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.

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Footnotes:
1. Acts 2:1-4, Acts 4:31

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