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Chapter Two: Holy Ghost Baptism in the Bible The second step in our discussion is to consider the question of “Who received the baptism of the Holy Ghost in the Bible?” This is a question of utmost importance. The first thing we must do, however, is to determine where in t...

Chapter Two: Holy Ghost Baptism in the Bible The second step in our discussion is to consider the question of “Who received the baptism of the Holy Ghost in the Bible?” This is a question of utmost importance. The first thing we must do, however, is to determine where in the Bible we must look to research this. Whenever we wish to know about a subject, we study the background and the results of an event in order to gain a fuller understanding of the subject. But, in order to know the details of the event, we study the event itself. For example, there are many verses of scripture throughout the Bible concerning the baptism and anointing of the Lord Jesus at the start of His ministry. We could look at the prophecies in Isaiah and the references in Acts, but if we wanted to examine the actual event, we would read the detailed accounts in the Gospels. The prophecies and the references would explain the reasons for the events, but only the actual accounts would give a detailed description of the event. And so, it is with the subject of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Although there are many prophecies concerning the baptism of the Holy Ghost in the Old and New Testament, and many references to the Spirit being given, and to the Christian being led by the Spirit, which 31 cannot be done without the person having first received the Spirit, we want to examine the details of “who” and “how” the baptism of the Holy Ghost was received. And in order to do that, we must go to the book of the Bible that tells us of the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, the Book of Acts. If we can understand how the baptism of the Holy Ghost was received in the Bible, then we will know God’s plan and pattern for us today. First, please realize that the baptism of the Holy Ghost is a clearly conscious, recognizable experience, and one can know with certainty whether or not one has received that experience. It is more than just the result of faith and belief. It is more than just mental assent. It is an emotional and spiritual experience that is the result of faith, belief and mental assent all working in harmony with God’s word. The experience is so recognizable that in Acts 2 and 10 the disciples and the household of Cornelius knew exactly when they received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. And in Acts 8 and 19 the Samaritans and the Ephesians knew very clearly that they had not received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. It was obviously such a clearly recognizable experience that Paul could refer to the experience and use it as a basis for his argument against salvation by works of the law (Galatians 3). Secondly, please understand that there are a number of phrases used in the Bible that refer to or describe the baptism of the Holy Ghost. The phrases “baptized with the Holy Spirit,” “the Holy Ghost fell on them,” “the Holy Ghost came upon them,” “gift of the Holy Ghost,” are all used to describe this same experience. These are synonymous terms in the New Testament Church. 32 The phrase “filled with the Spirit” is also used to describe the initial experience of receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2), but it also is used to describe the temporary anointing that came upon a Spirit filled believer. Many Old Testament persons were said to be “filled with the Spirit” and many New Testament persons were “filled with the Spirit” before Pentecost, but, we learn from John 7:37-39 and Acts 2:16 that those persons were not recipients of the baptism of the Holy Ghost which God has offered and made available to all. Those were individual fillings of power and commissions for service and not the promise of the Spirit poured out on all flesh that would be received by believers. This is proven by examining the words of John the Baptist. Now we know that John was filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother’s womb (Luke 1:15), “Forhe shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. …but the scriptures teach that John knew he needed the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Consider the account of Matthew 3:11-14: John said, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier that I…he shall baptize you with The Holy Ghost and with fire…Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him saying, I have need to be baptized of thee…” 33 Obviously, John knew what he was talking about. Jesus also said of John the Baptist and believers (Matthew 11:11), “Verily I say unto you, among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” So we understand that the words “filled with the Holy Spirit” do not mean “baptized with the Holy Spirit” before the Day of Pentecost. But we will see that beginning with the Day of Pentecost, these same words can refer to the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is very important to understand the context of the verses and what is being discussed. Is the context on the conversion of the unbeliever or the work of the believer? Remember, however, that a believer cannot be “filled” with the Spirit without first “receiving” the Spirit. Also, there are many people who would contend that there is a difference between receiving the Holy Spirit and receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. But that argument is not based upon the scriptures of the Bible. We will find that that argument is not only unscriptural, but it is also illogical and unsupportable as well. Let’s now examine the scriptures concerning who and how people received the Holy Ghost baptism in the New Testament. The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-42) John the Baptist told the people (Matt. 3:11), 34  “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:” After over 400 years of silence, God had once more raised up a prophet, and he was called John the Baptist. John was to prepare the way for the Lord. His message was “repent”, and his duty was to announce the