Holy Spirit 5 The Promise, Coming, and Ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the Epistles BtP 8.2.2026

Raw Numbers

a slide for table

Different Approaches to Supervision

Paul

Other than Romans, he addresses Churches he founded or people he worked with.

The epistles are named according to recipient.

Larger corpus allows for different levels of analysis.

Catholic Epistles

Peter and James write to Churches they may have never met. John’s letters are written to his area of ministry.

The epistles are named according to author.

Much smaller analytical scope.

Holy Spirit in the Catholic Epistles

Not a significant emphasis

Particularly in Hebrews it would appear to be used as a euphemism for Scripture

Hebrews 3:7 ESV

7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice,

Hebrews 9:8 ESV

8 By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing

Hebrews 10:15 ESV

15 And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying,

2 Peter 1:21 ESV

21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Empowers proclamation

1 Peter 1:12 ESV

12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

Sanctifying presence

In giftedness

Hebrews 2:4 ESV

4 while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

Indwelling presence

Hebrews 6:4 ESV

4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit,

In prayer

Jude 20 ESV

20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,