Book of Acts week 5, will focus on what is commonly known as the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This event was of obvious importance for the early church in the Book of Acts and it is important for us to understand something about its nature.
At the same time, this event continues to generate controversy within the Christian community today. Should modern Christians seek to experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
In this study, we will try to answer the following questions:
What is the “baptism of the Holy Spirit”?
Read Mat 3:11; Mark 1:8 and Luke 3:16. Next read Acts 1:5 and 11:16.
We should first note that the phrase “baptism of the Holy Spirit” does not occur in the book of Acts.
Rather, the phrase is derived by the prediction that John made about Jesus (“He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Mat 3:11, Mark 1:8 and Luke 3:16)) and the fulfillment of that promise in Acts as both Jesus and Peter express it (Acts 1:5 and 11:16).
Read Acts 2:4; 8:17; 10:44-45; 11:15; 19:6, which describe this “baptism of the Holy Spirit”.
The book of Acts describes the “baptism of the Holy Spirit” by saying that the disciples were “filled with the Holy Spirit” (see Acts 2:4).
At what point does the “baptism of the Holy Spirit” take place?
What were some of the manifestations during / after the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts?
The baptism of the Holy Spirit took place on four separate occasions in the Book of Acts: 1) at Pentecost (Acts 2); in Samaria (Acts 8); 3) at Cornelius’ house (Acts 10); 4) in Ephesus (Acts 19).
Study these events closely, especially the verses that deal precisely with what was occurring when the Holy Spirit was “falling upon” or “filling” people:
Is the “baptism of the Spirit” still valid for today’s church and Christian experience?
The Pentecostal and Charismatic movements (begun in 1906 and 1960, respectively) have made the “baptism of the Holy Spirit” an essential part of their doctrine and Christian practice.
Please Comment in the box below, and Share by clicking on the share buttons above or below this post.. God bless you.