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In order to properly understand the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we must first understand the difference between it and the laying on of the Apostles hands to impart the Holy Spirit.
Act 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
Act 8:6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
Act 8:7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
Things to Note:
• Philip was NOT an apostle; only a deacon – see Acts 6:5
• Philip was able to perform miracles – Acts 8:6,7
Act 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Act 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Things to Note:
• The people; including Simon the Sorcerer believed Philip and was baptized.
• Upon this baptism there is no mention of the Holy Spirit,
Act 8:14 Now when THE APOSTLES which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Act 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
Act 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Act 8:17 Then LAID THEY THEIR HANDS ON THEM, AND THEY RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST.
Act 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on OF THE APOSTLES' HANDS THE HOLY GHOST WAS GIVEN, he offered them money,
Act 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
Things to Note:
• vs 14 – Peter and John were both Apostles, sent for a purpose.
• Vs 15 – 16 – The people of Samara were already baptized but did not receive the Holy Spirit.
◦ They were only baptized in the name of Christ.
• Vs 17 – The Holy Spirit was given ONLY by the laying on of THE APOSTELS hands.
◦ Philip was able to perform miracles yet he could not lay his hands on the people to give the Holy Spirit, He needed the Apostles for that purpose.
• Vs 18 – Even Simon recognized this.
Questions based upon these passages:
[FONT="]1. [/FONT]Are there any Apostles alive today to pass on the Holy Spirit? Answer: No
[FONT="]2. [/FONT]What happen when the last Apostle died? - Answer: Miracles began to cease – I Cor 13.
Mar_1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Act 1:2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had GIVEN COMMANDMENTS UNTO THE APOSTLES WHOM HE HAD CHOSEN:
Act 1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
Act 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
Act 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Things to Note:
• The Baptism of the Holy Spirit was commanded to THE APOSTLES – Acts 1:2, 4.
• Jesus chose the Apostles himself.
Act 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Act 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
Act 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Things to Note:
• “They” in text is still only referring to the Apostles – continued from Acts 1:2.
▪ Some may attempt to argue that it fell on the 120 disciples, but this is proven wrong simply by tracing back the pronoun “they”, it leads right to the Apostles.
• The Apostles received the Holy Spirit WITHOUT the laying on of hands.
◦ Because Jesus had personally chosen them and promised the baptism of the Spirit on them.
• This baptism of the Holy Spirit only occurs two times in the Bible.
◦ Here in Acts 2 on the Apostles (the Jews) and in Acts 10; Cornelius (the Gentiles).
Act 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
Act 10:2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
Act 10:3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
Act 10:4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
Act 10:5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
Things to Note:
• Cornelius was a devout man.
• His prayers came up as “a memorial” before God.
◦ The Greek word for “memorial” is [FONT="]μνημόσυνον[/FONT]
▪ [FONT="]This word means “a reminder”[/FONT]
▪ Cornelius' prayer reminded God that he would bring salvation to the Gentiles as well.
• See – Jn 10:16; 11:52, Gen 49:10.
• This does not mean Cornelius was saved at this point.
Act 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
Act 10:45 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.
Act 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Act 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, WHICH HAVE RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST AS WELL AS WE?
Act 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Things to Note:
The Holy Spirit fell upon the gentiles just as it did the Apostles – WITHOUT THE LAYING ON OF HANDS
This astonished the Jews – 45.
It showed Peter and the rest of the Jews that God has chosen the Gentiles worthy of salvation.
It was not a decision made by the Apostles, but the pouring out of the Spirit showed it was from God Himself.
Yet Cornelius and the rest still had to obey like us all – Mrk 16:16.
They were COMMANDED to be baptized – Vs 48.
Act 11:12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
Act 11:13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
Act 11:14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
Act 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, AS ON US AT THE BEGINNING.
Act 11:16 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.
Act 11:17 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?
Things to Note:
• 14 – Peter was going to tell Cornelius how to be saved.
• 15 - “As on us at the beginning” shows the uniqueness of the Spirit falling upon them.
◦ It showed it was a decision made by God to save the Gentiles.
• 16 – The purpose was to show Peter and the Jews God deemed the Gentiles worthy of salvation.
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith,
There is only one baptism today.
Is it the baptism of the Holy Sprit or baptism in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ​​?
Act 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Only the Apostles could give the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Those teaching today that the Holy Spirit falls directly upon individuals are teaching error.
Just as Philip could not give the Spirit without the laying on of hands by the Apostles neither can we.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit was a sign that God had chosen the Apostles, and later the Gentiles.
