Empowering for mission only? An exegetical study on the role of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts

Abstract

This thesis intends to examine whether Luke really conceives the role of the Holy Spirit as a donum-superadditum and only for empowering mission or whether it is related to soteriology. The methodological approach of this study is elective. It is intended to give an exegesis particularly of Acts 2:1-4; 2:38; 4:31; 8:14-17; 10:44-48 and 19:1-7 questioning how Luke portrays the receiving of the Spirit. This study will apply literary methods and pay attention to the final form of the text. The exegetical work is divided into two major parts – the giving of the Spirit at the Pentecost and the giving of the Spirit after the Pentecost.