Baptism With The Holy Spirit

Baptism en Holy Spirit Acts 17:11 Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so. In examining scripture, I have found more than a few discrepancies with the commonly held view of the body toward “Baptism of the Holy Spirit”. I think we know the study of the Holy Spirit can be tedious, but I’ve always found it to be rewarding. I seek first to point out the discrepancies, but I also offer a solution. The solution is not 100% ironclad, but I believe falls more in line with scripture in many different areas than the traditional view. Though my premise is decidedly a paradigm shift of some magnitude, the premise does nothing to current church of Christ thought but refine and further define it. A similar view was held by Robert Milligan and Moses Lard, but not in quite the same manner. My premise came about largely by “accident” as I was doing some word analysis using various lexicographic tools. I do not claim to be a Greek grammarian by any stretch of the imagination, though if this premise sprouts some legs, I may take up a more serious study. I offer this work to the refining fire of my brethren and trust that if there is any legitimacy to the premise, someone of a higher caliber than I will help with any fine tuning. The search here is for truth, not accolades. Let me begin by saying that if what I found is actually true, the immediate and potential ramifications are staggering, to say the least. With that in mind, I’ll try to keep this as readable and easy to understand as possible with a prayerful mind bound in the divinely inspired and infallible word of God. I believe I have done what (at least in my mind) is a thorough study, but this isn’t the type of thing one takes to the masses on a whim. With that said, and again, with prayerful and humble minds, let us begin. I will first offer up the discrepancies, a summary of the premise, and then the scriptural proofs. All translations are ASV unless otherwise noted. DISCREPANCIES WITH THE CURRENT DOCTRINE OF THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: ➢

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The phrase “baptism of the Holy Spirit” is foreign to scripture. John spoke of Jesus baptizing “you” (humas) en pneumati hagiōi The future Apostles were most likely not present when John made his announcement in Mat 3:11, Mar 1:8, Luk 3:16, and Joh 1:33. “…He shall baptize you…” is not limited to the Apostles. Joh 14:16-17 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may be with you for ever, 17 even the Spirit of truth: whom the world cannot receive; for it beholdeth him not, neither knoweth him: ye know him; for he abideth with you, and shall be in you.

The Spirit of truth came from the Father and would abide with and actually be in the Apostles. Below, we see He was given to bear witness of Jesus. The giving was limited to the Apostles. No mention of a baptism with the Holy Spirit. Of special note (as we’ll see below with the definition of “en” - en pneumati hagiōi), is the fact that there is no “the” in any of the passages concerning the baptism ‘en’ Holy Spirit, and the enis specifically translated in context to mean “with the”, “through the”, “in the power of”, or “by means of”.. in other words, the Holy Spirit as the instrument or means by which we’re baptized. The KJV/NASB renders “with the” for ‘en’, but the ASV renders “in the”, suggesting immersion in the Holy Spirit, which I will show is incorrect. Now note that John 14:17 says (again, for the Apostles) that He (the Holy Spirit) “shall be in you”. We also see many passages speaking of the Spirit dwelling in Christians, but the point is, we do not see anyone being immersed (Gr. ‘baptized’) into the Holy Spirit… not even the Apostles.

➢ Joh 14:25-26 Thesethings have I spoken unto you, while yet abiding with you. 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. The ‘teaching’/ ‘bringing to remembrance…’ was limited to the Apostles. Here, the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, was whom the “Father will send” in Jesus’ name. No mention of a baptism with the Holy Spirit.

➢ Joh 15:26-27 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: 27 and ye also bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. Limited to the Apostles. Note that in v16, the Father “shall give” another Comforter, and in v26, Jesus “will send” the Comforter “from the Father”, even the Spirit of truth which “proceedeth from the Father”. No mention of a baptism with the Holy Spirit.

