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“BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT"

Thesis: To teach the hearers the biblical doctrine concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit, while at the same time striving not to go beyond what is written (1 Cor 4:6), and accepting such conclusions as the truth as taught by God.

Text: Joel 2:28-32; Mt 3:5-12; Mk 1:6-8; Luke 3:7-17; John 1:29-34; Acts 1:1-8; 11:15-17

Introduction,
1. Before the foundation of the world the all knowing, all powerful, all present God over all, purposed a plan, to redeem that which was created in his own image, the highlight of His creative powers, which by exercising it’s God given nature (being a freewill agent) beyond it’s God given limits, transgressed the law of God and thereby separated himself from his holy Creator.

2. The nature of this plan, and man, was such, that the plan, could not immediately take place, only after centuries of experience would man be able to comprehend the true value of the plan, and also a great deal of time was needed to develop the background details of the plan.

3. The angels of heaven and prophets of the OT desired to know the fully revealed plan (1 Pet 1:10-12; Dan 12:8-9; Mt 13:17), but it was not for them to know, but when the time was just right, the finishing touches on God’s eternal purpose were brought forth.

4. When that fullness of time came, God sent forth His son, born of a woman (only, without the seed of a man; Isa 7:14; Mt 1:22-23), born under the Law, that He might redeem them that were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons (Gal 4:4-5).

5. God sent Christ to execute the plan by his life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension and teachings.

6. He gave the Holy Spirit the task of revealing and confirming that completed plan to men, and they, by the very power of God, spoke it, and wrote it down flawlessly for the generations to come, until Christ comes again, and takes God's people home (1 Thess 4:16-17).

7. In this study we will be looking at the work of the Holy Spirit in God’s eternal purpose, the church. the kingdom, the body of Christ; and specifically that concerning “the baptism in the Holy Spirit,” and . . .

1) The baptism in the Holy Spirit, “its Promise”
2) The baptism in the Holy Spirit, “its Purpose”
3) The baptism in the Holy Spirit, “the Cornelius Problem”
4) The baptism in the Holy Spirit, “ its Prologue”

I. THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT, “ITS PROMISE” (Joel 2:28-32; Mt 3:11-12; Mk 1:8; Luke 3:16-17; John 1:32-34; Acts 1:4-5)

A. (Joel 2:28-32)

Joe 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: Joe 2:29 and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my Spirit. Joe 2:30 And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. Joe 2:31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of Jehovah cometh. Joe 2:32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of Jehovah shall be delivered; for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those that escape, as Jehovah hath said, and among the remnant those whom Jehovah doth call.

This is the earliest giving of this specific promise of the pouring out of God’s Spirit (about 830 BC), this was about 100 years before the northern kingdom was taking into captivity by the Assyrians, and 225 years before Judah (and Benjamin, i.e. the southern kingdom) were taken away by the Babylonians.

1. It is important to note that our all knowing, all present, all powerful God, is full of grace, mercy and love, He always leaves a ray of hope to His faithful remnant, this prophecy is given in the context of judgment upon His people

2. In like manner today, God has also given a ray of hope, as the faithful strive to do His will in this sin darkened world, we are told that the way to heaven is now open, and awaits that great Day, when He sends His Son to usher in the new heavens and new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness (2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1ff).

3. Also concerning this passage, it should be noted that the pouring out of the Spirit would be widespread, and its nature would be that of the miraculous (prophecy, visions, dreams), nothing more, nothing less, we are bound by the word of God to not add to, or take from His word (Deut 4:2; Pro 30:6; Rev 22:18-19), and we are instructed not to go beyond the things that are written (1 Cor 4:6), therefore let us strive to do so.

4. Note also that there seems to be a disconnect between these miraculous gifts, and the terms of God’s offered deliverance (2 verses of apocalyptic language separate the two, v 30-31, which I believe refers to the destruction of the Jewish system is AD 70), and the term for this salvation is “calling upon the name of Jehovah” not having said gifts.

