Text: Acts 19:1-41.
This passage is often mis-understood (vv.1-7). So, because it is about the ministry of the Holy Spirit, we should consider it. The “disciples” Paul met in Ephesus were of John the Baptiser, not of Jesus. They heard and believed
John’s message of repentance and of preparation for the Messiah, but they did not know that Messiah Jesus had come. Their ignorance of the Holy Spirit does not mean that Christians need a separate experience of baptism in the
Holy Spirit. They did not have the Holy Spirit because they did not yet know the message of Christ and had not yet trusted Jesus for salvation, which is the converting work of the Holy Spirit. Verse 4, “telling the people” means that
Paul explained the gospel to them, which they then believed. They then had Christian baptism with water. When Paul laid his hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit (apostolic authority), they then spoke in tongues, which gave
the Ephesians confidence that they also belonged to the truth Paul had preached.
Meditate on verse 5. How are you going to apply it to your life?
My heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I pray that many will receive Your miracle of saving grace. Amen.