The Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts, Then and Now

Written by Max Turner Reviewed By R. T. France

As the title indicates, this book covers a lot of ground, perhaps too much for one volume. It is a study both of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and of ‘spiritual gifts’; it relates to both then (the NT period) and now; and it is an exercise in both biblical and systematic theology (including also a valuable brief discussion how the two are related [pp. 137–149]). These various subjects matters would have justified at least two books of this length, but then the coherence of the subjects would have been lost. The result is a demanding but enriching read.

The approach is scholarly, cautious, and carefully argued in detail, with an eye equally to NT Scholarship and to the debates among evangelical and charismatic Christians. The author is at home in the realities of the charismatic scene today, though not uncritical of some aspects of it. It is thus an ideal guide for believing Christians who want to be guided in their church life by responsible and rigorous biblical study.

Part 1 (NT pneumatology) covers relatively well-trodden ground with a sure touch. It includes in chapter 6 an excellent discussion of the relation between Acts 2 and the ‘Johannine Pentecost’ (20:22).Turner comes down firmly in favour of a one-stage ‘conversion-initiation’ reception of the Spirit, over against both classic Pentecostalism and some sacramentalist views of confirmation.

Part II, on ‘Spiritual Gifts’, is more of a pioneering work, and likely to attract more attention. A useful discussion of the meaning of charisma (pp. 262–267) contributes to a general demystification of some esoteric charismatic terminology, and a recognition that God is not bound by ‘gift-lists’. Most of the space is given to prophecy, tongues and healing, in each case offering a sane and well-grounded biblical analysis (which tends to maximise agreement rather than divergence between the biblical writers), followed more briefly by appropriate comments on the current charismatic scene. Non-charismatics will find here a useful guide to what actually goes on in such circles, while charismatics will feel that they have been understood and taken seriously, even where Turner has critical comments to offer.

He demolishes without difficulty the dogmatic cessationism of Warfield and his followers, and concludes that ‘the present-day phenomena, while weaker than some of the NT manifestations, are nevertheless in real (theological and functional) continuity with them’ (p. 348).

This is a major work in an area too often afflicted by superficial studies, a rich resource for careful biblical study and for informed debate. It is carefully researched and meticulously documented (though there is an unfinished footnote on p. 136; and I did enjoy the reference to ‘millinerian’ [hat-making?] prophets on p. 199). It is eirenic and painstakingly fair, not afraid to enter into critical debate where necessary, but aiming to promote mutual understanding and appreciation. Part II, at least, is unlikely to be quickly superseded as the key work for the study of spiritual gifts.


R. T. France

Llangelynin, Gwynedd