30 May 2022
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.’ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied— altogether there were about twelve of them.
From Acts 19:1-8, NRSV
Whilst in Ephesus, Paul met with a group of disciples who had received “John’s Baptism” but who had not heard of the Holy Spirit. They had undergone the repentance and change of heart that baptism by John had required, but this baptism had not given them the fullness of life in Jesus. Paul recognised that their previous baptism had brought them to the point where they were ready to go deeper into embracing Christ as their Lord and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Paul therefore baptised these believers in the name of Jesus and immediately they began to manifest the power of the Holy Spirit in their words and actions – just as the apostles had at Pentecost.
- What difference did Baptism in the name of Jesus make to these disciples?
- When have you been aware of the presence and action of the Holy Spirit in your life?
As we approach the great feast of Pentecost, you may like to include this prayer in your daily prayer –
Come, Holy Spirit,
fill the hearts of your faithful,
and enkindle in us the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and we shall be created,
and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Amen.