5. It seems to me that what is being taught here is when this miraculous outpouring took place, this salvation would be possible, and it would take place “before the great and terrible day of Jehovah cometh” (in others words before AD 70).

B. Now turn to (Mt 3:5-12)

Mat 3:5 Then went out unto him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about the Jordan; Mat 3:6 and they were baptized of him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Mat 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said unto them, Ye offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Mat 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of repentance: Mat 3:9 and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. Mat 3:10 And even now the axe lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire: Mat 3:12 whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing-floor; and he will gather his wheat into the garner, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire.

Again here we see the promise of the Holy Spirit, but now it is described as a “baptism” which is defined as an immersion, to submerge, or to be overwhelmed, this would somewhat (through the means of agency) coincide with Joel’s “pouring out.”

1. And also here it speaks of judgment, specifically when the Pharisees and the Sadducees are brought into the text (v 7), even though a multitude seems to be there (“Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about the Jordan”; v 6; this is a metonymy of the subject, “the container for the contained” the lands refers to the people in the lands.)

2. And as the judgment is not directed at the faithful remnant in the crowd, neither is the promise of the baptism in the Holy Spirit promised to the unfaithful, hypocritical religious leaders, therefore we should understand limits to be involved in both of these statements.

C. Turn to (Mk 1:6-8)

Mar 1:6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and had a leathern girdle about his loins, and did eat locusts and wild honey. Mar 1:7 And he preached, saying, There cometh after me he that is mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. Mar 1:8 I baptized you in water; But he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit.

It should be noted that in Mark’s account there is no mention of the religious leaders, nor of the baptism in fire, nor any language concerning judgment, this is harmonious with our previous conclusion (Ps 119:160).

1. It probably could and should be asserted that those who received John’s baptism of repentance in water, unto the remission of sins, are the ones being promised the baptism of the Holy Spirit, let us remember to strive to not go beyond that which is written (1 Cor 4:6).

D. Now look at (Luke 3:7-17)

Luk 3:7 He said therefore to the multitudes that went out to be baptized of him, Ye offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Luk 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. Luk 3:9 And even now the axe also lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Luk 3:10 And the multitudes asked him, saying, What then must we do? Luk 3:11 And he answered and said unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath food, let him do likewise. Luk 3:12 And there came also publicans to be baptized, and they said unto him, Teacher, what must we do? Luk 3:13 And he said unto them, Extort no more than that which is appointed you. Luk 3:14 And soldiers also asked him, saying, And we, what must we do? And he said unto them, Extort from no man by violence, neither accuse any one wrongfully; and be content with your wages. Luk 3:15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether haply he were the Christ; Luk 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but there cometh he that is mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire: Luk 3:17 whose fan is in his hand, thoroughly to cleanse his threshing-floor, and to gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire.

Here we have no mention of the religious leaders (even though the other accounts teach us that they are indeed present), but there is mention of judgment (“wrath to come, cast into the fire” and so on), yet whenever judgment is in the context, in like manner is the baptism in “fire.” This teaches us that not only the religious leaders were in danger, but also the average Jew, remember “they that were His own (people) received Him not” (as the Messiah; John 1:11), the majority of the nation of Israel rejected Jesus as the Christ (Mt 15:14).

Mat 15:14 Let them alone: they are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit.

E. Finally turn to (John 1:29-34)

Joh 1:29 On the morrow he seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world! Joh 1:30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man who is become before me: for he was before me. Joh 1:31 And I knew him not; but that he should be made manifest to Israel, for this cause came I baptizing in water. Joh 1:32 And John bare witness, saying, I have beheld the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven; and it abode upon him. Joh 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize in water, he said unto me, Upon whomsoever thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and abiding upon him, the same is he that baptizeth in the Holy Spirit. Joh 1:34 And I have seen, and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.

