While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul took a route through the interior and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you came to believe?” They replied, “We’ve not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Then he said, “What baptism did you receive, then?” They answered, “John’s baptism.” Paul explained, “John baptized with a baptism by which people showed they were changing their hearts and lives. It was a baptism that told people about the one who was coming after him. This is the one in whom they were to believe. This one is Jesus.” After they listened to Paul, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in other languages and prophesying. Altogether, there were about twelve people. Paul went to the synagogue and spoke confidently for the next three months. He interacted with those present and offered convincing arguments concerning the nature of God’s kingdom. Some people had closed their minds, though. They refused to believe and publicly slandered the Way. As a result, Paul left them, took the disciples with him, and continued his daily interactions in Tyrannus’ lecture hall. This went on for two years, so that everyone living in the province of Asia—both Jews and Greeks—heard the Lord’s word. (Acts 19:1-10, CEB)
When did the Spirit come to those in the text that Paul was questioning?
They said they were baptized by John’s baptism, which is one that shows a wanting to change, and then Paul told them to be baptized in the name of Jesus the one John was proclaiming was coming.
And after they listened to Paul explain this to them they were baptized and when Paul placed his hands on them they received the Holy Spirit.
Was that when Paul baptized them, after, before?
Sometimes I think we are so hung up on knowing when things happen and how they happen we just can’t accept that they happened. We need to know and faith isn’t about knowing it is about trusting.
Know you won’t know and learn to be ok with that.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 