Beech Tree News Network

It is a privilege of mine to be able to answer Bible questions folks ask. The question about the gift of the Holy Spirit is one I have been asked several times because the Holy Spirit and His work fascinates man. I hope this article will help others who have wondered about the Holy Spirit (I Pet. 3:15).

    The “gift of the Holy Spirit” is mentioned in Acts 2. On the day of Pentecost, Peter and “the eleven” (v. 14) preached the gospel to the Jews that had gathered that day (v. 5). The record states: “Now when they heard this (the gospel, JJ), they were cut to the heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, men and brethren, what shall we do? And Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all who are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:37-39).

    One thing that ought to be understood in this study is that there is a difference between the “gift” of the Holy Spirit, and the “gifts” of the Holy Spirit. The “gifts” of the Holy Spirit are specified in I Corinthians 12:4, 8-10. These were gifts bestowed upon certain Christians during the time when God’s written word was not in its completed form. I Corinthians 12 enumerates these gifts, and chapter thirteen tells us the duration of such gifts (v. 8-10). The “gift of the Holy Spirit” discussed in Acts 2 is different, for this is something that people receive after they have repented and have been baptized as Peter said in Acts 2:38.

    What is “the gift of the Holy Spirit”? It encompasses all the spiritual blessings which belong to those who are in Christ (Eph. 1:3; Acts 2:47; Rom. 8:16-17; II Cor. 5:17; Titus 1:2). Acts 3:19 is a parallel passage to Acts 2:38 wherein Peter tells the people, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” The “times of refreshing” of Acts 3:19 corresponds with “the gift of the Holy Spirit” in Acts 2:38.

    Sometimes, people say “the gift of the Holy Spirit” is the Holy Spirit. I disagree. The gift of the Holy Spirit is the Holy Spirit’s gift! If one repents and is baptized for the remission of sins, he/she receives the Holy Spirit’s gift (“times of refreshing from the Lord,” salvation from sins, spiritual blessings in Christ, hope of Heaven, fellowship, etc.)

    Are you saved? Have you received the Holy Spirit’s gift (Acts 2:38)? If not, why not?

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167