In this Names of God reading plan, we are learning more about God by studying the names given to Him in Scripture. Rather than having our writers share their own reflections on these passages, we’ve instead provided research-rich content to aid in your study of each day’s featured name of God, including the background of the name(s), a brief explanation of the character of God emphasized by the name(s), and a reflection question to help you dig deeper into the text.
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Spirit
Ruach (Hebrew), Pneuma (Greek)
Scripture Reading: Numbers 11:24-30, Psalm 51:10-13, John 4:19-24, John 14:15-26, Acts 2:1-4, Acts 10:44-48
Description
The Old Testament contains many references to ruach, the Spirit of the Lord, which was the manifestation of God’s presence on earth. The New Testament uses pneuma for the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity.
In John 4, Jesus tells the woman at the well that God is spirit. He was referring to the time, which has now come, when the Spirit of the Lord would no longer reside in temples built by human hands. Instead, the Holy Spirit dwells inside those who believe in Jesus.
Emphasis
The non-incarnate, or non-physical, presence of God on earth
Reflection
What does this name teach me about God?
All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. – Acts 10:45
Praise God that the Spirit is available to all people, both Jew and Gentile alike!