THE LAYING ON OF HANDS:
Act 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
Act 8:6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
Act 8:7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
Things to Note:
• Philip was NOT an apostle; only a deacon – see Acts 6:5
• Philip was able to perform miracles – Acts 8:6,7
Act 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Act 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Things to Note:
• The people; including Simon the Sorcerer believed Philip and was baptized.
• Upon this baptism there is no mention of the Holy Spirit,
Act 8:14 Now when THE APOSTLES which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Act 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
Act 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Act 8:17 Then LAID THEY THEIR HANDS ON THEM, AND THEY RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST.
Act 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on OF THE APOSTLES' HANDS THE HOLY GHOST WAS GIVEN, he offered them money,
Act 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
Things to Note:
• vs 14 – Peter and John were both Apostles, sent for a purpose.
• Vs 15 – 16 – The people of Samara were already baptized but did not receive the Holy Spirit.
◦ They were only baptized in the name of Christ.
• Vs 17 – The Holy Spirit was given ONLY by the laying on of THE APOSTELS hands.
◦ Philip was able to perform miracles yet he could not lay his hands on the people to give the Holy Spirit, He needed the Apostles for that purpose.
• Vs 18 – Even Simon recognized this.
Questions based upon these passages:
[FONT="]1. [/FONT]Are there any Apostles alive today to pass on the Holy Spirit? Answer: No
[FONT="]2. [/FONT]What happen when the last Apostle died? - Answer: Miracles began to cease – I Cor 13.
THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Act 1:2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had GIVEN COMMANDMENTS UNTO THE APOSTLES WHOM HE HAD CHOSEN:
Act 1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
Act 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
Act 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Things to Note:
• The Baptism of the Holy Spirit was commanded to THE APOSTLES – Acts 1:2, 4.
• Jesus chose the Apostles himself.
Act 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Act 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
Act 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Things to Note:
• “They” in text is still only referring to the Apostles – continued from Acts 1:2.
▪ Some may attempt to argue that it fell on the 120 disciples, but this is proven wrong simply by tracing back the pronoun “they”, it leads right to the Apostles.
• The Apostles received the Holy Spirit WITHOUT the laying on of hands.
◦ Because Jesus had personally chosen them and promised the baptism of the Spirit on them.
• This baptism of the Holy Spirit only occurs two times in the Bible.
◦ Here in Acts 2 on the Apostles (the Jews) and in Acts 10; Cornelius (the Gentiles).
Act 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
Act 10:2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
Act 10:3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
Act 10:4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
Act 10:5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
Things to Note:
• Cornelius was a devout man.
• His prayers came up as “a memorial” before God.
◦ The Greek word for “memorial” is [FONT="]μνημόσυνον[/FONT]
▪ [FONT="]This word means “a reminder”[/FONT]
▪ Cornelius' prayer reminded God that he would bring salvation to the Gentiles as well.
• See – Jn 10:16; 11:52, Gen 49:10.
• This does not mean Cornelius was saved at this point.
Act 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
Act 10:45 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.
Act 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Act 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, WHICH HAVE RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST AS WELL AS WE?
Act 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Things to Note:
The Holy Spirit fell upon the gentiles just as it did the Apostles – WITHOUT THE LAYING ON OF HANDS
This astonished the Jews – 45.
It showed Peter and the rest of the Jews that God has chosen the Gentiles worthy of salvation.
It was not a decision made by the Apostles, but the pouring out of the Spirit showed it was from God Himself.
Yet Cornelius and the rest still had to obey like us all – Mrk 16:16.
They were COMMANDED to be baptized – Vs 48.
Act 11:12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
Act 11:13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
Act 11:14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
Act 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, AS ON US AT THE BEGINNING.
Act 11:16 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.
Act 11:17 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?
Things to Note:
• 14 – Peter was going to tell Cornelius how to be saved.
• 15 - “As on us at the beginning” shows the uniqueness of the Spirit falling upon them.
◦ It showed it was a decision made by God to save the Gentiles.
• 16 – The purpose was to show Peter and the Jews God deemed the Gentiles worthy of salvation.
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith,
There is only one baptism today.
Is it the baptism of the Holy Sprit or baptism in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ​​?
Act 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Only the Apostles could give the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Those teaching today that the Holy Spirit falls directly upon individuals are teaching error.
Just as Philip could not give the Spirit without the laying on of hands by the Apostles neither can we.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit was a sign that God had chosen the Apostles, and later the Gentiles.