The purpose of this article is to give the reader a clear and thorough understanding of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. It is recommended that the reader look up each scripture reference.

Before you proceed with this section, it may be worth your file to first cover the section, "Three Biblical Baptisms" which discusses the difference between Baptism in Water, Baptism by the Holy Spirit upon salvation, and, pertinent to this Section, Baptism in the Holy Spirit for power to become a witness.

• The Holy Spirit is God the Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. He is co-equal and co-enternal with God the Father and God the Son (the Lord Jesus Christ). Acts 5:3-4 (also Acts 13:2, Acts 21:11) (Also Acts 13:2, Acts 21:11)

  Acts 5:3 - "But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost...
  4 "... thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God."

• The Holy Spirit is the Helper whom the Father sent to be with the Church after Christ ascended into heaven. John 14:16-17.

  John 14:16 - "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
  17 [Even] the Spirit of truth"

• Jesus said that it would be better for Him to leave this earth and for the Holy Spirit to come in His place. John 16:7.

  John 16:7 - "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 depart, I will send him unto you."

• Jesus the Baptizer is in the Holy Spirit. Matt. 3:1,11,13.

  Matthew 3:1 "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  11 " I indeed baptize you with 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 Ghost, and [with] fire:
  13 "Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him."

• We are encouraged by scripture to be filled with the Spirit. Eph. 5:18.

  Ephesians 5:18 "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;"

• The word "Baptism" means "immersion" or "to be completely covered by"; i.e. to be Baptized with the Holy Spirit means to be immersed or filled with the Spirit.

• When were the disciples "Born Again", or when did they become Christians? - When they received the Holy Spirit. This occurred on theday fo Christ's resurrection. John 20:19-22.

  John 20:19 Then the sameday at evening, being the first [day] of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you.
  20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them [his] hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
  21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace [be] unto you: as [my] Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
  22. And when he had said this, he breathed on [them], and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

• How do we know that this is true? - Because when the Spirit of God comes to live inside of someone, they are "Born Again". John 3:6-7, Rom. 8:9-11.

  John 3:6 ... that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
  7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

• How can someone receive the Spirit of God? - By inviting Jesus Christ to come into his life to be his Lord and Savior. Rom. 8:9-11, Rev. 3:20 Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
  10 And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness.
  11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
  

  Revelation 3:20 Behold, Istand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

• When we are "Born Again", we receive the Spirit (a breath - John 20:22).

• When we are Baptized with the Holy Spirit, we are filled with the Spirit (a rushing mighty wind - Acts 2:2,4).

• Jesus Christ's final words to His disciples were to wait in Jerusalem for the Promise of the Father. Acts 1:4, Luke 24:49

  Acts 1:4 And, being assembled together with [them], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, [saith he],ye have heard of me.
  5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
  

• What was this Promise? - The Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:4-5

• What did it do? - It gave the disciples Power. Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49 (i.e. to witness for Christ. Acts 1:8).

  Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

• What did the disciples do while they were waiting to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit? - They praised and blessed God together, continually. Luke 24:49-53.

  Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
  50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
  51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
  52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
  53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

  Today, those who are desiring to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit should follow the 1st century disciples' example of praising and blessing God while seeking this precious gift.

  On the following sections, we will present four scriptural accounts of Christians being baptized in the Holy Spirit.

• The Christians at Pentecost were all filled with the Holy Spirit andbegan to speak in tongues. Acts 2:1-4.

  Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
  2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
  3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
  4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak withother tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
  

• God promised to pour out His Spirit on all flesh - This was the beginning of the fulfillment of the scripture in Joel that God would pourout His Spirit upon all flesh. Acts 2:16-18.

  Acts 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
  17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out 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 And on my servants and on my hand maidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

• The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for today - This Promise of the Father, known as the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, was promised to all future generations of Christians.. Acts 2:38-39.

  Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
  39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call.

  Certainly, we in the 20th Century need all that Christ provided for the 1st Century Church.

  At this point, only Jews were Baptized with the Holy Spirit, and this was done without the Laying on of Hands. Acts 2:4

• Philip's preaching of the Gospel was accompanied by powerful, visible miracles. Acts 8:5-7

  Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
  6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
  7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed [with them]: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

• Simon wanted the power to impart the Holy Spirit more than miracles - These miracles did not impress Simon the Sorcerer as much as when the Samaritans received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:9-20.

  Acts 8:9 But there wasa certain man, called Simon, which before time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria...
  12 But when they believed Philip... they were baptized, both men and women.
  13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs...
  14 Now when the apostles which 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 Ghost:
  16 (For as ye the was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name ofthe Lord Jesus.)
  17 Then laid they [their] hands on them, and theyreceived the Holy Ghost.
  18 And when Simon saw that through laying on ofthe apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
  19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
  20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee...

