SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRIT (gift of. . .)
We must not push the items or the order of the events of salvation because they are often different in Acts. Acts was not meant to teach a standard formula or theological sequence (cf. How To Read the Bible for All Its Worth, pp. 94-112), but record what happened.
Should an interpreter use this text to assert a sequence of salvation acts: repent, be baptized, forgiveness, and then the gift of the Spirit? My theology demands the Spirit as active from the first (cf. John 6:44,65) and crucial all through the process of conviction (cf. John 16:8-12), repentance (cf. Acts 5:31; 11:18; 2 Tim. 2:25), and faith (Mark 1:15; Acts 3:16,19; 20:21). The Spirit is primary and necessary (cf. Rom. 8:9) from start to finish. He certainly cannot be last in a series!
One of the books that has helped shed my denominational indoctrination and let the Bible speak with power is F. F. Bruce, Answers to Questions. In it he makes several good comments about Acts 2:38. One that grabbed me is:
"This reception of the Spirit might be experienced before baptism (Acts 10:44), after baptism (Acts 2:38), or after baptism plus the laying on of apostolic hands (Acts 8:16; 19:54)" (p. 167).
This is a crucial context on the need for the Spirit's presence. It also characterizes what the Spirit does in the life of the believers. Here are my exegetical notes on Eph. 5:18-21.
▣ "but be filled with the Spirit" This is a PRESENT PASSIVE IMPERATIVE meaning "you must continue to be filled with the Spirit" or "ever be filled with the Spirit." This is a command, not an option! It is the normal state for all believers, not the exception. This phrase implies that believers are to be available, sensitive, and obedient to the Spirit's forming of Christ in their daily lives (cf. Rom. 8:28-29; Gal. 4:19; Eph. 1:4; 2:10; 4:13; Col. 1:28; 1 Thess. 3:15; 4:3,7; 5:23; 1 Pet. 1:15). Believers cannot fill themselves, but must allow the Spirit to have freedom and influence. Human performance is not the key to effective living but the Spirit (cf. Gal. 3:1-3). However, believers must volitionally open themselves to the Spirit's leadership and control on a recurrent basis.
The term "filled" is used often in the NT for that which motivates and characterizes one's life. Believers have a choice in what fills their lives. In Acts being "filled" with the Spirit is associated with evangelism. Peter was "filled" several times in Acts 2:4; 4:8,31. Filling was an ongoing need and experience. There are several things that people in the NT are said to be "filled" with.
- the Spirit
- Elizabeth ‒ Luke 1:41
- Zacharias ‒ Luke 1:67
- the Apostles ‒ Acts 2:4; 4:31
- Peter ‒ Acts 4:8
- Paul ‒ Acts 9:17; 13:9
- wisdom ‒ Luke 2:40
- rage ‒ Luke 4:28; 6:11
- fear ‒ Luke 5:26
- sorrow ‒ John 16:6
- Satan ‒ Acts 2:2; 5:3
- wonder and awe ‒ Acts 3:10
- jealousy ‒ Acts 5:17; 13:45
- joy ‒ Acts 13:52; Rom. 15:13; 2 Tim. 1:4
- confusion ‒ Acts 19:29
- unrighteousness ‒ Rom. 1:29
- knowledgge ‒ Rom. 15:14; Col. 1:9
- comfort ‒ 2 Cor. 7:4
The structural parallel (Colossians & Ephesians are based on almost the same outline) in Col. 3:16 changed the "ever be filled with the Spirit" to "let the word of Christ richly dwell within you." They both refer to daily intentional submission to the Spirit's producing Christlikeness, particularly as it relates to dealing with people. Jesus died for people. People are priority; people are eternal.
5:19 "speaking. . .singing. . .making melody" These are the first three of four PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLES which describe the Spirit-filled life. The first three have to do with singing or quoting Psalms. The Spirit has put a song in the hearts of believers for God (cf. Col. 3:16). Praises to God break forth!
