Pentecost and the World

In Pentecost and the World, Roland Allen examines the events and consequences of the coming of the Holy Spirit as described in the book of Acts. Allen argues that the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was a definite, real, and new gift, distinct from the Spirit’s work in the Old Testament. He emphasizes that this gift was intimately connected with the risen and glorified Jesus Christ, and could only be received by those who believed in Him. Through a close reading of the text, Allen reveals how the Holy Spirit inspired and guided the apostles in their missionary work, creating an internal necessity for sharing the gospel and establishing the Church among all nations.

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Roland Allen (1868-1947) was an English missionary and theologian. He spent many years serving as a missionary in China, where he developed his ideas about the importance of indigenous leadership and self-supporting churches. His most well-known books include Missionary Methods: St. Paul's or Ours? and The Spontaneous Expansion of the Church.