Here is our last passage before the book of Acts concerning the baptism in the Holy Spirit, note it speaks of Jesus’ being the sacrifice for the sins of mankind (v 29), His eternal nature (v30), and it also reveals the fact that John did not know his cousin was the Messiah prior to the sign revealed from God (v 31, 33).

1. Again no language concerning judgment, and again no mention of the baptism in “fire.”

2. I think we can rightly conclude that the baptism in “fire” is a reference to judgment, not the “tongues parting asunder, like as of fire” as seen at Pentecost, this is the sum of God's word concerning such, it is in perfect harmony, therefore it must be that one truth (Ps 119:160).

3. Also another very important point to remember is that in every one of our NT passages (He, He, He, and He) it is He, Jesus, Who is referred to as the One who would administer the baptism of the Holy Spirit, not any person (as in the great commission baptism; Mt 28:19), Jesus his apostles to . . .

Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:

4. Acts 2:33 teaches us the same (Acts 2:33).

Act 2:33 Being therefore by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he (Jesus) hath poured forth this, which ye see and hear.

5. Therefore we see that men would administer great commission baptism (which would go throughout all the nations), while Jesus Himself would administer Holy Spirit baptism from heaven upon those baptized with John’s baptism (which probably only included those of the physical nation of Israel).

F. Let us look at (Acts 1:1-5)

Act 1:1 The former treatise I made, O Theophilus, concerning all that Jesus began both to do and to teach, Act 1:2 until the day in which he was received up, after that he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit unto “THE APOSTLES” whom he had chosen: Act 1:3 to whom he also showed himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing unto “THEM” by the space of forty days, and speaking the things concerning the kingdom of God: Act 1:4 and, being assembled together with “THEM,” he charged “THEM” not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, said he, “YE” heard from me: Act 1:5 for John indeed baptized with water; but “YE” shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days hence.

Here is our last passage concerning the promise of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, I believe we can reasonably conclude based upon the sum of God’s word that those who promised to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit were those who were baptized with John’s baptism (which is likely that the apostles were; e.g. for Andrew was specifically named as one of John’s disciples; John 1:35).

1. And in this context “the apostles”(v 2) which is the antecedent of all the pronouns from verses 2-13 limits “the promise” even further, therefore only the apostles were promised the baptism of the Holy Spirit, to go beyond this without direct proof is to go beyond that which is written, and it is taught against (1 Cor 4:6).

2. Therefore to sum up this part of the lesson we have seen that . . .

a. The promise was miraculous in nature (Joel 2:28-29), no more, no less.

b. The promise was to be a sign that salvation was available to whosoever called upon the name of the Lord.

c. Along with it, was the promise of judgment (probably a reference to AD 70, which itself is a type of the final judgment on the Last Day).

d. Good and evil persons heard both promises, but they weren’t meant for both.

e. The “promise” was limited to those who had received John’s baptism.

f. And lastly, that limitation was narrowed down even further, to the apostles (Acts 1:1-13).

II. THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT, “ITS PURPOSE” (Acts 1:8; Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:4-5)

A. (Acts 1:8)

Act 1:8 But “YE” shall receive “POWER,” when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and “YE” shall be my “WITNESSES” both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Therefore we learn that the apostles would receive “power”; “dunamis” (this is where we get our word dynamite) this refers to miraculous power, when the Holy Spirit came upon them, this power enabled them to be flawless witnesses of the teachings and resurrection of Christ. (Keep your finger in this passage)

B. Turn back to (Luke 24:46-49)

Luk 24:46 and he said unto them, Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day; Luk 24:47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Luk 24:48 Ye are witnesses of these things. Luk 24:49 And behold, I send forth the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city, until ye be clothed with power from on high.

In this parallel passage the Lord states basically what is stated in our previous passage (Acts 1:1-8), except for that language is slightly different, “receive power” becomes “clothed with power”, and “Holy Spirit is come upon you” becomes “from on high” which refers to heaven.

