Acts 19

Devotional:
Paul said, “John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.” As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied. (Acts 19:4-6)

In chapter 19, Paul returns to Ephesus and meets with several disciples, presumably those instructed under Apollos (18:24). They were aware of John’s baptism of repentance, but did not know anything about the Holy Spirit nor the One who John the Baptist was the forerunner of, Jesus Christ. Paul would preach the gospel message to them and baptize them in the holy name of Jesus. The Holy Spirit would then fill and empower them and prepare them to preach the gospel to all. Do you only have a partial understanding of the gospel? Are you aware of the power of the Holy Spirit? Know through faith in Christ, that you are saved and have the Holy Spirit, which enables you to proclaim this truth to those who might only have a partial understanding of the gospel.

Pray it:
Father, help me to continue to grow deeper in my knowledge of you and what you have done in Christ and to proclaim clearly the essential elements of the faith to those in my life. Amen.

Share it:
Who is someone you can share a verse or thought from this passage with?