• Apostles emphasize the importance of the Holy Spirit - Though the Samaritans believed and were Baptized in Water, the Apostles Peter and John felt it necessary to go to Samaria to impart the Holy Spirit to the new believers. Acts 8:14-16

  How much more do we need it in our generation?

  In this case, the Holy Spirit was given by the Laying on of Hands. Acts 8:17

  It appears that all present received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:17

• All those present received the Holy Spirit. Acts 10:44

  Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

• No laying on of hands - In the case of the Gentiles, they did not receive the Holy Spirit through the Laying on of Hands. Acts 10:44

• The Gift of the Holy Spirit - The same gift of the Holy Spirit mentioned in Acts 2:38 on the day of Pentecost, was poured out in Acts 10:45.

  Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as manyas came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out thegift of the Holy Ghost.

• Evidence of speaking in tongues - The Jewish Christians were convinced that the Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit because they heard them speak in tongues. Acts 10:45-46.

  46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.

• Sometimes the Baptism in the Holy Spirit occurs before Baptism in Water. Acts 10:47-48. Acts 10:47-48 ...Then answered Peter,
  47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we
  48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

• Paul obviously was talking to Christians because they are referred to as disciples and believers in Acts 19:1-2.

  Acts 19:1 And it came to pass,that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the uppercoasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
  2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
  3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
  

• Yet they had never been Baptized in the Holy Spirit or in Water. Acts 19:2-3

• All present received the Holy Spirit. Acts 19:4-7

  Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto thepeople, that they should believe on him which should come after him, thatis, on Christ Jesus.
  5 When they heard [this], they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
  6 And when Paul had laid [his] hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
  7 And all the men were about twelve.
  

• Evidence of speaking in tongues - The Christians at Ephesus all spoke intongues when they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 19:6

  In this case the Holy Spirit was given by the Laying on of Hands. Acts 19:6

  Also, when the Christians began to speak in tongues, they prophesied. Acts 19:6

1. What goal did Jesus have in mind when teaching the disciples in Luke11:1-3? Answer: To teach them to pray. Luke 11:1

2. What was the main principle He was sharing with His disciples by usingthe story in Luke 11:5-13? Answer: Jesus was emphasizing a principle by way of contrast. He shows us that the Father's response to our requestfor the Holy Spirit (Like 11:9-13) will not be like that of the friend who was reluctant to grant the needs of his friend. Luke 11:5-8.

Our heavenly Father will give us the Gift of the Holy Spirit when we ask for it. Luke 11:13

SUMMARY: We should ask, seek and knock to receive the Holy Spirit who will come and teach us to pray. Luke 11:1,9,13, Romans 8:26.

Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is afather, will he give him a stone? or if [he ask] a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

"... the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this, which you now seeand hear." Acts 2:33

Who in the Bible encouraged speaking in tongues? Answer: Jesus told His disciples that believers would be able to speak in tongues. Mark 16:17. Paul encouraged believers to speak in tongues. 1 Cor. 14:5, 18, 26, 39.

Who can understand our tongues? Answer: God can understand our tongues. 1 Cor. 14:2. No man can understand tongues. 1 Cor. 14:2

How should we use tongues? Answer: Pray and sing in tongues. 1 Cor. 14:14-15

What will tongues do for us? Answer: Gives us a special communication with God. Romans 8:26. Builds up our faith. Jude 20.

Scripture references:

Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

1 Corinthians 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues... 18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:2 For he that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth [him]; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

1 Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

1. Though it may be called:

a.   the "baptism with the Holy Spirit" - Acts 1:5
b.   the "gift of the Holy Spirit" - Acts 2:38, 10:45
c.   being "filled with the Spirit" - Acts 2:4
d.   "the Promise of the Father" - Acts 1:4, 2:39
e.   being "endued with power from on high" - Luke 24:49

these phrases are all describing the same experience Jesus foretold wouldcome upon His disciples at Jerusalem. Acts 1:4

2. When someone is Born Again, God the Holy Spirit comes to live inside of him. John 3:6-7, Rom. 8:9-11. When Jesus Baptizes someone in the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:11), that person is immersed in or filled with the Power of the Spirit. Acts 1:8.

3. The Bible shows that it is very important for Christians to be Baptized in the Holy Spirit and to speak in tongues. Acts 19:2-6

4. There are some instances in the Bible when the Laying on of Hands wasused to administer the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, and there are othercases when it was not.

No Hands - Acts 2:4, 10:44
Hands - Acts 8:17, 19:6

5. The Scriptural Evidence of someone being Baptized in the Holy Spirit is speaking in an unknown tongue as the Spirit gives him utterance. Asthe Bible says in 2 Cor. 13: 1: "in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established." So, since we have three clear scriptures (Acts 2:4, 10:46, 19:6), this evidence of tongues can readily be established.

6. There are no examples given in scripture of individuals who did not receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit who sincerely and honestly desired to receive it. Acts 2:39.

7. According to Jesus, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is worth asking, seeking and knocking for, and He promises us that we will receive it. Luke 11:9-13