The Coming of the Holy Spirit

Before His Passion, Jesus comforted the Holy Apostles with a promise. “When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 15.13) Before His Glorious  Ascension Jesus, “commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,’ He said, ‘ you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’” (Acts 1.4-5)

Following the Ascension of Jesus Christ, the Holy Apostles waited until the Feast of Pentecost and the coming the Holy Spirit. “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.” (Acts 2.2-3)

With the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Apostles now had the authority of God and were guided into all truth by the Holy Spirit. Since that day, we have remained faithful to the teachings and way of life of the Holy Apostles, not in blind obedience, but in faith that the Holy Spirit, the Comforter promised by God, continues to guide the Church into all truth – so long as we remain faithful to the Apostles. As Saint Paul said, “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of our epistle.” (2 Thessalonians 2.15)