Objection · Case 12 · Jehovah’s Witnesses
“It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us” is a formula, like “God willing.” It need not mean the Spirit deliberated as a party.
One objection from the free evidence repository at apologetics.pro.
Response
The formula reading is possible in isolation, and this verse contributes to a pattern rather than proving personhood alone. Placing the Spirit alongside the council as a co-decider is at least consistent with personhood and awkward for a force; that is the weight it can bear. Nobody writes it seemed good to the electricity and to us.
About this exhibit
This objection is to The Acts of the Apostles, chapter 15, verse 28.
The Jerusalem council writes its decision as “it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us,” placing the Spirit alongside people as one who decides.
Under Claim 09: The New Testament describes the Holy Spirit doing things only a person can do, which does not fit an impersonal force.