Topical Encyclopedia The concept of miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, as foretold in the Scriptures, is a significant theme within the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the New Testament church. These gifts are understood as supernatural abilities granted by the Holy Spirit to believers for the edification of the church and the advancement of the Gospel.Old Testament Prophecies The anticipation of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the accompanying gifts is rooted in the Old Testament. The prophet Joel provides a foundational prophecy concerning this outpouring. Joel 2:28-29 (BSB) declares, "And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on My menservants and maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days." This prophecy indicates a future time when the Spirit would be given broadly, transcending social and gender boundaries, and accompanied by prophetic gifts. New Testament Fulfillment The New Testament records the fulfillment of these prophecies, particularly in the events of Pentecost as described in Acts 2. On this day, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, enabling them to speak in various tongues and perform miraculous signs. Peter, addressing the crowd, explicitly connects this event to Joel's prophecy, stating, "This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel" (Acts 2:16, BSB). Jesus' Promises Jesus Christ Himself foretold the coming of the Holy Spirit and the gifts that would accompany His arrival. In John 14:16-17 (BSB), Jesus promises, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth." Furthermore, in Acts 1:8 (BSB), Jesus assures His disciples, "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." This promise of power is understood to include the miraculous gifts that would enable the disciples to fulfill their mission. Apostolic Teaching The apostle Paul provides further insight into the nature and purpose of these gifts in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (BSB), Paul enumerates various gifts, including wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues. He emphasizes that these gifts are distributed by the Spirit "for the common good" (1 Corinthians 12:7, BSB). Purpose and Continuation The miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit served to authenticate the message of the Gospel and the authority of the apostles. Hebrews 2:3-4 (BSB) underscores this purpose: "This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders, and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will." While the New Testament provides clear evidence of the operation of these gifts in the early church, the question of their continuation remains a topic of theological discussion. Some hold that these gifts ceased with the apostolic age, while others believe they continue to be available to the church today. Regardless of this debate, the foretold and fulfilled miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit remain a testament to God's power and presence among His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 35:4-6Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joel 2:28,29 Library The Gift of the Spirit Human Characters Determined Only by Divine Decision. Two Fruitful Years Acts III Effects of Messiah's Appearance The Phenomena at the Baptism, and their Import. The Epistles of Paul. On the Baptism of Christ. Acts II The General Service to Two or Many Monk Martyrs. Resources Is cessationism biblical? What is a cessationist? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the purpose of the biblical sign gifts? | GotQuestions.org What is the spiritual gift of healing? | GotQuestions.org Miraculous: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit of Different Kinds Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Despised Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Neglected Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Purchased Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be Sought After Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Christ Was Endued With Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated by the Laying on of the Apostles' Hands Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Confirmation of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Edification of the Church Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated: Upon the Preaching of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Counterfeited by Antichrist Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Dispensed According to his Sovereign Will Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Enumerated Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Foretold Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Might be Possessed Without Saving Grace Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Poured out on the Day of Pentecost Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Temporary Nature of Related Terms |
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