coming Messiah. He told them that the Messiah would take away the sins of the world and baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire. It is important to understand what the word “baptize” means. The word comes from the Greek word “bapto” and “baptizo” means “to immerse; or to plunge, or dip under.” The word “baptism” is used to describe the effect of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the believers. It was to envelope them, engulf them, and saturate them. After His resurrection the Lord told his disciples (Luke 24:49) “And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” John recorded these words (John 20:22), “And when he had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:” One needs only to see what words were used to describe the fulfillment of these promises and commands to understand the similarity of meaning: Acts 2:1-4 tells us, 35  “And when the Day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Notice, the first receiving of the baptism of the Holy Ghost in the New Testament is described, “They were all filled with the Holy Ghost…” Now since God chose to describe the fulfillment of the prophecy of John the Baptist through His Word with the words, “…they were all filled…” then that should be enough to establish that the “baptism of the Holy Ghost” (or, “immersion in” the Holy Ghost) and “being filled with the Holy Ghost” can be synonymous terms. Then there are subsequent usages where “filled with the Spirit” is used to describe the times of anointing upon Spirit filled believers such as Acts 4:8 that says, “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them…” This does not mean that Peter again received the initial experience of the baptism of the Holy Ghost, but that the anointing and unction of the Spirit came upon him. Another use of the phrase “filled with the Holy Ghost” means the continual presence or indwelling of the Spirit. It is recorded in Acts 6:3,5 that they were to seek out seven men full of the Holy Ghost. Paul commanded the Ephesians to be filled with the Holy Ghost (Eph. 36 5:18). However, this phrase is only applied to persons who have received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. We must understand that being filled with the Holy Ghost in this age and Dispensation is not the same as being filled with the Spirit under the Old Dispensation. We are told clearly (John 7:38-39), “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. But this spoke he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Spirit was not yet given: because that Jesus was not yet glorified.” It must either be admitted that this verse refers to the baptism of the Holy Ghost which, up till then, no person had received, or it must be admitted that this verse is incorrect because we know of several Bible characters who had been filled with the Spirit prior to that time. So, we learn that 1) any believer can and indeed should receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost and 2) they must believe on Jesus as the Bible says. The scripture tells us that they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak in tongues. But exactly what was this marvelous and miraculous event? Never before had anything like this happened. A crowd began to gather and then Peter began to explain to the crowd what it was they were witnessing. He said, (Acts 2:16) “This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh:” Here then Peter tells the crowd that the event prophesied by Joel and promised by the Lord had 37 finally come to pass. He preached to them Jesus and Him crucified and said that, (Acts 2:33) “…He hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear…” So then, the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit occurred on the Day of Pentecost, 50 days after the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Also, the scriptures say that “they were all filled with the Holy Ghost” but who does the word “all” refer to? There are many Bible teachers that would try to limit the number of recipients on the Day of Pentecost to just the apostles. To maintain this position, however, denies all of the prophecies and promise in the Bible. Therefore, we can reject this claim. Notice the following: 1. The prophecy in Joel referred to “handmaidens and daughters.” None of the apostles were women, but there were women in Jerusalem. Acts 1:14 & 15 tells us who were there, “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty.)” Acts 2:1 tells us, “And when the Day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” The disciples were commanded to stay in Jerusalem until they received the promise; we are told that about 120 were together in one accord; then we are told that 38 those that were in one accord were all filled with the Holy Ghost; and that some of them were women. To further substantiate this, we need only read Luke. 23:49 that tells us that Jesus had women followers in Jerusalem, and thus we understand the prophecy of Joel the began to be fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. “And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.” Galilee was in the Northern province and Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem in the Southern province. There were women followers and this accounts for the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy in the simplest and most direct manner. (Also, Luke 24:9-10). Also, we notice the six classed of people mentioned: sons, daughters, young men, old men, handmaidens, servants. And Peter said, “This is that…” If it is so that only 12 men received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, then Joel’s prophecy was not correct. Also, if there is a difference, as some claim, between the outpouring of the Spirit, and the transmitting of the Spirit by the laying on of the Apostles’ hands, then who were the women that God poured out His Spirit upon? 2. According to Luke 24:33-49, the Lord commanded more than just the 12 apostles to tarry in Jerusalem. 3. It is evident from the context that Peter and the apostles were standing apart from the rest of the group. Acts 2:14. So when Peter said “For these are not drunken” he was referring to the rest of the group, not to the other apostles. 