The qualification of the disciples for the discharge of the trust (continued)
Preachers and Preaching 1D3
He intimates that He Himself was the author of that work; and that the spiritual life and strength of ministers and Christians is derived from Him, and depends upon Him, as much as the natural life of Adam and his seed. As the breath of the Almighty gave life to man, and began the old world, so the breath of the mighty saviour gave life to His ministers and began a new world (Job xxxili. 4).
We learn, therefore, that the Spirit is the breath of Christ proceeding from the Son. The breath of God is but for the power of His wrath (Isa. xi. 4, xxx. 33). But the breath of Christ signifies the power of His grace. The breathing of threatenings is changed into the breathing of love through the mediation of Christ. Our words are uttered by our breath, so the word of Christ is spirit and life. We learn also that the Spirit is the gift of Christ. The apostles communicated the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, those hands being first lifted up in prayer, for they could only beg this blessing and carry it as messengers. But Christ conferred the Holy Ghost by breathing, for He is the author of the gift and from Him it comes originally.
The disciples now received more of the Holy Ghost than they had yet received. Thus spiritual blessings are given gradually. To him that has shall be given. Now Jesus had begun to be glorified, more of the Spirit began to be given (see John vii. 39). What is contained in this grant?
(a) Christ hereby gives them assurance of the Spirit's aid in their future work: in the execution of the commission now given them.
(b) He hereby gives them experience of the Spirit's influence in their present case. They were now in danger of the Jews; therefore, "'Receive ye the Holy Ghost", to work courage in you.
5. Power TO Forcive SINS One particular branch of the power given them by their commission instanced in John xx. 23, "Whosesoever sins ye remit'', in due execution of the powers you are entrusted with, "they are remitted unto them"', and they may take the comfort of it; and ''whosesoever sins ye retain'', that is, pronounce unpardoned, and the guilt of them bound on, "they are retained'', and the sinner may be sure of it to his sorrow. Now this follows upon their receiving the Holy Ghost, for if they