Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist was informed by the angel that his son would be special. He told him: “For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb” (Luke 1:15). Did John actually receive this gift before his birth? If so, what would be the purpose?
It would appear that John is the only one mentioned in scripture with this distinction. Jesus received the Holy Spirit without measure, but only at the time of his baptism, at which time there was “a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
It would be useful to note that there are some variations in the translations concerning the timing of the gift for John: The NRSV states: “even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Conversely, the NIV states: “he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.” The Diaglott agrees with the NIV on this wording.
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Author: The Advocate
Keywords: John the Baptist, The Holy Spirit, Filled with the spirit, Filled with the Holy Spirit, Filled with the Holy Ghost
Bible reference(s): Luke 1:15, Luke 1:41, Luke 1:44
Source: “Question Box,” The Christadelphian Advocate.
Page indexed by: inWORD Bible Software.