In previous occasions we discussed the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, defined what it is and explained the 9 gifts that come when this event happens to a believer. This is a topic which is also often misunderstood or not taught in church. It really is something that should not be left out of a believers life. According to the Word it was an occurrence which happened in the first century at Pentecost. But did it end there? This is what we are exploring today!

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8 KJV

After Jesus was crucified and resurrected he stayed with the disciples and taught them for 40 days. He ascended in to heaven 10 days before the celebration of Pentecost. Pentecost was and still is a Jewish festival celebrated 50 days after the Passover. This was a time to remember when God saved the people of Israel and liberated them from slavery in Egypt. God instructed them to paint blood above each door post and because of the blood they were spared. They also celebrate when Moses received the 10 Commandment law at Mount Sinai. 

Pentecost was a time to remember this event. It is also known as the “Feast of Weeks”. It was celebrated seven weeks after Passover. This celebration brought Jews from all parts of the world to share in the festivities. God is so purposeful in his ways.

To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:  Acts 1:3 KJV

Before Jesus ascended in to heaven 10 days before Pentecost, he instructed them not to leave Jerusalem until they received the promise of the Father. If they did this they would be witnesses of Jesus. 

(1) And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. (3) And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.  Acts 2:1-4 KJV

So each of the people gathered on the second floor in the prayer room received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues. There were a total of 120 people in this upper room. One particular thing that should be pointed out right now is that there were 120 people gathered. These were not just Jesus’ disciples. Of the disciples there were only 11. It was Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon Zelotes and Judas the brother of James and Jesus. (Read Acts 1:13 KJV) 

For the first outpouring of the Spirit we can already see it was not just the disciples who received the gift from God. It was everyone in the upper room, 120 people.

In this outpouring, Saul, who would later become the Apostle Paul, was not them in Jerusalem at the time. It was not until Acts 10 where Saul was converted on the road to Damascus. 

On the first day Peter preached this gift was for everyone. They first needed to be saved through a remission of sins and then they could receive the gift of power of the Holy Spirit. 

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Acts 2:39 KJV

Jesus told the disciples to wait for the promise from the Father and now Peter was telling everyone the promise was also for them. “The promise” was the power of the Holy Spirit so they could be witnesses.

(4) And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.  (5) For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Acts 1:4-5 KJV

So in the end, according to what is written in the Word of God, the promise of the power of the Holy Spirit was available to all then and is still available for all today. God is faithful to give this gift to all who desire to receive it. All you need to do is ask Him.

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke 11:13 KJV