Articles
Filled with the Spirit - 1
Various terms in the NT are employed to describe the interaction between the Holy Spirit and men in the Christian age. One of those terms is found in such phrases as “filled with the Spirit” or being “full of the Spirit.”
It seems that “to be filled” is metaphorical and conveys the idea of being influenced by something or someone to a great degree, to abound in a quality. In a negative sense Peter asks Ananias, “Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit … Why have you conceived this thing in your heart?” (Ac 5:3-4). This suggests that greed for things and lust for the praise of men, sinful impulses stirred by Satan, motivated his deception. Peter later rhetorically asks Sapphira, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord?” (5:9). Ananias and Sapphira were in cahoots with the Devil to take advantage of the working of the Spirit in the early church.
Further, the Nazareth townsfolk were “filled with wrath” at the rebuke of Jesus, so much so they tried to toss Him off a cliff (Lk 4:28-29; cf. Lk 6:11). The high priest and the Sadducees were “filled with indignation” (jealousy, ESV, NAS, NIV) as the popularity of the apostles grew (Ac 5:17; cf. Ac 13:45).
On a more positive note as Jesus matured He was “filled with wisdom” (Lk 2:40); the crowds were “filled with wonder and amazement” at the healing of the lame man (Ac 3:10); Paul was “filled with comfort” as he heard of the repentance of the Corinthians (2 Cor 7:4). We may also be filled with joy, knowledge, the fruits of righteousness, etc.
There are four instances in which someone was “full of the Spirit”:
Jesus: “Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness” (Lk 4:1, ESV). This filling apparently refers to the descent of the Spirit upon Him at baptism (Lk 3:22; cf. Jn 1:32). Since Jesus was the only divine Being incarnate, it is highly unlikely that this refers to the Spirit literally and personally being in Jesus; i.e., two spirits inhabiting one body.
Stephen: “And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit” (Ac 6:5; cf. 6:3 – we may assume all seven servants were full of the Spirit since that was a criteria of selection). Up to this point no one other than apostles had worked a miracle. It is not until the apostles lay hands upon these men that we later read that two of them, Stephen and Philip, are able to work miracles (cf. Ac 6:8; 8:6-7, 13).
Note a second reference to Stephen: “But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (Ac 7:55). In the last moments of his life Stephen is given a vision that both declares the exalted position of Christ to unbelievers and gives him comfort that he is not dying in vain.
Barnabas: “For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” (Ac 11:24). Barnabas has already been described as generous (Ac 4:36-37), an encourager and a peacemaker (Ac 9:27). There is no record of Barnabas working miracles, but like Stephen he seemed to have a character molded and shaped by the Spirit of God.
Consider the similar phrase “filled with the Spirit”:
John the Baptist: Gabriel tells Zacharias that the son to be born to him will “be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb” (Lk 1:15). This is similar to the instruction given to Manoah and his wife concerning Samson; both Samson and John were to be Nazirites from birth. While Samson works superhuman feats under the power of the Spirit, there is no record of John working a miracle.
Elizabeth: “And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit” (Lk 1:41). Elizabeth then speaks words that seem prophetic.
Zacharias: “Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying …” (Lk 1:67ff). So three of these “fillings” with the Spirit come in reference to the birth of Jesus’ forerunner, John.
Peter: “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them …” (Ac 4:8-12). In his first arraignment before the Sanhedrin Peter boldly accuses them of murdering Jesus. This seems to fulfill Jesus’ promise that “it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak” (Mt 10:19).
The Apostles: “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness” (Ac 4:31). Upon their release the apostles return to their brethren and report what had transpired. Now having received overt threats from the Sanhedrin, the apostles receive validation from God and courage to continue with their work.
The seven servants: Cf. comments under the entry on Stephen.
Paul: “The Lord Jesus … has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Ac 9:17). After this statement Ananias, according to Paul’s later account, says, “Brother Saul, receive your sight” (Ac 22:13). He then reiterates the statement of Jesus to Paul (cf. Ac 22:14-15 and Ac 26:15-18), followed by his command for Paul to be baptized. Thus this filling with the Holy Spirit does not seem to be miraculous since Ananias has no authority for such (only apostles could pass on spiritual gifts, and it was the direct action of God to baptize the original apostles in the Holy Spirit).
A second reference to Paul: “Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him …” (Ac 13:9ff). Paul then proceeds to strike Elymas blind for opposing the gospel.
Disciples in Antioch: “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (Ac 13:52). This refers to those left behind in Antioch after Paul and Barnabas were expelled from the region.
All Christians: “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph 5:18-19). Paul here contrasts being filled with intoxicating beverage and an influence of the Spirit that results in words of praise and edification.
(In the next issue we will make further observations about these passages.)
