Summary
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In this review, the book “Perspectives on Pentecost” by Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. is hailed as “a significant contribution to anyone’s study of the Holy Spirit and his gifts.” “Of foundational importance in this book is Gaffin’s unpacking of the once-for-all significance of Pentecost,” which “clears away much that is otherwise confusing.” Gaffin “provides some structural observations about the Spirit’s gifts,” including “the distinction between the gift and gifts of the Spirit” and their “service/ministry orientation.” His “lengthiest chapter… provides a biblical analysis of the gifts of prophecy and tongues,” identifying prophecy as “revelatory, bringing ‘to the church the words of God in the primary and original sense.'” Finally, Gaffin addresses “the cessation of certain gifts,” demonstrating “the temporary character of the apostolic gift” and establishing that “some gifts were, indeed, given only for the ‘foundational’ period of the church.” This “carefully exegetical” book is “Very highly recommended.”