LOVE TABERNACLE MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL
BOOK: The Person and Ministry of the Holy Spirit
Chapter 3.2: Baptism with the Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in Tongues
3.3 Baptism with the Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in Tongues
There are five recorded cases, in the book of Acts, of people receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In all five cases, they spoke in tongues:
1. Acts 2:1-4 ~ at Pentecost all spoke in tongues.
2. Acts 8:14-19 ~ at Samaria
Philip had gone done to Samaria, had preached the gospel, and had
thousands saved and water baptized. But none of them had yet
received the Holy Spirit. Several apostles were sent from
Jerusalem to laying hands on the new believers, to receive the Holy
Spirit. The ex-sorcerer Simon saw (v.18).
Something with his eyes when the people received the baptism.
Something he could not fake. He wanted to purchase this
ability. Now why would a money conscience man, who used to
deceive people, want to pay for something, unless he saw something he
could not fake? What did he see? Tongues!
3. Acts 9:17-18 with 1 Cor 14:18 ~ Paul received
the baptism and spoke with other tongues. Note: that at the time
of baptism, a person is filled to overflowing, and that the baptism
only happens once. However, a person can be filled many times,
not just at the baptism1.
4. Acts 10:44-48 at Cornelius' house
The Jews, including the apostles did not think the Gentiles would ever
receive salvation or the baptism. That is why God had to give
Peter the vision in chapter 10, and why Peter had to explain to the Jerusalem council in chapter 11.
The Gentiles received salvation and the baptism in the Holy
Spirit. How do we know? The same way Peter knew: "for they
heard them speak with other tongues" (v.46).
5. Acts 19:1-7 at Ephesus
Paul traveling thru Ephesus found 12 men who were disciples of John the
Baptist. They had not received Jesus as Lord or the baptism of
the Holy Spirit. Paul lead them to salvation, water baptized
them, and then laid hands on them to receive the baptism of the Holy
Spirit. What happened? The Holy Spirit came on them and
they spoke with other tongues!
Praise God! He has not left us defenseless nor powerless against
the wiles of our enemy, Satan, but has given us power thru the baptism
of the Holy Spirit and has given us authority in Jesus' holy name, to
pull down every stronghold of the enemy, and to let the captives go
free! Hallelujah!
Here's an interesting thought:
Every writer of the New Testament was baptized in the Spirit and spoke with other tongues. Amen.
Footnotes:
1. Acts 2:1-4, Acts 4:31