The Spirit as Possessor
It is the presence of God in the Spirit that forms the church as the worshiping assembly. If we think only of the gifts of the Spirit to be used in worship and neglect the presence of the Spirit, we shall lose from view the very reality that makes worship to be worship: the presence of the Lord. The great event described in Acts 2 is the epiphany of the Holy Spirit. James Dunn has pointed out that just as the first chapter of Luke’s Gospel prepares for the coming of the Son in chapter two, so does the first chapter of Acts prepare for the coming of the Spirit in chapter two. Indeed, the ministry of Jesus has an aspect of preparation as well as of fulfillment. The coming of the Spirit is the promise of the Father which the disciples are to await in Jerusalem (Acts 1:4). Jesus promised that he would not leave the disciples orphaned, but would come to them (Jn. 14:18). It is better for them that he should leave them in the body of his incarnation in order that he might come again in the power of his Spirit (Jn. 16:7). At Pentecost, Jesus both comes in the Spirit and baptizes with the Spirit. The presence of the Lord the Giver and the enduing of his Gift are not in conflict. In the wonder of worship that crowns our relation to God, we possess him as we adore him.
Carson, D. (2000, c1987). The Church in the Bible and the World : An international study (electronic ed.) (60). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.
Carson, D. (2000, c1987). The Church in the Bible and the World : An international study (electronic ed.) (60). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.
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