Paul W. Manuel: What difference did Pentecost make?

The Holy Spirit's Ministry in the Old Testament

The primary activity of Holy Spirit— at least as scripture portrays it— is in the lives of believers. In fact, Paul says "that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you" (1 Cor 3:16). Theologians disagree, however, as to whether or not that has always been the case, especially for believers who lived before Pentecost.¹ Was the Holy Spirit's role in the lives of believers different in the Old Testament (OT) and the New Testament (NT)? Do we have any advantage over OT saints because of a change in the Spirit's ministry?

1. The Common View: He had a different ministry.

A. Some Christians think that the length of the Holy Spirit's ministry changed: He came temporarily "upon" believers before Pentecost and dwelt permanently "in" believers after Pentecost.² Proponents of this view base their understanding on two factors.

1. NT passages suggest he had not yet come.³

The Spirit was not given to believers before Pentecost.⁴

John 7:37 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.⁵

The Spirit was not dwelling in believers before Pentecost.

John 14:17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.⁶

2. OT passages suggest his ministry was limited.

The Spirit was with Saul temporarily, until he sinned.⁷

1 Sam 10:6 The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.... 10 When they arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he joined in their prophesying.

Cf. 1 Sam 16:14 Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him.

The Spirit was with Balaam provisionally, for a specific task.⁸

Num 24:2 When Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him 3 and he uttered his oracle: "The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of one whose eye sees clearly, 4 the oracle of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened:

B. Other Christians think that the breadth of the Holy Spirit's ministry changed: He worked nationally with Israel before Pentecost and internationally with all after Pentecost.⁹ Proponents of this view base their understanding on two factors.

1. OT passages describe his work among Jews, with no mention of gentiles.

The Spirit was with Israel since the exodus.¹⁰

Hag 2:5 'This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.'

2. NT passages describe his work among gentiles, as well as Jews.

The Spirit has been with "all people" since Pentecost.

Acts 2:16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams."¹¹

Cf. Acts 10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.¹²

II. A Better View: He had the same ministry.

A. The Holy Spirit provides believers before and after Pentecost with power for salvation."¹³

1. He performs the work essential to salvation.

Regeneration¹⁴

John 3:5 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God Unless he is born of water and the Spirit.¹⁵

John 6:63a The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.

Tit 3:5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

2. OT saints enjoyed the benefits of salvation.

Forgiveness

Exod 34:7a maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.

Ps 32:1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. • Ps 103:12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from its.

Justification¹⁶

Rom 4:3 What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."

Jms 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. Cf. Rom 5:10 For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

Glorification

Heb 11:39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40 God had planned something better for its so that only together with its would they be made perfect.

B. The Holy Spirit provides believers before and after Pentecost with power for sanctification (i.e., holy living).

1. He performs the work essential to sanctification.

Empowerment

Rom 8:13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die but if by the Spirit You put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Gal 5:16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

2. OT saints exhibited a life of sanctification.

Obedience

Gen 5:22b Enoch walked with God 300 years¹⁷

Gen 6:9 This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.¹⁸

Gen 39:9 No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has Withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?"

Job 1:1 In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. ¹⁹

Those who think the Spirit's ministry is different after Pentecost sometimes appeal to prophetic texts that speak of a new, obedient heart.²⁰

Ezek 36:26 I will give you a new heart and pitt a new spirit in you; I will remove from You your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spit-it in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

They assume the Spirit's advent at Pentecost brings with it this supernatural support that strengthens the believers' volition to obey, an advantage OT believers supposedly lacked.²¹ There is no indication, though, that believers had greater power to obey after Pentecost than before. One commentator put it this way (Fredricks 1988:87),

To assume that NT believers live on a higher plane of spirituality is to overlook the sins of division, immorality, and drunkenness in the church at Corinth, the legalism at Galatia, the idleness at Thessalonica as well as the numerous sins present in the Spirit-indwelled church today. At the same time we would be forced to say that we now experience a closer relationship and walk with God than those who wrote the Psalms [or than] other godly men and women of the OT. This does not seem true either in our experience or in the records of the Old and New Testaments.

C. The Holy Spirit provides believers before and after Pentecost with power for service.

1. He performs the work essential to service.²²

Gifts (1 Cor 12:7, 11; cf. Rom 12:6)

1 Cor 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.... 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

Cf. Rom 12:6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.

