Who was the Holy Ghost?
The Holy Ghost—also called the Holy Spirit—is the third Person of the Trinity, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son. In the book of Acts, particularly Acts 1:2 and 1:8, the Holy Ghost is introduced as the divine Person through whom Jesus gave commandments to the apostles and by whom they would receive power for their witness and ministry.
The term “Holy Ghost” (Greek: τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον, to Pneuma to Hagion) means “the Holy Spirit” or “the Holy Breath.” The Greek word pneuma means “spirit,” “breath,” or “wind,” and it emphasizes the life-giving and empowering presence of God. The word “Ghost” is an older English translation still retained in the King James Version, conveying the same person as “Holy Spirit” in modern translations.
Throughout Scripture, the Holy Ghost is revealed not as a mere force or impersonal influence but as a divine Person with intellect, will, and emotion (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Corinthians 12:11; Romans 8:26–27). He is the one who indwells believers, empowers them for service, convicts the world of sin, and glorifies Jesus Christ.
Biblical References and Cross-References
The Holy Ghost is mentioned repeatedly in both the Old and New Testaments, with key New Testament references including:
- Acts 1:2 – Jesus gave commands to the apostles “through the Holy Ghost.”
- Acts 1:8 – “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.”
- John 14:16-17 – Jesus promised another Helper, “the Spirit of truth.”
- Matthew 28:19 – Believers are baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
- Romans 8:11 – The Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in believers.
- Ephesians 1:13-14 – Believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of inheritance.
In the Old Testament, the Spirit of God is seen in creation (Genesis 1:2), empowering leaders (Judges 14:6), and inspiring prophets (2 Samuel 23:2). However, in Acts, the Spirit comes in a new and powerful way after Christ’s ascension.
The Role of the Holy Ghost in Acts 1
In Acts 1, the resurrected Jesus prepares His disciples for the coming ministry they would carry out through the power of the Holy Ghost. He commands them to wait in Jerusalem for “the promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4), referring to the Holy Spirit, whom He had spoken of previously (John 14:26; Luke 24:49).
The disciples were told they would receive power (Greek: dynamis) when the Holy Ghost came upon them (Acts 1:8). This power would enable them to become Christ’s witnesses “in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Thus, the Spirit‘s arrival marked the beginning of the church’s global mission.
What It Means for Today’s Christians
The Holy Ghost is not a temporary helper but the permanent indwelling presence of God in the lives of believers. He regenerates the heart (Titus 3:5), assures salvation (Romans 8:16), and empowers spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12). He produces fruit in the believer’s life (Galatians 5:22–23) and guides in truth (John 16:13).
For today’s Christians, this means we are never alone or powerless. The same Spirit who empowered the apostles lives within every true believer. He is the source of spiritual life, growth, discernment, and sanctification.
How the Holy Ghost Points to Jesus and the Gospel
Jesus described the Holy Ghost as the One who would testify of Him (John 15:26). The Spirit’s primary role is to glorify Christ and to reveal Him to the hearts of people (John 16:14). The Holy Ghost convicts sinners of their need for a Savior (John 16:8), opens their eyes to the truth of the gospel, and leads them to faith in Jesus.
The gospel message is carried forward by Spirit-filled believers. In Acts, the spread of the gospel is inseparable from the empowering and direction of the Holy Ghost. From Pentecost (Acts 2) onward, it is the Spirit who calls, sends, emboldens, and multiplies the witness of the risen Christ.
Broader Biblical Themes
The Trinity
The Holy Ghost is part of the eternal Godhead—Father, Son, and Spirit. Each Person of the Trinity is fully God and yet distinct, working harmoniously in creation, redemption, and the believer’s sanctification.
Empowerment for Ministry
The Spirit equips God’s people for service and witness. From Acts onward, the Spirit is shown as essential for preaching, missions, church leadership, and daily Christian living.
God’s Presence With His People
The indwelling of the Holy Ghost fulfills the promise that God would dwell with His people. What was once seen in the tabernacle and temple is now experienced personally by believers.
Unity and the Church
The Holy Ghost baptizes all believers into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13) and unifies the Church in purpose and mission. He gives various gifts for the edification of the whole Body of Christ.
Reflection Questions
- Have you recognized the Holy Ghost as a divine Person who lives within you if you are a believer in Christ?
- How does the presence of the Holy Ghost change the way you view your role as a witness for Jesus?
- Are you relying on your own strength, or are you daily seeking the Spirit’s power and guidance?
- In what ways can you cultivate sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Ghost?
- How does the Spirit’s mission to glorify Christ shape your understanding of Christian living and ministry?
The Holy Ghost is not an abstract concept but the living, active Spirit of God. He brings Jesus near, empowers the believer, and leads the Church forward—just as He did from the beginning in Acts 1.