As we have been studying the Holy Spirit and the origin of the Spirit, we see that Sophia tells us to gather her fruit. What we find is that if we gather the fruit of the Spirit, we will be able to manifest the gifts of the Spirit and offices in the Body of Christ. It is all up to the Spirit of God as to what we have for those in need. We see that John the Baptist told us that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Then we know that fire appeared over the heads of those who received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost/Shavuot. Let’s explore the fruit of the Spirit.
Proverbs 11:30 G1537 From out of G2590 the fruit G1343 of righteousness G5453 germinates G1186 a tree G2222 of life; G851 [4are removed G1161 1but G895.2 5 at unseasonable times G5590 2 the lives G3892.1 3of lawbreakers]
“From out of fruit righteousness produce tree zōē, life, but soul life/breath life of illegals take away from immature.”
From the fruit of righteousness or justice, life is produced. Those who live a just and righteous life produce fruit from the tree of life. Jesus gives us to eat from the tree of life in the midst of Paradise when we overcome. However, the lives of the unjust or illegals take away or remove fruit from the immature or they remove life before maturity.
Jesus made a distinction for us about trees with good fruit and trees with bad fruit.
Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Mat 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
Mat 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Mat 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Mat 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
This gives us a clue as to what we are to cultivate. We are to cultivate good fruit. We are to gather and produce good fruit. Evil fruit from bad trees are burned up in fire. John the Baptist told us that Jesus came to baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. As we studied two weeks ago, we are to gather the Fruit of the Spirit.
Proverbs 8:19 G957 Best G1473 to gather my fruit G2589.4 G5228 than G5553 gold G2532 and G3037 [2stone G5093 1precious]; G3588 G1161 and G1699 my G1081 produce G2908 is better than G694 [2silver G1588 1choice].
It is better to gather the fruit of Sophia rather than gold and precious gems, but Sophia’s offspring are more excellent than selected silver. Paul explained the fruit of the Spirit and the produce of the Spirit. There is a play on words here. Produce as a verb means “to manufacture”, but produce as a noun means “fruits and vegetables”.
There is another unusual message here. The idea of “gathering fruit” καρπίζεσθαι, is also a strange idea. This word comes under the definition of “knower of hearts” or “knower of the inner life”. Fruit is καρπός and cardiologist is καρδιογνώστης which is also understood as “cardio knowledge”. Oddly, in the ancient Paleo Hebrew, the picture is of an open mouth and a head, meaning “open the head”. Sophia, the knower of hearts, is telling us indirectly to open our head to this understanding.
Now we understand, if we gather the fruit of the Spirit, we will produce or manifest the Spirit. If we open our head to Sophia we will produce something better than silver. The offspring or produce of Sophia are a word of wisdom, a word of knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. How do we get these nine products of the Spirit? Through the nine fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Sophia says that we are to gather the fruit first and then you will produce things more excellent than choice silver. Sophia says to open your head to the knower of hearts because her fruit is better than gold and her produce is better than silver. We cannot produce anything without opening our heads to the knower of hearts.
H6529 (Ancient Hebrew)
H6529 = AHLB# 1388-H (f)
1388ac:
Tread co: Bull ab: Fruitful:
The pictograph p is a picture of an open mouth, the r is a picture of a head. Combined these mean "open the head". The heads of grains are scattered on the threshing floor, a smooth, hard and level surface. An ox is lead around the floor crushing the heads, opening them to reveal the seed inside. Also the fruit of trees that harvested. (eng: bull - with the exchange of the b and p and the l and r; fruit, also other fruits with a "pr" such as pear and apricot)
How do we the produce the correct produce? We walk in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16 G3004 And I say, G1161 G4151 [2in spirit G4043 1Walk]! G2532 and G1939 [3 the desire G4561 4of the flesh G3766.2 1in no way G5055 2should you fulfill].
“But say walk up and down Spirit and no way complete longing flesh.”
This is something we do; we walk up and down in the Spirit. We do not do what the flesh longs for us to do. Walking is an action that we have to take, meaning we have to think about the Spirit. We have to remind ourselves of how we are to live. Then we do what we are supposed to do.
