What is the Holy Ghost?
The words the “Holy Ghost” is found only in the New Testament and not the Old Testament. But the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit, or Spirit of God, was present throughout the Old Testament witnessed filling or falling on those who God blessed with his Spirit.
The words Holy Ghost are from the Greek word pneuma.
Greek 4151 pneuma pnyoo’-mah
from 4154; n n; TDNT-6:332,876; {See TDNT 643}
AV-Spirit 111, (Holy) Ghost 89, Spirit (of God) 13, Spirit (of the Lord) 5, (My) Spirit 3, Spirit (of truth) 3, Spirit (of Christ) 2, human (spirit) 49, (evil) spirit 47, spirit (general) 26, spirit 8, (Jesus’ own) spirit 6, (Jesus’ own) ghost 2, misc 21; 385
1) the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son
1a) sometimes referred to in a way which emphasises his personality and character (the Holy Spirit)
1b) sometimes referred to in a way which emphasises his work and power (the Spirit of Truth)
1c) never referred to as a depersonalised force
2) the spirit, i.e. the vital principal by which the body is animated
2a) the rational spirit, the power by which the human being feels, thinks, decides
2b) the soul
3) a spirit, i.e. a simple essence, devoid of all or at least all grosser matter, and possessed of the power of knowing, desiring, deciding, and acting
3a) a life giving spirit
3b) a human soul that has left the body
3c) a spirit higher than man but lower than God, i.e. an angel
3c1) used of demons, or evil spirits, who were conceived as inhabiting the bodies of men
3c2) the spiritual nature of Christ, higher than the highest angels and equal to God, the divine nature of Christ
4) the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of any one
4a) the efficient source of any power, affection, emotion, desire, etc.
5) a movement of air (a gentle blast)
5a) of the wind, hence the wind itself
5b) breath of nostrils or mouth
The Strongs’ Concordance describes the Holy Ghost as “the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son.”
The Triune God of the Bible is the One true living God, One Spirit, comprised of three: God the Father known in the Old Testament as YHWH, God the Son, Jesus the Christ, and God the Holy Spirit, or the Holy Ghost.
It was the power of God through the Holy Ghost that Jesus was conceived in a virgin, a young woman of the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve the tribes of Israel.
Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Matthew 1:20
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
God’s Spirit was in the child named Jesus, the Son of God.
As you will read, you will see the different diverse aspects of the Holy Ghost.
We begin with a scripture where John the Baptist is speaking of the coming Christ.
Matthew 3:11
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
The Christ of Israel, Jesus the Son of God was to baptize with Holy Ghost, or the Spirit of Almighty God.
Jesus commanded his disciples to go into the world and baptize them in name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, which you will learn in time that all three are found in the name of JESUS.
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Jesus before his death and resurrection told his disciples that they would receive help from the Holy Ghost.
Mark 13:11
But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
In the next scripture we see that John the Baptist again is speaking of Christ.
John 1:33
And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
The word Christ means anointed one, or the one anointed by God’s Holy Spirit.
In the next scripture of the gospel of John, John describes through Jesus’ own words, the experience of the Holy Ghost on the believer of Jesus.
John 7:37-39
¶ In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Before Jesus died and was glorified as John wrote, Jesus foretold of the coming of the Holy Ghost to his disciples speaking of the “Comforter” and the “Spirit of truth.”
John 16:7-14
¶ Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 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. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
Note Jesus will send the Holy Ghost, or Comforter. Also note that Jesus first had to “go away,” meaning he would die on the cross, be raised from the dead, and ascend to his Holy Father in heaven.
Continue reading.
John 14:15-18
¶ If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 ¶ I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Here, Jesus says he will pray to God the Father and the Father would send the Holy Ghost. Jesus says that the Holy Ghost will be in the disciples themselves, indwelling in their body. Jesus then says “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”
In the next scripture Jesus says whosoever loves him will be loved of God his Father, and that Jesus will manifest himself to him or her.
John 14:21
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
In the next scripture we see Jesus speaks of both his Father and himself.
John 14:23
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
The Father and Son will make their abode in the believer who receives the Holy Ghost.
It is in the next scripture we see Jesus is indeed talking about the Holy Ghost.
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.
Note that the Father will send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit in JESUS’ name.
Also note the Holy Ghost shall teach, and bring to remembrance of what Jesus said.
In the next scripture we see the Holy Ghost proceeds from the Father of Jesus.
Jesus sends the Holy Ghost to us from the Father.
John 15:26-27
¶ But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: 27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
Note the Holy Ghost will testify of Jesus, the gospel of Jesus.
The next scripture from the book of Acts shows Jesus speaking of the Holy Ghost being shed upon his disciples.
Acts 1:5-9
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 6 ¶ When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
With the Holy Ghost comes the power from Almighty God be a witness and to testify of Jesus.
Note Jesus ascended into heaven and before he left his disciples, he left them with a command to tarry at Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Ghost to receive power to testify for Jesus.
The next scripture shows that Holy Ghost was indeed working in the Old Testament in the life of king David.
Acts 1:16
Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
Next, we see the waiting of the disciples in Jerusalem received the promise of Jesus of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost.
Acts 2:1-4
¶ And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Note the power of God in the Holy Ghost gave them utterance of tongues
Christ’s disciple Peter, being filled with Holy Ghost, explains this supernatural experience of the Holy Ghost to the men as being prophesied by a prophet of Israel, the prophet Joel.
Acts 2:14-21
¶ But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
In the next scripture we see Peter exhorting men to be baptized to receive the gift of God and promise of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:37-39
¶ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 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. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Peter had just finished a lengthy sermon about Jesus, his first sermon, replies to men who just realized Jesus is truly the Christ. He exhorts them to repent of their sins first, and then be baptized, water baptized, in the name of Jesus and that they would then receive the gift of the Holy Ghost which the disciples themselves now possessed in their own bodies.