This verse is helpful in dealing with the different musical preferences in the church. Notice the variety of musical categories named. Music in worship is a matter of personal taste, not one correct music form versus an improper form. It is the attitude of the heart, not the ear. The theology expressed is a concern, but the form(s) of the music are always secondary. Dare we disrupt the church of God over personal preferences! Worship is a matter of the heart, not the beat! Please read Rom. 14:1-15:13 again and again.
5:20 "always giving thanks" This is the fourth PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE. Thanksgiving is another evidence of the Spirit-filled life (cf. Eph. 5:4; Phil. 4:6; 1 Thess. 5:18). It is the biblical worldview by which believers can give thanks in "all things" (cf. Rom. 8:29-30), not for all things. The Spirit-filled believers know that God is for them (i.e., Rom. 8:31-39) and that circumstances cannot be the source of joy and peace. The character of God and His promises and actions are what give believers peace and joy (cf. Rom. 5:3-5). A book that has been so helpful to my life in this area is Hannah Whithall Smith's The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life!
SPECIAL TOPIC: PAUL'S PRAISE, PRAYER, AND THANKSGIVING
5:21 NASB, NRSV "be subject" NKJV "submitting" TEV, Peshitta "submit yourselves" NJB "give away" This is a PRESENT MIDDLE or PASSIVE PARTICIPLE (see Eph. 5:22). The five PARTICIPLES in vv. 19-21 define what it means to be Spirit-filled. The parallel passage in Col. 3:16 shows that it refers to daily Christlikeness.
In our day "submission" is a negative, sexist term. Originally it was a military term which related to obedience based on the chain of command. But in the NT it is often used of Jesus' attitude toward His earthly parents (Luke 2:51) and His heavenly Father (1 Cor. 15:28). Paul was fond of this term and used it 23 times. Verse 21 is a universal spiritual principle of mutual submission between believers connected to the Spirit-filled life. Submission goes against our cultural, western, individual focused mind-set. Selfishness, independence, and dominance are so culturally ingrained, but biblically inappropriate (cf. Rom. 12:10; Gal. 5:13; Phil. 2:3; 1 John 4:11)!
This verse emphasizes reciprocal submission on the part of all believers. This was not directed toward one group. It needs to be reaffirmed that this context (Eph. 5:22-31) deals with the domestic relationship between Christian husbands and Christian wives, not men and women in general. Women are not spiritually inferior in any sense (cf. Gen. 1:26-27; Acts 2:16-21; Gal. 3:28).
As the five PARTICIPLES of vv. 19-21 define the Spirit filled life, now in 5:22-6:9, Paul illustrates in a practical sense, how this works out in one area of life (i.e., the Christian home). Notice Paul addresses both those in cultural power and authority.
- husbands
- parents
- slave owners
as well as those with no power
- wives
- children
- slaves
SPECIAL TOPIC: SUBMISSION (HUPOTASSŌ)
SPECIAL TOPIC: WOMEN IN THE BIBLE
▣ "to one another " Mutual submission is a universal principle which relates to all believers, but which can only be accomplished through yieldedness to the Spirit (i.e., death to the self-life). It is an evidence of the reversal of the Fall.
▣ NASB, NKJV "in the fear of Christ" NRSV "out of reverence for Christ" TEV "because of our reverence for Christ" NJB "in obedience to Christ" Peshitta "in the love of Christ" "Fear" is an OT concept of reverential awe (see SPECIAL TOPIC: FEAR). The holiness and uniqueness of YHWH ( SPECIAL TOPIC: CAN HUMANS SEE GOD AND LIVE?), or even the presence of the spiritual realm (angels), causes a strong reaction in fallen humanity!
Believers' interpersonal relationships are affected by their faith commitment to Christ. Respect for Him gives respect to all humans for whom He gave His life (cf. Rom. 14:1; 15:13). Believers show their love for Christ by how they love others (cf. 1 John 3:16; 4:20).
SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRIT IN THE BIBLE
SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRIT IN THE NT
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE PERSONHOOD OF THE SPIRIT
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE SPIRIT AND JESUS
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