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Short Answer: There is strong evidence from Scripture that they actually received the Spirit at Pentecost, and that what we see in John 20:22 was Jesus giving them a visual illustration and command in preparation for that event. The Controversy For reference, here is the statement in question: He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy ...

In ancient times a seal or signet was an instrument, often metal or stone, with an engraved pattern or design on it. It would be pressed into a softer material, usually wax or clay leaving an imprint like a stamp. A seal affixed to a document (usually on a scroll) would have to be broken in order to unroll the document and read it. This meant it was in one ...

Genesis reference The W. Hall Harris commentary on the issues says this: The use of the verb ejnefuvshsen to describe the action of Jesus here recalls Gen 2:7 in the LXX, where “the LORD God formed man out of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” This time, however, it is Jesus who is ...

This seem like a simple answer but this section is talking about extra ordinary gifts. It is an unusual gift of faith to some believers only, not general faith in Christ. What these gifts were exactly and if they are still given today is a controversy within Christianity. Primarily the split is between charismatics and tradition cessation movements. For ...

From one Christian perspective: The Holy Ghost is capable of doing his job without any knowledge you have of hermeneutics. However he does not often do it if you do not have knowledge of his Word. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy ...

I think Paul is talking about the future resurrection, but with a very real sense of that future resurrection being something inevitable - giving us certainty, purpose, and hope in the present time. A few verses later we read about having been adopted as sons: 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received ...

The Quest for the Author's Meaning One of my favorite sayings in hermeneutics is: Words don't have meaning, people have meaning. The goal in interpreting a text is (i.e. should be) to understand the author's meaning; That is, to grasp the authorial intent. (For thorough support of this, look here and here.) The author's intent is only going to make ...

Jesus' statement about the unforgivable sin comes in the context of an attack from the Pharisees: 22 The experts in the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and, “By the ruler of demons he casts out demons.” They recognize that Jesus is doing the work of casting out demons, a good work, but instead of accepting this ...

As far as I have understood, this is a parallell to the Genesis creation narrative, where God gives Adam life by breathing into his nostrils the breath of life (Gen 2,7). I guess this should be read in the light of the promise in e.g. Ezekiel 11,19 and a response to the prayer in Ps. 51,12. I don't think this verse should be seen separate from the next, ...

There are cases where masculine pronouns are used in reference to the Holy Spirit. For example, John 16:13: John 16:13 Greek text: ὅταν δὲ ἔλθῃ ἐκεῖνος τὸ πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας ὁδηγήσει ὑμᾶς εἰς πάσαν τῆν ἀληθείαν οὐ γὰρ λαλήσει ἀφ᾽ ἑαυτοῦ ἀλλ᾽ ὅσα ἂν ἀκούσῃ λαλήσει καὶ τὰ ἐρχόμενα ἀναγγελεῖ ὑμῖν English translation: But, when he, the Holy Spirit, ...

As I explained here, there are two phases to the interpretation of Scripture: 1) Knowing the text This is where you learn the literal interpretation via a study of the language, cultural references, etc. In this phase, you pretty much just need a working brain, good education in history and languages, diligence in your studies, and no weird spiritual ...

In my experience, academic disciplines hold demonstrability and reproducibility as core values (and, in some disciplines, requirements for advancement and publication). The goal is not just the knowledge but the demonstration of methods to acquire that knowledge, methods that others can use to verify (or refute) your findings. The importance of "learning ...

According to Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness . . . " and 2 Peter 1:20-21 . . . no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as ...

There is a helpful passage provided for us in Luke 12:10 that addresses this same issue. "And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven." The parallel seems to define "blaspheme" as "speaking against." This is supported linguistically: ...

The growth of the Interpreter A hermenuetics text from the late 1800's (in two vols - sorry I can't place the name right now) placed much stress on the skill of the interpreter. This seems strange at first, but our skills as "interpreters" grow - we come to know the text better, like we come to know our spouses better. Someone else calls this "the ...

In verse six of the same chapter it is ‘God’ that ‘operates’ or empowers (Θεος ο ενεργων). and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. (1 Cor 12:4, ESV) In verse 13, it is the ‘Spirit’ that ‘operates’ ενεργει. The Spirit here appears as a creative power. In extension of the Spirit's role, as distinct ...

The word "convict" (elegcho) can also mean "reprove" or "rebuke", as in Rev 3:19, "Those whom I love, I reprove..." It's not too hard to imagine the Spirit rebuking the world concerning righteousness. The "because" is that Jesus himself cannot do so when his body is no longer walking around on the earth.

I'm going to provide an unorthodox perspective for your consideration. Hopefully it is helpful in some way. It was too long for the comments so I'm putting it in an answer. I think to interpret this verse accurately we must first ask "what / who is being held back in verse 7"? Most people assume it's the "mystery of lawlessness" that is being referenced, ...