Galatians 5:17 G3588 For the G1063 G4561 flesh G1937 lusts G2596 against G3588 the G4151 spirit, G3588 and the G1161 G4151 spirit G2596 against G3588 the G4561 flesh; G3778 and these things G1161 G480 are an adversary G240 to one another, G2443 that G3361 not G3739 what G302 ever G2309 you should want G3778 these things G4160 you should do.
“For the flesh longs for downward the Spirit but the Spirit downward the flesh. But they oppose one another in order that not they desire her do.”
Our flesh can long for or lust for many things. Sometimes we long for something to come down from the Holy Spirit in the heavens, sometimes the Holy Spirt longs for us to receive her. Although there are times when our flesh is led to long for things not of the Spirit. The flesh can oppose the Spirit. The flesh and our spirit can war against one another just as our flesh can war or push away from the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:18 G1487 But if G1161 G4151 in spirit G71 you be led, G3756 G1510.2.5 you are not G5259 under G3551 law.
“But whether Spirit lead away you are not under laws.”
If we are led by the Spirit then we are not under any laws because the Holy Spirit will not lead us away from behaving rightly.
Galatians 5:19 G5318 [7apparent G1161 1And G1510.2.3 6are G3588 2the G2041 3works G3588 4of the G4561 5flesh]; G3748 which G1510.2.3 are, G3430 adultery, G4202 harlotry, G167 uncleanness, G766 lewdness,
“But the labor the flesh is open to sight anyone who is adultery, sexual sin, impurity, unbridled lust,…”
If we work in the flesh our works are known and everyone can see them.
Galatians 5:20 G1495 idolatry, G5331 sorcery, G2189 hatreds, G2054 strifes, G2205 jealousies, G2372 rages, G2052 contentions, G1370 discords, G139 sects,
“…image worship, magic medications, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of wrath, rivalry, dissension, religious or philosophical sects,….”
There seems to be quite a few works of the flesh listed here.
Galatians 5:21 G5355 envies, G5408 murders, G3178 intoxications, G2970 debaucheries, G2532 and G3588 the things G3664 likened G3778 to these; G3739 which G4302 I say beforehand G1473 to you, G2531 as G2532 also G4277 I foretold, G3754 that G3588 the ones G3588 G5108 [2such things G4238 1practicing G932 4 the kingdom G2316 5of God G3756 3shall not inherit]. G2816
“…ill will, murder, drunkenness, reveling, and the like, this which announce beforehand, I just as and predict since the such as this pass over kingdom God not receive a share of an inheritance.”
The kingdom of God passes over people who live in the flesh. People who live in the flesh do not receive a share of an inheritance in the kingdom. Paul is announcing this beforehand so that we know ahead of time and can make decisions accordingly. If we know that the works of the flesh will keep us from the kingdom, then we certainly do not have an excuse when we do not enter.
Galatians 5:22 G3588 But the G1161 G2590 fruit G3588 of the G4151 spirit G1510.2.3 is G26 love, G5479 joy, G1515 peace, G3115 leniency, G5544 graciousness, G19 goodness, G4102 belief,
“But the plucked fruit the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, trust,…”
If we were to pluck the fruit of the Spirit, we would see these qualities.
Galatians 5:23 G4236 gentleness, G1466 self-control; G2596 against G3588 G5108 such things G3756 there is no G1510.2.3 G3551 law.
“…meekness, self mastery, downward truly this not is law.”
If we are downloading from the Holy Spirit there is no laws against these things. We can have all the peace we want. We can have all the joy we want. There is no law against loving others. This germinates the tree of life, it helps it grow.
Galatians 5:24 G3588 But the ones G1161 G3588 of the G5547 Christ G3588 [2the G4561 3flesh G4717 1crucified] G4862 with G3588 the G3804 passions G2532 and G3588 the G1939 lusts.
“But the Messiah, fixed to the cross, the body together with hardship, and inordinate desire.”
Jesus took our bodies, our hardships, and our inordinate desires to the cross. We are free to walk in the Spirit of God. If our sins were nailed to the cross along with our hardships and inordinate desires, then we can claim freedom in Christ from sin.
Galatians 5:25 G1487 If G2198 we live G4151 in spirit, G4151 in spirit G2532 also G4748 we should be conformed to.
“If alive Spirit Spirit and march in line.”
If we are alive in the Spirit, we can march in line with the Spirit. We can follow the Spirit if we live in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is life.
