And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:1-4). And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of 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. When the day of Pentecost had come, the disciples and other followers of Jesus "were all with one accord in one place. The disciples faced severe persecution ahead, so they needed to be "endued with power from on high" (Luke 24:49). Instead, Jesus told His disciples that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit would give them power to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and boldness to spread the good news wherever they went. It is important to note that the baptism Jesus promised would not be the disciples' salvation experience, for they had already received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit when they saw and believed in the risen Lord (see John 20:22).
What was the purpose of this baptism? Jesus told them: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Setting aside all denominational traditions, let us find out what the Word of God has to say on this important topic.īefore ascending into heaven, Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father, "For John truly baptized with water but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence" (Acts 1:5). Still others maintain that the sole evidence of being filled with the Spirit is speaking in tongues. Others say that every Christian is already baptized in the Holy Spirit. There are some who say that the baptism in the Holy Spirit no longer exists today and was only given to the first-century church. This baptism is not a requirement for salvation rather, it is a gift for those who have already received new spiritual birth. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is an infilling of power which Jesus performs in the life of one who is completely yielded to Him.
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