Baptism by the Holy Spirit

“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message.” (1) Peter’s message was not yet finished. He had spoken about Jesus’ death and resurrection, so the next theme would have been the Second Coming. However, before he got to that theme, the Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentile audience. (2) They were saved because they believed that Jesus is the Savior. The Holy Spirit came upon them because they were saved. They were saved by faith alone, before praying, before confessing their sins, and before being baptized.

Jewish believers astound

“All the Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had also been poured out on the Gentiles.” (1) The six Jewish believers who accompanied Peter were astonished. (2) Here, the word “gift” is “dorea” in Greek, while “Spiritual gifts” is “charisma.” (3) “The gift of the Holy Spirit had also been poured out” means “the Holy Spirit was poured out as a gift.” We must not confuse the “gift of the Holy Spirit” with the “spiritual gifts.” The former means that the Holy Spirit Himself is the gift. The latter refers to the various spiritual gifts given to the church (speaking in tongues is one of them). (4) The reason the Jewish believers were amazed is that the Holy Spirit was poured out as a gift on the Gentiles. They knew the Holy Spirit was poured out on them for they were hearing them speaking in tongues. In other words, the Jewish believers were astonished because the Gentiles were saved according to the same principle as the Jews. The Bible teaches that the only way for salvation is “by grace through faith.” Adding any other conditions makes the glorious gospel into something different. Public confession of faith, baptism, and works are not conditions for salvation. Let us remember this and proclaim the pure gospel. The Holy Spirit will dwell in the hearts of those who believe and through the work of the Holy Spirit, we are sanctified.