Galatians 5:26 G3361 We should not G1096 become G2755 ones self-seeking of glory, G240 [2one another G4292 1challenging], G240 [2one another G5354 1bearing a grudge against].
“Not come into being boastful provoking of one another bear ill-will one another.”
We will not be boastful or provocateurs and we will not wish ill-will on anyone else. It sounds like Paul is responding to people in the church who become jealous or prideful once people rise up in the Holy Spirit. Walking in the Spirit is the part that we must focus on. It will produce good produce.
Eph 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
There is no disadvantage to walking in the Holy Spirit. Our guide is to desire the fruit of the Spirit, and to gather those things. Then we will produce our own manifestations or gifts of the Spirit as Paul tells the Corinthians.
I Corinthians 12:1 G4012 But concerning G1161 G3588 the G4152 spirituals, G80 brethren, G3756 I do not G2309 want G1473 you G50 to be ignorant.
4152 LSJ Gloss:πνευματικός of spirit, spiritual
Dodson:πνευματικός spiritual.
Thayer:
1) relating to the human spirit, or rational soul, as part of the man which is akin to God and serves as his instrument or organ
1a) that which possesses the nature of the rational soul
2) belonging to a spirit, or a being higher than man but inferior to God
3) belonging to the Divine Spirit
3a) of God the Holy Spirit
3b) one who is filled with and governed by the Spirit of God
4) pertaining to the wind or breath; windy, exposed to the wind, blowing
πνευματικός
pneumatikos phyoo-mat-ik-os' From G4151; non-carnal, that is, (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religious KJV Usage: spiritual.
We are to perceive the spiritual so that we are not unintelligent of pneumatikos. Sometimes people who do not understand the spiritual things, condemn people who do understand spiritual things. The problem is that those people who follow others with non-spiritual knowledge don’t learn about pneumatikos either. Paul clearly tells us not to be unintelligent. We have to learn about the Holy Spirit and Spiritual matters or we will not produce produce.
I Corinthians 12:2 G1492 You know G3754 that G3753 when G1484 you were nations, G1510.7.5 G4314 [2to G3588 3the G1497 5idols G3588 G880 4voiceless G5613 6even as G302 G71 7you were led G520 1being led away].
Paul says that when the Corinthians were of the nations they were led away and taken away by dumb idols. They were trying to be spiritual, but they were connecting to the wrong spirit. Sometimes well meaning people explore spiritual practices not realizing that they are being led astray by dumb idols.
I Corinthians 12:3 G1352 Therefore G1107 I make known G1473 to you, G3754 that G3762 no one G1722 [2in G4151 3spirit G2316 4of God G2980 1speaking] G3004 says, G331 Jesus is anathema; G* G2532 and G3762 no one G1410 is able G2036 to say, G2962 Lord G* Jesus, G1508 except G1722 by G4151 [2spirit G39 1holy].
Paul is now going to clarify that the demonic idols that they were worshipping cannot say ‘Jesus is Lord’. Therefore if someone is speaking by “a spirit”, simply tell that person to confess Jesus as Lord, or to repeat “Jesus is MY Lord”. If they do, they are not speaking via a demonic spirit. The Holy Spirit cannot curse Jesus either. Therefore if someone does curse Jesus they are not speaking by the Spirit of God. Likewise, if someone is saying “Jesus is Lord” they must be speaking by the Holy Spirit.
I Corinthians 12:4 G1243 But [2divisions G1161 G5486 3of favors G1510.2.6 1there are], G3588 but the G1161 G1473 same G4151 spirit;
5486 LSJ Gloss:χάρισμα a grace, favour: a free gift, gift of God's grace
Dodson:χάρισμα an undeserved favor a gift of grace, an undeserved favor.
Thayer:
1) a favour with which one receives without any merit of his own
2) the gift of divine grace
3) the gift of faith, knowledge, holiness, virtue
4) the economy of divine grace, by which the pardon of sin and eternal salvation is appointed to sinners in consideration of the merits of Christ laid hold of by faith
5) grace or gifts denoting extraordinary powers, distinguishing certain Christians and enabling them to serve the church of Christ, the reception of which is due to the power of divine grace operating on their souls by the Holy Spirit
χάρισμα
charisma char'-is-mah From G5483; a (divine) gratuity, that is, deliverance (from danger or passion); (specifically) a (spiritual) endowment, that is, (subjectively) religious qualification, or (objectively) miraculous faculty KJV Usage: (free) gift.
