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Paul was examining the disciples in Ephesus about what they were baptized into.
Amazingly, they had not even heard about the Holy Spirit which is the believers seal upon receiving the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
They opened up after Paul clarified to them the fulfilment of what John preached and were baptized immediately with the Holy Spirit.
Thus, Gods Spirit comes whenever people truly accept the authentic Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is obvious from our text today that one can be a sincere disciple of an incomplete gospel.
This means that it is not what one professes alone that determines his/her position in the body of Christ, but what one received as the gospel.
Act 19:1-7
>*1:And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples.
2:And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
3:And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.”
4:And 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, Jesus.”
5:On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6:And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.
7:There were about twelve men in all.*
The speaking in tongues and prophecy that followed their receiving the gospel and baptism was Gods way of bringing the Gentiles to Gods family and a reassurance that He accepts all to His fold.
Be assured that the Holy Spirit indwells you when you accept the gospel.
Remember, the gospel you receive will show forth in the kind of life you live.
Prayer with me:
Lord, help me to recognize that the Holy Spirit indwells me and to life faithfully for you