Luke’s Precision
Luke, in line with his profession as a doctor, was a very precise writer. One of the very intriguing gems for anyone who loves to study more than just read the Scripture, is the different ways Luke refers to the Holy Spirit.
In the book of Acts there are four:
(1) the Spirit
(2) Holy Spirit
(3) the Holy Spirit
(4) the Spirit, the Holy
Our English versions of the book of Acts tend to blur any distinction, but Luke appears to have chosen the most fitting term each time quite intentionally to bring out a difference.
When he wrote ‘the Spirit’ he was emphasising the personality of the Holy Spirit.
(Acts 2:4b; 6:3; 8:18,29; 10:19,20; 11:28; 16:7; 18:25 …)
When he wrote ‘Holy Spirit’ he was emphasising the power of the Holy Spirit.
(Acts 1:2,5; 2:4; 4:8,31; 6:5; 7:55; 8:15,17,19; 9:17 …)
When he wrote ‘the Holy Spirit’ he was emphasising the authority and grace of the Holy Spirit.
(Acts 1:8; 2:33,38; 9:31; 10:45; 15:28; 16:6)
When he wrote ‘the Spirit, the Holy’ he was emphasising both the personality and grace of the Holy Spirit.
(Acts 1:16; 5:3; 7:51; 10:44; 11:15; 13:2,4; 15:8; 19:6 …)
To listen to this message, download in MP3 here