A Theology of the Spirit in the Former Prophets: A Pentecostal Perspective

by Rick Wadholm Jr

In this monograph, Rick Wadholm, Jr provides the most comprehensive study of the role of the Spirit in the Former Prophets to date. Beginning with a thematic survey of previous scholarship on this topic, the author then offers a Pentecostal reading strategy by which this portion of the biblical canon is assessed. Drawing on the reception history of the pneumatological texts found in the Former Prophets in early Pentecostal periodical literature, Wadholm traces their impact on these early readers and the implications of their interpretations for contemporary Pentecostal interpreters. This survey, then, is followed by a careful reading of the relevant Former Prophet passages, utilizing a literary and theological narrative approach that allows the voice of the text to be heard on its own terms. Building on the fresh insights produced by the foregoing analyses, Wadholm offers a constructive Pentecostal theology of the Spirit informed by the Latter Prophets in conversation with contemporary Pentecostal and other relevant pneumatological scholarship.

260 pages, Paperback

Published November 2, 2018

Reviews

[Greg Reimer]

The book is in two parts. The first part is an in-depth look at Pentecostal thought on the Spirit in the Former Prophets that has occurred over the last century. The second part springboards off of this by using the wisdom of these men and women as the background to Wadholm's own examination of the Former Prophets. Pentecostals are sure to find the first part fascinating as Wadholm provides many different voices and it is interesting seeing both the diversity and unity. The second part is where people from all denominations are sure to find many helpful insights as Wadholm carefully constructs a Pentecostal perspective that highlights the Spirit's role in the Former Prophets in subtle and surprising ways. As Wadholm states near the end of the book regarding his contribution to Pentecostal Theology, "this is offered from a particular orientation and experience of the life of the Spirit in the life of the Church as a potential witness both to those sharing that orientation and experience and to all others within the broader church." There is something here for everyone.