Page 63 - Homiletics Student Textbook

convey acquisition, as in receiving something into one’s possession. Reasons for
concluding that this word is used in this way are as follows:

(1) The middle voice suggests that the action is experienced by the individuals in
question. ‘Taking hold’ suggests action on the part of the individuals rather than
action experienced by the individuals.

(2) The Holy Spirit coming upon these individuals suggests that He is the one taking the
initiative in this situation.

(3) The context of the passage does not favor any of the other usages of the word.

b. power (dunamis / doo-nam-is): Noun – feminine singular

This word is used in the sense of ability to perform an activity. Reasons for concluding
that this word is used in this way are as follows:

(1) Nowhere in the book of Acts do you see the apostles exerting force.

(2) Even by acquiring this ‘power’ the apostles never controlled the destiny or actions
of human beings.
(3) The context of the passage does not favor any of the other usages of the word.

c. is come (eperchomai / ep-er-khom-ahee): Verb – aorist active participle neuter singular

This word is used in the sense of arriving after having moved to or on to. Reasons for
concluding that this word is used in this way are as follows:

(1) The context of the book of Acts does not suggest that the apostles were assaulted
by a hostile force.

(2) The context of the passage does not suggest that this will be an undesirable event.

d. upon(epi / ep-i): Preposition

This word is used in the sense of onto. Reasons for concluding that this word is used in
this way are as follows:

(1) Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come to His disciples. (cf. Jo.14)

(2) The New Testament speaks of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence in the life of the
believer. (cf. Ro.8:9)

(3) Acts 2 gives details of the Holy Spirit indwelling believers for the first time.

e. shall be (eimi / i-mee): Verb – future indicative 2 person plural
nd

This word is used in the sense of be (possessing certain characteristics). Reasons for
concluding that this word is used in this way are as follows:

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