39 4. There were at least sixteen nationalities present, all of whom heard the disciples speaking in their own tongues (Acts 2:8). This more readily suggests that there were more than just twelve men speaking. And we know that there was a large multitude of people who heard the group. 5. When the multitude heard this sound, they began to congregate to see what was going on. One hundred and twenty men would certainly attract a crowd of at least three thousand more so than just 12 would. (Acts 2:41) 6. The number 120 is in harmony with the Bible type found in 2 Chron. 5:11-14, which tells how the new temple was filled with a cloud, demonstrating the Lord’s presence. And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course: 12 Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:) 13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; 14 So that the priests could not stand to 40  minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.” These six reasons should more than prove the number was 120 and not limited to the just the apostles. We also know from the prophecy that “God would pour out his spirit on all flesh” Peter shows us the extent of this promise in Acts 2:38-39. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Critics who would disprove the 120 number fail to harmonize the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts and fail to understand Luke’s intention. Once again, the emphasis is given to the apostles, not to rule out any others but to impart truths focusing on the Church leaders. And this is not unusual. We find several examples in the scriptures: The accounts of the creation of man in Genesis 1 and 2 are not contradictions, they are simply explained with different points of emphasis. Matthew 21:7 mentions two animals while Mark 11:7 only mentions one. Another example is Matthew 26:69-70 which mentions Peter’s denial to the servant girl and “them all” while Mark 14:66-68 mentions the servant girl only. One account mentions that the servant girl was within earshot of others and one narrows the story to the girl. It is not a contradiction, but merely a different emphasis. Luke 24:33 has the phrase, “and them that were with them…” to announce that there were more than just 41 eleven apostles, but Luke does not dwell on this or go into added detail. However, he does tell us that there were more than eleven, and they all were told to tarry in Jerusalem (verse 49) and we therefore cannot arbitrarily dismiss this, or toss it out. We must conclude that there were indeed more than just the eleven apostles who received the first outpouring of the Holy Ghost. Once again, it is important to always harmonize the many verses of scripture found in the Bible rather than to expect one verse to “cancel out” another verse. It is also significant to understand that after 3 ½ years of the apostles walking with the Lord, He would not allow them to carry on His work until after they received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. All of his disciples, to whom He showed himself after His resurrection, were commanded to tarry until they received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. There are many reasons given in scripture: Because the Lord made this promise, (Matthew 28:20 “…and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” How was this promise to be fulfilled? Jesus said (John 14:18-20), “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live , ye shall live also. At that day ye 42  shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.” 2. The Lord told his disciples (Acts 1:8) “But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses of me…” The two major reasons were the continual and abiding presence of the Lord in the disciples’ lives and the power that He gave them to be His witnesses. From these two reasons stem every other reason for the indwelling of the Holy Ghost in the believers. (These are discussed in Chapter Five - The Ministry of the Holy Spirit.) What about the 3000? On the Day of Pentecost, the 120 were filled with the Holy Ghost and this miraculous event drew a crowd. Peter told them Acts 2:33, “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.” Peter then went on to preach to the crowd about Jesus Christ and when they were convicted in their hearts and asked what they should do, Peter told them (Acts 2:38- 39), “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” 43 Look what was just promised to all who were listening - the gift of the Holy Ghost. (In Acts 10:45 the same language is used to describe the baptism of the holy Ghost which Cornelius and his household received, and yet some people will try to tell us, “No, it’s not the same.) Peter had just finished making that promise to the crowd that was gathered on the Day of Pentecost. Then the Bible says (Acts 2:41) “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about 3000 souls. Can we believe that if they repented and were baptized, they would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost? If so, then the 3000 did receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Also, the number 3000 can be established on the basis of the type found in the Old Testament. When the law was given by Moses 3000 people perished (Ex. 32:27- 28). “And he said unto them, thus saith the LORD God of Israel, put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor. 28 And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.” But when grace was given, 3000 people were added unto the Church (Acts 2:41), 44  Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. What about the group of people that John the Baptist addressed (Matthew 3:11), or the group that Jesus spoke to (John 7:37-39)? Did they also receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost? The Bible does not say. Many would try to disregard all of the other promises of the Holy Spirit made in the Bible by trying to tell us that these were general statements of what the Lord was going to do, but the actual fulfillment of these promises were realized with the 12 apostles. However, that is a very weak interpretation of the scriptures and a very weak argument. Since the promises of John mentioned in Matthew were direct statements made to people other than the apostles, and the Lord’s own words (Jn. 7:38- 39) clearly include more than just the twelve apostles, it can be reasonably assumed