Robert W. Graves

This is an excellent introduction to the experience of Spirit baptism, particularly with respect to "speaking in tongues," and well adapted to those newly interested in the subject, to those who have experienced the baptism and need to learn in order to properly express it and use it, and for those who either have a hard time accepting the charismata or are even settled against it.

This book has the advantages of being rather comprehensive and easy to read, while providing an exegetically sound defense of the charismata. The author briefly surveys the many competing denominations whose members have come to experience speaking in tongues, the opinions of theologians, the effects and focus of the charismatic experience, the nature speaking in tongues, an analysis of objections to the gift with it's defense, and a verse by verse examination of many relevant passages in the NT, especially 12 pages discussing 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 countering the cessationist view.

The author helpfully supplies a list of non-pentecostal/charismatic scholars who agree that the tongues spoken of in the NT did not involve speaking in foreign languages, an even larger list of those scholars who view the "perfect" as having not yet come, a chart of varied views when the gifts of the Spirit ceased and of post-apostolic writers affirming the functioning of gifts in their day, and a bibliography for further reading (including a short list of books the author personally recommends in his introduction).

Although published in 1987, nevertheless, this is a relevant book for today to encourage those who either believe in or have already experienced the charismata as well as to challenge those who are undecided about it or flatly reject it.… (meer)