2. OT saints exercised the gifts of service.

Prophecy²³

Ezek 11:5 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon me, and he told me to say: "This is what the LORD says: That is what you are saying, O house of Israel, but I know what is going through your mind. 6 You have killed many people in this city and filled its streets with the dead. 7 "Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: The bodies you have thrown there are the meat and this city is the pot, but I will drive you out of it.

Administration²⁴

Num 11:16 The LORD said to Moses: "Bring me seventy of Israel's elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you. 17 I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone.... 24 So Moses went out and told the people what the LORD had said. He brought together seventy of their elders and had them stand around the Tent. 25 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took of the Spirit that was on him and put the Spirit on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied, but they did not do so again.

Leadership²⁵

Judg 3:10 The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, so that he became Israel's judge and went to war. The LORD gave Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him.

Judg 6:34 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him.

Judg 11:29 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah. He crossed Gilead and Manasseh, passed through Mizpah of Gilead, and from there he advanced against the Ammonites.

The Holy Spirit's ministry in the salvation, sanctification, and service of believers is the same for all, regardless of when they lived, OT or NT.

The Spirit of God of the Old Testament performs all the functions which are ascribed to the Holy Ghost of the New Testament, and bears all the same characteristics ²⁶

Nevertheless, just as God publicly manifested His presence during the exodus to mark a new development in His program, so the Spirit publicly manifested his presence during Pentecost for a similar reason,²⁷ which Jesus explains to the disciples in his upper room discourse and just before his ascension.²⁸

John 15:26 When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.

Acts 1:8 [Y]ou will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses....

What was different about the Holy Spirit's ministry during Pentecost? . . .At Pentecost the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples (as he had empowered others before them) but for the specific task of proclaiming that Jesus is the messiah. This is the reason Peter gives in his sermon that day.

Acts 2:32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.... 36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus... both Lord and Christ."

Paul calls it "the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets" (Eph 3:4b-5).²⁹

The Holy Spirit's ministry in the lives of believers remains the same in both OT and NT—providing power for salvation, sanctification, and service. The significance of Pentecost is that the Spirit empowered the disciples to proclaim what had previously been hidden about the messiah.

Therein lies the chief advantage of living in a later period: It is not that we have available more of the Spirit's ministry than those before us did, but that we have access to more of his message and, thus, have a fuller understanding of what God is doing in history.

Bibliography

Fredricks, Gary, 1988, "Rethinking the Role of the Holy Spirit in the Lives of Old Testament Believers" Trinity Journal 9:81-104.
Hamilton, Victor P., 1990, The Book of Genesis: Chapters 1-17. NICOT Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
Manuel, Paul, 2011, "A Study of Law and Grace: Finding the Proper Balance." http://paulwmanuel.blogspot.com/
Urbach. Ephraim E., 1979, The Sages: Their Concepts and Beliefs. 2 vols. Jerusalem: Magnes Press.
Warfield, Benjamin,, 1952, "The Spirit of God in the Old Testament." Biblical and Theological Studies, pp. 127-156. Philadelphia: The Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company.

Endnotes

(1) For a synopsis of these views, see Hamilton 2003.

(2) This is the position primarily of those who see a discontinuity between Israel and the Church (e.g., dispensational tradition).

Gen 41:38 So Pharaoh asked them, "Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?"

Num 27:18 ...Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand on him.

Ezek 2:2 As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.

Ezek 3:24a Then the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet.

1 Pet 1:10 . . . the prophets... searched intently... 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.

(3) John 7:39 and 14:17 are crux passages for this view and its variants (see their repeated mention in Hamilton 2003, especially n. 23):

the NT denies that the reception of the Spirit was experienced by those who lived prior to Jesus. (Ibid., p.41)

John 7:39 does not permit us to infer that OT believers were indwelt.... (Ibid., p. 53)

Despite the apparent confidence in such an assertion, these verses are not as compelling as proponents claim (see nn.5 and 6 below).

(4) Other passages include:

John 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

John 16:7b Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

Luke 24:49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

(5) This interpretation depends on a textual variant. The word "given" is not in the best Greek manuscripts, which leaves open the nature of the Holy Spirit's ministry after Pentecost. John may simply mean that the Spirit had not been "manifest" in a way that people would witness at Pentecost. This interpretation also contradicts the disciples' receiving of the Holy Spirit after the resurrection, before Pentecost.

John 20:21 Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."

As the context suggests, this experience is probably an empowerment (besides the one at Pentecost) in which Jesus invests the disciples with the authority he himself exercised (e.g., forgiveness).