➢ Joh 16:7-14 Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I go, I will send him unto you. 8 And he, when he is come, will convict the world in respect of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to the Father, and ye behold me no more; 11 of judgment, because the prince of this world hath been judged. 12 Ihave yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 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 soeverhe shall hear, these shall he speak: and he shall declare unto you the things that are to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall take of mine, and shall declare it unto you. No mention of a baptism with the Holy Spirit. The Comforter that Jesus shall send will “convict the world in respect of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment”. The Spirit of truth “shall guide you (speaking here only to the Apostles) into all the truth”

➢ Act 1:6-8 Theytherefore, when they were come together, asked him, saying, Lord, dost thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? 7 Andhe said unto them, It is not for you to know times or seasons, which the Father hath set within His own authority. 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. The same type (though for the Apostles, a much higher degree) of power that was received by Cornelius, his house, and those disciples the Apostles would later lay their hands upon. The language is “receive”, “Holy Spirit”, and “come upon”, the same type of language used in Acts 19:6; 10:47; and 8:15,17,19.

➢ Mat 10:19 But when they deliver you up, be not anxious how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what ye shall speak. The same “bringing to remembrance”-type language of John 14:26.

➢ Mar 13:11 And when they lead you to judgment, and deliver you up, be not anxious beforehand what ye shall speak: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye; for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Spirit. Neither passage speaks of a baptism with the Holy Spirit.

➢ When the Acts 19:2 question by Paul, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when ye believed” was answered with not

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merely a “Nay”, but also, “we did not so much as hear whether the Holy Spirit was given.”, Paul immediately knew to ask about their baptism. I stipulate Paul knew the Ephesus disciples were not only unaware of the gift of the Holy Spirit received upon being baptized in Christ’s name, but also were not aware that in Christ’s baptism, John’s prophecy is fulfilled. Jesus baptizes en (with the) Holy Spirit. John 14, 15, 16, and Acts 1:6-8 do not speak of a “baptism en Holy Spirit” performed by Jesus, but of the Comforter, Spirit of Truth, and the Holy Spirit that proceeds from/is given by the Father and is sent by the Son. John 16:7-14 speaks of the Comforter that Jesus will send that convicts the world, and the Spirit of Truth that guides the Apostles into all the truth, but still no “baptism en Holy Spirit”. Acts 1:6-8 speaks of the Holy Spirit coming upon them so they receive power (to bear witness). No “baptism en Holy Spirit”.

ἐν (en 1722) ~ 2. with: in; then, it is used of what accompanies or characterizes, with, in the power of (not marking the origin or source of the power, but only the character of it). When it refers to an action, it is not (like διά (dia 1223)) the effective instrument of it, but that which characterizes it. 5. used of that with which a person is surrounded, equipped, furnished, assisted, or acts, [W. § 48, a. 1 b.]; d. of the instrument or means by or with which anything is accomplished, owing to the influence of the Hebr. prep. ְ‫ בּ‬much more common in the sacred writ. than in prof. auth. (cf. W. § 48, a. 3 d.; B. 181 (157) and 329 (283) sq.), where we say with, by means of, by (through); Bullinger, E. W. A Critical Lexicon and Concordance to the English and Greek New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1999 Of the approximately 74 definitions of “en”, this is the one specifically used for the “baptism en Holy Spirit” passages.. all of them (Mat 3:11, Mar 1:8, Luk 3:16, Joh 1:33, Acts 1:5 and 11:16).

➢ Lk 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. Jesus would be sending the promise of the Father, but they were to tarry until they were clothed with power from on high. The beginning of Jesus baptizing en (by/through/with/in the power of) the Holy Spirit is implied upon Jesus sending forth the promise of the Father (Acts 1:4-5). The Comforter and Spirit of truth (as we saw in the passages of John) are equated with the Apostles being clothed with power from on high.. thuswe see two results from what most likely was a single occurrence ..the pouring forth on all nations the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:33; 10:45). Receipt of the Comforter/Spirit of truth in full measure directly by God was limited to the Apostles, but never the promise of the Father or baptism en Holy Spirit

➢ Act 1:4-5 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: 5 for John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized en Holy Spirit not many days hence. Here, the promise of the Father is equated directly to “baptism en Holy Spirit”. No language to limit baptism enHoly Spirit only to the Apostles. This is the same prophecy made by John that was spoken to his crowds. The Apostles would be included, but there is no language here or in John’s prophecy that limits being baptized en Holy Spirit to the Apostles (such as the “whom the world cannot receive; for it beholdeth him not, neither knoweth him: ye know him; for he abideth with you”, “These things have I spoken unto you, while yet abiding with you”, “bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you”, “because ye have been with me from the beginning”, “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” (alluding to Mat 10:19 and Mar 13:11)-type language we find in the John 14, 15, and 17 passages for the giving and sending of the Comforter and Spirit of truth).

