Acts 2:29-39
Sometimes I wonder if there is not a hierarchy within the Trinity. No doubt, greater minds than mine have resolved this issue and have all three members of the Godhead as co-equal with one another. I wish I could give you something from one of our Creeds or from the 39 Articles to support a non-hierarchy, but I can’t find one. Here is one institution’s statement: “We believe that the one God eternally exists in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and that these three are one God, co-equal and co-eternal, having precisely the same nature and attributes, and worthy of precisely the same worship, confidence, and obedience.” (https://www.christianity.com/god/trinity/god-in-three-persons-a-doctrine-we-barely-understand-11634405.html)
So why do I bring up this hierarchy question? It begins back in the Garden of Gethsemane, with Jesus praying “…not My will, but Your will be done.” It carries over in His many prayers, addressing God as His Father and, as I see it, seeking the Father’s will and direction. But I see it anew in today’s reading: This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit… (vv. 32-33a) Somehow I see the Father calling the shots, especially with the phrase “…having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit…” To me there is a real sense here of the Father’s authority – essentially having the Holy Spirit “at His disposal” and having “gifted” Jesus with the promise of this Holy Spirit. It struck me differently this time when I read it.
Please don’t take me for a heretic. As I said earlier, greater minds than I… However, the topic might merit a good discussion!
Slava Bohu!
Fred, perhaps the Father is the one with the internal authority, while the Son is the one with earthly authority, and the Spirit is the one with personal authority to guide and teach us. All with co equal authority just different aspects.
I was struck by Peter’s action verbs: repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Spirit, gather for teaching, fellowship, communion, prayer. Early church instructions which then lead to mission.
Intriguing on the authority split, Debbie… You’ve set me to thinking!