Abstract

This article examines the twenty-five references to the book of Psalms in the first ten years of The Apostolic Faith, the periodical that was published by William J. Seymour at the Azusa St. Revival. The study shows that the early Pentecostal interpretation of the Psalms was neither monolithic nor simple. The early writers utilised a variety of methods and approaches, depending upon their purpose for writing. Seymour and the other contributors to his periodical used the Psalms in at least five different ways: 1. as affirmations of doctrine, 2. as allegories, 3. as analogous to Pentecostal experience, 4. as affective argument, and 5. as assurance and encouragement.

Highlights

  • This article examines the twenty-five references to the book of Psalms in the first ten years of The Apostolic Faith, the periodical that was published by William J

  • The article demonstrates that the early Pentecostal interpretation of the psalms was neither monolithic nor simple

  • Divine healing was a key element of the early Pentecostal movement, and Jesus as healer was one of the five points of what was called the “full gospel” or the “fivefold gospel.”9 The Pentecostal belief in divine healing is based upon many biblical texts, and among them is Ps 103:3: “He healeth all thy diseases.”10 Ps 103 is The Apostolic Faith’s most commonly referenced psalm by far, and it occurs in the Apostolic Faith Movement’s statement of faith that is printed in the first issue of The Apostolic Faith: Seeking healing. – He must believe that God is able to heal. – Ex. 15:26: “I am the Lord that healeth thee.”

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Summary

A INTRODUCTION

This article presents an examination of the function and interpretation of the psalms in early Pentecostalism. Following the lead of recent works in constructive Pentecostal theology, this article examines the early Pentecostal periodical literature from the beginning of 1906 (when the Azusa St. revival began) to the end of 1915.1 According to Steven J. Hollenweger, the first decade of the movement is crucial for establishing the “heart” of the Pentecostal tradition.2 This examination of Pentecostal testimonies, sermons, and essays aims to make the following contributions. I have classified these 25 references into five categories based upon the hermeneutical function of the biblical citation.

Divine Healing
Creation of Adam in the Image of God
Sanctification
C THE PSALMS AS ALLEGORIES
D THE PSALMS AS ANALOGOUS TO PENTECOSTAL EXPERIENCE
Psalm 66:10
Petition “I prayed and cried unto the Lord”
B Psalm 23
E THE PSALMS AS AFFECTIVE ARGUMENT
F THE PSALMS AS ASSURANCE AND COMFORT
Psalm 91
Psalm 37:7
G SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
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