Holy Spirit, personality of

The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal power but a real person with his own personality.

The Holy Spirit is involved in personal relationships

He is in relationship with the Father and the Son

Matthew 28:19 See also John 16:14–15; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2; Jude 1:20–21

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

He is in relationship with Christians

Acts 15:28

It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements:

The Spirit can be treated in personal ways

Acts 5:3 See also Acts 5:9; Hebrews 10:29

Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land?

Personal characteristics of the Holy Spirit

The Spirit is wise

Isaiah 11:2; Ephesians 1:17 See also John 14:26; Romans 8:27

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him.

The Spirit can experience emotion and pain

Ephesians 4:30 See also Isaiah 63:10; Hebrews 10:29

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Grammatical indications of the Holy Spirit's personhood

John 14:16 See also John 14:26, John 15:26, John 16:7

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever —

Examples of the Holy Spirit's actions

He teaches: Luke 12:12; 1 Corinthians 2:13; Romans 8:16 He testifies; Romans 8:26 He intercedes; Acts 20:23 He warns; 2 Samuel 23:2; Acts 8:29, Acts 10:19, Acts 11:12, Acts 13:2; Revelation 2:7; 1 Corinthians 2:11 He knows; Galatians 4:6 He calls out; John 16:13 He hears

The Holy Spirit's own personality is seen by the gifts he gives and the attitudes he promotes

Galatians 5:22–23 See also Luke 10:21; Acts 9:31; Romans 5:5, Romans 8:6, Romans 14:17, Romans 15:13; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 John 1:6, 1 John 5:6

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.