Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 1000 God » 1500 God, the Trinity » 1510 Trinity, the » 1511 Trinity, relationships between the persons The actual term “the Trinity” is not found in Scripture, but the truths implied in a trinitarian understanding of God are clearly set out. The OT hints at a plurality of persons in the Godhead. The NT affirms that the Son and the Holy Spirit are divine. There is only one God Deuteronomy 6:4 See also Isaiah 43:10-11; Isaiah 44:8; 1 Timothy 1:17; Timothy 2:5; James 2:19 OT indications of plurality in the Godhead God refers to himself in the plural Genesis 1:26 See also Genesis 3:22; Genesis 11:7; Isaiah 6:8 The angel of the LORD Genesis 16:11-13 The “angel of the LORD” is identified with, yet distinct from, God. See also Genesis 18:1-33; Exodus 3:2-6; Judges 13:3-22 The word of God The “word of the LORD” or “wisdom of God” is personified and identified with, yet distinct from, God: The Spirit of God The Spirit of God is God's personal agent: Genesis 1:2; Nehemiah 9:20; Job 33:4; Isaiah 40:13 fn The Messiah The Messiah's divine nature is emphasised: Psalm 110:1; Isaiah 9:6; Jeremiah 23:5-6 Interchangeable expressions Word, Spirit (or breath) and LORD are used interchangeably for God: Psalm 33:6; Isaiah 48:16; Isaiah 61:1 NT trinitarian references Matthew 28:19 The unity of the three persons is reflected in the singular name. See also 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:4-6; Revelation 1:4-5 The unity of the three persons The Son is fully united with the Father John 10:30 See also Mark 9:37 pp Luke 9:48; Luke 10:16; John 10:38; John 12:44-45; John 13:20; John 14:7,9-11; John 15:23 The Spirit is identified with God 2 Samuel 23:2-3 See also Psalm 51:11; Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 3:16 The three persons are distinct from one another Jesus Christ addresses the Father directly Matthew 11:25-26 pp Luke 10:21; Matthew 26:39 pp Mark 14:36 pp Luke 22:42; Matthew 26:42; Matthew 27:46 pp Mark 15:34; Luke 23:46; John 11:41-42; John 17:1 The Father speaks to the Son from heaven Matthew 3:17 pp Mark 1:11 pp Luke 3:22; Matthew 17:5 pp Mark 9:7 pp Luke 9:35; John 12:27-28 The Spirit speaks to the Father on behalf of believers Other examples of the difference between the persons Matthew 12:32; Matthew 24:36; John 7:39; John 16:7; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 John 2:1 The relationship between the Father and the Son Jesus Christ is God's unique Son John 1:14 The Greek word for “One and Only”, traditionally rendered “only begotten”, is actually used to signify “the only one of its kind”; “unique”. See also John 1:18; John 3:16,18; Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5; Psalm 2:7; 1 John 4:9 The relationship of Father and Son is unique Matthew 11:27 pp Luke 10:22 See also John 6:46; John 7:28-29; John 8:55; John 10:15; John 17:25 The Father loves the Son John 3:35 See also John 5:20; John 10:17; John 15:9; John 17:24 The Father shares his divine life with the Son Colossians 2:9 See also John 5:26; John 6:57; Colossians 1:19 The Father delegates his authority to the Son John 5:27 See also Matthew 28:18; John 3:35; John 5:21-22; John 16:15; Revelation 2:26-27 Father and Son indwell each other John 14:10-11 See also John 10:38; John 14:20; John 17:21-23 The relationship between the Holy Spirit and the other two persons The Spirit is “the Spirit of God” and “the Spirit of Christ” “the Spirit of God”: Psalm 106:33; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Philippians 3:3; 1 John 4:2 “the Spirit of Christ”: Acts 16:7; Galatians 4:6; Philippians 1:19; 1 Peter 1:11 The Spirit's unique relationship with God Matthew 10:20 See also 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 The Spirit's unique relationship with the Son John 1:33 See also Isaiah 61:1; John 14:16-17,26; Acts 10:38 See also
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