Matt 9:6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. . . ." Then he said to the paralytic, "Get up, take your mat and go home."

The English translator may see support for his interpretive rendering of John's gloss in other statements by Jesus from the Upper Room discourse.

John 14:26a But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name....

John 15:26a When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father....

John 16:13a But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.

These clauses do not, however, necessitate a new relationship to the believer.

(6)This interpretation also depends on a textual variant. Many manuscripts have the present tense "is" rather than "will be" (see NIV note). Even apart from the verbal variant, however, the difference between the prepositions "with" and "in" is not so great as to support a radical difference in the Spirit's ministry.

John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever

Cf. Matt 10:19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Ezekiel describes the Holy Spirit as both upon and in believers.

Ezek 36:27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

Ezek 37:14 I will put my Spirit in you...

Ezek 39:29 I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the house of Israel, declares the Sovereign LORD.

Cf. Isa 44:3b I will pour out my Spirit on [''3)] your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.

Although the Greek preposition can refer to location...

John 14:2a In my Father's house are many rooms;

it also refers to relationship...

John 14:10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.... 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.... 30 I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me,

...as it probably does in this verse.

(7) Samson had a similar experience.

Judg 14:6 The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat.... 19a-b Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power. He went down to Ashkelon, struck down thirty of their men, stripped them of their belongings and gave their clothes to those who had explained the riddle.

Judg 15: 14b-c The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power. The ropes on his arms became like charred flax, and the bindings dropped from his hands.

Judg 16:20b-c He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had left him.

David feared the possibility of such a loss because of his sin.

Ps 5 1: 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.

(8) Caiaphas had a similar experience.

John 11:49 . . .Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up... 50 "You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish." 51 He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, 52 and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one.

(9) This is the position primarily of those who see continuity between Israel and the Church (e.g., Reformed tradition). They hold that the Holy Spirit dwelt "in" believers before and after Pentecost, though perhaps not to the same extent. The view is similar to that of this study, although without the final caveat.

This is an understandable position if the grace of God's calling is irresistible, but it makes for some circular reasoning: Because God's grace is irresistible, the Holy Spirit must be initiating the change in ministry to which gentiles are responding. On the other hand, the Spirit may be the one responding to the influx of gentile believers; that is, more gentile believers entails more ministry among gentiles.

The reformed position argues from silence. The OT says little about the Spirit's work among gentiles because there are few gentile believers. Nevertheless, those non-Israelites who appear do experience his ministry (e.g., Enoch, Noah, Job; see texts under II.B.2.).

(10) Other passages include:

Neh 9:20a You gave your good Spirit to instruct them.

Isa 63:11 Then his people recalled the days of old, the days of Moses and his people—where is he who brought them through the sea, with the shepherd of his flock? Where is he who set his Holy Spirit among them,

(11) Contrary to what proponents of this view assert, and as the context of Joel 2:28 makes clear, the phrase "all people" refers to laymen (versus prophets) not to gentiles (versus Jews).

(12) The Jews present were probably still recovering from the shock of the Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost (especially if they knew of the second tradition in n. 27), so this further activity was yet another surprise.

(13) That the OT only mentions the Spirit's work in "a person who is either a national leader, a prophet, or otherwise extraordinary" does not mean that his ministry was "selective as to persons" (Hamilton 2003:45). Biblical narrative often focuses on prominent people.

(14) According to Peter, OT saints had "the Spirit of Christ in them," an abiding presence Paul identifies as the Holy Spirit and as necessary for regeneration.

1 Pet 1:10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.

Rom 8:9 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

Cf. Acts 16:6 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.

Phil 1:19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.

Those who see the Spirit's ministry as discontinuous consider the prophets' treatment of regeneration as a future event that is part of the New Covenant (Hamilton 2003:46). While Israel's national realization of that contract still awaits fulfillment, regeneration is not a provision of the covenant but a prerequisite to it (see Manuel 2011:20, 22,47).

(15) Note especially Jesus' surprise that Nicodemus did not understand this.

John 3:10 "You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things?

(16) Other passages include:

Gal 3:6 Consider Abraham: "He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."

(17) Other passages include:

Gen 5:24 Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. Heb 11:5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.

(18) Other passages include:

Gen 6:8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.... 22 Noah did everything just as God commanded him.

Gen 7:5 And Noah did all that the LORD commanded him.

Ezek 14;14 even if these three men—Noah, Daniel and Job—were in it, they could save only themselves by their righteousness, declares the Sovereign LORD.... 20 as surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, even if Noah, Daniel and Job were in it, they could save neither son nor daughter. They would save only themselves by their righteousness.

Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

2 Pet 2:5 if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others;

(19) 0ther passages include:

Job 1:8 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."

Job 1:22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Job 2:3 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason."

Job 2:10c In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

Ezek 14;14 even if these three men—Noah, Daniel and Job—were in it, they could save only themselves by their righteousness, declares the Sovereign LORD.... 20 as surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, even if Noah, Daniel and Job were in it, they could save neither son nor daughter. They would save only themselves by their righteousness.

(20) 0ther passages include:

Jer 24:7 I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.

Jer 31:31 "The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.... 33 "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

Jer 32:39 I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me for their own good and the good of their children after them.

Ezek 11:19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. 20 Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.

Ezek 37:14a I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land.... 24 "My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd. They will follow my laws and be careful to keep my decrees.... 26 I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put my sanctuary among them forever.

Ezek 39:28 Then they will know that I am the LORD their God, for though I sent them into exile among the nations, I will gather them to their own land, not leaving any behind. 29 I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the house of Israel, declares the Sovereign LORD."

The OT speaks about the Holy Spirit's future ministry primarily to Israel, indicating that "this outpouring would be something unprecedented in Israel's history and would usher in the final Messianic eschatological age" (Fredricks 1988:102). As some of these passages also state, the Spirit's future ministry concerns covenant renewal,

Jer 31:31 "The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.

Ezek 37:26a I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant.

...that is, empowering Israel to obey the terms of the covenant. It is not that obedience was impossible before Pentecost...

Deut 30:11 Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.

Cf. Lev 1 1:44a-b I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.

...but that in the Messianic Age, God—by a special act of His grace—will enable the entire nation to experience what only individuals experienced previously.

Deut 30:11 Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.

Lev 11 :44a-b I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.

"The New Covenant promises speak not so much to the degree to which individuals are able to obey God, but more to the extent to which the nation as a whole will obey God" (Fredricks 1988:103).

(21) Ezekiel's admonition indicates that a new heart and spirit were available in the OT.

Ezek 18:31 Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel?

(22) Fredricks' position is that the Holy Spirit provides some believers before and all believers after Pentecost with power for service. This marks the difference for him in the Spirit's ministry:

"Now, rather than just a select few equipped to serve [see references under I.B .2.], every believer is equipped to serve. This service falls into two major areas": evangelism and gifts (1988:88).

Fredricks argues this point essentially from silence. Although the OT specifies certain people whom the Holy Spirit empowered, it nowhere states that the Spirit's power for service was available only to a few. In the matter of gifts, for example, the Spirit bestowed them selectively (i.e., certain gifts to certain people) in both OT and NT. Fredricks' critique of those who question the Spirit's empowering OT believers for holy living applies here as well (1988:87):

Now one of the objections to this is that this is nowhere stated in the OT. This should not, however, be a great problem for those who believe in progressive revelation. There are other ministries which took place in OT times which were not revealed until the NT was written, e.g., the work of Christ in creation (John 1:3; Coil: 16).

So it seems possible, based upon the teaching of the NT that righteous living is only possible through the enabling of the Spirit, that OT saints were empowered for holy living by the same Spirit of God even though they may not have been aware of His specific ministry.

As with holy living, it is possible that the Holy Spirit empowered (all) OT saints for service, "though they may not have been aware of His specific ministry." If so, then we must continue to search for the difference in the Spirit's ministry after Pentecost.

(23) OT writers mention this gift in association with the Spirit more than any other.

Num 24:2 When Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him 3 and he uttered his oracle: "The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of one whose eye sees clearly, 4 the oracle of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened:

1 Sam 10:6 The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you [Saul] in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.... 10 When they arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he joined in their prophesying.

1 Sam 16:13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah.

2 Sam 23:2 "The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me [David]; his word was on my tongue.

1 Chr 12:18 Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said: "We are yours, 0 David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God will help you." So David received them and made them leaders of his raiding bands.

2 Chr 15:1 The Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded.

2 Chr 20:14 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. 15 He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you....

2 Chr 24:20 Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, "This is what God says: 'Why do you disobey the LORD's commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the LORD, he has forsaken you.'"

Neh 9:30b By your Spirit you admonished them through your prophets.

Mic 3:8 But as for me [Micah], Lam filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.

Zech 7:12 They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD Almighty had sent by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. So the LORD Almighty was very angry.

