Holy Spirit In A Jewish Context - Part A

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Introduction: Every study of the H.S. I have ever seen always starts with the New Testament. It is as if the first time we ever read of the Spirit is in the New. But of course, that is not true. We see the Spirit of God mentioned in the second verse of the Bible, and after that we see numerous prophecies that speak of a work He would do at the coming of the Kingdom and the Messiah. By understanding these O.T. prophecies we will have an entirely new insight into the “Holy Spirit” passages of the New Testament.

I. The Jews and Acts 2:14-21

A. First, look at the key points in this text. Even if you do not completely understand what is being said by the prophecy, for the moment pay attention to the key elements of the prophecy and how Peter introduces it.

1. “This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel.” What is the “this?” Peter is simply saying that Joel prophesied of the pouring out of the Spirit in the last days, and what is happening at that moment is the beginning of the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. Note that what has happened to the apostles on this day is just the beginning, it is not the complete fulfillment of the prophecy.

2. “All flesh” implies that the pouring out of the Spirit is not limited to a few nor is it limited to the Jewish nation. People of all nations will receive this pouring out. Lk. 24:47 Jesus had said that repentance and remission of sins would be preached to all nations beginning in Jerusalem. This was a fulfillment of Isa. 2:2-4 where the gospel invitation would be given to all nations.

3. “Sons and daughter will prophesy…” This implies a new revelation that will be given. “Prophecy” in its strictest sense refers to being a mouthpiece for God’s revelation. Thus, the revelation of God’s word in this new era to which Joel refers, will be done through common people, even women and servants.

4. Verses 19-20 refer to judgment. Joel’s prophecy spoke specifically about judgment on the Israel nation. Joel and Peter (since he quotes it) indicates that during the same period that the Spirit is poured out there will be judgment. The immediate context would show the judgment on Israel. But the same principle would apply to all those who do not receive the blessings that come from the pouring out of the Spirit.

5. “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” This further amplifies the judgment that was just mentioned. To escape judgment, one needed to call on the name of the Lord. In the rest of Peter’s sermon he explains how one could do this and escape judgment.

6. Now the question is, How did these Jews understand what Peter just said? It is obvious that they must have understood why he mentioned Joel’s prophecy and the pouring out of the Spirit else Peter wouldn’t have said it and 3000 wouldn’t have been convicted of it and been baptized. Just think, the only knowledge these Jews would have had of the Spirit at this point would have been what they read in the O.T. Therefore, if we read the same passages they read, we will understand the same things they understood. Let’s look at some of those prophecies:

B. The Seventy Elders (Numbers 11:16-17,24-26). What is important to note here is that the Lord gave the Spirit to these elders, but they prophesied only one time and after that never again. Why? Because the miracles were only needed once to convince the people that God had designated these men as judges and carried the authority of God. The miracles verified their God-appointed position. This same thing happened with various Judges and with king Saul for the purpose of designating them as God’s leaders.

C. Isa. 32:14-18 This text helps us understand how Israel would have understood the “pouring out of the Spirit.” Because of sin, the nation was desolate, the kingdom in shambles. But when the Spirit would be poured out, the result would be abundant blessings from God. Notice that nothing in the text mentions miracles. The pouring out of the Spirit indicated a new prosperity for the nation; a restoration of the nation that had been torn down.

D. Isa. 44:3-5 We see the same picture of prosperity and restoration when the Spirit is poured out.

E. Eze. 37:13-14 At this time the nation was in captivity and as far as the people were concerned, it would never again arise. But the picture of restoration is given as the bones come together and His Spirit is placed within them, giving them life. You can see in the context that the Spirit “in them” is a picture of breathing life into the nation.

F. Eze. 39:28-29 The pouring out of the Spirit and God no longer hiding His face from them is one and the same. Israel’s blessings have been restored and the Lord is now renewing His relationship with them.

G. Amos 9:11-15 Though this passage does not mention the pouring out of the Spirit, the same ingredients are involved. There is judgment on Israel, but then God “rebuilds the tabernacle of David” - in other words, the building of the new kingdom, the restored kingdom of David through Jesus. Remember, James quotes this passage in Acts 15:13-18 to show that it had been fulfilled.

H. Joel 2:28-3:1 This is the first prophecy of the Spirit that actually mentions miracles accompanying the pouring out of the Spirit. But notice especially 3:1 where the fortunes of Israel are restored. So the pouring out of the Spirit again is a phrase indicating the restoration of the nation and renewed blessings from the Lord. This is very important. When the Spirit would be poured out, God would be restoring the nation of Israel, but this restoration would take place on an individual basis. God was going to bring judgment with the pouring out of the Spirit and the only way to escape that judgment would be by calling on the name of the Lord.

I. Therefore, let’s summarize what would happen when the Spirit is poured out:

1. The kingdom restored
2. Abundant blessings poured out
3. God renews His covenant with His people
4. A new revelation is given through the Messiah
5. A Judgment would also take place on the nation
6. Salvation is offered to those in the nation who called on the name of the Lord.

Holy Spirit In A Jewish Context - Part B