by Archbishop G. Elisha Chennaiah
The soul delves into the mysteries of God. The Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the enigmas of God (1 Corinthians 2:10).
What role does the Holy Spirit play according to Paul?
We owe a great debt to Jehovah for the workings of the Holy Spirit. The scriptures inform us that the Holy Spirit serves as an advocate, a gift, a witness, and intercedes on our behalf (John 14:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 8:16, 26, 27). Paul, the apostle, highlighted another crucial function of the Holy Spirit: ‘The Spirit investigates all things, even the secrets of God’ (1 Corinthians 2:10). Jehovah employs His Holy Spirit to disclose profound spiritual truths. Without this assistance, would we comprehend anything about His plans? (1 Corinthians 2:9-12). However, questions may arise such as: How does the Holy Spirit explore God’s mysteries? Through whom did Jehovah disclose these mysteries in the first century?
Through whom and how is the Holy Spirit examining God’s mysteries in our era?
Jesus explained that the Holy Spirit operates in two ways. Before His death, He told His apostles: The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will instruct you in all things and remind you of everything I have said to you (John 14:26). This implies that the Holy Spirit educates us and reminds us of what we have learned. It instructs by aiding Christians in comprehending previously unfathomable matters. It reminds us by assisting us in recalling and applying correctly explained things.
Jesus imparted many new truths to His disciples. However, they still had much to learn. Therefore, Jesus told His apostles: I have many things to tell you, but you cannot bear them now. But when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth (John 16:12, 13). In these words, Jesus indicated that the Holy Spirit gradually unveils spiritual mysteries.
On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit of truth was poured out on the 120 gathered in Jerusalem. That day, the people witnessed the workings of the Holy Spirit with their own eyes and ears (Acts 1:4, 5, 15; 2:1-4). The disciples described God’s great works in various languages (Acts 2:5-11). It was a day when something new was to be revealed. The prophet Joel had prophesied about this outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28-32). All those gathered there saw the prophecy fulfilled in a way that no one had anticipated. The apostle Peter stepped in to explain what had transpired that day (Read Acts 2:14-18). The Holy Spirit taught by helping Peter understand that the prophecy the disciples had experienced was not fulfilled. It can also be said that the Holy Spirit reminded Peter of many things. For he quoted not only the prophecy of Joel but also two psalms written by David (Psalms 16:8-11; 110:1; Acts 2:25-28, 34, 35). Those gathered in Jerusalem that day truly saw and heard the mysteries of God.
There were many things that were not understood in the first century. For instance, questions arose in their minds about the new covenant that came into effect on the day of Pentecost. Is the New Testament limited to the Jews and the Jewish converts? Is it possible for Gentiles to enter into that covenant and be anointed with the Holy Spirit? (Acts 10:45) Is it necessary for Gentile men to first be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses in order to come under this provision? (Acts 15:1, 5) These are very important questions. The help of Jehovah’s spirit was needed to investigate these mysteries. But, by whom did it work?
Such necessary matters were brought up for discussion by the responsible brothers. In the Governing Body meeting, Peter, Paul, and Barnabas explained how Jehovah was dealing with uncircumcised Gentiles (Acts 15:7-12). After examining the evidence presented by those brothers and the Hebrew Scriptures, the Governing Body made a decision with the help of the Holy Spirit. After that, they communicated the decision to the congregations through letters (Acts 15:25-30; Acts 16:4, 5; Ephesians 3:5, 6).
More clarity was provided by the inspired epistles of John, Peter, James, and Paul. After the writing of the Scriptures, the gifts of prophecy and miraculous revelation of knowledge ceased at one point (1 Corinthians 13:8). Does the Holy Spirit still teach and remind things after that? Does it help to investigate the mysteries of God? The prophecies indicated that it would help…
Your brother in Christ, Servant of God, Pastor Elisha Chennaiah, from Hyderabad, India.
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