The last chapter of Lloyd-Jones’ book on Preaching talks about the unction of the Holy Spirit, and how it is an essential element of the preacher’s ministry. Thomas Murphy makes a similar point early on in his very important Pastoral Theology.
These men quote passages such as in Acts where Barnabas is said to be a good man, full of the Holy Spirit, and that (presumably) many were added to the Lord (i.e., converted) through his ministry (Acts 11:24). Further, we are told that after the baptism of Jesus, he receives the Spirit that he might preach the Good News of the Kingdom. And so forth and so on.
These passages are supposed to teach that there is a special, additional measure of the Spirit – that is, in addition to the giving of the Spirit in our regeneration – which is needed and required to bless the ministry of the minister of the Word. This is the anointing of the Spirit, which gives the preacher the kind of zeal and . . . well . . . unction, needed to minister effectively.
What do you all think of this? I haven’t read much on this subject. So I am curious to learn from those who have reflected somewhat on this issue. Do you think its biblical? Is it problematic to speak of an additional measure of the Spirit given by God to some to equip them for a special ministry in the church?
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