1. Thus far we see that the purpose of the “baptism in the Holy Spirit” was in order that the apostles would receive miraculous power, and also it enabled them to be flawless witnesses of the resurrected Christ, but what exactly would be the purpose that power . . .

C. Look back at Acts 1, specifically (Acts 1:4-5)

Act 1:4 and, being assembled together with them, he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, “WHICH, SAID HE, YE HEARD FROM ME:” Act 1:5 for John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days hence.

“Which said He, ye heard from me” here is a reference to the night of Christ’s betrayal (John 14-16, and most bible versions make reference to this fact), when He spoke to them of the promise of the Comforter (John 14:16), which is the Holy Spirit, therefore Christ is telling them, and us, that the promise of the Comforter, and the baptism in the Holy Spirit, are one in the same thing (turn to John 14:16).

Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give “YOU” another Comforter, that he may be with “YOU” for ever,

1. “Comforter” means “helper” or Advocate” “one who stands along side” Jesus was this to them, and when He ascended into heaven, He would send the Holy Spirit, Who would do the same basic task, and He would be with them (the apostles) “forever” this word is literally translated “to the age” (YLT) and this likely refers to the apostlic age (probably a reference to AD 70, or until the last apostle died.)

2. Look at John 14:26 . . .

Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you “ALL THINGS,” and bring to your remembrance “ALL THAT I SAID UNTO YOU”.

3. The Holy Spirit would miraculously bring to their remembrance all that Christ had taught them, and would reveal unto them the rest of the body of that once and for all delivered faith, this would entail “all things” that pertain unto life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3) . . .

4. Turn to John 16:13 . . .

Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he shall guide you into “ALL THE TRUTH:” for he shall not speak from himself; but what things soever he shall hear, these shall he speak: and he shall declare unto you “THE THINGS THAT ARE TO COME.”

5. Again “all the truth” (John 16:13), the entirety of God’s revelation, would be delivered once and for all time (Jude 3), and that would include prophetic statements concerning the future apostasy of the church and the eternal rewards promised to the faithful, besides the plan of salvation, the work, worship, and organization of the church, the body of Christ (John 16:13) . . .

6. Now look at (John 15:26-27) . . .

Joh 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, “HE SHALL BEAR WITNESS OF ME:” Joh 15:27 and ye also bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

Bearing witness here speaks of miraculously confirming the message of the resurrected Christ, and salvation through Him, this can be seen in action in Acts chapter 5 (turn to Acts 5:12). . .

7. In Acts 5:12 there was a multitude of miracles being done confirm the apostles inspired preaching, in v 14 the results are seen, “multitudes” were added to the Lord, in verses 15-16 even more miracles were done, and in v 17 we see that the religious leaders were jealous, and put them in prison (v 18), but in (v 19) an angel set them free and commanded them to continue teaching (v 20), and they did (v 21), but the religious leaders heard of their escape and teaching, and ordered that they be apprehended again, and brought before them (v 22-27) . . .

8. These leaders told them that they had formerly commanded them not to speak at all, nor teach any more by the authority of Christ (Acts 4:18), but they asserted that they “must obey God rather than men” (5:29), and we likewise must do the same, in order to be faithful, anytime is the right time to preach the word (2 Tim 4:2).

9. And then apostles they told theses religious leaders that they crucified the Christ of God, but God raised Him from the dead, in order that through Him, Israel would be able to repent and to receive the remission of sins (Acts 5:30-31) and then in Acts 5:32 it states. . .

Act 5:32 And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

10. And this is that double witness (John 15:26-27) which was enabled by the “baptism in the Holy Spirit” which is also referred to by Christ as “the Comforter”

11. They had seen the resurrected Christ with their own eyes, and the miracles they did also testified to this fact, thus two witnesses (John 15:26-27), for at the mouth or 2 or 3 witnesses all things are established (Deut 17:6; 19:15; Mt 18:16; 2 Cor 13:1; 1 Tim 5:19).