There are divisions, distinctions, and distributions, of charisma. Who is in charge of that? The Holy Spirit. Charisma is the divine grace or favor of tongues, interpretation of tongues, prophecy, knowledge, wisdom, faith, casting out demons, miracle, or healings. It is the grace for the utilization of extraordinary powers for the benefit of the Body of Christ.
I Corinthians 12:5 G2532 and G1243 [2divisions G1248 3of services G1510.2.6 1there are], G2532 and G3588 the G1473 same G2962 Lord.
1248 LSJ Gloss:διακονία the office of a
Dodson:διακονία waiting at table, service, ministration waiting at table; in a wider sense: service, ministration.
Thayer:
1) service, ministering, esp. of those who execute the commands of others
2) of those who by the command of God proclaim and promote religion among men
2a) of the office of Moses
2b) of the office of the apostles and its administration
2c) of the office of prophets, evangelists, elders etc.
3) the ministration of those who render to others the offices of Christian affection esp. those who help meet need by either collecting or distributing of charities
4) the office of the deacon in the church
5) the service of those who prepare and present food
διακονία
diakonia dee-ak-on-ee'-ah From G1249; attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the Christian teacher, or technically of the diaconate) KJV Usage: (ad-) minister (-ing, -tration, -try), office, relief, service (-ing).
There are divisions, distinctions, and distributions, of diakonia. Diakonia are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors or teachers. These are offices of service in the Body of Christ for the growing up of the Body. These ministries work under Jesus our Lord.
I Corinthians 12:6 G2532 And G1243 [2divisions G1755 3of operations G1510.2.6 1there are], G3588 [3the G1161 1but G1473 4same G1510.2.3 2it is] G2316 God, G3588 the one G1754 operating G3588 G3956 all things G1722 in G3956 all.
1755 Dodson:ἐνέργημα a working, an effect a working, an effect, operation.
Thayer:
1) thing wrought
2) effect operation
ἐνέργημα
energēma en-erg'-ay-mah From G1754; an effect KJV Usage: operation, working.
There are divisions, distinctions, and distributions, of energēma. This tells us that the way all of the above things operate are diverse, and free flowing. Each pastor will pastor people differently. Each apostle will bring different type of knowledge and light to others. Each time casting out demons is utilized, it will be done differently. Every time miracles happen they will be executed in a distinct manner. There will be no pattern of operation. There will be no formula. There will be no exact ritual to make something happen. Yet all of these things are energeō, activated by the Elohim. They are not activated by you, meaning you are not the controlling factor. You and I submit to the Lord, and then we are led to do the things that we are supposed to do. It is not our magic formulas of prayer or ritual observances that bring about deliverance or help for others. It is not our abilities or our intellectual acumen that have to be in place first. Instead the Elohim will work through whoever is willing, from brand new believers in Christ, to uneducated believers in Christ, to those trained at the best theological schools.
I Corinthians 12:7 G1538 And to each G1161 G1325 is given G3588 the G5321 open display G3588 of the G4151 spirit G4314 for G3588 G4851 advantage.
“But everyone is given the exhibition the Spirit to bear together.”
Everyone is given the manifestation or exhibition of the Spirit. Everyone can have the evidence of the Holy Spirit. We all have the obvious bestowment of the Spirit to collect as profit. It is profitable for everyone to manifest the Holy Spirit. If we actually rose up to walk in the Holy Spirit together, the world would take notice.
I Corinthians 12:8 G3739 For indeed one G3303 G1063 G1223 through G3588 the G4151 spirit G1325 is given G3056 word G4678 of wisdom; G243 and to another G1161 G3056 word G1108 of knowledge, G2596 according to G3588 the G1473 same G4151 spirit.
1473 LSJ Gloss:ἐγώ ego
Dodson:ἐγώ I I, the first-person pronoun.
Thayer:
1) I, me, my
Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words
ἐγώ
egō eg-o' A primary pronoun of the first person, “I” (only expressed when emphatic)
KJV Usage: I, me. For the other cases and the plural see G1691, G1698, G1700, G2248, G2249, G2254, G2257, etc.