➢ Act 2:16-18,21 but this is that which hath been spoken through the prophet Joel: 17 And it shall be in the last days, saith God, I will pour forth of My Spirit upon all flesh: And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams: 18 Yea and on My servants and on My handmaidens in those days Will I pour forth of My Spirit; and they shall prophesy. ... 21 And it shall be, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. The miraculous gifts received were a result of His Spirit being poured out, but His Spirit was poured out upon all flesh. The greater meaning of this is found in v21; “And it shall be, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” When we believe on the Lord Jesus, we receive the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. That gift involves being blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, including the gift of grace through faith by which we are saved in Christ Jesus. Who ended up prophesying, seeing visions, and dreaming dreams (receiving a full or partial measure of the power of the Holy Spirit/Comforter/Spirit of Truth)? The Apostles, Cornelius and his house, the 120, and every other disciple the Apostles laid hands on to receive the miraculous gifts. Who ended up receiving by faith the gift of the Holy Spirit, the promise to Abraham and to his seed, Christ? Those who believed and called on the name of the Lord (repented and were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ). They all received the promise by faith. Again, the pouring out of the gift of the Holy Spirit included both the miraculous gifts (prophesying, seeing visions, dreaming dreams, etc..) and the result of having believed the promise received by Christ. Eze 39:29 neither will I hide my face any more from them; for I have poured out my Spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord Jehovah. Zec 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplication; and they shall look unto me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first-born. Jer 23:3 And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and multiply. Mic 5:7-8 And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many peoples as dew from Jehovah, as showers upon the grass, that tarry not for man, nor wait for the sons of men. 8 And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep; who, if he go through, treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and there is none to deliver.

Rom 11:5-7 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 Butif it is by grace, it is no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. 7 What then? that which Israel seeketh for, that he obtained not; but the election obtained it, and the rest were hardened: Eph 2:4-13 but God, being rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace have ye been saved), 6 and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus: 7 that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus: 8 for by grace have yebeen saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not of works, that no man should glory. 10 Forwe are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them. 11 Wherefore remember, that once ye, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcisionby that which is called Circumcision, in the flesh, made by hands; 12 that ye were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ.

➢ Act 2:32-33 This Jesus did God raise up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he hath poured forth this, which ye see and hear. Jesus received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father and poured forth the Holy Spirit (which my premise holds is the gift of the Holy Spirit that was poured out to all that are afar off (and on the Gentiles also - Acts 10:45), which is the promise to Abraham and his seed (Acts 2:39) that is received by as many as will believe (that ‘the Lord our God shall call unto Him’). “The Spirit's work in revelation and confirmation of the Word was temporary. The Spirit's work in regeneration and sanctification is age-lasting.” - Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2006

➢ Jesus had already baptized by proxy through His disciples.. Joh 4:1-2 Whentherefore the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples),

➢ ..and in the future, would be baptizing through (‘in the power of’ or ‘with’) the Holy Spirit; 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 with the Holy Spirit and in fire: ~ KJV

➢ John indeed baptized with water, but we must be born of water and the Spirit.. ➢ Mar 1:8 I baptized you in water; But he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit. ~ ASV (en pneumati hagiōi) ➢ Act 19:4 And Paul said, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe on him that should come after him, that is, on Jesus. 5 And when they heard this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Neither we nor the Apostles are/were “immersed in the Spirit”, a denominational concept that is foreign to scripture. Romans 6 clearly shows that we are baptized into Christ, and thus baptized into His death. Please note that believers are spoken of as being “filled” with the Spirit both before and after receiving the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit through the direct operation of God (as in the case of the Apostles, Cornelius, and his house), the laying on of hands by the Apostles, or even before being baptized into Christ: Luk 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. Luk 1:41 And it came to pass, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit; Luk 1:67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying, Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Act 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness. Act 6:3-8 Look ye out therefore, brethren, from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will continue stedfastlyin prayer, and in the ministry of the word. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolausa proselyte of Antioch; 6 whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands upon them. 7 Andthe word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. 8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, wrought great wonders and signs among the people. Eph 5:18-21 And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit; 19 speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21 subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of 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: The fire of course speaks of a future baptism administered after the day of judgment.

