Greek to Me

When I was doing some time at Asbury Theological Seminary, I took a couple of courses in Greek which resulted in 10 hours of academic credit.  Since the New Testament is translated from very old Greek manuscripts, it is always a good thing for any ministerial candidate to study the language.  While I never saw myself as a Greek scholar, I have carried with me the ability to recognize and know something about a few Greek words.  One of those words is "baptizo."   Of course, anyone can figure that one out to be baptize.  But, an interesting thing learned and remembered about the word is that one of the alternate translations renders it "overwhelm."

 

When it comes to reading about people being baptized with the Spirit, or filled with the Spirit, the word "overwhelm" always comes to mind.  And, certainly the picture painted with words like "rushing wind" and "tongues of fire" not only describes Pentecost, but also speaks of those disciples being overwhelmed by the power of the Holy Spirit.  I have always been partial to the phrase, "overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit."   Even as I can visualize being overwhelmed by the waters of baptism, so does it give a clearer image of what it means to be baptized with the Spirit.

 

When we are overwhelmed by something, it takes us away.  It causes us to disappear.  It becomes impossible to stand in the midst of the moment.  What was no longer exists.  The word "overwhelm" carries with it the image of everything from the past being swept away with something radically new and different being left.  It sounds like a good definition of what happens to us as we allow ourselves to come under the influence and power of the Holy Spirit.