D. (Now turn to Acts ch 2) In Acts chapter 2 we see the promise being initially fulfilled, the Holy Spirit came upon them with “power” with the sound as of a mighty rushing wind and coming upon the 12 something that looked like fiery tongues parting asunder, and these Galileans preached in foreign languages, the mighty works of God, and Peter stated in (Acts 2:16) . . .

Act 2:16 but this is that which hath been spoken through the prophet Joel:

1. Its important to piece this all together . . .

a. Christ told them to wait for the promise of the Father (Acts 1:4), which indeed in this verse teaches us that it is a reference to Joel’s promise, which is the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5)

b. “Which said He, ye heard from Me” (Acts 1:4) refers to the promised Comforter (notice that the translators of the bible, usually reference this statement to verses in John 14-16).

c. And Acts 2:17-21 is an inspired quote of Joel 2:28-32 (which happens also to be the LXX translation of the verses; Acts 2:17-18).

d. Again notice this speaks only of miraculous gifts, (prophecies, visions, dreams, wonders and signs; sons and daughters, young and old, servants and handmaidens) surely this includes more than the apostles.

e. In verses 22-36 Peter preaches the gospel to them, and some are convicted of their sins, and asked “what shall we do?”

f. They needed to know how “to call on the name of the Lord” in order that they could be saved (v 21).

E. (Acts 2:38a.)

Act 2:38a And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins;

Here Peter answers them, they heard, they believed, and now they must “repent” and “be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of sins” this is how they were instructed to “call on the name of the Lord,” this is the plan of salvation revealed from heaven, by the Comforter, the power of the Spirit, the baptism (the overwhelming of, or immersion) in the Holy Spirit.

F. (Acts 2:38b) Act 2:38 and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

And ye “shall receive” here is a future tense verb, it does not reveal how far in the future, just sometime after they repent and are baptized by the authority of Christ unto (for) remission of their sins, “then,” they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” the text does not actually show us them receiving said gift, but . . .

1. We can look at the account of the Samaritans in Acts 8 and see this actually being fulfilled, turn to (Acts 8:14-19).

Act 8:14 Now when the apostles that 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 Spirit: Act 8:16 for as yet it was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Act 8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Act 8:18 Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, Act 8:19 saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay my hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit.

2. So we see that through the laying on of an apostles hands that Joel’s prophecy, the promise of the Father, the Comforter was given to others, that were not of the 12 apostles.

3. Some will assert that the apostle Paul was baptized in the Holy Spirit, but the bible does not state this (even though many assert it implies this), yet we cannot go beyond what is written, but rather it seems that it was through the laying on of the hands of Ananias that He received the Holy Spirit, look at (Acts 9:10-20) . . .

Act 9:10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and the Lord said unto him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. Act 9:11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus: for behold, he prayeth; Act 9:12 and he hath seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight. Act 9:13 But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how much evil he did to thy saints at Jerusalem: Act 9:14 and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call upon thy name. Act 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel: Act 9:16 for I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name's sake. Act 9:17 And Ananias departed, and entered into the house; and “LAYING HIS HANDS ON HIM” said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who appeared unto thee in the way which thou camest, “HATH SENT ME,” that thou mayest receive thy sight, “AND BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.” Act 9:18 And straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and he arose and was baptized; Act 9:19 and he took food and was strengthened. And he was certain days with the disciples that were at Damascus. Act 9:20 And straightway in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, that he is the Son of God.

4. Note that Paul was baptized “after” he received the Holy Spirit through the laying on of the hands of Ananias, therefore the reception of the Holy Spirit did not save Paul, but rather empowered him, it was water baptism that washed away his sins (Acts 22:16 in a parallel account states) . . .

Act 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his name.