“This truly for though the Spirit I offer logos sophia, but another logos gnōsis downward, I the Spirit.”
Through the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit gives words of wisdom. To another person the Holy Spirit gives words of knowledge down from heaven to earth. The words “I the Spirit”, is the Holy Spirit telling us again who is offering these words. The Holy Spirit is speaking in the first person to us. Somehow the word “same” is improperly supplied. The ending phrase is “I the Spirit”.
I Corinthians 12:9 G2087 And to another G1161 G4102 belief, G1722 in G3588 the G1473 same G4151 spirit; G243 and to another G1161 G5486 favors G2386 of cures, G1722 in G3588 the G1473 same G4151 spirit;
“But another pistis (faith) in I the Spirit. But another charisma (grace) healing, in I the Spirit.”
The Holy Spirit is pointing out that individuals are given faith in the Spirit herself. To someone else, grace healing in the Spirit herself. Grace healing has been termed “gifts of healing”; healing is a gift, it is by grace people are healed. Again the phrase “I the Spirit” should catch our attention. It is not via us or our spirit, it is by the Holy Spirit that we can minister healing or impart faith.
I Corinthians 12:10 G243 and to another G1161 G1755 operations G1411 of powers; G243 and to another G1161 G4394 prophecy; G243 and to another G1161 G1253 distinction G4151 of spirits; G2087 and to another G1161 G1085 types G1100 of languages; G243 and to another G1161 G2058 translation G1100 of languages.
“But another effects dunamis. But another prophesying. But another separation spirits. But different genos glōssa (race unacquired languages). But another translation unacquired languages.”
The Holy Spirit gives various abilities as needed. Notice the separation of spirits. This is an interesting way to explain casting out demons. Technically we are separating demonic spirits out from the spirit of the person needing deliverance. It is an extraction. Genos glōssa is unacquired racial languages, which is the ability to speak in a different racial languages without learning them first.
I Corinthians 12:11 G3956 But all G1161 G3778 these G1754 operate G3588 by the G1520 one G2532 and G3588 the G1473 same G4151 spirit, G1244 dividing G2398 privately G1538 to each G2531 as G1014 he wills.
“But all this works the one, and I the Spirit distribute one’s own, each one just as I will.”
It is up to the Holy Spirit to decide what you will do for her. If you are praying for people in a prayer line you may pray for physical healing for one person, and you may cast out demons for another person. One would not be casting out demons for people who didn’t need that. Likewise, you may not pray for someone, but instead give them a word of knowledge from the Holy Spirit or a word of wisdom. It is not up to the one ministering, it is up to the Holy Spirit.
Now Paul goes into the idea of all of us being of one body with many members and then says we are all of one Spirit.
I Corinthians 12:13 G2532 For also G1063 G1722 in G1520 one G4151 spirit G1473 we G3956 all G1519 in G1520 one G4983 body G907 were immersed, G1535 whether G* Jews, G1535 whether G* Greeks, G1535 whether G1401 slaves, G1535 whether G1658 free; G2532 and G3956 all G1519 into G1520 one G4151 spirit G4222 given to drink.
“And for in one Spirit we all into one body baptized, whether Jew whether Greek whether a born bondman whether free and all into one Spirit cause to drink.”
We are all in one Spirit. It does not matter what nationality we are. At the time that Paul was writing, which was just before the temple was destroyed, the Jews still thought themselves to be superior spiritually. The new disciples on the day of Pentecost now had an infilling of the Holy Spirit. The Jews were no longer superior spiritually, they were now sub-par because they did not receive the in-filling of the Holy Spirit. Paul is pointing out that if we are gathering the fruit of the Spirit, and we are producing the gifts of the Spirit, then we are all one in the Holy Spirit. We all drink from the same Spirit.
Paul goes on to explain that just because we have different ministries or different gifts, we are all the same, one individual is not better or less than another.
I Corinthians 12:26 G2532 And G1535 whether G3958 [3suffers G1520 1one G3196 2member], G4841 [4suffer along G3956 1all G3588 2the G3196 3members]; G1535 whether G1392 [3be glorified G1520 1one G3196 2member], G4796 [4rejoice along G3956 1all G3588 2the G3196 3members].
“And whether one limb suffer all the limbs suffer together whether one limb bestow glory on all the limbs take part in joy.”
