Anthony Thiselton’s Shorter Guide is a “shorter guide” in that it was written at the request of his publisher to provide a shorter treatment (228 pages) of his more substantial 2013 work, The Holy Spirit: In Biblical Teaching, through the Centuries, and Today. That volume runs 570 pages, so this work is just under half the length. Thiselton indicates that this work is not a mere abridgment, stating that he has “seldom consulted it [the earlier volume] while writing this present book.” He also notes that this volume is an opportunity to focus more on doctrine and less on history, as well as to look more fully at “…the explosion of Pentecostalism in the two-thirds world as a global phenomenon.” Having not read the earlier volume, this reviewer is unable to comment on this.

The book is divided into three main parts. Part one focuses on the biblical writings and contains seven chapters that survey the biblical material. One chapter is devoted to the Old Testament and another is dedicated to the literature of intertestamental Judaism. The remaining five chapters cover the New Testament.

The second section looks at doctrinal themes. These include the Trinity, Jesus Christ, the Church, revelation and inspiration, sanctification and eschatology. The treatments in this section may focus “less on history” (as Thiselton states), but this claim would be true only in the depth to which the historical development of these doctrines is covered. There is no skimping on the comprehensive nature of the historical personalities covered.

The final section deals with the experience of the Holy Spirit and Pentecostalism’s development and current influence. Thiselton covers the development of Pentecostalism in the United States, Latin America, Asia and Africa. He then moves to review the current situation, stating, “Pentecostalism has undoubtedly reached a new stage its development. The movement now boasts … world-class theologians….” (p. 154)

Following an overview of the work being done by contemporary Pentecostal theologians and biblical scholars, one chapter focuses on the topic of hermeneutics (a topic on which Thiselton has written prolifically) and another dealing with the church’s worship and prayer life. There is a critical assessment here with no attempt to veer away from a critical analysis of weakness that needs addressing.

The volume includes full indexes of authors, subjects, Scripture and other ancient sources referenced, as well a lengthy bibliography.

Thiselton’s writing is clear, concise and cogent. The chapters themselves are outlined making it very clear when one section is ending and another beginning. Numerous footnotes document the sources as Thiselton engages with scholars, both ancient and modern.

The use of the word “guide” in the title is appropriate for this work. In addition to the outline format mentioned above, the territory covered is vast and many topics that could be book-length treatments are dealt with in a few paragraphs. As an example, in one paragraph in the chapter titled “The Holy Spirit and Hermeneutics,” Thiselton manages to mention each of the following: Heidegger, Bultmann, Gadamer, Ricoeur, feminist writers and liberation theologians.

Anthony Esolen, “Over Our Dead Bodies: Men Who Are Willing to Lay Down Their Lives Are Truly Indispensable,” Touchstone (June 2006, Vol 19, No. 5).

Someplace, Pennsylvania

Anthony Esolen’s article is rich and lyrical. It describes an all-American small town and the slate quarry that was once the economic heart of the community. Some might see the abandoned quarry as an ugly scar on the land. Others see it as a place to test and re-create themselves.

Even with modern equipment and techniques, quarries are risky, difficult places to work. Yet they produce products of great beauty, durability and value. The slate wrestled from the earth serves as superior roofing, tables or flooring. The product is worth the price.

The intended purpose of the quarry is in the past, but it continues to serve as a place where beauty, durability and value are created. Young men use the place as a swimming hole and graffiti wall. They test themselves against the very real risk of falling among the jagged rock, miles and hours from any reasonable help or rescue.

There are two main reasons for their somewhat reckless behavior. The first; the innate male urge to demonstrate their abilities and capabilities. The second; to leave enduring evidence of their passing through a place.

Risk And Reward

Sooner or later, men want to prove or demonstrate their skills and powers. They might try to perform for a large crowd. They may be satisfied if only they themselves know. Regardless of the audience, they want an authentic encounter with their limits. The reward of knowing exceeds the hazard of doing.

The problem is that we have taught ourselves to play it safe. Climbing out of the boat is an insane act. Challenging the might of Pharaoh with a single stick is suicidal at best.

We cannot advance God’s Kingdom from a place of safety and security. At the risk of becoming martyrs we do things that will bring others to Christ. Whether facing a spear in Ecuador, or the unsaved man in the next cubicle, are you willing to put yourself at risk for God’s Kingdom?

Long Term Significance

Every man wants significance. We want to matter, in a weighty way, if only for an hour in our lives. The scars or missing limbs become our badge(s) of honor. “I was there, and I did what needed to be done.”