InstaStudy

Paul the Jewish Apostle to Spirit-Filled Believers

A Bible study exploring how Paul, a devout Jewish apostle, wrote to early Christian churches whose members had already received the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues.

1. Paul's Jewish Heritage and Encounter with the One True God

1.1 A Pharisee Called by the Glorified Christ

Verses: Acts 22:3; Philippians 3:5; Galatians 1:11-12
  • Paul maintained his Jewish identity while receiving the direct revelation of Jesus Christ as the Almighty God.
  • His conversion on the Damascus road revealed that Jesus is the Yahweh of the Old Testament manifested in glory.

1.2 Proclaiming the Shema and the Name of Jesus

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 2:9
  • Paul preached the foundational truth that God is absolutely One.
  • He taught that the full identity and authority of the One God resides in the name of Jesus Christ.

1.3 The Transition from Old Covenant Law to New Covenant Spirit

Verses: Romans 3:21-22; Galatians 3:24-25; 2 Corinthians 3:6
  • The Law of Moses served as a schoolmaster leading to the manifestation of God in the flesh.
  • True righteousness is fulfilled through faith in Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Ghost.

2. Epistles Addressed to Believers Indwelt by the Holy Spirit

2.1 Letters Written to Those Who Had Received the Promised Gift

Verses: Ephesians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Romans 8:9
  • Paul wrote his epistles to congregations whose members were already sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.
  • The baptism of the Holy Ghost was recognized as the universal entry into the body of Christ.

2.2 The Oneness of the Birth of Water and Spirit

Verses: Acts 19:1-6; Romans 6:3-4; Titus 3:5
  • When Paul encountered disciples in Ephesus, he ensured they were re-baptized in the name of Jesus and filled with the Spirit.
  • Water baptism in Jesus' name and Spirit baptism form the complete new birth experience preached by the apostles.

2.3 The Ongoing Evidence and Exercise of Tongues

Verses: 1 Corinthians 14:18; 1 Corinthians 14:39; Acts 2:4
  • Paul spoke in tongues frequently and encouraged believers to maintain this spiritual discipline.
  • Speaking with other tongues was established as the initial spiritual manifestation when receiving the Holy Ghost.

3. Apostolic Instructions for Walking in Spirit Fullness

3.1 Yielding to the Indwelling Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:16; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:18
  • Believers who have received the Holy Ghost are instructed to continually walk in and be filled with the Spirit.
  • The indwelling Spirit produces divine character and power to overcome the carnality of the flesh.

3.2 Operating in Spiritual Gifts for Church Edification

Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 1 Corinthians 14:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21
  • Spiritual gifts are distributed by the one Spirit for the collective building up of the church body.
  • Apostolic order ensures that spiritual manifestations remain edifying and centered on Christ.

3.3 Guarding the One Faith and Name

Verses: Ephesians 4:4-6; Colossians 3:17; Galatians 1:8-9
  • Paul stressed that there is only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism for all believers.
  • Everything done in word or deed must be executed in the powerful name of the Lord Jesus Christ.