The entire Body of Christ suffers together or glories together. We all feel terrible when a pastor is exposed in sin, and likewise we all feel joy when someone’s preaching brings new believers.
I Corinthians 12:27 G1473 But you G1161 G1510.2.5 are G4983 the body G5547 of Christ, G2532 and G3196 members G1537 in turn. G3313
“But you are the Body of Christ, and limbs from out of share.”
It doesn’t matter what part of the Body we are, we are all needful.
I Corinthians 12:28 G2532 And G3739 whom G3303 indeed G5087 [2appointed G3588 G2316 1God] G1722 in G3588 the G1577 assembly, G4412 first G652 apostles, G1208 second G4396 prophets, G5154 third G1320 teachers, G1899 thereupon G1411 works of power, G1534 then G5486 favors G2386 of cures, G484 assistance, G2941 guidance, G1085 types G1100 of languages.
“And this on the other hand the Elohim established in the ekklēsia, church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, thereafter dunamis miraculous power, then grace healing, helps, pilotage/governing, genos glōssa.”
The Elohim established in the called out Body of Christ, ministries and powers. Whatever we are asked to do we will have to ability to do. We may be good at managing or piloting programs, we may be good at bringing forth miraculous powers. No matter what we are asked to do, the things we do are established by the Elohim.
I Corinthians 12:29 G3361 Not G3956 all G652 are apostles. G3361 Not G3956 all G4396 are prophets. G3361 Not G3956 all G1320 are teachers. G3361 Not G3956 all G1411 are works of power.
“Not all apostles, not all prophets, not all teachers, not all miraculous powers…”
I have known people who desire an office in the Body of Christ. They desire to be something that they feel is important. The problem is that they may have decided this office in pride. Most of the time prophets fall under this category, and many prophecies are suspect because they contradict the actual prophecy of the Holy Spirit. Not everyone is going to be speaking for the Elohim, simply keep that in mind. Jesus mentioned false prophets when speaking about fruit. He said the bad trees with evil fruit would be cut down.
I Corinthians 12:30 G3361 Not G3956 all G5486 [2favors G2192 1have] G2386 of cures. G3361 Not G3956 all G1100 [2languages G2980 1speak]. G3361 Not G3956 all G1329 interpret.
“…not all have grace healing, not all speak unacquired languages, not all translate.”
It is a wonderful thing to be asked to allow the Holy Spirit to work though us. It is something that we should guard and not turn into a show. Not everyone will work in the Body the way that someone else works.
I Corinthians 12:31 G2206 But be zealous for G1161 G3588 the G5486 [2favors G3588 G2908 1better]. G2532 And G2089 yet G2596 [3that exceeds G5236 G3598 2a way G1473 1I will show to you]. G1166
“But eager more excellent grace. And even now I teach downward surpassing way.”
Paul is suggesting that we be eager for more grace, charisma. Then he says that he will show us a way from heaven that is surpassing or exceeding our ways. That way is love, agapē. No matter what we do, we are to do it in love, that is the surpassing way. Now remember that we are to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit which includes agapē. Therefore the process for walking in the Spirit is to produce the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. This germinates the tree of life. This is what we are to do. Then the Holy Spirit will give us what we need for ministry, whether it is to be an apostle to people or it is to serve grace cures to the Body of Christ. Cultivating love is key.
John the Baptist told people that although he was baptizing in water for repentance, the one coming after him (Jesus) would baptize in the Holy Spirit and fire.
Matthew 3:11 G1473 Forasmuch as I G3303 G907 immerse G1473 you G1722 in G5204 water G1519 for G3341 repentance, G3588 the one G1161 G3694 [2after G1473 3me G2064 1coming G2478 5stronger than G1473 6me G1510.2.3 4is]; G3739 of whom G3756 I am not G1510.2.1 G2425 fit G3588 [2the G5266 3sandals G941 1to bear]. G1473 He G1473 shall immerse you G907 G1722 in G4151 [2spirit G39 1holy] G2532 and G4442 fire --
4442 LSJ Gloss:πῦρ fire
Dodson:πῦρ fire, trials fire; the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire.