➢ 1Co 12:13 For in (by) one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit.

➢ Joh 1:26-34 John answered them, saying, I baptize in water(‡): in the midst of you standethone whom ye know not, 27 even he that cometh after me, the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to unloose. 28 Thesethings were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29 On the morrow he seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, that takethaway the sin of the world! 30 Thisis he of whom I said, After me cometh a man who is become before me: for he was before me. 31 And I knew him not; but that he should be made manifest to Israel, for this cause came I baptizing in water(†). 32 AndJohn bare witness, saying, I have beheld the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven; and it abode upon him. 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 (‘with’ or ‘in the power of’ the ~ en) Holy Spirit(). 34 And I have seen, and have borne witness that this is the Son of God. bb. ἐν, with dat. of the thing in which one is immersed(†): ἐν τῷ Ἰορδάνῃ, Mk. i. 5; ἐν τῷ ὕδατι, Jn. i. 31 (L T Tr WH ἐν ὕδ., but cf. Mey. ad loc.[who makes the art. deictic]). of the thing used in baptizing(‡): ἐν ὕ δατι, Mt. iii. 11; Mk. i. 8 [T WH Tr mrg. om. Trtxt. br. ἐν]; Jn. i. 26, 33; cf. B. § 133, 19; [cf. W. 412 (384); see ἐν, I. 5 d. a.]; with the simple dat., ὕδατι, Lk. iii. 16; Acts i. 5; xi. 16. ἐν πνεύματι ἀγίῷ, to imbue richly with the Holy Spirit, (just as its large bestowment is called an outpouring)( ): Mt. iii. 11; Mk. i. 8 [L Tr br. ἐν], Lk. iii. 16; Jn. i. 33; Acts i. 5; xi. 16; with the addition καὶ πυρί to overwhelm with fire (those who do not repent), i. e. to subject them to the terrible penalties of hell, Mt. iii. 11. ἐν ὀνόματι τοῦ κυρίου, by the authority of the Lord, Acts x. 48. [cf. W. 412 (384); see ἐν, [Bullinger, E. W. A Critical Lexicon and Concordance to the English and Greek New Testament] Note that by definition, no one is “immersed” in the Holy Spirit, but rather is “imbued richly” with the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 says that we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit upon being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of our sins. The gift of the Holy Spirit has loosely been called the “indwelling Spirit”, but the gift of the Holy Spirit also includes being blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places as a direct result of being in Christ (Eph 1:3) and is referred to as being “sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise” (Eph 1:13, cp. Acts 2:39). I submit that the gift of the Holy Spirit poured out (Pro 1:23, Isa 44:3; Eze 39:29; Joel 2:28-29; Zech 12:10; Acts 2:17-18,33; Acts 10:45) is the result of the promise received by Jesus from the Father (Acts 2:33, the promise to Abraham and his seed, Christ). The gift of the Holy Spirit was poured forth upon all flesh (fulfilling the prophecy of Joel, Acts 2:17), including the Gentiles (Acts 10:44,45), and coincided with the Apostles being filled with (not ‘immersed into’) the Holy Spirit (thus being further endowed with miraculous gifts [Acts 2:2-4], and fulfilling Jesus’ specific promise to them about receiving the Comforter/ Spirit of truth and being clothed with power from on high [Joh 14:16-17, 25-26; 15:26-27; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; Mat 10:19; Mar 13:11; Lk 24:49b]) on the day of Pentecost. The gift of the Holy Spirit is not individually receiveduntil one has been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (believer’s baptism). That’s the point in time the individual receives remission of sin and is partaker in (an heir, according to..) the promise to

Abraham that all nations of the earth will be blessed in his seed (in Christ - Gen 22:18, 26:4, 28:14; Isa 61:9, Acts 2:39, 3:25; Gal 3:16,26-29).

