7.28 The Holy Spirit finds expression through our vocal cords (Part 4)

Yesterday, we shared about how Cornelius’ household received the baptism in the Spirit. Today, let us share about how Paul ministered the baptism in the Spirit to a group of disciples at Ephesus.

First Paul told them that they were to believe in Jesus. The disciples heard the message and believed. They received their salvation. Paul did not stop there; he ministered the baptism in the Spirit to them. Paul laid his hands on them to receive the baptism in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit came upon them and they spoke with tongues – all 12 of them.

(Acts 19:4-7)
Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism in repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came UPON THEM, and they SPOKE WITH TONGUES and prophesied. Now the men were about twelve in all.

From the passage above, it is clear that the apostle Paul did not stop at the salvation experience. The Holy Spirit comes to live within the believer at salvation. But Paul wanted the believer to experience the baptism in the Spirit. He wanted the Spirit to flow forth from the believers.

From all these passages, it is clear from the Scriptures that speaking in tongues is the only common Bible experience and Bible standard for the baptism in the Spirit. Once we have understood this truth, we will have the faith to receive the baptism in the Spirit with the new prayer language of tongues.