Examines the history, ideology and organization of the charismatic movement.

A lifetime of reflection and examination on the book of Acts

As the young pastor of a self-satisfied English congregation in the 1880s, Samuel Chadwick was so frustrated over his lack of power in the pulpit that he collected his sermons in a pile and set fire to them. The result was immediate: The Holy Spirit fell on him.

With exegetical depth, objectivity, and clarity Richard B. Gaffin examines prophecy and tongues and makes a case for the cessation of both gifts at the close of the apostolic era. Pentecost is presented as integral to the once-for-all work of Christ and decisive for the life of the whole church. Dr. Gaffin's biblical theological perspective is thorough. He defines all the spiritual gifts generally; he clarifies the nature of prophecy and tongues and the question of their continuance in the church today; and he indicates how these exegetical studies bear on contemporary interest in charismatic gifts. - Back cover.