➢ Act 1:4-5 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: 5 for John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days hence. The Apostles had already been water baptized and/or pronounced clean by Jesus, thus they received the gift of the Holy Spirit when the Spirit was poured out upon all flesh (through Jesus Christ our Saviour), and also(as seen by the tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; that sat upon each one of them) received the promise of the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, that filled them with the Holy Spirit, giving them all (the remainder that they had not yet received) of the miraculous gifts (and the authority and power to pass on those gifts by the laying on of their hands), enabling them to bear witness and bring in the kingdom of God with power. That day, only the Apostles were clothed with power from on high. The only speculation that remains (where scripture would be silent if this premise is true) is the point in time that the Apostles and the 120 disciples receivedthe gift of the Holy Spirit (that believers receive today upon being baptized in the name of Jesus – Acts 2:38). That same speculation remains under the traditional way of thinking, however.. most in the body of Christ do not claim to know exactly when the Apostles and the 120 disciples received forgiveness of their sins, much less the gift of the Holy Spirit (which the bulk of the cofC labels merely as the “indwelling Spirit”, but which I and many others see as the great promise to Abraham and to his seed, Christ, that we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places IN Christ). If the premise is correct, then the language in Acts 1:5 .. “notmany days hence”, suggests that the Apostles (and most likely the 120) received the gift of the Holy Spirit the moment the Spirit was poured out upon all flesh. They had believed and were baptized (and the Apostles had already baptized many besides the 120), so needed to be sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise (Eph 1:13).. the (ongoing) renewing of the Holy Spirit. Whether this would mean that the Apostles, the 120, and all that had been baptized by the Apostles under the authority of Christ would need to be re-baptized is (I believe) still speculative, as in the traditional view. A good argument for their needing to be re-baptized would be the need for them to be added to the body of Christ, His church, which did not come into existence until the day of Pentecost.

➢ Tit 3:5-6 not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 which he poured out upon us richly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour; When the Holy Spirit was poured out, it was not just for the miraculous gifts to bring in the kingdom with power, but was the gift of the Holy Spirit received by all those who believe and obey Christ, which is the renewing of the Holy Spirit, and every other spiritual blessing we receive IN Christ. Jesus has always baptized us by means of the Holy Spirit, He will continue to do so, and He will be with us "even unto the end of the world."

➢ Act 8:12-17 Butwhen they believed Philip preaching good tidings concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 AndSimon also himself believed: and being baptized, he continued with Philip; and beholding signs and great miracles wrought, he was amazed. 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: 15 who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit: 16 for as yet it was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. No mention of a second “baptism of the Holy Spirit”.

➢ Act 10:44-46 While Peter yet spakethese words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them that heard the word. 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. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, The Holy Spirit fell (v47 goes on to say the ‘received’ the Holy Spirit), and no mention of a “baptism of the Holy Spirit”.

➢ Act 10:47-48 Canany man forbid the water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Here we see water coupled with the baptism by Christ’s authority (in the name of Jesus Christ) we saw in Acts 2:38. They had received the Holy Spirit directly from God, with miraculous signs following. We know from Acts 2:38 that when Cornelius and his house obeyed the command from Peter to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, they also received the gift of the Holy Spirit that had been poured forth upon all flesh back in Acts 2.

➢ Act 11:14-18 who shall speak unto thee words, whereby thou shaltbe saved, thou and all thy house. 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, even as on us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, John indeed baptized with water; but yeshall be baptized in the Holy Spirit. 17 If then God gave unto them the like gift as he did also unto us, when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God? 18 And when they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then to the Gentiles also hath God granted repentance unto life. Note it’s the like gift “when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ”. We know that the gift of the Holy Spirit (for those who believed) was not available until Christ was glorified (Joh 7:37-39 Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water. 39 But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive: for the Spirit was not yet given; because Jesus was not yet glorified. cp. Isa 44:3; 58:11, Joe 3:18, Zec14:8) The Apostles also believed well before Jesus was glorified. I see three possibilities for the meaning of “the like gift”: 1) Theability to speak in tongues – but the Apostles weren’t given that until Pentecost. 2) The gift of the Holy Spirit received upon belief and baptism into Christ, in the sense of being blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places IN Christ [similar, but more comprehensive than what most refer to as the ‘indwelling Spirit’]. This also could only have happened to the Apostles on the day of Pentecost when the Spirit was poured out on all flesh, thus well after they believed. 3) One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit [the spiritual blessings we are blessed with] is eternal life IN Christ. For anyone after the cross, this could only come about after having believed in God [because they believed and obeyed the gospel] by hearing the word, believing it, repenting, confessing Christ, and being baptized in the name of Jesus – (see John 12:44; Acts 16:31,33-34). Jesus had the authority to directly forgive sins while He was on earth. The like gift of eternal life in Christ was given to both the Apostles and Cornelius (and his house) when they believed on the Lord Jesus. To the Apostles, way back when they first believed Jesus in the gospels, and to Cornelius and his house, when they believed on the Lord Jesus through hearing Peter speak those words by which they should be saved.. i.e., when they believed, repented, confessed Jesus as the Son of God, and were baptized (BY Jesus, with the Holy Spirit) through submersion in water (the water of regeneration) in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins (see Acts 2:38).

