Q
I have a question about the Holy Spirit being given at Pentecost. If the apostles received the Holy Spirit on that day, what did they receive when Jesus breathed on them in John 20:22 before His ascension? I am confused about these two events.
A
The Bible uses three phrases used to describe the Holy Spirit’s interaction with men. In the Old Testament He was with men. The Apostles received the Holy Spirit late in the day of the Lord’s resurrection and from then on He was in them, as He is in us (John 20:22, 2 Cor. 1:21-22). The Holy Spirit’s visitation on Pentecost was a special event where He came upon them (Acts 2:3) .