Lesson 3 - Section 4 - Question 1 of 17 

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The Physical Nature of the Holy Spirit

Our lesson begins looking at the physical nature of the Holy Spirit (also called the Holy Ghost).  Let's first see how the scriptures define a "spirit."  We begin by looking at what is NOT a spirit.

When Jesus was risen by God from the dead, He appeared to His disciples.  At first they were startled, thinking that they had seen a spirit or ghost.  It was important for Jesus to show them that what they were seeing was NOT a spirit:

And while they were telling these things, He Himself (Jesus) stood in their midst. 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought that they were seeing a spirit. 38 And He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 "See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." 40 And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. 41 And while they still could not believe it for joy and were marveling, He said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" 42 And they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish; 43 and He took it and ate it before them. Luke 24:36-43 (NAS)

Question:

According to Luke 24:39, a spirit or ghost does NOT have what?

  1. The ability to make any sound.
  2. Life. 
  3. A body of flesh and bones.

Sound Life Flesh and Bones


Other Translations - Luke 24:39:

Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." (NIV)

"Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have." (NKJ)

See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye behold me having. (ASV)

Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. (KJV)

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