BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT & SPEAKING IN TONGUES IN ACTS Presented to Dr. L Timothy Swinson for BIBL 364 Acts by Jonathan F Esterman L23477812 October 18, 2010
Table of Contents Introduction... 3 Definitions... 4 References in Acts in regards to Speaking in Tongues... 5 Examination of the Acts 2 Holy Spirit Encounter... 6 Examination of the Acts 8 Holy Spirit Encounter... 7 Examination of the Acts 10 Holy Spirit Encounter... 7 Examination of the Acts 19 Holy Spirit Encounter... 8 Conclusion... 9 Works Cited... 11 Page 2 of 11
INTRODUCTION During the time of the writing of this research paper, I am enrolled at Liberty University Online, in pursuit of my Bachelor of Science in Religion. As part of my assigned courses, the study of the book of the Acts of the Apostles is involved. In this course, which is the course that I write this paper for, I have a final research project: a paper on the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues, as it appears in the text of Acts. Before you, the reader, embarks on this journey, I would like to first address a few small points, to set the bar of examination and discussion. First, there is only one true primary source. While I will have cited several scholarly sources in this paper as an attempt to affirm and complete the examination, the Holy Scriptures alone is the mechanism by which we learn and grow. These inspired texts, as Hebrews 4:12 infers, cut straight to the heart of hearts and tells the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Every source must align to the truth of Scripture for a correct understanding. Second, I am a student and scholar in learning. I have by no means completed the rigorous courses of study to consider myself a scholarly source, nor stand as a prominent figure in the capacity of doctoral inference. I serve as I am called, and the calling of G-d is all that is required to serve others and have the credentialing to teach and preach. My standing as Pastor and Teacher is not from a completed educational pursuit, but solely the anointing of His Spirit. Third, and last, for this beginning address: this paper focusing on the revelation of the Spirit in Acts. To clearly establish, other texts that address Spirit baptism and speaking in tongues, such as the First Letter to the Corinthians, chapters twelve through fourteen, will not be used in this examination. Rather, the purpose is to clarify the matter regarding the troublesome, as some call it, or difficult passages of the Holy Spirit baptism. Page 3 of 11
All of these issues addressed and set aside, it would be wise to establish a firm foundation in which this paper is to examine. As such, baptism of the Holy Spirit is a work separate from the salvation experience, as witnessed in the book of Acts, and is traditionally, but not necessarily, accompanied by the gift of speaking in tongues, which is not necessarily solely foreign or heavenly. DEFINITIONS To start our discussion, we must first define a few vocabulary terms, to ensure that we are on the same page in the same topic. There are three definitions to cover: water baptism, Spirit baptism, speaking in tongues. Water baptism has roots in Judaism, prior to Christ s coming. In Jewish traditions, it is called a Mikveh (some modern translations spell it Mikvah). According to Chabad.org, a modern library on all things Jewish, the Mikvah is a ritual bathing pool in which a person immerses himself as part of the transition to ritual purity. 1 Princeton defines the term as a ritual purification and cleansing bath that Orthodox Jews take on certain occasions. 2 In Scripture, modern translations have baptism occurring before Jesus ministry: [t]his all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing. (John 1:28 TNIV). The importance of including this reference to John plays a role later in the examination of the Acts verses, in a reference to John s baptism. It is important to note here that John s baptism is considered a baptism of repentance, as in the water baptism that every believer should commit as soon as becoming part of the family of Christ. 3 Spirit baptism has many denotations, both good and bad. From traditional Baptist viewpoints of Spirit baptism combined with salvation and Catholic stances of regeneration baptism to Pentecostal and Charismatic tradition of separate experiences, the baptism of the Holy Spirit has traditionally been a 1 Rivkah Slonim, The Mikvah (Chabad.org), 10/18/2010. 2 Princeton WordNet, 10/18/2010. 3 F.F. Bruce, New International Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1979), 1300. Page 4 of 11
