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Understanding Pentecost: A Conversation with Dr. Richard Gaffin and Dr. Tommy Keene
Nancy Guthrie: Welcome to our conversation on the book of Acts, specifically focusing on Pentecost and its significance for the early church and for us today. I’m joined by Dr. Richard Gaffin, emeritus professor of biblical and systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and Dr. Tommy Keene, associate professor of New Testament and academic dean at Reformed Theological Seminary.
We’re going to dive into the meaning of Pentecost and how it connects to Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Dr. Gaffin, let’s start with why Jesus connected what was about to happen at Pentecost with John the Baptist’s baptism for repentance. How is what happened at Pentecost related to John’s baptism of Jesus?
Dr. Richard Gaffin: Jesus’ statement in Acts 1:5, where he says they will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now, is a fulfillment of John’s prophecy. John baptized with water, but Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. This connection highlights the significance of Pentecost as a once-for-all event that accomplishes redemption.
Nancy Guthrie: That’s fascinating. Dr. Keene, can you add to this discussion?
Dr. Tommy Keene: Yes, I think it’s essential to understand Jesus as the man of the Spirit, as Luke presents him. The fire tongues at Pentecost signify the judgment sinners deserve, but also the purification and new life that comes through Christ.
Nancy Guthrie: Let’s explore this further. Dr. Gaffin, how do you understand the relationship between Christ and the Spirit, particularly in the life of the church?
Dr. Richard Gaffin: In 1 Corinthians 15:45, Paul says the last Adam became “life-giving spirit.” This statement highlights the change that took place in Jesus’ humanity through his resurrection and ascension. As the glorified Christ, he is now able to pour out the Spirit on believers. This understanding helps us see that Pentecost is part of a single unified complex of events, including Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, ascension, and anticipated return.
Nancy Guthrie: That’s a game-changer. Dr. Keene, how do you respond to those who might say this blurs the distinction between the risen Christ and the Spirit?
Dr. Tommy Keene: We need to maintain the integrity of the Trinity and Christ’s fully divine personhood. However, as the God-man, Jesus’ human nature is not incidental. His participation in our Adamic nature is essential to the plan of salvation.
Nancy Guthrie: Dr. Gaffin, how do you see Pentecost fitting into this larger complex of events?
Dr. Richard Gaffin: Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 focuses on Christ, not the Spirit. This emphasizes that Pentecost is part of a single unified complex of events, including Christ’s death, resurrection, ascension, and and which2022). We can’t have one without the others.
Nancy Guthrie: That raises important questions about the book of Acts. Dr. Gaffin, how do you connect what happened in Acts 2 with the subsequent events in Acts 8, 10, and 19?
Dr. Richard Gaffin: Throughout the book of Acts, Luke documents the apostolic task being fulfilled, first among the Jews, then the Samarit
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