Solving the Samaritan Riddle: Peter's Kingdom Keys Explain Early Spirit Baptism

This book attempts to solve the Samaritan riddle that is the focal point of the Dunn Debate. Dr. James D. G. Dunns first book Baptism in the Holy Spirit (1970) claims the New Testament says baptism in the Holy Spirit always occurs simultaneously at conversion-initiation. In contrast classical Pentecostals contend that Spirit baptism always occurs subsequent to conversion and is evidenced by tongues-speaking. They mostly cite Acts 8:4-25 for subsequence. It says Philip preached to the Samaritans and they believed but they did not receive the Spirit until Peter and John came days later and laid hands on them. Dunn says these Samaritans and Jesus 120 Jewish disciples in Acts 2 were not Christians until they were baptized with the Holy Spirit. Zarley agrees with Pentecostals about subsequence in both cases. But he claims these Samaritans and the Gentiles in Acts 10 were Spirit baptized due to Peters presence using his metaphorical keys of the kingdom Jesus had promised to give him in Matt 16:19. After Peter opened kingdom doors for all three of these biblical classifications of people all people afterwards are Spirit baptized simultaneously upon conversion as Paul teaches and Dunn says except for the Ephesians anomaly in Acts 19:1-7. A bold and adventurous book by a non-specialist Bible reader of uncommon determination . . . It is a wonder that someone has not suggested this theory before because as anyone who reads Acts 10 knows Peter was there and opened the doors for the Gentiles. I commend serious engagement with Kermit Zarleys proposal. --Scot McKnight Julius R. Mantey Professor of New Testament Northern Seminary The debate over Baptism with the Spirit and its connection with conversion is long-standing and divisive. It is in need of fresh eyes and Zarley has provided that. I strongly recommend this book as an important new approach to this issue. --Grant R. Osborne Professor of New Testament Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Is the Spirit received at conversion as James Dunn and others have argued or subsequently as the Pentecostals claim? Beginning with testimony and moving personal stories and written with delightful clarity Zarley argues for another view reaching some wise and helpful conclusions that both sides need to hear. --Graham H. Twelftree Charles L. Holman Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity Regent University I find Zarleys suggestion--that Matt. 16:19 explains the untoward delay in the giving/receiving of the Spirit in Acts 8--somewhat intriguing. My problem with it is the apparent assumption that Matthew and Luke were operating/writing on the same playing field--something which in my view fails to appreciate the distinctive character and objectives of both. --James D. G. Dunn Emeritus Lightfoot Professor of Divinity University of Durham Zarley offers an approach to the apostle Peters kingdom keys in which Peter used his three keys to open doors for both the gospel and the Spirit among Jewish Samaritan and Gentile peoples. Thereby Zarley senses he has solved the Dunn debate. Neither side may be convinced of this but his tapestry of thoughts presents interesting ideas concerning Peters role in the churchs earliest days. --William P. Atkinson Senior Lecturer in Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies London School of Theology Kermit Zarley is known mostly for his career as a professional golfer on the PGA Tour and its Senior/Champions Tour. And he co-founded and led the PGA Tour Bible Study which thrives today. Kermit also is a pioneering author of biblical studies. This is his seventh theological book. Visit kermitzarley.com and Kermit Zarley Blog.