source of division between believers. For simple definition, baptism of the Holy Spirit is to be not just filled by, but rather immersed or totally surrounded by the Holy Spirit. 4 Lastly, on our definition list, we now examine speaking in tongues. This definition is the most pertinent to our discussion, but the other definitions are quite necessary as well to have a full understanding and concept of the texts, without vain repetition. Views are varied as to the regard of what speaking in tongues is considered, but there are a few different definitions that we will discuss as we examine Acts. First is the concept of speaking in tongues of other earthly languages. Second is speaking in tongues of heavenly languages. There are a couple other views, in regards to differentiations between types of heavenly languages, such as Corporate speaking and personal prayer languages, but that discussion does not fit within the examinations of this text. Now, with definitions completed, let us move onto the Scriptural examinations. REFERENCES IN ACTS IN REGARDS TO SPEAKING IN TONGUES In this next point of discussion, I will cite the Scriptures we will be discussing in this paper in regards to the event of baptism of the Spirit and speaking in tongues. We will look at chapters two, eight, ten, and nineteen. 5 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like a blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem [G-d fearing] Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Acts 2:1-6 TNIV When [Peter and John] arrived, they prayed for the new believers [in Samaria] that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simple been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:15-17 TNIV 4 Elmer Towns, Theology for Today (Mason: Cengage Learning, 2008), 295. 5 Darrell Bock, Acts (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007), 600. Page 5 of 11
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising [G-d]. Then Peter said, Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have. So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Acts 10:44-48a TNIV [At Corinth ] [Paul] found some disciples and asked them, Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? They answered, No, we have not even heard there is a Holy Spirit. So Paul asked, Then what baptism did you receive? John s baptism, they replied. Paul said, John s baptism was a baptism of repentance. On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, they Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. Acts 19:1d-6 TNIV EXAMINATION OF THE ACTS 2 HOLY SPIRIT ENCOUNTER In Acts 2: 1-8, much occurs. The promised arrival of the Holy Spirit is at hand: apostles were filled with the Spirit, spoke as the Spirit enabled them, and shortly afterward, three thousand come to Christ. Every one of the individuals was filled, to suggest that the Spirit baptism would no longer belong to prophets, but to all believers. Luke uses the term filling, but it closely connects with the concept of baptism. 6 While the actual phrase baptism with the Spirit is nowhere used in Scripture, Luke uses the verb baptize with Spirit (only in Acts 1:5, 11:16; and probably 9:18; and interchangeably with fill in Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; 9:17; 13:9) as the idiom of the Spirit s enabling those chosen by [G-d] to do the tasks of the prophet-like- Jesus. 7 In regards to the tongues spoken, Scripture itself clearly dictates the ability being speaking foreign languages that others could understand (vv. 6). This immediate use of other languages is how Acts discusses tongues and is different from what 1 Cor. 14 describes it seems that they phenomenon of 6 Robert Wall, New Interpreter s Bible: The Acts of the Apostles (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002), 55. 7 Ibid. Page 6 of 11
tongues in the church had a broad scope in what it covered a one-step form involving a foreign language and immediate comprehension and a two-step form needing interpretation. 8 In Acts 2, summarily the Holy Spirit intervention is this: the apostles were already believers in Christ, and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit at a later time (Pentecost). The tongues spoken in this section of Scripture are not heavenly tongues, but foreign languages known to man. In this way, G-d could testify, to say, His empowerment of the apostles by a great sign that could witness as an edification to many. EXAMINATION OF THE ACTS 8 HOLY SPIRIT ENCOUNTER In Acts 8, the apostles were informed that there were believers in Samaria, accepting the good news of Jesus Christ. In response, they sent Peter and John to investigate. Upon arrival, Peter and John discovered that they had accepted Christ, but had not yet received the Holy Spirit. They placed their hands on the believers, prayed, and the Holy Spirit came upon them. By this point, the apostles expected the reception of the Holy Spirit and witness thereof as the norm for experience as a result of belief. The Spirit being bestowed on the Samaritans would clearly outline G-d s intention to include them in the New Covenant. 9 Bock explains that Acts shows no clear equation as to the baptism of the Holy Spirit, that although it may traditionally come with faith, there are clearly times when this did not occur. 10 Some could suggest, that although Scripture does not include the gift of tongues in this section, that such did occur, as an outward expression of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. There is no Scriptural teaching that this is a requirement, but if Acts 8 were to mirror Acts 2, even in a foggy manner, there would be an expression of some supernatural gift. This section could even provide an affirmative concept that baptism of the Spirit does not require any evidence of speaking in tongues. EXAMINATION OF THE ACTS 10 HOLY SPIRIT ENCOUNTER 8 Bock, 97. 9 Bruce, 1282-1283. 10 Bock, 331. Page 7 of 11