➢ Act 15:5-17 Butthere rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying, It is needful to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses. 6 Andthe apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider of this matter. 7 And when there had been much questioning, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Brethren, ye know that a good while ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. 8 And God, who knoweth the heart, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us; 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. 10 Nowtherefore why make ye trial of God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in like manner as they. 12 Andall the multitude kept silence; and they hearkened unto Barnabas and Paul rehearsing what signs and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles through them. 13 Andafter they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Brethren, hearken unto me: 14 Symeon hath rehearsed how first God visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. 15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, 16 After these things I will return, And I will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen; And I will build again the ruins thereof, And I will set it up: 17 That the residue of men may seek after the Lord, And all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, We see that God was baring Cornelius and his house witness (to Peter and the circumcision) when He gave them the Holy Spirit. God made no distinction between the Jewish Christians and the Gentiles, cleansing their hearts by faith (when they submitted to the baptism by Christ’s authority ~ saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in like manner as the Jewish Christians). Vss 14 – 17 sum it up beautifully, and note the “calling on His name” of vs 17 (see Acts 22:16).

➢ The Apostles, on the day of Pentecost, already had the power to heal the sick, cleanse lepers, cast out demons, and raise the dead. (Mat 10:5-8; Luk9:1-5) This is relevant in light of what we’ve seen in John 14, 15, 16, Luk

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24, and Acts 1, which is receiving the Spirit of Truth/Comforter/Holy Spirit that would guide them into all the truth. The Apostles were to be equipped with the mind of Christ (1 Cor2:16) so they could speak infallibly the word of the Lord. When John was speaking to his crowds, he would say, “I indeed baptize you with water, but He will baptize YOU (everyone) en Holy Spirit. Never was the baptism en Holy Spirit spoken of as being for miraculous gifts.John’s was a baptism of repentance (with water) for the remission of sins. Jesus baptizes us with the Holy Spirit when we’re baptized by Christ’s authority (in the name of Jesus Christ) for the remission of sins. We are immersed into the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 8:16; 19:5), into one body (1 Cor 12:13), into Christ (Rom 6:3, Gal 3:27), into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Mat 28:19), and into Christ’s death (Rom 6:3) in the name [by the authority of] Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38, Acts 10:48, cp. Acts 8:12). We are born of water and of the Spirit (John 3:5), immersed after going down into the water (Acts 8:38), come up out of the water after having been immersed (Acts 8:39, Mat 3:16, Mk 1:10), and are taught that Christian baptism uses the element of water (Acts 8:36, Acts 10:47, Heb 10:22, 1 Pet 3:20f, cp. Rev 21:6; 22:1; 22:17) Our sins are remitted, washed, and cleansed by the blood of Jesus (Mat 26:28, Rom 3:25, Rom 5:9, Eph 1:7, Eph 2:13, Heb 9:12,14,22; Heb 10:19, Heb 13:12, 1 Pet 1:18f, 1 Jn 1:7, Rev 1:5 Rev 5:9, Rev 7:14, cp. Rev 19:13) The water is joined with the Spirit (Gen 1:2, Isa 44:3, Jn 3:5, Acts 10:47, cp. Mat 3:16, Mar 1:10, Acts 8:39) and the blood (Exo 4:9, Exo 7:17-20, Lev 14:51f, Deu 12:16, Deu 15:23, Psa 105:29, Eze 16:9, Jn 19:34, Heb 9:19, 1 Jn 5:6), and the three bear witness and agree in one (1 Jn 5:8). Both the Father and the Holy Spirit are spoken of as living water (Jer 2:13, John 4:10, John 7:38) Jesus baptizes us by means of the Holy Spirit (Mat 3:11, Mar 1:8, Luk 3:16, Joh 1:33, Acts 1:5 and 11:16) We find water baptism and its sin remitting effects by command, authorized example, and necessary inference, taking near and far context into account, in Mat. 3:6, 7, 11, 13, 14, 16; 21:25; 28:19; Mark 1:4, 5, 8, 9; 6:14, 24; 10:38, 39; 11:30; 16:16; Luke 3:3, 7, 12, 16, 21; 7:29, 30; 12:50; 20:4; John 1:25, 26, 28, 31, 33; 3:5, 22, 23, 26; 4:1, 2; 10:40; Acts 1:5, 22; 2:38, 41; 8:12, 13, 16, 36, 38; 9:18; 10:37, 47, 48; 11:16; 13:24; 16:15, 33; 18:8, 25; 19:3, 4, 5; 22:16; Rom. 6:3, 4; 1Co. 1:13, 14, 15, 16, 17; 10:2; 12:13; 15:29; Gal. 3:27; Eph. 4:5; Col. 2:12; Tit 3:5; 1Pe. 3:21; Mat. 23:25, 26; John 9:7, 11, 15; 13:8 Acts 22:16; 1Co. 6:11; Eph. 5:26; Tit. 3:5; Heb. 9:14, 22, 23; 10:2, 22; 2Pe. 2:22; 1Jn. 1:7, 9; Rev. 7:14; Rev 21:6; 22:1; and 22:14,17.

