Acts 19:1-7

                                                                 Acts 19:1-7

And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. There were about twelve men in all.

 

Transitions are unique moments in history where God is bringing about change in the way he is dealing with men because of additional revelation He gives of Himself.  These transitions can result in some unique situations that are theologically difficult to explain.  Today’s passage demonstrates these difficulties and how Paul deals with them.

 

PAUL’S INQUIREY: Have you received the Holy Spirit?  This seems like a strange way to begin a conversation.  However, it seems that there was something about the disciples’ actions that caused Paul to wonder if they were true believers who were indwelt by the Spirit.  The transformation the Spirit brought to the lives of the Apostles was astounding.  Apparently, this transforming power of the Spirit was absent from the lives of these men and Paul questioned if these men were true believers.  This power of the Spirit of God continues to seem absent in the lives of many people who claim to be believers.  Where the Spirit is present, change should be obvious.

 

DISCIPLE’S IGNORANCE: The disciples whom Paul questioned admitted that they were not even aware of the existence of the Holy Spirit.  They had been baptized into John’s baptism of repentance.  It seems that this must have been a similar experience of Apollos from the previous passage.  Since John was preparing the way for Jesus, he baptized people who were awaiting Messiah and understood Jesus to be Messiah.  However, they may not have understood the gift of redemption through His death and resurrection, or even known about this.  God was faithful to provide this additional information to these men so they might be saved and indwelt by the Spirit.  Faith in Christ is the only prerequisite to the coming of God’s Spirit.

 

SPIRIT’S INDWELLING: Apparently, Paul explains the Gospel more fully and baptizes them in the name of Jesus and they then receive the Holy Spirit, and His presence is confirmed by them speaking in tongues and prophesying.  It is important to remember that this is a transition time and that these signs are a demonstration confirming the presence of the Spirit in a situation where there was confusion about this issue.  This does not mean that these sign gifts are always required to demonstrate the presence of the Holy Spirit.  The experiences of some in Scripture should not be used to establish requirements for all.  What is important to understand is the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.  He is vital to our obedience and service.

 

APPLICATION: Observe the lives of other people and strive to identify the presence of the Spirit or absence of the Spirit.  Be courageous enough to confront people in whom there is no evidence of the Spirit’s work. Clearly share the Gospel with those who do not evidence the Spirit’s presence.  Understand the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives and be sure to follow His leading.

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