Pentecost and the Holy Spirit in Early Christianity

Pamphilus, Exposition on the Acts of the Apostles Direct teaching

Concerning the divine descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, which came upon those who believed. In this, we also have the teaching given by Peter, and passages from the prophets about this subject, and about the suffering, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. It also tells of the faith of those who were present, and their salvation by baptism; and further, of the unity of spirit that filled the believers and promoted the common good, and of the increase in their number.

Anonymous, Treatise on Re-Baptism Direct teaching

...lf. For in the Acts of the Apostles, according to that same promise of our Lord, on the very day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit had descended upon the disciples so that they might be baptized in Him, there were seen sitting upon each one tongues as if of fire. This made it clear that they were baptized with the Holy Spirit and with fire. That is, with that Spirit which was, whether fire, or as fire, such as the fire which burned in the bush and did not consume the bush. And such also is that fire which is the Spirit of the Angel, as the Scripture says, "Who makes His angels spirits, and His ministers a burning fire." If you should resemble Him, or be a companion or sharer with Him, you will be able to dread no fire, not even that fire which, going before the Lord on the day of judgment, will burn up the whole world while sparing those who are baptized in the Holy Spirit and in fire.

Anonymous, Treatise on Re-Baptism Supporting witness

6. And this also — looking at it from the opposite side of this discussion — those disciples of our Lord themselves attained, upon whom, being previously baptized, the Holy Spirit at length came down on the day of Pentecost, descending from heaven indeed by the will of God, not of His own accord, but effused for this very office, and moreover upon each one of them.

Cyprian, Treatises Supporting witness

For upon the disciples at the third hour the Holy Spirit descended, who fulfilled the grace of the Lord's promise.

Pamphilus, Exposition on the Acts of the Apostles Supporting witness

C. Of the divine descent of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost which lighted on them who believed.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

Let them rest at Pentecost, because of the coming of the Holy Spirit, which was given to those that believed in Christ.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

But after ten days from the ascension, which from the first Lord's day is the fiftieth day, keep a great festival: for on that day, at the third hour, the Lord Jesus sent on us the gift of the Holy Ghost, and we were filled with His energy, and we spoke with new tongues, as that Spirit did suggest to us;

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book III Supporting witness

2. This Spirit did David ask for the human race, saying, “And stablish me with Thine all-governing Spirit;” who also, as Luke says, descended at the day of Pentecost upon the disciples after the Lord’s ascension, having power to admit all nations to the entrance of life, and to the opening of the new covenant;

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book III Supporting witness

Again, when the Holy Ghost had descended upon the disciples, that they all might prophesy and speak with tongues, and some mocked them, as if drunken with new wine, Peter said that they were not drunken, for it was the third hour of the day;

Pamphilus, Exposition on the Acts of the Apostles Supporting witness

In this we have also the instruction delivered by Peter, and * passages from the prophets on the subject, and * on the passion and resurrection and assumption of Christ, and the gift of the Holy Ghost;

Acts 2:1 Background

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Novatian, Treatise Concerning the Trinity Direct teaching

...gement of the words and in the Lord's Scriptures, urge us after these things to believe also in the Holy Spirit, once promised to the Church and given at the appointed times. For He was promised by the prophet Joel, but given by Christ. “In the last days,” says the prophet, “I will pour out of my Spirit upon my servants and my handmaids.” And the Lord said, “Receive the Holy Spirit: whose sins you remit, they shall be remitted; and whose you retain, they shall be retained.” But this Holy Spirit the Lord Christ at one time calls the Paraclete, and at another declares to be the Spirit of truth. And He is not new in the Gospel, nor was He newly given. For it was He Himself who accused the people in the prophets, and in the apostles gave them the appeal to the Gentiles. For the former deserved to be accused because they had despised the law. And those of the Gentiles who believe deserve to be helped by the defense of the Spirit, because they earnestly desire to attain to the law of the Gospel. Certainly, in the Spirit there are different kinds of offices, because in the times there is a different order of occasions. Yet because of this, He who carries out these offices is not differ

Novatian, Treatise Concerning the Trinity Supporting witness

Moreover, the order of reason, and the authority of the faith in the disposition of the words and in the Scriptures of the Lord, admonish us after these things to believe also on the Holy Spirit, once promised to the Church, and in the appointed occasions of times given.

