In Search For The Gift Of The Holy Spirit

In Search For The Gift Of The Holy SpiritNot only is Acts 2: 38 a controversial text because of the mention of baptism "for the remission of sin" but also because of the second independent clause. The audience asks, "What shall we do?" Peter answers in two clauses. The second is, "You shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." What does that mean? West has taken a fresh look at the many passages dealing with the Holy Spirit. He revisits Acts 5: 32 where much misunderstanding has arisen.

Not only is Acts 2:38 a controversial text because of the mention of baptism "for the remission of sin" but also because of the second independent clause. The audience asks, "What shall we do?" Peter answers in two clauses. The second is, "You shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." What does that mean? West has taken a fresh look at the many passages dealing with the Holy Spirit. He revisits Acts 5:32 where much misunderstanding has arisen. West deals with the English and Greek grammar in the passages in the context of the entire Bible. The major views of the gift of the Holy Spirit are dealt with: (1) the gift is salvation; (2) the gift is supernatural signs; (3) the expression is metaphorical; (4) the gift is the Spirit Himself. Major problems that influence beliefs are (a) learned scholars use their theology instead of their scholarship, (b) the grammar is treated as a complex sentence instead of a compound one, and (c) passages such as Acts 5:29-32 are misused to prove what the gift is.