Holy Spirit, gift of

In the OT the gift of the Holy Spirit was restricted to individuals for particular tasks, but at Pentecost and on subsequent occasions, the Holy Spirit is given to all believers.

The gift of the Holy Spirit in the OT

The Spirit is given to individuals for specific tasks

1 Samuel 10:6 to Saul, for kingship; Exodus 31:2–5 to Bezalel, for craftsmanship

The gift of the Spirit can be withdrawn

1 Samuel 16:14; Psalm 51:11 See also Judges 16:20; 1 Kings 22:24

Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him.

Cast me not away from Your presence; take not Your Holy Spirit from me.

The gift of the Holy Spirit is foretold

He is promised by John the Baptist

Matthew 3:11 parallels Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, John 1:33

He is promised by Jesus Christ

Luke 24:49; John 7:37–39, John 14:16, John 14:26, John 15:26, John 16:7; Acts 1:4–5, Acts 1:8, Acts 11:16

The gift of the Holy Spirit before Pentecost

Individuals filled with the Spirit

Luke 1:15 See also Luke 1:41, Luke 1:67, Luke 2:25–27

for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb.

Jesus Christ receives the gift of the Spirit

Matthew 3:16 parallels Mark 1:10, Luke 3:22, John 1:32

As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him.

Jesus Christ bids his disciples receive the Holy Spirit

See also John 20:22

The gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and after

At Pentecost

Acts 2:2–4 See also Acts 2:33

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.

The Spirit was given on later occasions

Acts 10:44 See also Acts 8:15–17, Acts 9:17, Acts 19:6; Galatians 3:5; Hebrews 2:4

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message.

The gift of the Spirit is for all believers

Acts 2:38–39 See also Acts 2:17, Acts 5:32, Acts 10:45, Acts 11:17, Acts 15:8; Romans 8:9; Galatians 3:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:8; Hebrews 2:4

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off — to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.”

God's willingness to give the Spirit

Luke 11:13 See also John 3:34

So if you who 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!”

God's purposes require the gift of the Holy Spirit

To give assurance of acceptance by God

Acts 15:8 See also Acts 10:47, Acts 11:17; 1 John 3:24, 1 John 4:13

And God, who knows the heart, showed His approval by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us.

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.”

To cultivate the fruit of the Spirit

Romans 14:17 See also Romans 5:5, Romans 15:13; Galatians 5:16

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

To sanctify the believer

2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2