THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE MINISTRY OF JESUS AND THE EARLY CHURCH

Introduction: The ministry of Jesus marks a key turning point (“bridge”) for understanding the work of the Holy Spirit; the Day of Pentecost as the key event:

1. Jesus demonstrated the fullness of the Holy Spirit; the Anointed One (Messiah):

a. His birth was a miracle of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 1:18, 20; Luke 1:35); see also the Spirit’s filling of Elizabeth (Luke 1:41), Zechariah (Luke 1:67), and Simeon (Luke 2:25-27):

b. His ministry was established by the descent of the Spirit (Matthew 3:16-17):

c. His ministry was characterized by the power of the Spirit (Luke 4:1, 14, 18-19):

d. His Kingdom is identified by the presence of the Spirit (Matthew 12:28):

e. He changed the concept of "temple" as the dwelling place of God (John 2:19-22; I Corinthians 3:16-17):

2. Jesus promised the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit within His disciples:

a. His purpose was to give the Spirit to all believers (Luke 3:16; 11:13; John 3:5-8; 7:37-39; 14:17; 15:26):

b. He promised the Twelve that the Spirit would soon be within them; the special apostolic ministry (John 14:25-26;16:12-15; 20:21-23; Acts 1:4-5, 8):

3. The importance of Pentecost as the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise (Acts 2:1-4):

a. It fulfilled Old Testament prophecy (Acts 2:16-18, 21):

b. It fulfilled the promise of Jesus (Acts 2:36-39):

c. It established the new covenant people of God (the church) as the dwelling place of the Spirit of God (Acts 4:8; 4:31; 9:31; 13:2, 4; 20:28):