The event of the Holy Spirit being given to the apostles is a pivotal moment in Christian theology, marking the birth of the Church and the empowerment of the apostles for their mission. This event is primarily recorded in the New Testament book of Acts, specifically in Acts 2, and is commonly referred to as Pentecost.

Biblical Account

The giving of the Holy Spirit to the apostles occurred on the day of Pentecost, a Jewish feast celebrated fifty days after Passover. Acts 2:1-4 describes the scene: "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."

This miraculous event fulfilled the promise Jesus made to His disciples before His ascension. In Acts 1:8 , Jesus assured them, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Theological Significance

The giving of the Holy Spirit to the apostles is significant for several reasons:

1. Empowerment for Ministry: The Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to preach the Gospel with boldness and perform miracles, confirming their message. This empowerment is evident in Peter's sermon on Pentecost, where he boldly proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus, resulting in the conversion of about three thousand people (Acts 2:14-41).

2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The event fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, such as Joel 2:28-29, which Peter quotes in Acts 2:17-18 : "‘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. Even on My servants, both men and women, I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.’"

3. Inauguration of the New Covenant: The coming of the Holy Spirit marked the inauguration of the New Covenant, as foretold by the prophets. The Spirit's indwelling presence signified a new era in which God's law would be written on the hearts of believers (Jeremiah 31:33).

4. Unity and Diversity: The apostles speaking in various tongues symbolized the universal nature of the Gospel. The message of Christ was not limited to a single ethnic group but was intended for all nations, as evidenced by the diverse crowd present in Jerusalem who heard the apostles speaking in their own languages (Acts 2:5-12).

Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit's role in the lives of the apostles and the early Church was multifaceted:

· Guide and Teacher: Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide the apostles into all truth (John 16:13). The Spirit provided wisdom and understanding, enabling them to teach and interpret the Scriptures accurately.

· Comforter and Advocate: The Holy Spirit served as a Comforter and Advocate, providing strength and encouragement in the face of persecution and trials (John 14:16-17).

· Source of Spiritual Gifts: The Holy Spirit bestowed various spiritual gifts upon the apostles and believers, equipping them for service and edification of the Church (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

Impact on the Early Church

The giving of the Holy Spirit had a profound impact on the early Church. It transformed a group of fearful and uncertain disciples into bold witnesses for Christ. The apostles' Spirit-empowered preaching and miracles led to rapid growth in the number of believers and the establishment of Christian communities throughout the Roman Empire.

The Holy Spirit's presence and power continue to be central to the life and mission of the Church, guiding believers in their walk with Christ and empowering them to fulfill the Great Commission.John 20:22
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, Receive you the Holy Ghost:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 2:1-4
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 9:17
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared to you in the way as you came, has sent me, that you might receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Holy Spirit and the World.
... These same apostles who were now so overwhelmed with sorrow ... The Holy Spirit fills
all these offices. This Spirit, given only to a few inspired men, under the ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the holy spirit and the.htm

The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
... declare definitely that the Holy Spirit was not yet given, but the predictions of
the prophets and of Jesus and the whole attitude of the apostles show that ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxiv the outpouring of the.htm

The Internal Witness of the Holy Spirit
... the occupation of the Church, as of "the Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists ... due to God
and Christ in the Holy Spirit: and most ... us to them, and must be given to them ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/9 the internal witness of.htm

The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Ratification of the ...
... to the Divinely inspired writings of these apostles we must ... information communicated
by the Holy Spirit Himself, for "All Scripture is given by inspiration ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/iii the redeemers return is.htm

The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
... and commanding the life and practice of the apostles and the ... of the Holy Spirit is
meant that the Holy Spirit is God ... 1. DIVINE NAMES ARE GIVEN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the holy.htm

The Promise Given to Peter not Restricted to Him, but Applicable ...
... not prevail, but that they shall prevail against the other Apostles and the ... but in
the Gospel of John the Saviour having given the Holy Spirit unto the ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/11 the promise given to.htm

The Lord Seen by the Apostles.
... and after him, to all the priesthood, is given the power ... 1. The Savior gave to his
apostles his Commission ... He gave them a measure of the Holy Spirit, and bade ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the lord seen by the.htm

Apostolic Inspiration.
... in Christ like other Christians; but they were holy apostles not on ... holy calling
and the working of the Holy Spirit that was promised and given unto them. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxi apostolic inspiration.htm

The Apostles Referred to the Redeemer's Return in the Language of ...
... who believe that "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God." We hope to show
further on in this chapter why the Holy Spirit moved the apostles to write of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/2 the apostles referred to.htm

xxxiii.
... organ was a consolation of the Comforter, given to the ... to be scattered, to which
the Holy Spirit gave the ... by the King of the Church, the apostles were animated ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxiii.htm

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