5. And also we must consider Ananias a special apostle (“apostolos” lit. “one sent”), sent and empowered by Christ, for a specific task, as was Paul, possibly empowered differently than the original 12 (seemingly through the laying on of Ananias’ hands), but sent specifically by Christ to be sent be a special apostle to the Gentiles (and to Israel), there may have been other special apostles, but none that most others would claim that they were baptized in the Holy Spirit, but that doesn’t seem to be the case, and not once in the NT does Paul claim that he was “baptized in the Holy Spirit.”

6. And from Acts 19:6; and 2 Tim 1:6 we learn that Paul was also able to impart gifts through the laying on of his hands, and the purpose of these gifts as a whole, are laid out in (Eph 4:11-14) . . .

Eph 4:11 And he gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Eph 4:12 for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ: Eph 4:13 “TILL” we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a fullgrown (telios) man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Eph 4:14 that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;

7. These gifts would last “till” the “unity” or the “oneness” of the faith came, likened unto full grown (telios) man (v13), this would coincide with the complete (telios) of 1 Cor 13:8-10 , which refers to the once and for all delivered faith, the completion of God’s revelation to man (1 Cor 13:8-10) . . .

1Co 13:8 Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall be done away; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall be done away. 1Co 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; 1Co 13:10 but when that which is perfect (complete; telios) is come, that which is in part shall be done away.

G. As also affirmed in (Acts 2:39)

Act 2:39 For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him.

This teaches us again that the gifts would be limited in time, “you and your children” refers to 2 generations, (and is in harmony with “to the age;” YLT; John 14:16; the apostlic age) “and to all that are afar off” (which refers to the Gentiles; Eph 2:13, 17), and out of these 2 groups “even as many as the Lord our God shall call unto Him” limits these gifts even more, in other words this statement means “these gifts will be given to as many as God appoints, wills to have them” it seems that Simon was one that would not be receiving a gift (Acts 8)

1. So as a summary, the “purpose” of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the promise of the Father, which is Joel’s prophecy fulfilled, was to . . .

a. Miraculously confirm the eyewitness accounts of the apostles of the resurrection of Christ, and His teachings, therefore being a double witness (John 15:26-27), at the mouth of 2 or 3 witness all things are established (Mt 18:16).

b. It would teach them “all things” that pertained to life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3), and miraculously reminded them of all that Christ had said unto them (John 14:26).

c. It guided them into “all the truth” (John 16:13); therefore there is no truth that wasn’t revealed in the 1st century, “the faith” was once and for all time delivered in those days (Jude 3), there has only been lies and false teachers claiming such since then.

d. And it revealed prophecies, which revealed the coming apostasy, sufferings to come, and gives us hope by revealing our heavenly rewards.

e. It enabled the apostles, and other specifically chosen individuals to confirm their teachings as God’s (Mk 16:20; Acts 14:3; Heb 2:4), and enabled them to impart gifts to others, in order that the church would grow numerically through inspired preaching, that its members would be edified. and when it was fully delivered, confirmed and recorded (1 Cor 13:10; Eph 4:13-14), it enabled them to better combat Satan (he is now bound for the figurative 1,000 years (Rev 20:2), who manifests himself through the errors of men (1 Tim 4:1-2), by the means God’s all sufficient revelation to mankind (2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:3).

III. THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT, “THE CORNELIUS PROBLEM” (Acts 10:44-48; 11:15-17)

A. Really there is no problem concerning the household of Cornelius until one attempts to go beyond what is written, and allows no room for the God (“to whom all things are possible”) the ability to deal with special cases and circumstances according to His own will (instead of man’s),

1. Therefore let us not add to or take away from God’s word (1 Cor 4:6) in order to propagate unsound conclusions, which will not advance the cause of Christ, but only cause doubt in those who we attempt to teach the truth.