Acts 1:16 . . . the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas...

While not OT saints, John's parents both experience the prophetic empowering of the Spirit.

Luke 1:41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!" ...67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

This gift appears on all of Paul's lists.

Rom 12:6b If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.

1 Cor 12:28a And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets... Eph 4:11 a It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets...

Pagan rulers also perceived the gifts of the Spirit.

Gen 41:38 So Pharaoh asked them, "Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?"

Dan 4:8 .. .Daniel came into my presence and I told him the dream... .the spirit of the holy gods is in him.)

Dan 5:1la-b There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods.... 14 I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom.

NB: Music seems to be an extension of prophecy.

1 Chr 25:1 David... set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals.... 3b Jeduthun... prophesied, using the harp in thanking and praising the LORD.

Cf. Exod 15:20 Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing. 21 Miriam sang to them: "Sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea."

2 Sam. 23:1 These are the last words of David: "The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, Israel's singer of songs: 2 "The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.

Other gifts are evident, although without explicit attribution to the Spirit.

Teaching

Exod 35:34 And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others.

Wisdom

Exod 28:3 Tell all the skilled men to whom I have given [the spirit of] wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest.

Deut 34:9a Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him.

1 Kgs 4:29 God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.

Miracles

Exod 7: 1 O Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake.

1 Kgs 17:16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah.

2 Kgs 6:6b Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float.

Healing

1 Kgs 13:6b So the man of God interceded with the LORD, and the kings hand was restored and became as it was before.

1 Kgs 17:22 The LORD heard Elijah's cry, and the boy's life returned to him, and he lived.

2 Kgs 5:14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.

Knowledge

2 Kgs 6:12 Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.

Dan 2:28c Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you lay on your bed are these:

The messiah will possess several of these gifts

Isa 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD -

Some identify ecstatic prophetic speech as giossolalia, which it may be.

Tongues

Acts 2:16 . . . this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel [2:28-29]: 17 "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy.... 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.

1 Cor 14:21 In the Law it is written [Isa 28:11]: "Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me," says the Lord. 22a Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.

Num 11:25 Then the LORD.. .took of the Spirit that was on him and put the Spirit on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied, but they did not do so again. 26 However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but did not go out to the Tent. Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp.

NB: Here, the Spirit is not providing power for service but proof of service. As such, it is a temporary and, in v. 25, non-repeatable event.

I Sam 19:20 [Saul] sent men to capture him. But when they saw a group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came upon Saul's men and they also prophesied. 21 Saul was told about it, and he sent more men, and they prophesied too. Saul sent men a third time, and they also prophesied.... 23 So Saul went.... But the Spirit of God came even upon him, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth. 24 He stripped off his robes and also prophesied in Samuel's presence. He lay that way all that day and night. This is why people say, "Is Saul also among the prophets?"

As in the NT, glossolalia may also have been part of pagan ritual.

1 Kgs 18:28 So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed.

Cf. 1 Cor 12:2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3 Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.

In support of the contention that Paul's lists are not exhaustive, OT writers note additional spiritual gifts.

Craftsmanship or artistry

Exod 31:2 "See, I have chosen Bezalel... 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts— 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.

Exod 35:34 And he has given both him and Oholiab ... the ability to teach others. 35 He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them master craftsmen and designers.

Cf. 1 Chr 28:12 He gave him the plans of all that the Spirit had put in his mind for the courts of the temple of the LORD and all the surrounding rooms, for the treasuries of the temple of God and for the treasuries for the dedicated things.

(24) This gift appears on one of Paul's lists.

1 Cor 12:28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also.. .those with gifts of administration....

(25) This gift appears on one of Paul's lists.

Rom 12:8c . . .if it is leadership, let him govern diligently...

Judg 13:25a and the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him....

(26) Warfield makes this comment in his treatment of the dominant OT and NT terms—Spirit of God and Holy Spirit, respectively—as being appellations of the same person (1952:151).

(27) Shavuot is a harvest festival, yet the Talmud records a tradition (probably extant at this time) that Pentecost also marks the anniversary of when God gave the revelation at Sinai.

Shab 86b [2d c. C.E.] Our Rabbis taught: On the sixth day of the [third] month [= Nfwyisl were the Ten Commandments given to Israel.

Cf. Pes 68b [3d c. C.E.] It is the day on which the Torah was given.

Exod 19:1 In the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on the very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai.

