June 1, 2010
Acts 19
Pastor Jason Yon
In Acts 19:1-4, we read that Paul asked the disciples at Ephesus if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed. This suggests that Paul knew that they already believed in Jesus as their Savior. They responded that they had received the baptism of John, which Paul then called a “baptism of repentance.”
In Matthew 3:11, it’s recorded that John the Baptist himself said that “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Two Bible commentators suggest differing opinions about this:
- These disciples were disciples of John the Baptist and had repented of their sin as preached by John, but had not yet believed in Jesus or even heard of Jesus as the Messiah.
- These disciples truly were disciples of Jesus who had heard of Him and believed in Him, but they had not yet been baptized with the Holy Spirit.
I believe that these men were disciples of Jesus, since Paul recognized them as “believers.” Paul gave these believers further instruction that they needed to be baptized in the name of Jesus. In verses 5-6, we read that when they did, Paul laid hands on them and they were also filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and prophesying.
Maybe you believe in Jesus and have been baptized, but have not yet been baptized in the Holy Spirit. I hope that as you are reading the Book of Acts, you are seeing the power of the Holy Spirit for every believer and what the Holy Spirit can do in your life. Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you, and I believe that He will.
Did you know? Before coming to Grace Covenant Church, Pastor Jason made balloon animals in Orlando, Florida-area restaurants.