that the promise was to more than twelve men. Phrases such as “all flesh”, “daughters and handmaidens”, “he that believeth” all destroy the teaching that the outpouring of God’s Spirit was only for the twelve apostles. However, it is also correct to notice that it is the apostles who are emphasized in this chapter and throughout the rest of the book of Acts. However, the emphasis on the apostles does not detract from all of the other promises made throughout the Bible, or from the certainty of their fulfillment. We know that about 120 received the Holy Ghost. And we know that 3000 were then added to the Church. Many people erroneously believe that all the promises made must have been fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, 45 that is really not true. For example, the account in Acts 4:4 tells us that about 5000 believed. That is all that is said. Did they get baptized? Were they added to the Church? This account only says that “they believed.” In Acts 4:31-32 we are told, “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.” And yet, there are no clear details as to who were there, what happened, etc. The only thing we know is that there were a multitude and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. One can reasonably conclude that the pattern preached and shown in Acts 2 was followed here. Another example is found in Acts 6:3: the multitude was commanded to search out seven men full of the Holy Ghost. When were these seven men filled with the Holy Ghost? On the Day of Pentecost? Afterwards? The Bible does not tell us. But the Bible does tell us that they were full of the Holy Ghost, so we can conclude that at some undisclosed time they were filled with the Holy Ghost. Once again, the emphasis on the apostles in the book of Acts does not take away from the promises made to all believers. In Acts 10, Peter said that the Gentiles received the Holy Ghost as they did. Acts 10:47 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 46  Acts 11:15-17 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. 17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? The phrase “last days” obviously cannot be restricted to only the day of Pentecost. Let’s look at other accounts of people receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost. The Samaritans (Acts 8:5-25) The next detailed account of people receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost is found in the eighth chapter of the book of Acts. The evangelist Phillip went to Samaria and preached Christ to them (vs. 5) and performed miracles among them (vs, 6). We then read (vs.12-17) “But when they believed Phillip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women… Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (for as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” 47 Notice first that the verse says, “…only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” The Amplified Bible, The Living New Testament and the Revised Standard Bible all translate the last part of Acts 8:16 the same way, “…but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus”. The word “only” denoted that something was not completed, or that they had received a part of something. The context shows us what was missing. They had only received the water baptism. Jesus said,” “…Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” The word “only” shows that this was not yet done. Second: compare the Lord’s words in John 20:22, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” With John 7:37-39, “If any man thirst, let him come to me and drink. He that believeth on me as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit which they that believe on him should receive.)” What does the Bible say the Samaritans did? They received the Holy Spirit. The Bible does not say, “They received a measure of the Holy Ghost,” or “The apostles were able to give something like the Holy Ghost.” Can we not accept that? The Bible tells us that God gives the Holy Ghost, not the apostles. If God chooses to work through his apostles, does that alter the fact that it is the baptism of the Holy Ghost? No. So often people say that those that the apostles laid hands on received the same Spirit that they and Cornelius and Paul had, but that did not mean it was Holy Ghost 48 baptism. But let’s examine the context of the language more carefully. “…sent unto them Peter and John: Who when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them…” From where was the Holy Ghost to come? From above. For it was supposed to have fallen upon them, but as yet, had not. So, for whatever reason it was that the Holy Ghost had not yet fallen, the apostles were to pray for them. And when they prayed for them, and laid hands on them, they received the Holy Ghost. Now, contextually and logically, can we deny that the Samaritans were supposed to receive Holy Ghost baptism? No. Can we then claim that just because the apostles touched them and prayed for them that it was not supported by the context of the scriptures? Also, if it was not Holy Ghost baptism, what was it? It could not have been just another miracle. Notice in Acts 8:18-19, “And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostle’s hands, the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.” What was it that Simon saw? He had already seen Phillip doing miracles, for Acts 8:13 tells us, “Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Phillip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.” So, there must have been some kind of supernatural manifestation of such overwhelming magnitude to 49 convince a man like Simon the Sorcerer to offer money for that power. He certainly would not have offered it if there was no visible effect? But then what was it, if not miracles, signs and wonders? It could only have been the effect or result of the baptism of the Holy Ghost, which is speaking in tongues. Did he offer money because he saw people shouting for joy or being healed or simply being baptized in water? No, he offered money when he saw people receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Also, we will see in the 10th chapter of Acts that the Jews who were with Peter only believed that Cornelius and his household received the baptism of the Holy Ghost because they heard them speak