Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Bible study on the Holy Spirit: Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Neither "baptism of the Holy Spirit" nor "baptism in the Holy Spirit" appear in Scripture.

The phrase "baptism of the Holy Sprit" is often used by Pentecostals and others to refer to a supernatural event similar to that which occurred at Pentecost with the apostles (Acts 2:1f).

Acts 1:5; 2:1f
Acts 10:44-45; 11:15-18

On two occasions, people were baptized with the Holy Spirit.

• The apostles on Pentecost (Acts 1:5; 2:1f).
• The Gentiles at Cornelius' house when Peter preached to them (Acts 10:44-45; 11:15-18).

By being baptized by the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, the apostles were clothed with power as promised by Jesus Christ whereby they proclaimed the gospel (Lk. 24:44-49; cf. Rom. 15:18-19).

By the Gentiles at Cornelius' house being baptized with the Holy Spirit, God showed that He had granted repentance to the Gentiles (Acts 11:18).

Acts 2:38-39

The gift of the Holy Spirit is received when we are baptized (immersed in water) (Acts 2:38-39).

When baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3), we are born of water and Spirit (Jn. 3:5; cf. 1 Pet. 1:22-23).

Acts 8:14-19

After being baptized, first century Christians received miraculous power by the laying on of the apostle's hands.

Since the apostles are dead, Christians today cannot receive miraculous power (cf. 1 Cor. 13:8-13).