Holy Spirit Baptism

Acts 18:23 - 19:12

In today's reading, Paul begins what is known as his third missionary
journey. Luke, the narrator of this account, has been giving us some
details about the early Christian church. Since the events leading up
to Paul's conversion, Luke seems to primarily focus on Paul. For
example, when Paul and Barnabas part, with each choosing a new
traveling companion, our narrator follows the ministry of Paul.

However, there are some exceptions. One is the account of Peter
visiting Cornelius (chapter 10). This is a turning point in the spread
of the Gospel, as the church leaders realize that Jesus is for Gentiles
as well as for Jews. "The Jewish believers who came with Peter were
amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the
Gentiles, too. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising
God" (Acts 10:45,46).

Back in Jerusalem, Peter is criticized for fraternizing with Gentiles
(Acts 11:2). Peter responds, "... The Holy Spirit fell on them, just as
he fell on us at the beginning [on the day of Pentecost]. Then I
thought of the Lord's words when he said, 'John baptized with water,
but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' And since God gave
these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord
Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God's way?"

Now, here we are in chapter 18, and again Luke interrupts his narration
of Paul's journeys. This time, he introduces us to a man in Ephesus
named Apollos. And the scene is set for Paul's later return to Ephesus
where he finds a group of about twelve men. These believers have
something in common with Apollos. In both cases, they had experienced
the baptism of John. John's baptism was one of repentance. Jesus
himself preached the necessity of repentance (e.g. Luke 15:10). But
here something was missing.

Let's look at Apollos. He knew the Scriptures well. He taught others
about Jesus "with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy."
Nevertheless, Priscilla and Aquila, who had spent much time with Paul,
took Apollos aside and "explained the way of God even more accurately."
Did he need to be baptized with the Holy Spirit? Perhaps that was just
what he needed in preparation for his new place of ministry.

Apollos moves from Ephesus to Corinth (capital of the provence of
Achaia). With Holy Spirit power he strengthens the believers there, and
speaks boldly in public debate. He uses the Scriptures to argue
persuasively that Jesus is the Messiah. Oh, that we all might have such
precious knowledge and be able to convince others of the Truth.

Meanwhile, Paul arrives in Ephesus. He finds some believers who have
never heard that there is a Holy Spirit. (I wonder -- What prompted
Paul to ask if they had received the Holy Spirit?) They are baptized in
the name of the Lord Jesus. The Holy Spirit comes upon them and they
speak in other tongues and prophesy. Are you puzzled, as I am?

The last time we saw such signs, it was at a turning point in the
spread of the Gospel. Not just for Jews anymore, but for Gentiles also.
And we see (19:10) how this very inclusiveness spread throughout the
province of Asia. So now I wonder why these extraordinary signs at this
time and this place are especially mentioned by Luke. It seems to be in
the midst of more preaching, more repentance and turning to the Lord,
more encouraging of believers. Yes, and more riots.

Maybe Luke doesn't intend for the experience of these Ephesian
believers to be seen as extraordinary. Maybe prophecy and other
spiritual gifts were the norm. Yes, we should keep in mind the
guideline offered by Pastor Adam in his June 12 blog -- "We must always
remember that Acts tends to be descriptive and not prescriptive." On
the other hand, I don't agree with those who believe the gifts of the
Spirit are not needed today.

These questions touch a tender spot in my own spiritual growth. I was
once approached by a friend who, in her enthusiasm for sharing how real
Jesus had become to her, insisted that the gift of speaking in tongues
is the necessary sign of baptism in the Holy Spirit. For a period of
time, I lost the assurance of my own salvation.

But let us not in any way diminish the importance of the Holy Spirit in
the life of a believer. Nor should we try to keep Him in a box of our
own making. Jesus compared the work of the Spirit to the wind -- He
blows where He pleases.

Let's together watch for further teaching on the work of the Holy
Spirit as we continue in our daily readings. Romans. First Corinthians.
Ephesians. I'm excited as I anticipate what God will do.

Deetje Wildes