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NASB | Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, both men and women. |
Subject: Spirit Baptism |
Bible Note: Hi C.S.M, First, I want to thank you for the detailed reply. Although you missed my point slightly... but that's okay. We all do. Let me see if I can clarify this so that you may understand my point. In Acts 8:12-17, deacon Philip baptized believers (with water) in the name of Jesus but the believers did not receive the Holy Spirit apparently. Then apostles John and Peter came and prayed for the believers and laid their hands on them (v. 17) and the believers received the Holy Spirit. My understanding as a believer always has been that the Holy Spirit comes into you the moment you receive Jesus Christ into your heart as your Lord and Savior and dwells with you the rest of your life. I also believe that the water baptisim is a ceremony to let the congregation know you are a full pledged Christian. But Acts 8:12-17 seem to contradict my belief. This passage suggests that a water baptism suppose to give the believers the Holy Spirit (v. 16). Also suggests that only Apostles have the authority/power (gift of God) to give the believers the Holy Spirit. Your thoughts on this? iktoose |