2. Let us keep in mind, that the gospel, and its plan of salvation had been propagated for 10 years before the Cornelius event, thus far, but no Gentiles had been given the chance to hear and obey the Gospel from the heart, as affirmed in Acts 11:19

3. The OT and even the inspired preaching of the apostles confirmed that God’s salvation through Christ would be for all, yet 1500 years of distinctions concerning the Gentiles died hard.

4. There was quite a few events that led up to this, and they were all to convince the Jewish Christians that “all” would have the opportunity to becomes “sons of God” (Gal 2:26-29) . . .

Gal 3:26 For ye are “ALL” sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ. Gal 3:28 There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one man in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:29 And if ye are Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, heirs according to promise.

B. Turn to (Acts 10:44ff)

Act 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them that heard the word.

Here Peter preached the gospel for the first time to the Gentiles, and the Holy Spirit fell on them directly from heaven, without the laying on of their (the apostles) hands.

C. (Acts 10:45)

Act 10:45 And they of the circumcision that believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit.

And this amazed Peter and the 6 Jewish brethren (for thus far in the biblical record, beside the apostles, no one received these miraculous powers except through the laying on of ones hands), the “gift of the Holy Spirit” should be considered a general term for the miraculous manifestations of the first century which were promised to many as seen in Joel’s promise (the promise of the Father given through the prophet Joel).

D. (Acts 10:46)

Act 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

Therefore they knew this to be the working of God because they heard those of the house of Cornelius speaking in tongues, magnifying God, (they may have been speaking in the Hebrew dialect, which even few Jews spoke at that point in time).

E. (Acts 10:47)

Act 10:47 Can any man forbid the water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we?

This verse implies that they were contemplating “forbidding water” but the miraculous working of God convinced them it was God’s will that the Gentiles also had part in the eternal inheritance.

F. (Acts 10:48)

Act 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Thus the command was given to baptize them, which the bible teaches is unto (for) the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), it washes away one’s sins (Acts 22:16), and puts a person “in Christ” (Rom 6:3; Gal 3:27), where all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places are located (Eph 1:3), Cornelius and his house were now “sons of God, Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to promise.

1. Even with all this the Gentiles being fully accepted in the church was a constant problem until AD 70 when God destroyed the outer shell of the Jewish system.

2. In fact a good part of the book of Acts, from here on out depicts these problems, and Peter now returns to Jerusalem to let the other Jewish brethren know what has taken place, and he tells them the details and describes the passage we looked at in (Acts 11:15-17). . .

G. Turn to (Acts 11:15-16)

Act 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, even as on us at the beginning. Act 11:16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit.

Again the Holy Spirit “fell on them” “the beginning” refers to that Pentecost, 10 years ago when the apostles were clothed with power from on high, so were these Gentiles.

1. We really don’t know the extent of the miraculous powers given to them, despite coming directly from heaven, and speaking in tongues, we know little else, since the bible is silent beyond that, so must we be (1 Pet 4:11a).

1Pe 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God;

H. (Acts 11:17)

Act 11:17 If then God gave unto them the like gift as he did also unto us, when we believed (Having believed; YLT; after having believed; NASB) on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?

Remember Peter’s words “can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized” (Acts 10:47), this was the manner in which he was going to withstand God, by forbidding to baptize them unto the remission of sins.

1. Water baptism is essential to salvation (Mk 16:16; John 3:5; Tit 3:5; 1 Pet 3:21), and without it they could not be saved, God’s purpose was to convince them to accept them willingly as brethren who were equal to them, not 2nd class Christians.

2. “The like gift” here refers to something equal in quantity or quality, it doesn’t force us to conclude that Cornelius and his house were able to do everything that the apostles did, (even though that may have been the case).

a. But at least that the gift came directly from heaven, as it did the upon the12 original apostles

b. And they spoke in unlearned languages, as also did the apostles.

c. To state any more, is to state more than the bible states, this we can’t do (1 Cor 4:6).

3. Clearly the case concerning “the Cornelius problem” is not something that is un-get-over-able, as long as we don’t attempt to say something the bible does not say, we will be on safe ground.

