Baptism of the Holy Spirit
A Biblical Examination
Many today believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit applies to all believers and occurs the moment one believes in Christ. However, is this what scripture teaches? Let’s take a closer look at what the Bible actually says.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit Was a Promise, Not a Command
One of the most critical observations we can make from scripture is that the baptism of the Holy Spirit was never commanded to be obeyed by man, nor was it something administered by man. Instead, it was a promise given to certain individuals for a specific purpose.
Jesus spoke about this promise to His apostles after His resurrection:
“And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,’ He said, ‘you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’” — Acts 1:4-5 (NKJV)
This statement was directed to the apostles, not all believers. It was a promise they were to wait for—not a command they were to obey.
Who Was Baptized with the Holy Spirit?
From scripture, it is clear that the baptism of the Holy Spirit was only given to certain individuals—specifically the apostles, and later to Cornelius and his household in Acts 10.
The Apostles on Pentecost (Acts 2)
The first fulfillment of this promise occurred on the Day of Pentecost:
“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” — Acts 2:4 (NKJV)
This miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit allowed the apostles to:
Recall infallibly what Jesus taught (John 16:13)
Speak new languages (tongues) without prior knowledge (Acts 2:5-11)
Perform miracles to confirm their message was from God (Hebrews 2:3-4)
Peter later referred to this event as "the beginning" (Acts 11:15), emphasizing its uniqueness.
Cornelius and His Household (Acts 10-11)
The only other recorded instance of Holy Spirit baptism was in Acts 10, when Cornelius, a Gentile, and his household received it.
Peter later explained what happened:
“And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.” — Acts 11:15 (NKJV)
This event was unique because it convinced Jewish Christians that Gentiles could also receive the gospel.
Important to Note: Cornelius and his household received the Holy Spirit before hearing the gospel and believing in Christ (Acts 11:14-15). This shows that Holy Spirit baptism was not for salvation but served as a sign that Gentiles were also accepted by God.
The Purpose of Holy Spirit Baptism
The baptism of the Holy Spirit had two specific purposes:
To empower the apostles to preach the gospel with authority and perform miracles to confirm God’s Word. (Acts 2:4, John 14:26)
To show that Gentiles were also accepted into God’s kingdom without needing to follow the Law of Moses (Acts 10:44-48; Acts 11:16-18)
Holy Spirit Baptism Was Not for Salvation
Many claim that Holy Spirit baptism is essential for salvation. However, scripture does not support this idea.
Peter still commanded Cornelius to be baptized in water after they received the Holy Spirit:
“And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.” — Acts 10:48 (NKJV)
Water baptism is what was commanded for salvation:
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” — Acts 2:38 (NKJV)
This proves that Holy Spirit baptism was not for salvation, but water baptism was.
Holy Spirit Baptism is Not Occurring Today
Since the only two recorded instances of Holy Spirit baptism occurred in Acts 2 (for the apostles) and Acts 10 (for Cornelius), and since it was never commanded for all believers, it is clear that this baptism is no longer occurring today.
The one baptism that remains today is water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins:
“One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” — Ephesians 4:5 (NKJV)
Understanding Holy Spirit Baptism in Light of Scripture
The baptism of the Holy Spirit was a divine promise, not a command, given to accomplish specific purposes—empowering the apostles to preach the gospel and confirming that Gentiles were accepted into God's kingdom. It was never meant to be a universal experience for all believers, nor was it necessary for salvation.
Today, the one baptism that remains is water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Ephesians 4:5, Acts 2:38). This is the baptism that Jesus and the apostles commanded, and it is the means by which we are united with Christ (Romans 6:3-4) and receive the forgiveness of sins.
Rather than seeking an experience that was unique to the early church, we should focus on obedience to God's word, ensuring that we have submitted to the gospel as taught in Scripture.
Have you obeyed the gospel according to God’s pattern? If not, why wait?