“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.So we need to realize, as Peter said, that God sent the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit has been here ever since. It is not up to God to send him. He is here now! He is the only agency of the Godhead at work on the earth today. He is here!
Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.
And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.
And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language!”
(Acts 2:2-6)
The first reference to the Holy Spirit in this eight chapter of Acts come in verse 15, yet we clearly see Him in action in previous verses:
And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud vide, came out of many that were possessed with them; and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city.Philip was preaching under an anointing of the Holy Spirit. Wherever the Word is preached, the Spirit moves to confirm the Word. The Holy Spirit’s work in the areas of salvation, healing, and miracles is not the same, however, as the experience of the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
(Acts 8:6-8)
Did you ever wonder why Peter and John were singled out to make that journey to Samaria? Because they had been endowed by the Spirit of God to lay hands on people to receive the Holy Spirit. Some have this special ministry and some do not, but whether you do or not, you can minister in faith and God will honor your faith.
Acts 8:19 proves that Peter and John and such a ministry. Notice that Simon the Sorcerer offered Peter and John money, saying, “Give me also this power, that on whoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.”
Some have erroneously thought that Simon tried to buy the experience of the Holy Spirit. He didn’t. Simon tried to buy the power to lay hands on people that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
Peter replied to Simon (verse 20), “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the Gift of God could be purchased with money.”
Simon is not trying to buy the gift of the Holy Spirit as a personal possession. He is trying to buy the ability to lay hands on people that they might receive the Holy Spirit. Notice that Peter call that ability a gift!
There are four Greek words translated “gift” in the New Testament. If you don’t know that, you will never understand the depths of what the New Testament is teaching. One of the words means “a free gift.” (Eternal life and receiving the Holy Spirit are free gifts.) But this word in verse 20 is a different word. In the Greek it means “an endowment.”
Peter was saying that he and John were “gifted” or “endowed” to lay hands on people to receive the Holy Spirit. That is the reason they were sent to Samaria.
Receive the Holy Spirt Today!
How do we receive something? Yes by asking. In the Scripture Luke 11:13 it says: … how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” We receive the Holy Spirit by asking.
A prayer to receive the Infilling Baptism of the Holy Spirit:
Father God, I am a believer, I am reborn, I am a Christian – a child of Almighty God! I am saved! You also said in Your Word, “…how much More shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him!”
I am asking You to fill me with the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, rise up within me as I praise God. I fully expect to speak with other tongues (and another language) as You give me the utterance. In Jesus Name. Amen! (Luke 11:13; Acts 2:4.)
Begin to praise God for filling you with the Holy Spirit. Speak those words and syllables you receive, not in your own language, but the language given to you by the Holy Spirit. You have to use your own voice. God will not force you to speak. Don’t be concerned with how it sounds. It is a heavenly language!
For with stammering lips and another tongue (language), He will speak to this people.
(Isa. 28:11, 1 Cor. 14:21)
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
(Acts 1:8)
Excerpt permission granted by Faith Library Publications
Rev. Hagin served in Christian ministry for nearly 70 years and was known as the "father of the modern faith movement." His teachings and books are filled with vivid stories that show God's power and truth working in his life and the lives of others.