Here’s the premise: The baptism en (‘in the power of’ or ‘with’) the Holy Spirit is simply stating the means by which Jesus Himself (our creator and our savior) administers the baptism of the Great Commission (“…He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit”). Most already know or agree that we’re baptized in (by) one Spirit. 1Co 12:13 For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit. Before commenting on 1Co 12:13 (above), let’s follow the promise of the Father and see where it leads.. Act 13:22-23 And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king; to whom also hebare witness and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who shall do all My will. 23 Of this man's seed hath God according to promise brought unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus; Act 13:32 And we bring you good tidings of the promise made unto the fathers, Act 26:6-7 And now I stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made of Godunto our fathers; 7 unto which promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. And concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews, O king! Rom 1:1-3 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 which he promised afore through his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, Rom 4:13 For not through the law was the promise to Abraham or to his seed that he should be heir of the world, but through the righteousness of faith. Rom 4:19-22 Andwithout being weakened in faith he considered his own body now as good as dead (he being about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb; 20 yet, looking unto the promise of God, he wavered not through unbelief, but waxed strong through faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully assured that what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 Wherefore also it was reckoned unto him for righteousness.

Rom 9:8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh that are children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for a seed. 2Co 1:20-22 For how many soever be the promises of God, in him is the yea: wherefore also through him is the Amen, unto the glory of God through us. 21 Now he that establishethus with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God; 22 who also sealed us, and gave us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. The gift of the Holy Spirit was received both by Christ and by Abraham the moment Christ defeated death on the cross. When Christ died, His perfect sacrifice defeated death. Acts 2:33 says "having received", meaning He'd already received it from the Father. The gift that Jesus received is the fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham back in Genesis 22. Gal 3:13-14 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangethon a tree: 14 that upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Gal 3:16 Now to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. Gen 22:17-18 that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is upon the seashore. And thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies. 18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed. Because thou hast obeyed my voice. Gal 3:18-19 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more of promise: but God hath granted it to Abraham by promise. 19 What then is the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise hath been made; and it was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator. Gal 3:22 But the scriptures shut up all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. Gal 3:26-29 Forye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ. 28 Therecan 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. 29 And if ye are Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, heirs according to promise.

