Baptism

“Then Peter responded, ‘Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?’” (1) Peter recognized that the Gentiles were saved through faith. This is a rhetorical question anticipating the answer “no.” There is no one who can oppose the work of God. “And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” (1) Peter ordered Cornelius, his relatives, and his friends to be baptized. They likely went to the Mediterranean Sea to be baptized. It is impossible to argue for infant baptism from this passage. (2) Peter stayed for a few days in response to their request. He likely taught the spiritual basics of faith to these new believers.

Three examples of the baptism of the Holy Spirit

Baptism by the Holy Spirit did not occur in a uniform pattern. (1) Baptism by the Holy Spirit of Jewish believers (Acts 2). At this time, there was a noise like a violent rushing wind, and tongues that looked like fire appeared. (2) Baptism by the Holy Spirit of Samaritan believers (Acts 8). At this time, the Holy Spirit came down after Peter and John laid hands on them. (3) Baptism by the Holy Spirit of Gentile believers (Acts 10). At this time, the Holy Spirit came down in the middle of Peter’s message (while he was still speaking). (4) What is common in these cases is that they began speaking in tongues. These tongues are not the tongues as a gift of the Spirit but a sign of being baptized by the Holy Spirit. The Acts of the Apostles is a record of a transitional period. Therefore, we should not seek to experience the same things as the apostles did. Instead, we should learn from the teachings of the apostles. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:13, “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.” All who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior has been baptized by the Holy Spirit (joined to the church). What we should seek is not baptism by the Holy Spirit (which has already been given) but being filled with the Holy Spirit. “And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18).