Novatian, Connection to Joel 2:28 Supporting witness

He was promised by the prophet Joel but bestowed through Christ. “In the last days,” says the prophet, “I will pour out from my spirit upon my servants and handmaids.”

Justin Martyr, Connection to Joel 2:28 Supporting witness

And again, in another prophecy it is said: 'And it shall come to pass after this, I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh, and on My servants, and on My handmaids, and they shall prophesy.'

Tertullian, Against Marcion Supporting witness

Galatians 4:6 For in the last days, says He, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh.

Tertullian, Against Marcion Supporting witness

and in the last days I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh as Joel says.

Novatian, Treatise Concerning the Trinity Supporting witness

In the last days, says the prophet, I will pour out of my Spirit upon my servants and my handmaids.

Joel 2:28 Direct teaching

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.

Acts 2:17 Supporting witness

‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.

Joel 2:29 Supporting witness

Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.

Isaiah 44:3 Supporting witness

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.

Isaiah 32:15 Background

until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is deemed a forest.

Early Liturgies, Divine Liturgy of St. James Direct teaching

...ostles in the form of tongues of fire in the upper room of the holy and glorious Zion on the day of Pentecost: send down this Your all-holy Spirit, O Lord, upon us and upon these offered holy gifts;

Anonymous, Treatise on Re-Baptism Supporting witness

... who believed. Certainly, both in water, and no less in their own blood, and then especially in the Holy Spirit, men may be baptized. For Peter says, “But this is what was spoken by the prophet: ‘It shall come to pass in the last days, says the Lord, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and their sons and their daughters shall prophesy, and their young men shall see visions, and their old men shall dream dreams. And upon my servants and upon my handmaidens I will pour out of my Spirit,’” Acts 2:17-18. We find that this Spirit was communicated in the Old Testament, not indeed everywhere or widely, but along with other gifts; or rather, that He sprang up by His own will in certain men, or clothed them, or was upon them. So we see that the Lord said to Moses about the seventy elders, “And I will take of the Spirit which is upon you, and will put it upon them,” Numbers 11:17. For this reason also, according to His promise, God put upon them from the Spirit that had been upon Moses, and they prophesied in the camp. And Moses, as a spiritual man, rejoiced that this had happened, although Joshua the son of Nun had urged him, against his will, to oppose this thing, and yet he was n

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

...eep a great festival. For on that day, at the third hour, the Lord Jesus sent on us the gift of the Holy Ghost, and we were filled with His energy, and we spoke with new tongues, as that Spirit suggested to us, Acts 2:4. And we preached to both Jews and Gentiles that He is the Christ of God, determined by Him to be the Judge of the living and the dead, Acts 10:42. Moses bore witness to Him and said, "The Lord received fire from the Lord, and rained it down," Genesis 19:24. Jacob saw Him as a man and said, "I have seen God face to face, and my soul is preserved." Abraham received Him as a guest, and acknowledged Him to be the Judge and his Lord. Moses saw Him in the bush. Concerning Him he spoke in Deuteronomy: "The Lord your God will raise up to you a Prophet from your brothers, like me; you shall hear Him in all things, whatever He says to you. And it shall be that every soul that will not hear that Prophet shall be destroyed from among his people," Deuteronomy 18:15. Joshua the son of Nun saw Him as the captain of the Lord's host, in armor, for their help against Jericho. He fell down before Him and worshiped, as a servant does to his master, Joshua 5:14. Samuel knew Him as th

Early Liturgies, Divine Liturgy of St. James Supporting witness

that descended on Your apostles in the form of tongues of fire in the upper room of the holy and glorious Zion on the day of Pentecost: this Your all-holy Spirit, send down, O Lord, upon us, and upon these offered holy gifts;

Hippolytus, Discourse on the Holy Theophany Supporting witness

This is the Spirit that was given to the apostles in the form of fiery tongues.

Hippolytus, Connection to Acts 2:3 Supporting witness

This is the Spirit that was given to the apostles in the form of fiery tongues.

Acts 2:4 Direct teaching

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 2:18 Supporting witness

even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.

Acts 2:3 Supporting witness

Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.

