Well then it comes down to what gift is being received. They could have all got baptised and then the Holy Spirit dwelt amongst them 'in their midst '.
The other way to look at it.. is the baptism conditional on the receiving?
Because it isn't in plenty of other places.
The negative of this verse is not necessarily true of 'don't get baptized and you won't receive the Holy Spirit '
The other way to look at it.. is the baptism conditional on the receiving?
Because it isn't in plenty of other places.
The negative of this verse is not necessarily true of 'don't get baptized and you won't receive the Holy Spirit '
Also, keep in mind what Paul asked those in Acts 19, "Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?" Not, have you received a Holy Ghost gift. Another relevant aspect of this account is seen in verse 7. It makes clear that 12 men experienced receiving the Holy Ghost when Paul laid hands on them.
"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of 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." Acts 2:2-4
Peter's explained what occurred:
"This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are 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." Acts 2:32-33
Acts 8:14-19
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.
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."
Acts 19:6-7
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
And all the men were about twelve.