TBESG:πῦρ fire
G:N-N
πῦρ genitive, πυρός, τό, [in LXX chiefly and very freq. for אֵשׁ ;] fire
Thayer:
1) fire
πῦρ
pur poor A primary word; “fire” (literally or figuratively, specifically lightning)
KJV Usage: fiery, fire.
Jesus is stronger or mightier than John. John says that Jesus will immerse us in the Holy Spirit. Jesus is going to immerse us in fire. Fire is used to try our works later at the mid point of the tribulation when Jesus is coronated, Revelation 11. Fire is also used to burn the bad trees producing evil fruit. But right now he has a pitchfork and is cleaning the floor.
Matthew 3:12 G3739 of which G3588 the G4425 winnowing fan G1722 is in G3588 G5495 his hand, G1473 G2532 and G1245 he shall thoroughly cleanse G3588 G257 his threshing-floor, G1473 G2532 and G4863 shall gather together G3588 G4621 his grain G1473 G1519 into G3588 the G596 storehouse; G3588 but the G1161 G892 straw G2618 he shall incinerate G4442 [2fire G762 1by inextinguishable].
Jesus consumes all the straw with unquenchable fire. What is not straw is put into the granary. We can understand from John’s context that he has the ability to baptize for repentance, but Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. Whatever is not baptized with the Holy Spirit is consumed by fire. Now remember what happened on Pentecost?
Acts 2:1 G2532 And G1722 in G3588 the G4845 filling up G3588 the G2250 days G3588 G4005 of Pentecost, G1510.7.6 they were G537 all together G3661 with one accord G1909 in the same place. G3588 G1473
The disciples were unanimous on Pentecost or more accurately Shavuot. The words “same place” are not in the text. They were actually in the temple courts, not in an upper room as people have mistakenly believed. Because it was Shavuot, or the Feast of Weeks, people from all over Israel were in town celebrating. This is how so many people heard the disciples speaking in their own languages.
Acts 2:2 G2532 And G1096 came G869 suddenly G1537 from out of G3588 the G3772 heaven G2279 a sound G5618 as if G5342 [4being brought G4157 1of a 3breath G972 2violent], G2532 and G4137 filled G3650 the whole G3588 G3624 house G3739 of which G1510.7.6 they were G2521 settled.
Oikos can be a house, a building, or a tabernacle/temple. The disciples were seated in the outer courts praying and an ēchos, a loud confused noise, violently blew and completely filled the building they were sitting in.
Acts 2:3 G2532 And G3708 appeared G1473 to them G1266 divided G1100 tongues G5616 as G4442 of fire, G2523 and it sat G5037 G1909 upon G1520 [2one G1538 1each] G1473 of them.
As the disciples sat there, and the noisy wind blew, divided up into parts, unacquired languages of fire sat down on each of them. Think about this; if the wind was blowing, the fire had to be supernatural or it would have blown out, therefore imagine seeing a fire or light that was not affected by the wind, yet they could see the effects of the wind. There was probably dust and leaves blowing, and the sound of those things swirling around the disciples caught the attention of everyone around them. The fire of speaking unacquired languages liberally supplied everyone at the same time.
Acts 2:4 G2532 And G4130 they were filled G537 all together G4151 [2spirit G39 1of holy], G2532 and G756 they began G2980 to speak G2087 with other G1100 languages, G2531 as G3588 the G4151 spirit G1325 gave G1473 to them G669 to be declared.
At the same time they were also completely filled with the Holy Spirit. This is when they started speaking in different unacquired languages as the Holy Spirit offered them to speak out. This is why the other people from all over the region heard them in their own languages. The uneducated Galileans were speaking the magnificent things of God. On this day, the day that the disciples received the infilling of the Holy Spirit, we see an evidence that something beyond their own ability took place through them and they spoke in languages that they did not know how to speak.
Jesus is winnowing, and separating the grain from the straw. He will try people by fire. The corrupt trees with evil fruit are cast into the fire. You will know people, whether they are good or evil, by their fruits. But if we have the fire of the Holy Spirit in us, then we are already tried. It is then our opportunity to strive to walk in the Holy Spirit producing or cultivating the fruit of the Spirit. Then when we are directed we can manifest in ministry an office and/or miracle working powers. This is what the Spirit of Wisdom was telling us in Proverbs. The tree of life is germinated by righteousness. Sophia says to gather her fruit. The benefit of her good fruit is ours.
