Well.. in acts 19...after water baptism..they receive the Holy Spirit.
So.. that's not salvation..it's a different role of the Holy Spirit.
That's a whole group receiving the Holy Spirit
So.. that's not salvation..it's a different role of the Holy Spirit.
That's a whole group receiving the Holy Spirit
Acts 19:3-7 recounts an encounter between the Apostle Paul and some disciples in Ephesus:
3 And he said to them, "Into what then were you baptized?" They said, "Into John's baptism."
4 And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus."
5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.
7 There were about twelve men in all.
How I Understand This Passage- John’s Baptism vs. Baptism into Christ
These disciples had received John’s baptism, which was a baptism of repentance in preparation for the coming Messiah. However, John's baptism did not impart the Holy Spirit. It was a symbolic act of turning back to God but was not the same as being baptized into Christ. - Water Baptism in Jesus' Name
Paul makes it clear that John's baptism was incomplete because it pointed forward to Christ. So, after receiving the full gospel, they were baptized in the name of Jesus—which is often understood as Christian water baptism. - Spirit Baptism & Power
Interestingly, even after being baptized in Jesus' name, they did not receive the Holy Spirit until Paul laid hands on them. When this happened, they experienced a clear manifestation of the Spirit—speaking in tongues and prophesying.
- Water baptism alone does not equal Spirit baptism. These men were baptized in Jesus' name, yet the Spirit did not come upon them until Paul laid hands on them.
- Spirit baptism is essential. The defining sign of their full inclusion in Christ was the coming of the Holy Spirit, not just water baptism.
- Faith in Jesus is what brings the Holy Spirit. The moment they truly believed in Jesus, they were eligible for the Spirit's indwelling and empowerment.
This passage highlights the distinction between John’s preparatory baptism, Christian water baptism, and Spirit baptism. It reinforces that water baptism alone does not grant the Holy Spirit. The true baptism that matters is being baptized into Christ by the Spirit, which brings new life, power, and love.