When Was the Holy Spirit First Identified in the Bible?
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In the Beginning
The Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit is first mentioned in the Holy Bible where? While I was having breakfast one morning (December 7, 2020) with a group of friends that question was asked. Pentecost first came to mind, but that answer was given without much thought. Some discussion then ensued with no resulting definitive answer. Upon returning home I embarked upon some research to answer that question for myself. The first reference determined is:
“2And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” Genesis 1:2, KJV5
Several internet sources provided the following additional information/answers:
The Holy Spirit Descending as a Dove
Who is the Holy Spirit
Who Is the Holy Ghost?
Until a few decades ago, both Catholic and Protestant churches used the title Holy Ghost. The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, first published in 1611, uses the term Holy Ghost, but every modern translation, including the New King James Version, uses Holy Spirit. Some Pentecostal denominations which use the KJV still speak of the Holy Ghost.
Member of the Godhead
As God, the Holy Spirit has existed through all eternity. In the Old Testament, he is also referred to as the Spirit, the Spirit of God, and the Spirit of the Lord. In the New Testament, he is sometimes called the Spirit of Christ.
The Holy Spirit first appears in the second verse of the Bible, in the account of creation:
Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (Genesis 1:2, NIV).
Who Is the Holy Spirit? Third Person of the Trinity (learnreligions.com)
When was the Holy Spirit first given to the disciples?
When was the Holy Spirit first given to the disciples? (rationalchristianity.net)
Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
“…for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Bible Verses about the Holy Spirit
BIBLE VERSES ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT BY KJV BOOK ORDER (kingjamesbibleonline.org)
Proverbs 2:1-5 – My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; (Read More…)
John 14:15-17 – If ye love me, keep my commandments. (Read More…)
John 14:26 – But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 15:15 – Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
John 16:13 – Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Acts 2:33 – Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
Acts 2:38 – Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
1 Corinthians 2:10 – But God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
1 Corinthians 6:19 – What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
Galatians 1:12 – For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (Read More…)
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