with tongues. Why should there be a difference here? There was some kind of outward manifestation showing that they had received the Holy Ghost that Simon had not seen. And, the language here is in perfect harmony with the words of the Lord and other Bible examples, so we can therefore conclude that the Samaritans received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. It must also be noted that Peter denounced him, and told him that his heart was not right with God (vs 21), and this is an important factor in receiving the Holy Ghost. Peter in Acts 15:8 said, “And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us… Like so many people in the world today, Simon saw the manifestation of the Spirit and did not understand the significance of what the manifestation represented. He did not understand the Spiritual consequences of what he saw, but coveted only after the carnal consequences of what he could do. The promised 50 baptism of the Holy Ghost is, according to John 14:20, the reciprocal indwelling of the believer in Christ and Christ in the believer. And, according to Colossians 1:27, that is, “…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Again, as Paul told the Romans in 8:9, “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His…” Simon wanted the power without the benefits. He craved for what he could not understand. He could not understand because, as we are told, “the natural man understandeth not the things of God…for they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). For additional support of this conclusion, we can turn to such notable commentators and commentaries such as: Matthew Henry, Adam Clarke, The Pulpit Commentary, Thomas Scott, Charles Ellicott, and a host of others. According to the language of the Bible, the Samaritans obeyed the word of the Lord and received the Holy Ghost. According to the logical interpretation of the Bible, Simon saw something that made him aware that they had received the Holy Ghost. Peter said (Acts 2:33) when explaining the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost, “Therefore, being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.” When one receives the baptism of the Holy Ghost, others are going to see and hear something. We are told in 1 Corinthians 14:22 “Wherefore, tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not.” 51 Why then did the apostles have to go to see the Samaritans? 1. Jesus had given Peter the keys to the Kingdom (Matthew 16:19). Peter was present and was the main spokesman at Pentecost (Acts 2). Peter was present when the Spirit was given to the Jews. Peter was present in Samaria (Acts 8). Peter was present when the Spirit was given to the Samaritans. And Peter was present in Cornelius’s house (Acts 10) when the Spirit was given to the Gentiles. Jesus used Peter to “open the door” to each of these people groups. It must be noted that “all flesh” refers to the Jews, the Samaritans and the Gentiles and that when the Spirit was first poured out upon these three classes of people, it was the preaching of Peter, who had the keys, that unlocked the doors. If Phillip had been able to lay hands on the newly baptized believers, he would have done so, making the sending of Peter and John unnecessary. Also, it must be noted that although Peter had to “unlock” the baptism of the Holy Ghost for the Samaritans, he did not claim that he had bestowed the Holy Ghost. He called it the gift of God. We read in Acts 8:18-20, “And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.” 52 2. Perhaps in order to establish the apostles’ authority in Samaria, God had them pray and lay hands on some before he gave the Holy Ghost. 3. The doctrine of laying on of hands is basic in Christianity (Hebrews 6:1-2). 4. The people were Samaritans, half Jew and half Gentile, and prior to this the Lord had forbidden the disciples to go into Samaria (Matthew 10:5) (Matthew 15:27). So perhaps the apostles had to go to Samaria to convince the Samaritans that the Lord indeed accepted them so that they might have the faith to believe. The Bible tells us that the Holy Ghost is received by faith (Galatians 3:2, 14) and that “Faith cometh by hearing…” (Romans 10:14). Nevertheless, despite what the possibilities may exist, it is clear that before Peter and John’s arrival, the Holy Ghost had fallen upon none of them, and that after Peter prayed for them, “…they received the Holy Ghost.” That is clearly stated and not subject to analysis or refutation. Instead of trying to create circumstances, theories and terminology not found in the scriptures, let’s accept the language and testimonies of the inspired writers and believe that these people did receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and that all believers are also to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. However, there are some interesting and significant observations that must be made here, and a vital truth to be understood. Notice what the Samaritans did not have. They: 53  a) Did not have the Holy Ghost before they believed. b) Did not receive the Holy Ghost the moment they believed. c) Did not receive the Holy Ghost the moment they were baptized in water Please understand that Belief, Water baptism and Holy Ghost baptism are not the same. They are not mutually interchangeable. You may believe and have been baptized in water and will not have received the Holy Spirit baptism. This is one of the major false doctrines sweeping through the Churches today: That people have already received the baptism of the Holy Ghost because they were believers or because they have been baptized in water. What does the Bible say, however? The Bible says that this is not so. The account in Acts 8 is a clearly stated passage of scripture that needs no interpretation. They believed, were baptized but did not have the baptism of the Holy Ghost. As noted previously, the baptism of the Holy Ghost is a clearly conscious, recognizable experience, not an automatic unconscious one. If the baptism of the Holy Ghost was not for the Samaritans (Acts 8) then it is possible to believe in Jesus Christ, believe the preaching concerning the kingdom, be baptized in water and still not receive the Spirit of Christ which baptizes one into the body of Christ, according to 1 Corinthians 12:13. This would be