Empowered for Witness

With this study, Menzies sets a new standard for pneumatology. Beginning with an overview of the pneumatological perspectives of intertestamental Judaism (including literature from the Diaspora, Palestinian, Qumran and rabbinic sources), the first section concludes that for the most part these sources 'consistently identify experience of the Spirit with prophetic inspiration'. The next section aims to uncover Luke's distinctive pneumatology, employing a redaction critical method of analysis in order to illustrate Luke's similarly consistent portrayal of the Spirit as the source of prophetic inspiration, rather than as the source of Christian existence. The final section goes on to explore how this conclusion impacts on contemporary theological reflection and spiritual life. Robert P. Menzies is Lecturer in New Testament at Asia Pacific Theological Seminary, Baguio City, Philippines.