4. These Gentiles were baptized in the Holy Spirit, and it was not promised to them, this was a special, once in a lifetime circumstance designed to fulfill God’s will, no one receives or needs to receive baptism in the Holy Spirit today, it’s purpose has been fulfilled, revelation is complete, and any and all can come to God through Christ and His gospel, God power to save and transform sinners.

IV. THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT, “ITS PROLOGUE”

A. We have looked at every scripture speaking of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, we looked at its “Promise” its “Purpose” and the Cornelius “Problem,” and now we will look at its lasting effects . . .

1. It was given to signal to the followers of Jehovah, that salvation through Christ was now available.

2. It was promised and given only to the 12 foundational apostles (yet because of the nature of its exclusiveness, God used it “once” as a tool to convince the Jews that all are one in Christ Jesus, and Jew and Gentile stand on level ground and are both sons of God, the spiritual seed of Abraham, heirs according to the (Seed; Messianic) promise given to Abraham; (Gen 12:3; 22:18; 26:4).

3. It enabled the apostles to give others miraculous powers that were purposed to build, edify, and protect the church until God’s revelation to man was complete (Ananias and Paul were also able to give miraculous powers to others, and we aren’t told that they were baptized in the Holy Spirit, these seem to be special one time cases that fulfilled God’s will).

4. It guided the apostles and other specifically selected men to “all the truth,” they preached it, they confirmed it by these miraculous powers, and they wrote it down, the very words of God, being borne along by the Holy Spirit (1 Pet 1:21).

5. The scriptures give us everything that we need to be complete in God's eyes, furnished completely unto every good work (2 Tim 3:17), which most importantly is that God’s divine knowledge shows us specifically how mankind is saved, and how individuals are transformed into a holy people of God, purified, a people for Christ’s own possession, zealous of good works (Tit 2:14).

6. And this transformation starts the same way every time, that plan which was purposed before the foundation of the world, revealed from heaven, by the baptism in the Holy Spirit . . .

One must . . .

Hear the Word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17)

Rom 10:17 . . . faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

This is how the Father plants His Word within the good ground, the good, honest and open heart

One must . . .

Believe that Jesus is the crucified and resurrected Christ (John 8:24); and believe that God rewards those that earnestly seek after Him (Heb 11:6), Christ is the firstfruits of the resurrection unto eternal life, we must believe that we will follow (1 Cor 15:23)

One must . . .

Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5) Jesus stated . . .

Luk 13:3 . . . except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish.

And He meant exactly what He said

One must . . .

Confess that good confession, that Jesus is the Christ, and before men (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9), the eunuch said “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So must you

And you must also confess Him through the means of your life of service to Him unto others

One must . . .

Be baptized (immersed), which doth now save us (1 Pet 3:21), and washes away our sins (Acts 22:16) immersed into Christ (Gal 3:27) into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3) where His precious blood was shed (John 19:34) unto (for) the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38; 22:16);

At which point God adds you to the church (Acts 2:47) translates you into the kingdom (Col 1:13) adds you to that one body (1 Cor 12:13), and writes your name in the Lambs book of life (Rev 20:12).

And finally one must Continue living a life of holiness, separated from that ways of the world, and unto the way that lead to life (1 Pet 1:15), in faithfulness (Rev 2:10), according to the gospel of Christ (Rom 1:16), Not perfect, for none but Christ is perfect, but faithful, for the righteous shall live by his faithfulness unto God

Being renewed day by day, through study and application of God’s ever abiding word

Putting off that old man, and putting on the new, being constantly in a state of spiritual growth,

Showing forth God’s love through your life as a Christian (only), as the bible teaches . . . Following the Holy Spirit delivered word of God in order that you won’t have your name blotted out of the Lambs Book of life,

In order that you may be granted entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.


"That in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written"

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Evangelist - Kenneth Windbiel
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