Acts 2:2 Background

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

Victorinus, Commentary on the Apocalypse Direct teaching

...t of the words and in the Scriptures of the Lord, urge us after these things to believe also in the Holy Spirit, once promised to the Church and given at the appointed times. For He was promised by the prophet Joel, but given by Christ. “In the last days,” says the prophet, “I will pour out of my Spirit upon my servants and my handmaids.” And the Lord said, “Receive the Holy Spirit: whose sins you remit, they shall be remitted; and whose you retain, they shall be retained.” But this Holy Spirit the Lord Christ at one time calls the Paraclete, and at another declares to be the Spirit of truth. And He is not new in the Gospel, nor was He even then newly given. For it was He Himself who accused the people in the prophets, and in the apostles gave them the appeal to the Gentiles. For the former deserved to be accused, because they had despised the law. And those of the Gentiles who believe deserve to be aided by the defense of the Spirit, because they eagerly desire to attain to the Gospel law. Certainly, in the Spirit there are different kinds of offices, because in the times there is a different order of occasions. Yet because of this, He who carries out these offices is not diffe

Origen, De Principiis (On First Principles) Supporting witness

I observe, however, that the chief advent of the Holy Spirit is declared to men, after the ascension of Christ to heaven, rather than before His coming into the world.

Victorinus, Connection to Acts 2:33 Supporting witness

As Peter exclaimed to the Jews: "Being at the right hand of God exalted, He hath shed forth this Spirit received from the Father, which ye both see and hear."

Acts 2:33 Direct teaching

Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.

John 7:39 Supporting witness

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.

Acts 1:5 Background

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Cyprian, Epistles Direct teaching

..., the Lord proves and declares in His Gospel that sins can be taken away only by those who have the Holy Spirit. For after His resurrection, when He sent out His disciples, He spoke to them and said, "As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, they will be forgiven; if you retain anyone's sins, they will be retained." John 20:21-23 In this place He shows that only the one who has the Holy Spirit can baptize and give forgiveness of sins. Moreover, John, who was to baptize Christ our Lord Himself, received the Holy Spirit beforehand while he was still in his mother's womb, so that it might be certain and clear that no one can baptize except those who have the Holy Spirit. Therefore those who support heretics or schismatics must answer us whether they have the Holy Spirit or not. If they have Him, why are hands laid on those who were baptized among them when they come to us, so that they may receive the Holy Spirit, since He must surely have been received there, where, if He was there, He could also be given? But if heretics and schismatics who baptize outsi

Cyprian, Epistles Supporting witness

...d among them not also given the laying on of hands, in the name of that same Christ, to receive the Holy Spirit? Why does the same greatness of the same name not have power in the laying on of hands, if, as they claim, it had power in the sanctifying of baptism? For if someone born outside the Church can become God's temple, why can the Holy Spirit not also be poured out on that temple? For the one who has been sanctified, with his sins taken away in baptism, and has been spiritually remade into a new man, has become fit to receive the Holy Spirit, since the apostle says, "As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Galatians 3:27. He who, after being baptized among the heretics, is able to put on Christ, can much more receive the Holy Spirit whom Christ sent. Otherwise, the One who is sent would be greater than the One who sends, so that a person baptized outside may indeed begin to put on Christ, but not be able to receive the Holy Spirit, as if Christ could be put on without the Spirit, or the Spirit could be separated from Christ. Moreover, it is foolish to say that although the second birth is spiritual, by which we are born in Christ through the w

Cyprian, Epistles Supporting witness

...he one Church. For it is too small a thing merely to lay hands on them so that they may receive the Holy Ghost, unless they also receive the baptism of the Church. For only then can they be fully sanctified and become sons of God, if they are born by both sacraments, since it is written, "Unless a man is born again of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." We also find in the Acts of the Apostles that this was upheld by the apostles and kept in the truth of the saving faith. For when, in the house of Cornelius the centurion, the Holy Ghost had descended on the Gentiles who were there, burning with the heat of faith and believing in the Lord with their whole heart, and when, filled with the Spirit, they blessed God in different tongues, even then the blessed Apostle Peter, mindful of the divine command and the Gospel, commanded that those same people should be baptized, though they had already been filled with the Holy Spirit. He did this so that nothing might seem to be neglected, according to the apostolic instruction, in all things concerning the law of the divine command and the Gospel. But that what the heretics use is not baptism, and that none o

Anonymous, Treatise on Re-Baptism Supporting witness

...tized in the Spirit, so that these also may not seem to have anything less than those who are fully Christians, lest it should be necessary to ask what kind of baptism they received in the name of Jesus Christ. Unless perhaps, in that earlier discussion also, about those who had only been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, you decide that they can be saved even without the Holy Spirit, or that the Holy Spirit is not usually given only in this way, but by the laying on of the bishop's hands, or even say that it is not the bishop alone who can give the Holy Spirit.

