Apostles and Holy Spirit Baptism

The idea of a Holy Spirit baptism excites a lot of folks. Some today think they can receive this baptism. First let’s ask who was the Holy Spirit promised to?

In an upper room; in Jerusalem; at the time of the Feast of the Passover; we find Jesus with his close disciples; the apostles. The supper had ended; Jesus had instituted the Lord’s Supper; and washed the apostle’s feet. (John 13:1-6) Who was there? The apostles were all there including Judas; the one who betrays Jesus; but he leaves. 

Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to his apostles. “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper; to be with you forever; even the Spirit of Truth.” (John 14:16, 26)

Luke speaks as an eye witness to all that is recorded in the book of Acts; which is actually ‘the acts of the Holy Spirit through the apostles.’ He tells that Jesus was “assembled together with the apostles whom he had chosen.” (Acts 1:2) Jesus commands the apostles to not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father; which; he said, “You have heard from me; for John baptized with water; but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:4-5) Luke says that Matthias replaced Judas, who turned aside to go to his own place; Matthias was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:12-16) The twelve apostles received the baptism of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:1-4)

Thousands of people; Jews; who needed to hear Jesus preached; were present in Jerusalem at this time to observe Passover. Through the power of the Holy Spirit these Galilean apostles were amazingly able to speak the language of all 15 or so dialects present that day. Three thousand heard; repented and were baptized. From this day forward mighty works; miracles; followed the apostles. (Mark 16:20)

The gospel they preached was a new message they were to take to the entire world. How could they prove that Christ had sent them? They had no Bible; the NT had not been written. But, the Lord had promised them special power (Luke 24:46-48) through which they were able to convince the world that He sent them and was with them; and that they were preaching the truth.

Salvation was first proclaimed by Christ; then confirmed by the apostles; God also bearing witness with miracles. (Heb 2:3-4) We now have it all in the written word. (2 Tim 3:16-17) Our faith comes by hearing the word.