Acts 10 shows several unique factors. First, G-d shows the expansion of His Kingdom to the Gentile nations, mimicry of the Great Commission (Jerusalem, Judea, all the ends). Secondly, the pouring out of the Holy Spirit occurred before the baptism of repentance, which suggests that water baptism is not a sacrament but rather an outward expression of a previously made inward decision. Third, the speaking in tongues in this reference is not clearly defined. While many could reason to suggest that this form of tongues includes foreign languages, there is also argument for heavenly languages. In defense of heavenly languages, Bock points out that [i]t is not clear if the manifestation of the Spirit s outpouring in tongues entailed other languages or is simply praise of [G-d], as in 1 Cor. 12-14, as the need for other human languages with this singular audience of Gentiles is not self-evident. 11 However, the acceptance of the Gentile nations into the traditionally Jewish-only practice is a large scale issue. That does not, in itself, go to say that there was a requirement of exact Pentecost replication, even regarding foreign language, for as Wall points out, Peter is the authority that establishes the Gentile experience matching the Pentecost experience. 12 There is no clear revelation of foreign language versus heavenly language, but remains a possibility for either. EXAMINATION OF THE ACTS 19 HOLY SPIRIT ENCOUNTER We have now come across the final encounter of the Holy Spirit in regards to the mentioning of speaking in tongues. 13 In this section, Paul addresses John s baptism of water as a baptism of repentance. He then re-baptized them, but into the name of Jesus Christ. Afterward, he placed his hands on the believers (in Ephesus), and the Holy Spirit fell, verified by words of prophecy and speaking in tongues. In this section, there are many aspects yet again. Paul was ordained as an apostle, but not one of the original members. It is in this regard that G-d confirms his calling by being an instrument of 11 Bock, 401. 12 Wall, 167. 13 Bock, 600. Page 8 of 11
baptism in the Holy Spirit. It also confirms that John s ministry was a forerunner for Jesus the Messiah. 14 This experience also shows that although they had received John s baptism, they needed to yet receive Christ s atoning baptism. Their reception of the Holy Spirit, however, was clearly marked by the laying on of hands after their baptism experience. This confirms that there is no clear expectation of the filling/baptism of the Holy Spirit as far as when it occurs, and is in fact a recognized separate event from salvation. 15 While Paul expected the believers to receive the Holy Spirit when they believed, and completes the incomplete position via his apostolic authority. 16 We also witness speaking in tongues yet again. Bruce does not write of this, which suggests that this is normative of the baptism of the Spirit in the book of Acts. This further suggests that Acts 8, although speaking in tongues has no specific mention, the believers most likely had a similar occurrence, especially if the Pentecost repetition was the basis of the witness to the apostles for that group s inclusion in the Promise. Wall notes that Paul expects John s disciples to receive the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues. 17 CONCLUSION In conclusion, let us examine what the Scriptures in Acts have clearly laid out for us. First, the baptism of the Holy Spirit has no formal relationship with the Christian salvation/baptism experience. 18 Secondly, in regards to the Acts texts alone, we see that the gift of speaking in tongues (either foreign or heavenly) is an initial witness of the reception of the Holy Spirit. This does not imply that this gift is a requirement of Spirit baptism, as we have only examined the texts in Acts. 19 Third, baptism of the Holy Spirit comes 14 Bock, 600. 15 Ibid. 16 Bruce, 1300. 17 Wall, 262-263. 18 Ibid, 263. 19 Ibid. Page 9 of 11
after faith, which is not determined by water baptism. 20 Lastly, based off several instances we did not have time to examine more closely in Acts (2:1-11; 8:16-17, 38-39; 10:46), the reception of the Holy Spirit does not provide a guarantee of the gift of tongues and the gift of prophecy, as Wall specifically notes. 21 As such, baptism of the Holy Spirit is a work separate from the salvation experience, as witnessed in the book of Acts, and is traditionally, but not necessarily, accompanied by the gift of speaking in tongues, which is not necessarily solely foreign or heavenly. 20 This is to emphasize that salvation and water baptism are two experiences that in Scripture are commonly placed together, due to the apostolic-enforced importance of baptism as soon as possible after salvation. 21 Wall, 263. Page 10 of 11
Works Cited Bock, Darrell L. Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007. Bruce, F.F., H.L. Ellison, and G.C.D. Howley,. New International Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1979. Princeton WordNet. Mikvah. http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=mikvah (accessed October 18, 2010). Slonim, Rivkah. The Mikvah. http://www.chabad.org/thejewishwoman/article_cdo/aid/1541/jewish/the-mikvah.htm (accessed October 18, 2010). Towns, Elmer L. Theology for Today. Mason: Cengage Learning, 2008. Wall, Robert W. The Acts of the Apostles. Vol. X, in The New Interpreter's Bible: A Commentary in Twelve Volumes, edited by Leander E. Keck and et al., 3-368. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002. Page 11 of 11