“Spirit Filling” and “Spirit Baptizing”

“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with different tongues, as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out.” Here, it is stated that they were “filled with the Holy Spirit,” but the “baptism by the Holy Spirit” (Spirit baptizing) also occurred concurrently. These are two separate aspects of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. (1) “Baptism by the Holy Spirit” (or the baptism of the Holy Spirit) refers to becoming united with Christ and joined into Christ’s Church. This is a one-time event that does not repeat. The moment a person believes in Christ, all believers experience the “baptism by the Holy Spirit” (ref. 1 Cor. 12:13). To be “made to drink of one Spirit” refers to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. (2) “Filling by the Holy Spirit” (Spirit filling) refers to the Holy Spirit dominating and guiding a believer’s heart. “And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18). Through being filled with the Holy Spirit, believers receive the power for evangelism and sanctification. “Spirit Filling” is a grace obtained through studying the Scriptures and being obedient to God’s will. It is also something that should be continually sought.

The occurrance of the baptism by the Holy Spirit

How many times the baptism by the Holy Spirit accompanied by speaking in tongues have occurred? (1) Some believe it happened only once. They argue that after the Church was born on the day of Pentecost, everyone who believed thereafter automatically received this grace at the moment of belief. (2) Others believe it happened four times, as documented in Acts: (a) upon the salvation of the Jews (Ch. 2), (b) salvation of the Samaritans (Ch. 8), (c) salvation of the Gentiles (Ch. 10), (d) salvation of the disciples of John the Baptist (Ch. 19). (3) Some believe that the same phenomenon still happens to all who believe today. They consider this not as part of the salvation experience but as an experience of a “second blessing.” Among these three views, the correct answer is (2). Luke was simply recording historical events. The baptism by the Holy Spirit accompanied by speaking in tongues should not be applied to us today as universal truth. The twelve apostles could have conversed with other Jews in the common languages of the time (Aramaic, Hebrew, Greek), yet God chose to have the apostles speak in tongues to capture the interest of the Jewish pilgrims who had come. Speaking in tongues served as a “sign” indicating that “God is speaking, so listen carefully.” What we should seek today is not the “baptism by the Holy Spirit” but being “filled with the Holy Spirit.” Let us surrender ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who speaks through the Scriptures.