Who was the first person filled with the Holy Spirit?

From the opening verses of Genesis to the birth of the early Church in Acts, the Holy Spirit is portrayed as both creative and transformative. One question that frequently arises among students of the Bible is: Who was the first person filled with the Holy Spirit?

While the New Testament describes dramatic outpourings of the Spirit at Pentecost, the roots of this divine presence stretch deep into the Hebrew Scriptures. This post explores the biblical narrative, tracing the earliest references to the Holy Spirit and identifying the first person described as being filled with the Spirit according to scripture.

The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament

The concept of the Holy Spirit is not exclusive to the New Testament. In fact, the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) contains numerous references to God’s Spirit, often spoken of as the “Spirit of God” or the “Spirit of the Lord.” This Spirit is depicted as active in creation (Genesis 1:2), empowering leaders, anointing prophets, and guiding the people of Israel.

However, the language of being “filled with the Spirit” is distinct from occasional references to the Spirit “coming upon” or “resting on” individuals. To answer the question of who was first filled with the Spirit, we need to look for the specific phrase or idea of someone being indwelt or specially equipped by the Spirit for a particular purpose.

Bezalel: The First Person Described as Filled with the Spirit

Surprisingly to some, the first person explicitly described as being “filled with the Spirit of God” in the Bible is not a prophet, priest, or king, but a craftsman named Bezalel. In Exodus 31:1-5 (NIV), God speaks to Moses, saying:

“See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.”

Bezalel was commissioned to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle—the sacred tent where God’s presence would dwell among His people. The filling of the Spirit was not merely for spiritual insight, but for the practical skills, creativity, and wisdom required to accomplish a holy task. This passage shows that the Spirit’s work extends beyond prophecy or religious leadership and encompasses the gifts and abilities needed for worship and community life.

The Holy Spirit and Leadership in the Old Testament

While Bezalel is the first explicitly described as filled with the Spirit, he is not the only one empowered by God’s Spirit in the Old Testament. Various judges, such as Othniel, Gideon, and Samson, are described as having the Spirit of the Lord come upon them to lead and deliver Israel (Judges 3:10, 6:34, 14:6). The Spirit also empowers prophets to speak God’s word and kings to rule wisely, as seen in the lives of Saul and David (1 Samuel 10:10, 16:13).

However, these instances often use different language—“the Spirit of the Lord came upon him”—rather than “filled with the Spirit.” Bezalel’s example remains unique for its explicit statement and its connection to artistry and craftsmanship.

The Holy Spirit in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the language of being “filled with the Holy Spirit” becomes more prominent, beginning with John the Baptist, who was said to be “filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born” (Luke 1:15). Mary, Elizabeth, Zechariah, and others also experience the Spirit’s filling in the opening chapters of Luke. At Pentecost, the Spirit fills the apostles, empowering them to speak in other tongues and launch the Christian movement (Acts 2).

The New Testament emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is now given to all believers in Jesus, not just a select few. This marks a new era in God’s relationship with humanity, fulfilling the prophetic hope that God would pour out His Spirit on all people (Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:17).

Lessons from Bezalel’s Example

Bezalel’s story offers valuable lessons for understanding the work of the Holy Spirit. It reminds us that God’s Spirit empowers people not only for religious leadership but also for creativity, craftsmanship, and service. The first person filled with the Spirit was equipped to build a place where God’s presence would dwell—a powerful symbol for how the Spirit enables believers today to build lives and communities that reflect God’s glory.

Conclusion: The Spirit’s Presence from the Beginning

The answer to the question, “Who was the first person filled with the Holy Spirit?” takes us back to the Old Testament and to the skilled hands of Bezalel. His example demonstrates that God’s Spirit has been at work from the very beginning, empowering ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.