Act 1:4-5 | KingComments | STEP | The Lord commands His disciples to remain in Jerusalem. He gives that command while He is gathered with them. He knows His disciples. If it would take a little too long, they would become impatient again and go back to their daily work (cf. ). But they must wait patiently for the promise of the Father. He reminds them that He has already spoken to them about this on a previous occasion ( ). John the baptist also spoke about baptism with the Holy Spirit ( ). On that occasion he also pointed out the difference between his baptism with water and the baptism with the Holy Spirit with which the Lord Jesus baptizes. The Lord makes that comparison here as well. The coming of the Holy Spirit is also a baptism, but it is of a completely different nature than that of John. John baptized with water. That was tangible water, on earth and of the earth, in which someone was immersed. Baptism with the Holy Spirit does take place on earth, but it comes from heaven and connects to heaven. It is not a tangible event, although there are visible accompanying signs. Baptism with the Holy Spirit is above all an inner happening: the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in the believers. At the same time it is also an external event: the Holy Spirit is poured out, so to speak, immersing the whole company in the Holy Spirit. Nowhere is there any mention of an individual being baptized with the Holy Spirit. The Lord does not mention here the baptism with fire of which John the baptist does speak ( ). Baptism with fire is not connected with the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, but represents judgment and is only for the unbelievers. This judgment will come when the Lord returns to earth.

‏ Acts 1:4-5

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

The Lord commands His disciples to remain in Jerusalem. He gives that command while He is gathered with them. He knows His disciples. If it would take a little too long, they would become impatient again and go back to their daily work (cf. Jn 21:3). But they must wait patiently for the promise of the Father. He reminds them that He has already spoken to them about this on a previous occasion (Jn 14:16-17 ; 26 ; Jn 15:26).

John the baptist also spoke about baptism with the Holy Spirit (Mt 3:11). On that occasion he also pointed out the difference between his baptism with water and the baptism with the Holy Spirit with which the Lord Jesus baptizes. The Lord makes that comparison here as well. The coming of the Holy Spirit is also a baptism, but it is of a completely different nature than that of John. John baptized with water. That was tangible water, on earth and of the earth, in which someone was immersed.

Baptism with the Holy Spirit does take place on earth, but it comes from heaven and connects to heaven. It is not a tangible event, although there are visible accompanying signs. Baptism with the Holy Spirit is above all an inner happening: the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in the believers. At the same time it is also an external event: the Holy Spirit is poured out, so to speak, immersing the whole company in the Holy Spirit. Nowhere is there any mention of an individual being baptized with the Holy Spirit.

The Lord does not mention here the baptism with fire of which John the baptist does speak (Mt 3:11). Baptism with fire is not connected with the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, but represents judgment and is only for the unbelievers. This judgment will come when the Lord returns to earth.