a major contradiction to what the Bible teaches. Others would further try to confuse the issue by stating that the Samaritans received the “ordinary measure” of 54 the Spirit but not the “miraculous measure” of the Spirit. However, these terms are not found in the Bible and are therefore only further attempts to justify belief in a false doctrine. We can see, based upon the language and the examples given, that the Samaritans received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Cornelius and His Household (Acts 10:1-48) The next detailed account of anyone receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost is the Roman centurion Cornelius and his household. Peter was told in a vision to go see Cornelius, but he was not certain of the meaning of the vision. Meanwhile God had already told Cornelius to send some men after Peter. Peter then began to preach to Cornelius about Jesus. Let’s turn to Acts 10:44-47, Peter has been sent by God to the household of Cornelius, “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?” Notice that Peter said, “…as well as we?” Who was he talking to? The other apostles? No. He was talking to the six Jews who accompanied him to Cornelius’ house. Here is further proof that more than just the 55 twelve apostles received the baptism of the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost. Also, in describing the baptism of the Holy Ghost in these four verses, look at the phrases used: “The Holy Ghost fell on them,” “Poured out,” “The Gift of the Holy Ghost,” “received the Holy Ghost.” All of these are given to saturate our minds with the understanding that God gives, or pours out the Holy Ghost and we are to receive the Holy Ghost. Now, if the inspired writing of Luke uses all of these different phrases to describe the Holy Ghost baptism experience, who are we to reject those phrases when we read of the others accounts mentioned in the book of Acts? Notice that Peter uses the phrase, “received the Holy Ghost as well as we…” There is no doubt that this was Holy Ghost baptism. Also, we are told later that this was Holy Ghost baptism. Peter, standing before the Church in Jerusalem says (Acts 11:15-17), “And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water: but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I that I could withstand God?” Notice Peter’s two phrases, “fell on them,” and “baptized with the Holy Ghost”; proving that they are synonymous. Also, notice the qualification given, “who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ…” The Lord said (John 7:38), 56  “He that believeth on me, as the scriptures hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spoke he of the Spirit, which they that believeth on him should receive.)” Also notice that Peter said, “As on us at the beginning…” (vs 15) Who was he talking to? Read Acts 11:1, “And the apostles and brethren that were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God…” Again, not just the twelve. In this case, we have Peter’s own testimony that Cornelius and his household received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Also, notice that once again, there was a physical manifestation that could be seen and heard. They spoke with tongues. Notice here the same phrases are used in Acts 8 and Acts 10: Acts 8:16-17 “For as yet he was fallen…and they received the Holy Ghost…” Acts 10:44-47 “the Holy Ghost fell…which have received the Holy Ghost…” In Acts 10 notice the two phrases “fell on them” and “received the Holy Ghost.” Now in Acts 8, notice the phrases “as yet he was fallen upon none of them” and later, “they received the Holy Ghost.” If the same language is used in Acts 8 as in Acts 10, how can one say that it was not Holy Ghost baptism in Acts 8? Does it alter the fact that the apostles had to come down and pray for them and lay hands on them? No. The language is exactly the same. God pours out the Holy Ghost and they were to receive the Holy Ghost. The language, example and pattern all support both the 57 Samaritans and Cornelius’ household as examples of Holy Ghost baptism. The Disciples at Ephesus (Acts 19:1-6) “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, unto what then were ye baptized. And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came upon them; and they spake with tongues and prophesied.” Notice here that we have the same context as in Acts 8. Paul was concerned that these men did not have the Holy Ghost, prayed for them, and they received the Holy Ghost. How did they receive the Holy Ghost? “The Holy Ghost came upon them…” Paul did not “give” or “transmit” the Holy Ghost to them. The Holy Ghost “came upon them.” Who was the giver of the Holy Ghost? God. Jesus. Not the apostles. God worked through them in some cases but it was still God who gave the Holy Ghost. There is not one place in the Bible that describes the baptism of the Holy Ghost as the Gift of the apostles, is there? Also, if this was not Holy 58 Ghost baptism, then why did the disciples speak in tongues? Paul was not imparting a spiritual gift unto these disciples; he was asking them about receiving the Holy Ghost. Why then did Paul have to re-baptize these disciples? Because they had not, as Jesus commanded after his resurrection, been baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Peter understood what the name was and commanded the people at Jerusalem to be baptized in the name of Jesus. He knew that there were conditions to receiving the Holy Ghost baptism which was promised. Read Acts 2:38 again, 1. Repent 2. Be baptized in the name of Jesus (this explains Matthew 28:19) 3. Ye shall (future tense) receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This phrase is also used in Acts 10:45 which proves that it refers to the baptism of the Holy Ghost. “And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 19:16 tells us, that after he re-baptized them and laid hands on them, “…the Holy Ghost came upon them…” Acts 19:11, tells us, “And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul…” 59 God can choose who, what, when, where, and how He chooses to do something, but we must never forget that it is God who does the thing that is done. These disciples had not been baptized in the name of Jesus. The had not yet obeyed the requirements and conditions of this