Perspectives on Pentecost: New Testament Teaching on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

by Richard B. Gaffin Jr.

Book Overview

A careful examination of the New Testament teaching on the gifts of the Spirit. Makes a case for the cessation of tongues at the close of the apostolic era.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0875522696
• ISBN13: 9780875522692
• Release Date: July 1979
• Publisher: P & R Publishing
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.4" x 8.7"

Customer Reviews

Not Distributed To Every Age

The NT church is supposed to provoke Israel to jealousy, says the Scripture. Do we? Does the way we use the gifts contribute to or detract from this biblical injunction? All such are God's gifts to us. 'Every gift is a manifestation of grace, and any manifestation of grace can be termed a gift.' p 47 Is it that with such simplicity, yet biblical excellence, Professor Gaffin disseminates the charismatic and pentecostal flaw-filled teachings which evokes such negative response? Gaffin prepares a substantial portion of his book to interpreting what is to follow in the NT church, with regards to the gifts, through the interpretive grid of Pentecost. Pentecost was not primarily about the 'experiences' of the people there present. John the Baptist prophesied of Pentecost, saying that the Lamb of God would 'baptize with the Spirit and with fire' - one referring to His earthly reign through His atoning death, bringing the Spirit as blessing; the other referring to His eschatological rule, bringing judgment, which will follow with the second advent. Yes, partial fulfillment occurred at Pentecost, for there tongues of flame fell on those present, but: 'Its undeniable fulfillment at Pentecost is nonetheless component with the fiery baptism of final judgment set by the New Testament to be executed by Christ at His return.' p 17 Gaffin indicts charismatics and pentecostals: 'Even less is it the model for post-conversion, second-blessing experience of the Spirit to be sought by all believers in every generation. Therefore it (Pentecost) is no more capable of being repeated or serving as a model for Christian experience than are the death, resurrection and ascension of Christ, with which it is so integrally conjoined as part of a single complex of events.' p 23 Following Jesus' death and resurrection, Jesus promises that same life-giving Spirit as a gift will be given to continue to mediate Christ's presence to His church. The inauguration of the Spirit's saving presence in the life of the church in Acts, and then subsequently in the life of individuals as they turn to Christ, is a once-for-all thing. 'Emerging in our discussion then, is one of the most basic, controlling principles of both the christology and pneumatology of the New Testament, namely, the absolute coalescence, the total congruence in the church between the work of the exalted Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.' p 19 To progress from monotheism to the Trinity, accompanied by the development of the canon, would require unique and godly superintendence specific to that transition. Paul's unique experience, i.e. 'being caught up into the third heaven' (2 Cor 12: 2-4) falls into this framework, resulting in the lengthy defense of his apostleship. Professor Gaffin provides the correct contextual application: 'they are an integral, yet subordinate feature of the visions and surpassingly great revelations which lie at the base of his apostolic gospel preached to the whole church (Gal 1:11-1

One of the best books on the subject

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the charismatic/cessationism debate, or anyone simply interested in the function of the gifts today. In places, the book reads almost like a commentary because of its exegetical depth and objectivity. His purpose in writing is to show what the New Testament REALLY teaches about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. His subtitle says everything - he really does do an excellent job in this regard. His reasoning is also very good. He went far beyond the "prooftexting" and hackneyed arguments that is all too common on both sides of the debate. I strongly recommend this book.

A careful and accurate study well worth reading.

Finally, a carefully written study in concise and readable form which addresses the heart of the question with respect to the cessation of the special "sign" gifts of the New Testament. Professor Gaffin has represented those with whom he disagrees clearly and fairly, and has provided the Church community with a helpful and balanced resource. Regardless of the reader's position, one cannot help but come away from this short study without a deep appreciation for the sufficiency and unity of Scripture. As a study in the basics of the doctrine of revelation, it is a definite "must-read" for every earnest believer.