Acts 19:3-6
So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?"
"John's baptism," they replied.
Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
When I read these verses, I have to believe the "disciples" Paul was speaking to had not understood the reality of Jesus Christ, and so were not yet saved. Once they heard and understood, they received the Holy Spirit and were saved. Again, the process of baptism was part of this transformation. My lingering question is this: can a person fully come to the knowledge and acceptance of Christ without being baptized? I believe the answer is "yes." So, baptism is not essential to being a believer and receiving the Holy Spirit and being promised eternal life with God? Some do not have access to the celebration of baptism. How does that go for them?
Holy Lord, I know that you want all of your creation to come to you, through Christ. What happens when one of your new believers cannot be baptized? I would like to know more, and to understand this more fully. Teach me, Lord. Amen
Becky, transforming
Acts 19:3-6
The end of these verses should much like a replay of the Day of Pentecost. To be baptized as a way of repentance as John was doing OR to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ are two different things as Paul pointed out to this group. But the fact that Paul passed the Holy Spirit to them is significant. It was a small group of twelve, but the results were the same as the day of Pentecost and the disciples.
Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for this group of people I meet with each morning as we read your words. I am always learning something new as I did today. Amen
Tuesday, August 8th,2023
Acts 19:3-6
And he said, into what then were you baptized. They said, Into John's baptism. 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.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.
We know that, when a person is born again the Holy Spirit indwells in that person’s heart. If a person does not have the Holy Spirit, then he does not belong to Christ . These men in Ephesu…