promise. In Acts 5:32 we are told, “And we are his witness of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.” If believing was the only requirement for receiving the Holy Ghost, and that the receiving of the Holy Ghost was an automatic, unconscious experience, then Paul’s question would have been rather silly and unnecessary. But Paul knew that just believing wasn’t enough. He knew that one must not only believe, but one must hear the Gospel, understand it, and obey it. Paul knew from their response that they had not heard of the promise of the Spirit, and he knew that hearing and believing were key steps in one receiving God’s promises. He wrote(Rom. 10:14), “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed: and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? Notice also that there was a difference between the baptism that John administered and the baptism that Paul administered. They both used water. Both required immersions. Both were administered for the remission of sins. What then was the difference? Paul administered baptism in the name of Jesus. He knows that there was no other name given under heaven 60 whereby men could be saved (Acts 4:12). That was the only difference. A frequently asked question about the Ephesians is, “If these men received the baptism of the Holy Ghost at this time, why did Paul write in letter to the Ephesians (Eph. 5:18), “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess: but be filled with the Spirit.” The most logical answer is to understand that the Ephesian letter was written 6-8 years after the events of Acts 19. It is hoped that there would have been some new converts within that amount of time. However, another possible answer is to understand that the word “filled” can also mean to be under the influence of the Spirit, and Paul was encouraging his brethren to remain under the leading and guiding influence of the Spirit. Remember, however, one cannot be lead and guided by the Spirit until one has received the Spirit. Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:1-22) This is a unique account and bears some closer examination. This is one place that Holy Ghost baptism must have occurred, and yet for some reason, the details of that experience are not discussed. And yet, all Bible scholars and commentators agree that Paul must have had the baptism of the Holy Ghost, being an Apostle. Where then can we find the first reference to his receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost? In Acts 9:17-20 the Bible says, “And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him, said, 61  brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales; and he received sight forthwith, and arose and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.” Note the two things that were promised: 1) That Saul would receive his sight and 2) he would receive the Holy Ghost. God did not lie. He received both. God gave him a promise and therefore, we know that the promise was fulfilled. We know that Paul, as an Apostle must have had the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and yet, a detailed description of his experience is not given to us. Why is that? Four suggested reasons are: 1. The Bible tells us that out of the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word shall be established (2 Corinthians 13:1). We already have examples given, and the language is the same as in the other examples. 2. Paul makes references to his being filled with the Spirit and admits that he speaks in tongues, so there is no need to discuss the details. 3. Many scholars claim that Paul admitted to the baptism of the Holy Ghost with his words of 1 Corinthians 12:13, “For by (or “in” or “with”) one spirit are we all baptized into one body…” The use of the 62 word “we” in this verse clearly includes himself as having received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. (It also includes all of the Corinthian Church, which quietly silences all objections about only the apostles receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost). 4. Ananias laid hands on him as the Apostles did in previous accounts, and as Paul would in Acts 19. Whatever the reason, the testimony of the Word of God tells us in Acts 9:17 exactly when he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, “And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house, and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.” Notice the phrase, “filled with the Holy Ghost.” The first mention of Paul receiving the Holy Ghost is described as his being filled with the Holy Ghost. This must have been the time that Saul received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, because the next verses tell us (Acts 9:19- 20), “And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.” Are we to assume that Paul started preaching before he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost? No Bible scholar would admit to that. So we must conclude that either Paul received the baptism of the Holy Ghost at this time, or conclude that since the Bible does not tell 63 us anything contrary, he must not have had the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Since Paul said that he was not one whit behind the other apostles (2 Corinthians 11:5), we conclude that Paul had the baptism of the Holy Ghost. There is one other significant fact that must be mentioned here, and that is that Paul was filled with the Holy Ghost through the laying on of someone’s hand who the Bible writers do not identify as an apostle. The text tells us that Paul immediately started preaching and since he must have had the baptism of the Holy Ghost before he started preaching, we can conclude that he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost through the laying on of Ananias’ hands. This, coupled with Hebrews 6:1-2 sets the example and the precedent for people today to pray and lay hands on people seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Summary of the Five Accounts So then, in the book of Acts, where are the examples of Holy Ghost baptism discussed? Let’s look at them and compare the language used: 1. Acts 2:4 “Filled with the Holy Ghost” 2. Acts 8:17 “received the Holy Ghost” 3. Acts 10:44 “The Holy Ghost fell on all ” 4. Acts 10-47 “received the Holy Spirit” 5. Acts 