The Holy Spirit’s Intercessory Ministry -- By: Curtis C. Mitchell

Journal: Chafer Theological Seminary Journal
Volume: CTSJ 04:1 (Jan 1998)
Article: The Holy Spirit’s Intercessory Ministry
Author: Curtis C. Mitchell


The Holy Spirit’s Intercessory Ministry

Curtis Mitchell, Th.M., Th.D.*

Chafer Theological Seminary

[*Editor's note: Curtis Mitchell earned his B.A. at Biola University, B.D. at Talbot School of Theology, Th.M. at Western Seminary, and Th.D. at Grace Theological Seminary. He taught for nearly 25 years at Biola University and is now Professor of Biblical Studies at Chafer Theological Seminary. NB: Dallas Theological Seminary granted permission to print Dr. Mitchell’s article, which one may also find in Bibliotheca Sacra, “The Holy Spirit’s Intercessory Ministry” (vol. 139, #555; July 1982; 230–240).]

Of all the chapters in the Book of Romans, none has been more cherished by God’s people than chapter 8. Yet, of the many wonderful promises we find in the chapter, perhaps none is less understood and appreciated than the promise of the Spirit’s help in relation to believers’ praying.

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:26–27).

No serious textual problems exist in the passage, but exegetical difficulties abound. The problems begin with the first word “likewise” (hosautos). It is a rather common adverb of comparison used quite frequently by Paul when he desires to show a close connection with the context.

Scholars hold three views on the relationship of these verses to the context. Most feel that “likewise” refers to the broad context in verses 19–25 (on “groaning”).1 Others tie “likewise” in with the broader context of the Spirit’s ministry begun back in verse 14.2 Some consider such attempts to tie the passage into the broad context as “rather fanciful.”3

They prefer to view the connection with the immediate context: as hope supports believers during suffering and enables them to wait patiently (8:25), so (῾Ωσαύτως) the Spirit helps them in their weakness.You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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