Receiving the Holy Spirit
Scripture Passage: Acts 19:1-10 (NASB)
Now it happened that while Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples. 2 He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said to him, “On the contrary, we have not even heard if there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” And they said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve men in all.
8 And he entered the synagogue and continued speaking out boldly for three months, having discussions and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the people, he withdrew from them and took the disciples away with him, and had discussions daily in the school of Tyrannus. 10 This took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
SUMMARY
As Paul traveled to Ephesus, he found some disciples who were previously baptized by John the Baptist. When Paul asked them if they received the Holy Spirit, they responded that they were not even heard of the Holy Spirit. After delivering the message of Jesus Christ and laying hands upon them, they received the gifts of tongue and prophecy. Paul continued to speak boldly about the kingdom of God until all people including Jews and Greeks in Asia heard the word of the Lord.
MEDITATION AND REFLECTION
Today's passage reminded me of the day I received the Holy Spirit. I was 14 years old and attended a huge revival with a couple hundred people at the auditorium. While praying at the end of the service, I felt the Holy Spirit's touch and began speaking in tongue. I still remembered clearly how powerful that moment was and was overjoyed to receive the gift of tongue!
I noticed in verse 10 that all people in Asia heard the word of the Lord through Paul. While Paul initially intended to travel to Asia to preach the Gospel, it was forbidden by the Holy Spirit at that time and Paul traveled to other regions instead (Acts 16:6). As seen in today's passage, the Holy Spirit allowed Paul to preach to the people in Asia this time and all people in Asia heard the word of the Lord. Although it took some time for the Gospel to reach the people in Asia, God did not forget the people in Asia and ultimately they were able to hear the Good news of Jesus Christ. As the Holy Spirit guided Paul in his mission trip and ministry, I was reminded of the truth that the Holy Spirit, who lives in me, guides me in this life.
APPLICATION
I sometimes wonder where God is in my situations and circumstances and feel lost and neglected. Yet the truth is that God is still working and never forget about His beloved children! By seeking God through prayer and His words daily, I will come to know God's will and His timing and fully trust Him no matter where He leads me.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank you for giving me the Holy Spirit and allowing me to walk with Him every day. I confess that I often feel that you are not working in my situations and feel left alone. I rebuke these lies that the enemy placed in my mind and repent of believing in these lies and not holding onto the truth. Thank you for reminding me of this truth today. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Please share your personal meditations on this Scripture passage with the HolyWave community in the comments section below. (We reserve the right to moderate comments.)