11:15 “the Holy Ghost fell on them” 6. Acts 19:2 “received the Holy Ghost” 7. Acts 19:6 “Holy Ghost came upon them” 8. Acts 9:17 “filled with the Holy Ghost” 64 Also, there are five main expressions used to describe the baptism of the Holy Ghost in the book of Acts. They are: 1. filled with the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:4; 9:17) 2. Received the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:17; 10:47; 19:2) 3. Fell on them (Acts 10:44; 11:15) 4. Gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38; 10:45) 5. Came upon them (Acts 19:6) The fact that these phrases are used interchangeably illustrates that they refer to the same experience; the baptism of the Holy Ghost. These five accounts present to us the plan and the pattern that God has set in the Church for us to follow. Water and the Spirit Also, we see that these five accounts support the words of the Lord in John 3:5; the words of Peter in Acts 2:38; and the words of Paul in Titus 3:5 that tell us we must have both water and Spirit to be saved. The different accounts show us that in: Acts 2: The 120 who had received water baptism from either John or Jesus now received the Spirit. Also, the crowd that Peter preached to were told they must have water and Spirit. 65  Acts 8: The Samaritans first received water baptism and then the Spirit baptism. Acts 9: Paul fist received the Spirit and then was baptized. Acts 10: Cornelius’ household first received the Spirit and then the water. Acts 19: The men at Ephesus first received the water and then the Spirit. These examples set the pattern for salvation. One must have both water and Spirit baptism in order to be saved. The order of receiving may vary, but it is obvious that both are necessary. However, we note that in the two cases where the Spirit preceded the water, one was a man chosen to be an Apostle (Saul), and the other was a pious and religious man who did much good (Cornelius and his household). Peter said Repent…Be Baptized…Then receive the Spirit, but the Bible does note exceptions. It is a shame however, that despite the clearly presented facts of these examples, that there are still some who prefer to explain away scripture rather than explain scripture. It is possible to have water only and not receive the Spirit, and it is possible to have the Spirit only and refuse the water. But the Lord and his apostles commanded both. Let us understand the examples given to us in the Bible so that we can “rightly divide the word truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38 Explained While on the subject of water and Spirit baptism, it seems appropriate to interject a thought and a teaching 66 here. Many people seem to think that there is a contradiction between Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38. There is not. Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Two facts that are usually not understood, however, are: First, many do not understand that the Great Commission was not given until after the resurrection of Jesus. After He had risen, He returned and spent forty days with His disciples, teaching them the deeper meanings to the things that he had preached while he walked the earth. He did not command water baptism until after His resurrection. Read Luke 24:33-36, “And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them… And as they thus spoke, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.” Luke 24:45 tells us, “Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.” It was at this time that the Lord commanded the disciples (not just the 12 apostles) to (Luke 24:49) “…tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high. 67 Secondly, the Gospel accounts were written about 15 or 20 years after the Day of Pentecost. In other words, Peter first said, “In the name of Jesus Christ” and then 15 or 20 years later Matthew wrote “In the name of the Father…Son…and Holy Ghost.” You see, Peter knew the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost was Jesus. Remission of sins was to be preached in His name (Lk.24:47). There is no contradiction in the Word of God. This was the difference between John’s baptism and the Lord’s baptism. We must be baptized in His name (Acts 4:12). In other words, Jesus gave a command to be obeyed, not a phrase to be repeated. Many times, I hear the preacher say, “Praise the Lord.” Then somebody yells out, “Praise the Lord.” This is not obeying the instruction; it is repeating it. When the preacher says to praise the Lord, the correct response would be something like, “Lord you are wonderful and awesome. There is none like you.” That is obeying the instruction, not merely repeating it. When Jesus said to baptize “…in the name of the Father, son, and Holy Ghost,” Peter did not repeat the command, he obeyed it by saying, (Acts 2:38) “…Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Is there a contradiction in the Bible between what Jesus said and what Peter did? Of course not. Did Peter do it right? Of course, he did. We must familiarize ourselves with the order of the events rather than the order of the books. The Day of Pentecost occurred 68 before Matthew’s Gospel was written. Peter obeyed the command of Jesus, not merely repeated it. A Final Thought “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?” (Acts 19:2) If the receiving of the Holy Spirit was automatic and unconscious, then this question would have been unnecessary. Each individual does have a choice and must make a decision, based upon faith to receive the Holy Spirit. If the baptism of the Holy Ghost was a one-time event on the day of Pentecost that symbolically affected all believers, then the Holy Ghost baptism experiences of the 3rd, 8th, 10th, and 19th chapters of the book of Acts would have been completely unnecessary and unscriptural. If everyone automatically received the Holy Spirit upon believing, then Peter and John would not have had to pray for the Samaritans; the Jews at Cornelius’ house would have not have needed convincing; and Paul would not have had to ask the Ephesians if they received the Holy Ghost since they believed. It would not have been necessary if it were automatic to even wonder about such things. But, since it is not automatic, we can also ask, “Have you received the Holy Ghost, since you believed? 69