Another tradition holds that the Holy Spirit's work of inspiration ceased with the last of the prophets (Urbach 1979 1:565, 577). If Peter's audience in Acts 2 knew one or both of these traditions, it would have made the Spirit's activity all the more compelling to them and might account for their positive response.

Acts 2: 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do'?" ...41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Cf. Exod 19:8a The people all responded together, "We will do everything the LORD has said."

On this anniversary of God's revealing Himself to Israel (in the written word), God reveals His son to Israel (in the living word).

(28) 1n our attempt to make the Bible relevant, we sometimes over generalize what we read by assuming that what an author says to some believers applies to all believers (e.g., the so-called Great Commission). Do not make that mistake here. These verses do not concern all believers but address a select group—the disciples—and do not pertain exclusively to a single event (Pentecost) but concern the rest of their ministry. Some of what we read may also be true for us, but we must base that belief on other passages, ones that have broader scope than these. In any case, despite a new focus (on the messiah), Jesus is not suggesting a fundamental change in the Holy Spirit's ministry to believers. Each aspect continues a role the Spirit has had all along.

Teaching

John 14:26 [T]he Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things....

Neh 9:20a You gave your good Spirit to instruct them.

Reminding

John 14:26 [F]he Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name.. .will remind you of everything I have said to you.

2 Chr 15:1 The Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded. 2 He went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. 3 For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach and without the law. 4 But in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought him, and he was found by them. 5 In those days it was not safe to travel about, for all the inhabitants of the lands were in great turmoil. 6 One nation was being crushed by another and one city by another, because God was troubling them with every kind of distress. 7 But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."

Guiding

John 16:13a [W]hen he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.

Ps 143:10b may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

2 Chr 20:5 Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the LORD in the front of the new courtyard 6a and said: ... 12c We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." ... 14 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. 15 He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. 16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'"

Disclosing

John 16:13b He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.

1 Chr 28:11 Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the portico of the temple, its buildings, its storerooms, its upper parts, its inner rooms and the place of atonement. 12 He gave him the plans of all that the Spirit had put in his mind for the courts of the temple of the LORD and all the surrounding rooms, for the treasuries of the temple of God and for the treasuries for the dedicated things.

Ezek 11:5a Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon me, and he told me to say:

Ezek 11:24a The Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the exiles in Babylonia in the vision given by the Spirit of God.

Empowering

Acts 1:8a [Y]ou will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you...

Luke 24:49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

1 Sam 10:6 The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.... 10 When they arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he joined in their prophesying.

Judg 14:6 The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat. But he told neither his father nor his mother what he had done.... 19 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power. He went down to Ashkelon, struck down thirty of their men, stripped them of their belongings and gave their clothes to those who had explained the riddle. Burning with anger, he went up to his father's house.

Judg 15:14 As he approached Lehi, the Philistines came toward him shouting. The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power. The ropes on his arms became like charred flax, and the bindings dropped from his hands.

1 Sam 11:6 When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he burned with anger.

1 Sam 16:13a-b So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power.

Ezek 3:14 The Spirit then lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD upon me.

Peter's behavior is, itself, evidence of the Spirit's empowering, for a man who once shunned public scrutiny now invited it.

Filling

Acts 2:4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Exod 31:1 Then the LORD said to Moses, 2 "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts— 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.

Exod 35:31 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts— 32 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 33 to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship.

Mic 3:8 But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.

The Holy Spirit's work at Pentecost is not a permanent filling but a temporary empowering, for he repeats the procedure later.

Acts 4:31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

The disciples' experience thus accords with the Spirit's repeated ministry to Samson and Saul. It indicates that the Spirit's work is a renewable resource and illustrates the most likely meaning of Luke 11:13, where one asks God for the Holy Spirit as he asks for other renewables (e.g., food).

Luke 11:13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!

Cf. Luke 11:3 Give us each day our daily bread.

Even the function listed below is not unique to Pentecost.

Testifying

John 15:26 When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.

Isa 48:16c And now the Sovereign LORD has sent me, with his Spirit. 17 This is what the LORD says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.

1 Chr 12:18 Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said: "We are yours, 0 David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God will help you." So David received them and made them leaders of his raiding bands.

2 Chr 24:20 Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, "This is what God says: 'Why do you disobey the LORD's commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the LORD, he has forsaken you.'"

Isa 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,

(29) Other passages include:

Rom 16:25 Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past,

1 Cor 2:7 No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.

Eph 1:9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ,

Eph 3:9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

Eph 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,

Col 1:26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Col 2:2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,