Act 2:38 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; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 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. The “en” of 1 Cor12:13 is the Gr., “by”. I submit that Jesus baptized us in the power of(with) the Holy Spirit. On Pentecost, the Apostles were already clean (Jn15:3; 13:10), and most likely had been baptized by Christ’s authority. For them, the baptism with the Spirit was a filling up of the Father’s promises when the gift of the Spirit was poured out to all nations. Because we’ve seen that the Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Holy Spirit, and being clothed with power from on high is what endowed the Apostles with their divine gifts to bring in the kingdom with power, and because John the Baptist spoke specifically of Jesus baptizing you (us) in the power of the Holy Spirit, I submit that when we are (were) baptized in the name (by the authority of) Jesus Christ into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Himself was our baptizer, in the power of (with) the Holy Spirit. What are we baptized into? The body of Christ. This leaves us the one baptism of the Great Commission, a more powerful and personal baptism than we had ever before imagined. We simply have to believe John the baptist’s prophecy was for US, all of us, including the Apostles. With our savior as our baptizer, we, in as real a sense as possible, died with, were buried with, and were raised with Him to walk in newness of life. We died WITH Him as He baptized us into His death. Watch the word of God come alive when we read afresh the power of our savior not only dying for, but actually baptizing us with Him into His death, to be raised with Him through faith in the working of God. Col 2:8-15 Take heed lest there shall be any one that makethspoil of you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ: 9 for in him dwelleth all the fulnessof the Godhead bodily, 10 and in him ye are made full, who is the head of all principality and power: 11 in whom ye were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ; 12 having been buried with him in baptism, wherein ye were also raised with him through

faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcisionof your flesh, you, I say, did he make alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses; 14 having blotted out the bond written in ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us: and he hath taken it out that way, nailing it to the cross; 15 having despoiled the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Rom 6:3-13 Orare ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 Wewere buried therefore with him through baptism unto death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection; 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away, that so we should no longer be in bondage to sin; 7 for he that hath died is justified from sin. 8 Butif we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him; 9 knowing that Christ being raised from the dead diethno more; death no more hath dominion over him. 10 For the death that he died, he died unto sin once: but the life that he liveth, he livethunto God. 11 Evenso reckon ye also yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God in Christ Jesus. 12 Letnot sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey the lusts thereof: 13 neither present your members unto sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves unto God, as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 1Pe 3:18-22 Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; 19 in which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison, 20 that aforetime were disobedient, when the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water: 21 which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ; 22 who is on the right hand of God, having gone into heaven; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. Eph 4:1-6 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. 1Co 12:12-14 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. 13 Forin one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many. Gal 4:3-9 So we also, when we were children, were held in bondage under the rudiments of the world: 4 but when the fulnessof the time came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 that he might redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 Andbecause ye are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Sothat thou art no longer a bondservant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God. 8 Howbeit at that time, not knowing God, ye were in bondage to them that by nature are no gods: 9 but now that ye have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how turn ye back again to the weak and beggarly rudiments, whereunto ye desire to be in bondage over again? Joh 7:37-39 Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water. 39 But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive: for the Spirit was not yet given; because Jesus was not yet glorified. Eph 5:26 that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, Isa 58:11 and Jehovah will guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in dry places, and make strong thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Isa 44:3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and streams upon the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: Joe 3:18 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the brooks of Judah shall flow with waters; and a fountain shall come forth from the house of Jehovah, and shall water the valley of Shittim.

Zec 14:8 And it shall come to pass in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the eastern sea, and half of them toward the western sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. Act 10:43 To him bear all the prophets witness, that through his name every one that believeth on him shall receive remission of sins. Mat 26:28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many unto remission of sins. 1Jn 5:8 For there are three who bear witness, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and the three agree in one. Act 2:38-39 AndPeter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 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. Joh 3:5-6 Jesusanswered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God! 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Mat 28:18-20 And Jesus came to them and spakeunto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. 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: 20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Mar 16:15-16 Andhe said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned. Eph 1:3-13 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ: 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love: 5 having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of the glory of his grace, which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved: 7 in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 making known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him 10 unto a dispensation of the fulnessof the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth; in him, I say, 11 in whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who workethall things after the counsel of his will; 12 to the end that we should be unto the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ: 13 in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation, - in whom, having also believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 1Co 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God. 1Co 6:19 Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own; Eph 3:16-19 that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man; 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be strong to apprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye may be filled unto all the fulness of God. Mar 1:8 I baptized you in water; But he shall baptize you with (en) the Holy Spirit.