It is sometimes remarked that, among the Persons of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit is the most neglected. George Smiga's
The Holy Spirit in the Bible is a little book that goes a long way towards leading its readers into prayerful consideration of who the Spirit is and what the Spirit does from a biblical perspective. Across six lessons organized in a format that is easily digestible for personal reflection or group study, Fr. Smiga guides us through key passages from the Bible that reveal the Spirit's activity and draws potent insights from these passages for our lives today. The number of passages Smiga treats and the level of biblical scholarship reflected in Smiga's analysis is most impressive for such a slim volume. Moreover, Smiga writes in a style that presents scholarly knowledge about the Bible in crystal-clear fashion for lay audiences. I recommend this book highly as an introduction to what the Bible says about the Spirit.
Gilberto A. Ruiz, Associate Professor of New Testament, Saint Anselm CollegeI highly recommend this short volume to anyone seeking an overview of the many and varied ways the Holy Spirit is active in the Bible. Although arranged in six lessons, there is enough thought-provoking material here for at least twelve Bible study sessions. Smiga's commentaries are very clearly written, providing thought-provoking explorations of the texts most pertinent for understanding the activity of God's Spirit in both the Old and New Testaments. He doesn't shy away from some difficult questions of translation and interpretation, but explains them clearly and without excessive technical jargon. Especially valuable are the Contemporary Relevance sections that follow the explanations of each biblical passage. The nine or ten questions that conclude each lesson are pertinent and stimulating for individual reflection or small group discussion. Let's hope Fr. Smiga writes more volumes of this high quality in the Little Rock Scripture Study series.
Felix Just, SJ, founder and author of Catholic-Resources.org
Little Rock Scripture Study has been my preferred small group Bible study resource for years. The materials are thoughtful and approachable, drawing readers more deeply into Sacred Scripture in unexpected ways and leading them further along in their own faith journeys. I have always appreciated how well-packaged and intentional the resources are, with easy-to-follow instructions, especially for busy parish staff and volunteer facilitators alike. Once again, LRSS does not disappoint with its latest study, The Holy Spirit in the Bible. The study takes an often enigmatic and mysterious topic and guides readers through a journey of discovery that is both familiar and new with sound teaching and thought-provoking questions. It is accessible enough for a group that is just getting started, but novel enough for a seasoned group to enjoy as well. Truly a wonderful resource!
Jenn Fiduccia, Senior Director of Leadership Consultants at Catholic Leadership Institute, and former Director of Faith Formation, St. Francis of Assisi, Raleigh, NC
The Holy Spirit in the Bible gave our Bible study group new insights into familiar Bible passages. The questions at the end of each lesson generated lively, passionate discussions as our group easily connected readings to events in our personal lives as well as situations in society. Fr. Smiga's style of writing is well organized, easy to read, interesting, and very informative. I highly recommend this study.
Bible Study Participant, Barrington, Illinois
The Holy Spirit in the Bible would be an excellent resource for a study group, but could also be used profitably by an individual. The questions are insightful and require thoughtful meditation.
Catholic Media Association