spirit

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

by William Stewart
May 3, 2015February 11, 2026
Is That Really What It Means?

IS THAT REALLY WHAT IT MEANS?

As we have stressed, it is important when we read the Bible to set things into their context. Here are a few guidelines to help to help us set a verse in context:

Read at least 7 verses before and after, to give a 15 verse span. That is usually sufficient to set a verse in it’s literary context.
Who was the original recipient of the text? Make sure our understanding or application of the verse 1. doesn’t ignore its significance to them. Are we in a similar situation to the original recipient?
What are the historical circumstances surrounding the text? Noting this will sometimes help us see the limitation or scope of a verse.

Holy Spirit or Water Baptism? The Truth about Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3-4, and more…

by William Stewart
September 12, 2010February 11, 2026
Baptism, Conversion, Gospel, Salvation

Last week we considered the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and wehter Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38, 41 are speakign about the bapttism of the Holy Spirit or water baptism. Today, we will look at the texts listed below, which some have claimed to be Holy Spirit baptism rather than water baptism.

Acts 22:16
Romans 6:3-4
1 Corinthians 12:13
Galatians 3:27

Holy Spirit or Water Baptism? The Truth about Acts 2:38 and Mark 16:16

by William Stewart
September 5, 2010February 11, 2026
Baptism, Conversion, Gospel, Salvation

The necessity of baptism is evident to any honest Bible student, as dozens of New Testament texts require it. However, some will dispute whether it is water or Holy Spirit baptism required. We’ll address this question today.

Here are some texts that I’ve been told are Spirit, not water baptism:

Mark 16:16
Acts 2:38, 41
Acts 22:16
Romans 6:3-4
1 Corinthians 12:13
Galatians 3:27

Before we look at these, consider a few important principles for Bible study.

Spirit and Soul: A Look into the Greek

by William Stewart
March 9, 2008February 12, 2026
Word Studies

Last week, we examined the words spirit and soul, focusing specifically on the two Hebrew words that primarily render them. Likewise, the English New Testament primarily translates the words spirit and soul from two Greek words, psuche and pneuma.

Spirit and Soul: A look into the Hebrew

by William Stewart
March 2, 2008February 12, 2026
Word Studies

The Bible uses both the word spirit and soul when speaking about man. What do these words refer to? Are they synonyms, or does each refer to something distinct?

To answer our questions, there are four words, two Hebrew and two Greek, which are translated as spirit and soul into English. They are nephesh and ruach (Hebrew), psuche and pneuma (Greek). This week we will look at the Hebrew words, next week we will examine the Greek.