Baptized with the Holy Ghost
In Acts 1:4 the disciples were told to wait for the promise of the Father. The gift that the
Father promised (Joel 2:28-29; Matthew 3:11) is the baptism in the Holy Spirit. The fulfillment
of that promise, however, is described as being "filled with the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:4). Thus,
"baptized in the Spirit" and "filled with the Spirit" are at times used interchangeably in Acts.
The preposition "with" in Acts 1:5 is the translation of the Greek word en and is often translated as
"in." Hence, many prefer the rendering "ye shall be baptized in the Holy Ghost." Likewise, "baptized with
water" may be translated "baptized in water." Jesus Himself is the one who baptizes His believers in the Holy Spirit
(John 1:33).
The primary purpose of the baptism in the Spirit is the receiving of power to witness for
Christ, in order to win the lost to Him and to teach them to observe all that Christ commanded. The end result is
that Christ may be known, loved, honored, praised, and made Lord of God's chosen people
(Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 24:46-49; John 15:26-27; Acts 2:38-39).
- "Ye shall receive power" (Acts 1:8)
"Power" means more than strength or ability; it designates especially power in action. Luke (in his Gospel
and in Acts) emphasizes that the Holy Spirit's power included the authority to drive out evil spirits and the
anointing to heal the sick as the two essential signs accompanying the proclamation of the kingdom of God
(Acts 6:8; Acts 8:4-8,12-13, Acts 10:38; Acts 14:3; Acts 19:8-12; Luke 4:14,18,36; Luke 5:17;
Luke 6:19; Luke 9:1-2). The baptism in the Holy Spirit is God's provision for releasing the power of
the Holy Spirit into the believer's life.
Note that in Acts 1:8 Luke relates the baptism in the Holy Spirit to the power within the
believer to witness with great effect.
The Holy Spirit's principal work in witnessing and proclamation concerns the saving work of Christ and His
resurrection, and His coming upon believers with power (Acts 2:14-42).
- "Ye shall be witnesses unto me" (Acts 1:8).
The baptism in the Holy Spirit not only imparts power to preach Jesus as Lord and Savior, but also increases
the effectiveness of that witness because of a strengthening and deepening relationship with God that comes
from being filled with the Spirit (John 14:26; John 15:26-27).
The Holy Spirit discloses and makes more real to us the personal presence of Jesus
(John 14:16-18). Any witness to an intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ Himself will result
in an evergrowing desire on our part to love, honor, and please our Savior.
The Holy Spirit witnesses to "righteousness" (John 16:8,10) and "truth"
(John 16:13) which "glorify" Christ (John 16:14), not only with words,
but also in life and deeds. Thus, we who have received the witness of the Holy Spirit to the redemptive work
of Jesus Christ will necessarily manifest Christlikeness, love, truth, and righteousness in our lives
(I Corinthians 13).
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is the initiation point whereby Spirit-filled believers receive the power to
witness for Christ and to bring conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment upon the lost. The effects of
such conviction will be evident both in those who sincerely proclaim the message and in those who receive
it (Acts 2:37-40).
The baptism in the Holy Spirit can be given only to those whose hearts are turned toward God in repentance
from their wicked ways (Acts 2:38; Acts 3:26). It is maintained by the same sincere
commitment to Christ (Acts 5:32).
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a baptism into the Spirit who is holy ("spirit of holiness,"
Romans 1:4). Thus, if the Holy Spirit is truly at work in us in all His fullness, we will live
in greater conformity to Christ's holiness.
In light of these Scriptural truths, therefore, we who have been baptized in the Holy Spirit will have
an intense desire to please Christ in whatever way we can. That is, the fullness of the Spirit complements
the saving and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Those who claim the fullness of the Holy Spirit, yet
live a life contrary to the Spirit of holiness are misled, deceived, and untruthful. Those who display spiritual gifts,
miracles, spectacular signs, or inspiring oratory, yet lack a life of true faith, love, and righteousness, are operating
not by the Holy Spirit, but by an unholy spirit not of God (Matthew 7:21-23; Matthew 24:24;
II Corinthians 11:13-15).
"All continued with one accord in prayer and supplication" (Acts 1:14) The experience
of Pentecost always involves human responsibility. Those needing the Spirit's outpouring for power to do God's
work should make themselves available to the Holy Spirit through commitment to the will of God and through
prayer (Acts 1:4; Acts 2:38; Acts 9:11-17; Isaiah 40:29-31; Luke 11:5-13; Luke 24:49).
Notice the parallels between the Spirit coming upon Jesus and the Spirit coming upon the disciples.
- The Spirit descended upon them after they had prayed
(Luke 3:21-22; Acts 1:14; 2:4).
- There were observable manifestations of the Spirit
(Luke 3:22; Acts 2:2-4).
- The ministries of both Jesus and the disciples began after the Spirit came upon them
(compare Matthew 3:16 with Acts 4:17; Luke 3:21-23 with Acts 4:14-19;
Acts 2:14-47).
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