The Function of the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts: Outpouring vs. Lying of Hands
The Function of the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts: Outpouring vs. Lying of Hands In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit functions in various ways. In one situation, we see that the Holy Spirit fell on the Jews and Gentiles and then in another situation the Holy Spirit is being transferred by hands. We never see the Holy Spirit function like it does today: instantly received. In this blog, I propose that the Holy Spirit can ONLY be given by the Apostles and Paul. First by an initial outpouring and then by the laying of hands during the 1 st century (30AD-70AD). In 70AD, the laying of hands was no longer needed because the Spirit was universally accessible to all believers by this point. See Zechariah 12:10, 13:1, 14:8; Ezekiel 47:1-12; Revelation 22:1-5. The Holy Spirit’s function is the fulfillment of Acts 1:8. These are the target populations in this order: Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles. Acts 1:8 English Standard Version 8 But you will receive power when the Holy