“Two-Stage” Spirit Reception in the Writings of Paul

Abstract

Abstract In his 2017 article, “Subsequence in the Pauline Epistles,” Robert Menzies asked, “Is the pentecostal doctrine of subsequence compatible with Paul’s pneumatological perspective?” His answer was yes, based especially on 2 Timothy 1:6–7 and Romans 1:11. However, he notes, “most scholars” reject this position. Building on 1 Corinthians 12:13 and a perceived absence of Spirit reception in Paul’s epistles, these authors would agree with D.A. Carson that “Paul stands positively against” seeing Spirit baptism as “a post-conversion enduement of the Spirit to be pursued by each believer.”1 This article takes up Menzies’ question and builds on his work. It begins with a summary of his article, investigates whether 1 Corinthians 12:13 contradicts a “two-stage” model of Spirit reception, and then examines nine Pauline texts that add more support to Menzies’ proposal. The findings are summarized at the end.