this issue
previous article in this issuenext article in this issue

Document Details :

Title: Spirit-Baptism in the Fourth Gospel
Subtitle: A Messianic Reading of John 1,33
Author(s): BENNEMA, Cornelis
Journal: Biblica
Volume: 84    Issue: 1   Date: 2003   
Pages: 35-60
DOI: 10.2143/BIB.84.1.3194457

Abstract :
The various ways of understanding 'baptism in the Holy Spirit' has caused much division in both academic scholarship and the church. Most theories have been based on the Synoptics and Acts, but the phrase ὁ βα,πτίζων ἐν πνεύματι ἁγίῳ is also present in the Fourth Gospel (1,33). However, Johannine scholarship has hardly given attention to this concept. This paper will seek to establish that ὁ βα,πτίζων ἐν πνεύματι ἁγίῳ is a programmatic statement for Jesus’ nexus of soteriological activities in relation to people by means of the Spirit. 'To baptize with Holy Spirit' refers to Jesus’ programme of cleansing people through revelation by means of the Spirit. Moreover, this concept is rooted in Jewish messianic traditions, which were able to expect a messiah who would judge, restore and cleanse by means of his Spirit-imbued word.

Download article