Theology of Baptism: Module 3
Holy Spirit and Baptism
Holy Spirit & Baptism
The risen Christ pointed to the Holy Spirit as the means by which he would communicate with the disciples.
The Holy Spirit becomes understood as an indwelling presence making possible union with the risen Christ.
In Acts 19, Paul encounters some disciples who had received the Baptism of John but had not heard of the Holy Spirit or received the Holy Spirit. Here Paul's question becomes important – "Into what then were you baptised?“
This indicates the deficiency of the parallel "sign act" approach in relation to the Jewish precursors
It also affirms that Baptism as a sacrament makes "union" with Christ possible
And facilitates the reception of the Holy Spirit with power.
Water Baptism and the Outpouring of the Spirit�
How is water baptism related to the outpouring of the Spirit?
Aidan Kavanagh offers the following position:
Both water baptism and the outpouring of the Spirit are necessary, but it is of less importance to note, which comes first than to realize how both follow upon the proclamation of Jesus' resurrection and exaltation. All three of these events – proclamation, Baptism, and the outpouring of Spirit – constitute the integrity of initiation into the believing community, the locale of the Spirit, which is the Church. What one is confronted within the New Testament is not a set of separate and sometimes competing initiatory events but an initiatory continuum in the earliest stages of evolution.
Let us Break this Down
Water and the Holy Spirit are both necessary for Holy Baptism
The order in which they are received by persons is not the crucial issue – but rather that BOTH are received.
Proclamation, Baptism, and the outpouring of Spirit = Baptismal Initiation into the Believing Community or Church
Baptism and the Reception of the Holy Spirit
The connection between the laying on of hands and Baptism in Scripture
In Acts 2:38, the elements of repentance, baptism, the forgiveness of sins, and the gift of the Holy Spirit are all brought into a relationship.
38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Timing of Baptism and Reception of the Holy Spirit in Scripture
Reception of the Holy Spirit – then Baptism
Acts 10:44-47
44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, 46 for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, 47 “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.
Baptism - then Reception of The Holy Spirit
Acts 8:14-17
14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15 The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit 16 (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Baptism - then Reception of the Holy Spirit
Acts 19:1-7
While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. 2 He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They replied, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 Then he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They answered, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied— 7 altogether there were about twelve of them.
Conclusion
The timing or order for the reception of the Holy Spirit in relation to Baptism is not standard.
However:
What is clear from these incidents, is that "the Holy Spirit and baptism are directly and intimately related, and the laying on of hands or sealing (anointing) (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13 and 4:30), seems to testify to this relation by emphasizing the presence of the Spirit in those baptised."
Questions