You will recall Jesus commanded his disciples to baptize all in the name the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, but Peter exhorted them men of Jerusalem to be baptized in the name of Jesus. The name of Jesus, is comprised of the Father. The name of Jesus in the Hebrew means “Salvation of YHWH.” The Holy Ghost is sent of the Father in Jesus’ name.
Greek 2424 Iesous ee-ay-sooce’
of Hebrew origin 03091 Jeshua, later form of <03091> n pr m; TDNT-3:284,360; {See TDNT 326}
AV-Jesus 972, Jesus (Joshua) 2, Jesus (Justus) 1; 975
Jesus = "Jehovah is salvation"
1) Jesus, the Son of God, the Saviour of mankind, God incarnate
2) Jesus Barabbas was the captive robber whom the Jews begged Pilate to release instead of Christ
3) Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses’ successor (#Ac 7:45, Heb 4:8)
4) Jesus, son of Eliezer, one of the ancestors of Christ (#Lu 3:29)
5) Jesus, surnamed Justus, a Jewish Christian, an associate with Paul in the preaching of the gospel (#Col 4:11)
In the next scripture Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit, Holy Ghost testifying of the power of Jesus’ name.
Acts 4:8-10
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
The next scripture is about Stephen a faithful follower of Jesus who is full of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 6:1-6
¶ And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
The next scripture shows the conclusion of Stephen’s sermon at his trial to the Jewish religious authorities who falsely accused him of blasphemy.
Acts 7:51-56
¶ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. 54 ¶ When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
As stated, before the Holy Ghost was present in the Old Testament times and here Stephen denounces the Jews as being same mind as their Israelite forefathers who rebelled against Almighty God’s Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost.
Note the Holy Ghost gives Stephen a vision of the Lord Jesus standing in the heavens at the right hand of the glory of Almighty God.
In the next scripture we will see how the Holy Ghost was administered to believers by the disciples.
Acts 8:9-21
But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. 11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 14 ¶ Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
In this scripture it shows that one can be baptized in the name of Jesus and still not receive of Holy Ghost. That the disciples through the power of Holy Ghost could administer the Holy Ghost by laying of hands on the baptized person.
The same idea is shown in the next scripture where Saul receives the Holy Ghost from Ananias.
Acts 9:17-18 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Saul after this became known as Paul the apostle to the Gentiles, most active Holy Ghost filled apostle of all of Jesus’ apostles.
The next scripture reveals that the Holy Ghost fell upon those who believed and had faith in the gospel of Jesus.
Acts 10:44-48
¶ While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
In this scripture we see that the Holy Ghost fell first on the believers of Jesus and then they were water baptized in Jesus’ name.
This is the first recorded experience of the Holy Ghost falling on the Gentiles, before this the Holy Ghost had only come to the children of Israel, the Jews.
In the next scripture Peter testifies to other Jews how the Holy Ghost is now falling on the Gentile believers in the gospel of Christ Jesus.
Acts 11:15-18
And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. 17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? 18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
In the next scriptures we see the Holy Ghost speaks to his disciples.
Acts 13:2-4
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4 ¶ So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
Acts 15:28-29
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
In this scripture we see the Holy Ghost directs the disciples forbidding them to preach the word in Asia.
Acts 16:6-7
¶ Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, 7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
In the next scripture we see a person baptized in John the Baptist’s baptism.
Acts 19:1-7
¶ And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 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. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 7 And all the men were about twelve.
We see the important baptism was that of the Lord Jesus and the Holy Ghost was received by the laying on of hands.
The next scripture tells us that the Holy Ghost knows all about what is going on.
Acts 20:22
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
Next well look at the letters by the apostle Paul to the churches.
Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
The Holy Ghost reveals to us the love of God.
Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
The Holy Ghost give us peace, rightlessness, and joy.
Romans 15:13
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
The Holy Ghost gives one abundance of hope.
Romans 15:16
That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
The Holy Ghost sanctifies us as Paul wrote.
1st Corinthians 2:13
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
The Holy Ghost teaches us the spiritual things of God.
In the next scripture we see the indwelling of the Holy Ghost in our body.
1st 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?
Our body, the body of the believer in Christ Jesus is the temple, in which the Holy Ghost dwells.
1st Corinthians 12:3
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Here we understand no man or woman can call Jesus Lord but by the help of God’s Spirit, the Comforter, the Holy Ghost.
Next, we see the Holy Ghost renews us.
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Hebrews 2:4
God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
The Holy Ghost gives us gifts, spiritual gifts from God.
The next scripture reveals us the trinity, or triune God, the triune Spirit.
1st John 5:7
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
The Father, the Word, or Son of God, and the Holy Ghost and these three are one true living God.
The next scripture shows praying in the Spirit, the Holy Ghost.
Jude 1:20
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
The last scripture of this study proves that Holy Ghost moved upon the men of the Old Testament whom God moved upon with his Spirit.
2nd Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
By now you should have a better idea of who and what the Holy Ghost is.
Heavenly Father, hallowed be thy beautiful and powerful name, thank you for your awesome Holy Ghost, for sending us Jesus your Son to be with us forever more as you said, “I will never leave nor forsake you.” Thank you for your love, direction, righteousness, peace, and joy in your Holy Spirit.
I pray that whosoever reads this and believes, would be blessed by your Holy Spirit. In the powerful name of Jesus our Lord I pray.
Do you possess the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost?
Do you know Jesus?
He died for your sins!
Have you repented of your sin to God?
Have you been baptized in his powerful name?
There is wonder working power in the name of Jesus!