Baptism in the Spirit: Luke-Acts and the Dunn Debate

Synopsis: This book is about that treasured doctrine of Pentecostalism: baptism in the Holy Spirit, understood as a work subsequent to conversion to Christ. Since James Dunn's publication of Baptism in the Holy Spirit, there has been heated response from Pentecostals in defense of the doctrine. Key players are Roger Stronstad, Howard Ervin, David Petts, James Shelton, Robert Menzies, and ex-Pentecostal Max Turner. This book reviews Pentecostal criticisms of Dunn with respect to Luke-Acts, concluding that Pentecostals are right: for Luke, receiving the Spirit was not the inception of new covenant life. It was a powerful enabling for prophecy and miracles; for the church's outward mission and its internal life. After placing Luke-Acts in a wider canonical context, the book closes with some practical lessons from Luke-Acts for today's Pentecostal churches. Endorsement: "In Baptism in the Spirit Atkinson tackles afresh the controversial and sometimes divisive doctrine of the same name. Deftly and with mature even-handedness the author canvasses four decades of scholarship on the subject. He is generous in giving credit where it is due and is equally forthright in giving criticism where he believes it is due. This is a must read for those informed laypersons, pastors, theological students, and scholars who are seeking a clearer understanding of the doctrine of baptism in the Holy Spirit." -Roger Stronstad Biblical Theology Director Summit Pacific College "A correct understanding of what it means to be baptized in the Holy Spirit is of vital importance, not only to the Pentecostal Movement, but to the entire Christian Church of the twenty-first century. William Atkinson's book is a valuable contribution to the discussion, summarizing and critiquing the views of key Pentecostal scholars in relation to Dunn and offering a refreshing conclusion of its own. It will undoubtedly prove essential reading for Pentecostal scholars and Bible College students alike." -David Petts Honorary Academic Fellow, University of Wales "No single book can offer a comprehensive academic reflection on the subject of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. However, I consider this work as a useful manual on the academic presentations of this doctrine. One may not agree with all the arguments William Atkinson has raised but I do recommend this book as an essential reading for all those who are eager to understand the New Testament doctrine of the Spirit Baptism." -Opoku Onyinah, Chairman Church of Pentecost, Ghana "Atkinson has done a superb job of synthesizing and evaluating key elements of the 'Dunn Debate.' To borrow a phrase from a cable network, this book is 'fair and balanced.' It should be required reading for all students preparing for Pentecostal ministry. And I strongly encourage all ministers who identify themselves as Pentecostal or charismatic to read it." -Anthony D. Palma Emeritus Professor of New Testament Assemblies of God Theological Seminary Author Biography: William P. Atkinson is a Pentecostal minister in Essex, England and Associate Research Fellow at the London School of Theology. He is the author of the award-winning The "Spiritual Death" of Jesus (2009).