Tatian, The Diatessaron Background

John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit: 16 John 20:23 and if you forgive sins to any man, they shall be forgiven him;

Origen, De Principiis (On First Principles) Supporting witness

In the Acts of the Apostles, the Holy Spirit was given by the imposition of the apostles' hands in baptism.

Cyprian, Seventh Council of Carthage Supporting witness

But if they cannot give the Holy Spirit, because they have not the Holy Spirit, neither can they spiritually baptize.

Cyprian, Epistles Supporting witness

For we find also, in the Acts of the Apostles, that this is maintained by the apostles, and kept in the truth of the saving faith, so that when, in the house of Cornelius the centurion, the Holy Ghost had descended upon the Gentiles who were there, fervent in the warmth of their faith, and believing in the Lord with their whole heart;

Pamphilus, Exposition on the Acts of the Apostles Supporting witness

also* of the sending of Peter and John to them, and their praying for the descent of the Holy Ghost upon the baptized.

Acts 8:15 Direct teaching

who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.

Acts 19:6 Supporting witness

And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Acts 19:2 Background

He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

Clement of Rome, First Epistle to the Corinthians Supporting witness

... abundant peace was given to you all, and you had an insatiable desire for doing good, while a full outpouring of the Holy Spirit was upon you all. Full of holy designs, you did, with true earnestness of mind and a godly confidence, stretch forth your hands to God Almighty, beseeching Him to be merciful unto you, if you had been guilty of any involuntary transgression. Day and night you were anxious for the whole brotherhood, that the number of God’s elect might be saved with mercy and a good conscience. You were sincere and uncorrupted, and forgetful of injuries between one another. Every kind of faction and schism was abominable in your sight. You mourned over the transgressions of your neighbors: their deficiencies you considered your own. You never grudged any act of kindness, being “ready to every good work.” Adorned by a thoroughly virtuous and religious life, you did all things in the fear of God. The commandments and ordinances of the Lord were written upon the tablets of your hearts.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

... during those hours or days when they go through such things, do they refuse to pray, or to touch a Bible, or to receive the Eucharist? If they admit that they do, then it is plain that they are without the Holy Spirit, who always remains with the faithful. For Solomon says about holy people, "So that each one may prepare himself, so that when he sleeps it may keep him, and when he rises it may speak with him," Proverbs 6:22. For if you think, woman, that when you are in your seven days of separation you are without the Holy Spirit, then if you were to die suddenly, you would depart without the Spirit and without sure hope in God. Or else you must understand that the Spirit is always inseparable from you, since He is not confined to a place. But you need prayer and the Eucharist and the coming of the Holy Spirit, because in this matter you have committed no sin. For neither lawful union, nor childbearing, nor menstrual cleansing, nor a nighttime emission can defile a person's nature or separate the Holy Spirit from him. Nothing can do that except impiety and unlawful conduct. For the Holy Spirit always remains with those who have Him, as long as they are worthy. And when He depa

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Supporting witness

...e makes no reply. Nor does he speak privately. Nor, when a man wishes the spirit to speak, does the Holy Spirit speak. It speaks only when God wishes it to speak. When, then, a man having the Divine Spirit comes into an assembly of righteous men who have faith in the Divine Spirit, and this assembly of men offers prayer to God, then the angel of the prophetic Spirit, who is appointed for him, fills the man. And the man, being filled with the Holy Spirit, speaks to the multitude as the Lord wishes. Thus, then, the Spirit of Divinity becomes manifest. Whatever power, therefore, comes from the Spirit of Divinity belongs to the Lord. "Hear, then," he says, "about the spirit that is earthly, empty, powerless, and foolish. First, the man who seems to have the Spirit exalts himself and wants the first seat, and is bold, impudent, and talkative, and lives in the midst of many luxuries and many other delusions, and takes rewards for his prophecy. And if he does not receive rewards, he does not prophesy. Can, then, the Divine Spirit take rewards and prophesy? It is not possible for the prophet of God to do this. But prophets of this kind are possessed by an earthly spirit. Then it never c

