, 1 Cor. 12:4-11, Rom. 12:6-8, 1 Peter 4:7-11)

 

Spiritual Gifts Today

The “normal” ones: Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Giving, Mercy, Leadership, Faith, etc.

The freaky ones: Prophecy, Speaking in Tongues, Healing, Miracles, Word of Knowledge, Discernment of Spirits, etc.

Roles: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher (Eph. 4:11)

Cessationists vs. Charismatics

Church growth worldwide

Appeal and power of Charismatic Christianity

 

The Spirit, Scripture, and Idolatry

“Father, Son, and Holy Scripture”?

How does scripture allow us to encounter God?

A Metaphor that May or May Not Be Helpful

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