Baptism and the work of the Holy Spirit

Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Before the ascension, Jesus was meeting with His disciples, and He gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptised with water, but in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:4-5, Acts 11:16).

We read about the baptism of the Holy Spirit principally on the Day of Pentecost, and subsequent events similar to the Day of Pentecost, in which those who were gathered were baptised in the Holy Spirit. Most churches believe these events were for the beginning of the Church or, as in the story of Cornelius, the movement of the Gospel from the Jews to the Gentiles. “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God” (Acts 10:44-46).

Most churches would affirm that the primary meaning of the concept of Baptism in the Holy Spirit is the work of the Spirit upon a human being, to endow that person with the power necessary to carry out the mission of Jesus. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).