Bible Study for Today
How could the “disciples” of Acts 19:1 not have received the Holy
Spirit?
Coming to
Ephesus, Paul found “some disciples.” They were of John the Baptist (v. 3),
hence Old Testament seekers. That they did not yet fully understand the
Christian faith is evident from their reply to Paul’s question (v. 2). The word
“disciple” means “learner,” or “follower,” and does not always refer to
Christians (Matt. 9:14; 11:2;Mark 2:18; Luke 5:33; 7:18, 19; 11:1; John 1:35;
6:66). Followers of John the Baptist, like this group, existed into the second
century.
“Did you
receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” (v. 2). The question reflects
Paul’s uncertainty about their spiritual status. Since all Christians receive
the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation, their answer revealed they were not
yet fully Christians. They had not yet received Christian baptism (having been
baptized only “into John’s baptism”), which further evidenced that they were
not Christians. These disciples did not realize Jesus of Nazareth was the One
to whom John’s baptism pointed. Paul gave them instruction not on how to
receive the Spirit, but about Jesus Christ. “They were baptized in the name of
the Lord Jesus” (v. 5). They believed Paul’s presentation of the gospel and
came to saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (2:41). Although required of all
Christians, baptism does not save.
Then “Paul…laid
hands on them” (v. 6). This signified their inclusion into the church. Apostles
were also present when the church was born (chap. 2), and when the Samaritans
(chap. 8) and Gentiles (chap. 10) were included. In each case, God’s purpose
was to emphasize the unity of the church. And they “spoke with tongues and
prophesied.” This served as proof that they were part of the church. They also
needed tangible evidence that the Holy Spirit now indwelt them, since they had
not heard that He had come (v. 2)
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