EXAMPLES OF RECEIVING THE SPIRIT

In McGarvey's commentary on Acts, he establishes the value of examples. By studying the divine models of conversion, the sinner can know Heaven's plan of salvation. Calling attention to the various divine models of conversion has exposed the error of false teachers in debate after debate. No doubt, examples enlighten Bible students. The value of examples should not be underestimated.

This same mode of learning will aid us in studying a modern controversy which is stirring passions within the church. Bible students want to know what it means to receive the Spirit. Is it a miraculous reception or not? To find the answer we shall simply examine the examples of those that received the Spirit and ask whether the reception was miraculous or non-miraculous.

I.    EXAMPLES OF RECEIVING THE SPIRIT

       A.    First example: The apostles (Acts 1:8; 2:4). As Jesus promised (1:8), the apostles received the Spirit (2:1-4), and it empowered them to speak in a foreign language which they had not studied. Obviously miraculous!

       B.    Second example: The Samaritans (Acts 8:15-17). Again, miraculous! Herein we observe 2 significant facts: None of the Samaritans had received the Spirit until an apostle laid hands upon him (v 16). It clearly shows that Christians received the Spirit only through the laying on of the hands of the apostles (vv 17,18,19).

       C.    Third example: The household of Cornelius, non-Christians, Acts 10,11,15. Again, the reception of the Spirit was miraculous.

       D.    Fourth example: The Ephesians (Acts 19:2,6). Since speaking in tongues is miraculous, this reception of the Spirit is miraculous.

II.   CLAIM FOR HAVING RECEIVED THE SPIRIT

       A.    Roman (Rom 1:11).

       B.    Corinth, admittedly miraculous (1Cor 12-14).

       C.    Galatians (Gal 3:5, 2-5)

       D.    Timothy (1Ti 4:14; 2 Ti 1:6, 14).

CONCLUSION: Fulfilled Joel 2:28-29; Act 2:17-18. The reception of the Spirit by the Samaritans, Ephesians, Romans, Corinthians, Galatians and Timothy and Cornelius were miraculous in nature, with no hint of a non-miraculous so-called “ordinary personal indwelling.”