Clicky

Does the Holy Spirit Make You Shiver? Understanding Physical Reactions to the Holy Spirit – Viral Believer
Skip to content

Does the Holy Spirit Make You Shiver? Understanding Physical Reactions to the Holy Spirit

Introduction

The Holy Spirit is a powerful and transformative force in the lives of Christians. It is often described as the third person of the Trinity and is seen as the source of inspiration, comfort, guidance, and strength for believers.

While the Holy Spirit is often experienced in intangible and invisible ways, there are also instances where its presence is physically manifest in the form of shivering, shaking, trembling, or quaking.

These physical reactions to the Holy Spirit have been documented throughout biblical and church history, and are often seen as a sign of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, a physical manifestation of being filled with the Holy Spirit, or evidence of being touched by God.

Despite these physical reactions being well-documented, not everyone understands them to be a sign of the Holy Spirit. Some people view them as evidence of drunkenness or a lack of control, rather than as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s presence.

Nevertheless, for those who have experienced these physical reactions they can be powerful and transformative experiences that provide a deeper connection to the Holy Spirit and a sense of its presence in their lives.

In this blog post, we will explore the topic of shivering, shaking, trembling, and quaking in response to the Holy Spirit. We will delve into the biblical basis for these physical reactions, their historical context, and what they mean in the lives of believers.

Whether or not one experiences these physical reactions, the most important thing is to have an open heart to the work of the Holy Spirit and to be transformed by its power.

Holy Spirit in the Bible

The Bible and Physical Reactions to the Holy Spirit

The New Testament provides numerous examples of physical reactions accompanying the presence of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2:3-4, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, and divided tongues like fire appeared on each of them.

They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. When onlookers accused them of being drunk, Peter explained that they were not drunk but filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:15).

In Acts 9:17-18, when Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit, something like scales fell from his eyes, and he instantly regained his sight. The apostle John is also recorded as having a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit in the book of Revelation, where he was “slain in the Spirit” (Revelation 1:17).

These physical reactions have long been interpreted as evidence of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, a sign of being filled with the Holy Spirit, or a physical manifestation of being touched by God.

However, not everyone understands these physical reactions to be a sign of the Holy Spirit. Despite Peter’s explanation, some onlookers continued to view the apostles’ speaking in tongues as evidence of drunkenness.

Examples from Church History

Throughout church history, there have been many notable examples of physical reactions to the Holy Spirit. One of the most famous is the Welsh Revival of 1904-1905, characterized by powerful experiences of the Holy Spirit, including accounts of people falling to the ground, shaking, and trembling.

This revival had a profound impact on Welsh society, leading to reductions in crime and alcoholism, and it is still remembered today as an example of God’s transformative work.

Another significant example is the Azusa Street Revival of 1906-1915, considered the birthplace of modern Pentecostalism. This revival was characterized by powerful manifestations of the Holy Spirit, including people falling, shaking, and speaking in tongues.

The Azusa Street Revival had a profound impact on the spread of the Pentecostal movement globally and continues to be remembered as an example of God’s transformative work.

Another group known for their physical reactions to the Holy Spirit is the Quakers. They received their name because of the trembling or “quaking” that often occurred when they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

The Quakers were known for their deep spiritual experiences and their commitment to peace and justice, and they continue to be an important part of the Christian tradition today.

Conclusion

The Bible and church history offer substantial evidence of physical reactions, such as shivering, shaking, trembling, and quaking, accompanying the presence of the Holy Spirit. These physical reactions can be seen as signs of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives and are often interpreted as evidence of God’s transformative work.

However, it is crucial to remember that not everyone will have these physical reactions and that they are not a requirement for receiving the Holy Spirit. The most important thing is to have an open heart to the work of the Holy Spirit, regardless of whether physical reactions are present.

The presence of the Holy Spirit is a powerful and transformative experience that can bring blessings and change to our lives, even if physical reactions do not occur.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.