an overview of the Holy Spirit in the four gospels

Matthew:

Baptism of Jesus: The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus in the form of a dove after his baptism by John the Baptist, signifying his identity as the Messiah and God’s Son (Matthew 3:16-17).

Empowerment for Ministry: Jesus promises his disciples that they will receive the Holy Spirit, granting them power to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:19-20).

Fulfillment of Prophecy: The coming of the Holy Spirit is seen as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as Joel 2:28-29, which Joel 2:28-29, which describes an outpouring of the Spirit upon all people (Matthew 3:11-12).

Mark:

Power for Miracles: Jesus performs miracles and drives out demons by the power of the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:28-29).

Promise of the Spirit: Jesus assures his disciples that the Holy Spirit will come to them after his departure, providing them with guidance, comfort, and strength (Mark 13:5-8).

Empowerment for Witnessing: Jesus commissions his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Mark 16:15-16).

Luke:

Conception of Jesus: The Holy Spirit overshadows Mary, causing her to conceive Jesus (Luke 1:35).

Empowerment for Elizabeth: Elizabeth, Zechariah’s wife, is filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesies about the coming of Jesus (Luke 1:41-45).

Empowerment for John the Baptist: John the Baptist is filled with the Holy Spirit from birth, preparing him for his role as Jesus’ forerunner (Luke 1:15).

Empowerment for Jesus’ Ministry: Jesus is filled with the Holy Spirit after his baptism and is led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Luke 4:1-2).

Promise of the Spirit: Jesus promises his disciples that they will receive the Holy Spirit, empowering them to be his witnesses (Luke 24:49).

Descent of the Holy Spirit: On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus’ disciples, filling them with power and enabling them to speak in different languages (Acts 2:1-4).

John:

Dove as Symbol of the Spirit: John the Baptist witnesses the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus in the form of a dove, confirming Jesus’ identity as the Son of God (John 1:32-33).

Spirit as Advocate: Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the “Advocate” or “Comforter” who will come after his departure, teaching and guiding the disciples (John 14:16-17).

Spirit as Truth-Giver: The Holy Spirit is described as the “Spirit of truth” who will guide the disciples into all truth and reveal what is to come (John 16:13-14).