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Supporting witness

Listen, then, he says, foolish man, to how grief crushes out the Holy Spirit, and on the other hand saves. When the doubting man tries to do any deed, and fails in it because of his doubt, this grief enters into the man, and grieves the Holy Spirit, and crushes him out. Then, on the other hand, when anger attaches itself to a man about any matter, and he becomes bitter, grief enters into the heart of the man who had become irritated, and he is grieved at the deed he did, and repents that he has done a wicked deed. This grief, then, appears to be accompanied by salvation, because the man, after doing a wicked deed, repented. Both actions grieve the Spirit: doubt, because it did not accomplish its object; and anger grieves the Spirit, because it did what was wicked. Both of these are grievous to the Holy Spirit: doubt and anger. Therefore remove grief from yourselves, and do not crush the Holy Spirit who dwells in you, lest he entreat God against you, and withdraw from you. For the Spirit of God, which has been granted to dwell in this body, does not endure grief or straitness. Therefore put on cheerfulness, which is always agreeable and acceptable to God, and rejoice in it. For ever

Origen, De Principiis (On First Principles) Supporting witness

...inners: “My Spirit shall not abide with those men forever, because they are flesh.” By this it is clearly shown that the Spirit of God is taken away from all who are unworthy. In the Psalms also it is written: “You will take away their spirit, and they will die, and return to their earth. You will send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created, and You will renew the face of the earth.” This is clearly meant of the Holy Spirit, who, after sinners and unworthy persons have been taken away and destroyed, creates for Himself a new people and renews the face of the earth, when, by the grace of the Spirit, laying aside the old man with his deeds, they begin to walk in newness of life. Therefore this expression is fitly applied to the Holy Spirit, because He will dwell not in all men, nor in those who are flesh, but in those whose land has been renewed. Lastly, for this reason the grace and revelation of the Holy Spirit was bestowed by the laying on of the apostles' hands after baptism. Our Savior also, after the resurrection, when old things had already passed away and all things had become new, Himself being a new man and the first-born from the dead, and His apostles also being

Origen, De Principiis (On First Principles) Supporting witness

Then, Thirdly, the apostles related that the Holy Spirit was associated in honour and dignity with the Father and the Son.

Cyprian, Epistles Supporting witness

14. Nay, verily, the Holy Spirit is not given by measure, but is poured out altogether on the believer.

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness

But those who possess the Holy Spirit search the deep things of God, 1 Corinthians 2:10 — that is, grasp the secret that is in the prophecies.

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness

accustomed as they are to contemplate the will [of God] by the will, and the Holy Spirit by the Holy Spirit.

Early Liturgies, Liturgy of Adaeus and Maris Supporting witness

Holy are You, Holy, Eternal Spirit, through whom all things are sanctified.

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book V Supporting witness

...e soul, joins with God's workmanship, the person becomes spiritual and complete due to the Spirit's outpouring, making them in God's image and likeness. However, if the Spirit is missing from the soul, the person remains carnal and incomplete, possessing the image of God but not the likeness through the Spirit, making them imperfect. Additionally, if someone removes the image and the handiwork, they cannot understand this as being a human, but just a part of a human, or something else. The flesh formed is not a complete human on its own, just the body of a human and part of a human. The soul alone is not a human but a part of a human as well. The spirit, too, is not a human, as it is called the spirit, not a human; the mixture and union of all these make up the complete human. For this reason, the apostle clarifies that the saved person is both a complete person and a spiritual one, saying in the first Epistle to the Thessalonians, "Now the God of peace sanctify you completely, and may your spirit, soul, and body be preserved whole without fault at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ." What was his purpose in praying for these three—soul, body, and spirit—to be preserved until t

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book V Supporting witness

But when the spirit here blended with the soul is united to [God’s] handiwork, the man is rendered spiritual and perfect because of the outpouring of the Spirit, and this is he who was made in the image and likeness of God.