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Acts 19:2
Verse
Context
The Holy Spirit Received at Ephesus
1While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the interior and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” “No,” they answered, “we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Have ye received the Holy Ghost - It is likely that these were Asiatic Jews, who, having been at Jerusalem about twenty-six years before this, had heard the preaching of John, and received his baptism, believing in the coming Christ, whom John had proclaimed; but it appears that till this time they had got no farther instruction in the Christian religion. Paul, perceiving this, asked them if they had received the Holy Ghost since they believed? For it was the common privilege of the disciples of Christ to receive, not only the ordinary graces, but also the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit; and thus the disciples of Christ differed from those of John, and of all others. John baptized with water; Jesus baptized with the Holy Ghost. And to this day the genuine disciples of Christ are distinguished from all false religionists, and from nominal Christians, by being made partakers of this Spirit, which enlightens their minds, and convinces of sin, righteousness, and judgment; quickens their souls, witnesses to their conscience that they are the children of God, and purifies their hearts. Those who have not received these blessings from the Holy Spirit, whatever their profession may be, know nothing better than John's baptism: good, excellent in its kind, but ineffectual to the salvation of those who live under the meridian of Christianity. We have not so much as heard whether, etc. - That is, they had not heard that there were particular gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit to be received. They could not mean that they had not heard of the Holy Spirit; for John, in his baptism, announced Christ as about to baptize with the Holy Ghost, Mat 3:11; Luk 3:16; but they simply meant that they had not heard that this Spirit, in his gifts, had been given to or received by any one.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?--rather, "Received ye the Holy Ghost when ye believed?" implying, certainly, that the one did not of necessity carry the other along with it (see on Act 8:14-17). Why this question was asked, we cannot tell; but it was probably in consequence of something that passed between them from which the apostle was led to suspect the imperfection of their light. We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost--This cannot be the meaning, since the personality and office of the Holy Ghost, in connection with Christ, formed an especial subject of the Baptist's teaching. Literally, the words are, "We did not even hear whether the Holy Ghost was (given)"; meaning, at the time of their baptism. That the word "given" is the right supplement, as in Joh 7:39, seems plain from the nature of the case.
John Gill Bible Commentary
He said unto them, have ye received the Holy Ghost,.... Meaning, not the special regenerating and sanctifying grace of the Holy Ghost, for that is supposed in their being disciples and believers, but the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost, for it follows, since ye believed? that is, in Christ; which is taking it for granted, that they had received the special grace of the Spirit of God; for this believing is to be understood of true, spiritual, special faith in Christ: and they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost; by which they could not mean the person of the Holy Ghost: for they must have known that there was such a divine person as the Holy Ghost, from the writings of the Old Testament, with which they were conversant: and from the ministry of John, into whose baptism they were baptized; who saw the Spirit of God descend on Jesus, and bore witness of it; and declared, that Christ who was to come after him, would baptize with the Holy Ghost: nor could they mean the special grace of the Spirit, which they themselves had received; but the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit of God, which they at present knew nothing of, and which were afterwards bestowed upon them: they knew that there were prophecies in the Old Testament, concerning the effusion of the Spirit in the last days, in the days of the Messiah; but they had not heard that these had had their accomplishment; they had heard nothing of the day of Pentecost, and of the pouring out of the Spirit upon the apostles then, nor of any instance of this kind since; they did not know that the Holy Ghost was yet, Joh 7:39 they knew he was promised, but not that he was given; the Ethiopic version, to avoid the difficulty of the text, renders it, "we have only heard that there was an Holy Ghost".
Acts 19:2
The Holy Spirit Received at Ephesus
1While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the interior and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” “No,” they answered, “we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
There's Something Missing
By Warren Wiersbe4.6K34:59JHN 6:66ACT 3:6ACT 4:7ACT 4:12ACT 19:2ACT 19:20HEB 12:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses how the word of the Lord spread and impacted people's lives in the absence of modern communication tools. He emphasizes the importance of having the right kind of people to spread the gospel effectively. The speaker highlights three groups of people who played a significant role in evangelizing a whole district in three years. These groups include believers who were alive to the Holy Spirit, Jewish men attempting to cast out demons, and backslidden believers who were willing to let go of their sins. The speaker encourages the audience to be people who are alive to the Holy Spirit and willing to be used by God to make a tremendous impact on an unsaved world.
The Spirit Filled Life Annointing Baptism & Fullness
By Kenneth Wuest2.1K40:04Spirit Filled LifeHoly Spirit's ControlLUK 4:18JHN 7:37JHN 14:16ACT 19:2ROM 6:31CO 12:13EPH 5:18PHP 2:1JAS 4:51JN 2:20Kenneth Wuest emphasizes the significance of living a spirit-filled life, clarifying that it is rooted in sound doctrine rather than emotion. He distinguishes between the anointing with the Spirit, the baptism by the Spirit, and the fullness of the Spirit, explaining that the anointing places the Holy Spirit in the believer, while baptism places the believer in Christ. Wuest highlights that the fullness of the Spirit refers to the ongoing control of the Holy Spirit over the believer's life, which requires a conscious desire and trust in the Spirit. He concludes that living a Spirit-controlled life involves cooperation with the Holy Spirit through prayer, study of the Word, and active faith. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit for a victorious Christian life.
Revival Stories: D. L. Moody
By E.A. Johnston63523:01Biography2CH 16:9JOL 2:17MAT 16:24ACT 19:2In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about D.O. Moody, a preacher who believed in the power of the unaltered gospel message. While a pastor's conference on evangelism was taking place inside a building, Moody stood outside on a corner, preaching to a group of factory workers gathered around him. He spoke about the old rugged cross and the Christ who hung on it, moving the factory workers to tears. The crowd grew so large that they had to move to the auditorium to hear the rest of Moody's message. The speaker emphasizes the need for the Church to focus on the Great Commission and the crucified life, rather than self-centeredness and the growth of campuses. The sermon also mentions an incident where two elderly ladies approached Moody and told him that they were praying for him.
Did You Receive the Holy Spirit When You Believed?
By Shane Idleman622:34Holy SpiritSpiritual EmpowermentLUK 11:13JHN 14:17ACT 1:8ACT 19:2ROM 8:91CO 12:7GAL 5:22EPH 5:181TH 5:192TI 1:7Shane Idleman addresses the feeling of something missing in our spiritual lives, emphasizing the necessity of the Holy Spirit for a vibrant faith. He highlights that many believers may lack the power, boldness, and love that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit, leading to a stagnant and lifeless faith. Idleman references Acts 19, where Paul questions disciples about receiving the Holy Spirit, illustrating that many Christians may not fully understand or experience this aspect of their faith. He encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with God, surrendering fully to the Holy Spirit to experience true spiritual authority and power. The sermon calls for a revival of the Holy Spirit's presence in both individual lives and the church.
The Real Christian
By John G. Lake1PSA 51:10JOL 2:23JHN 3:2JHN 14:17ACT 19:21CO 6:19John G. Lake preaches about the uniqueness of a true Christian, emphasizing the unparalleled character and standing of a believer who seeks to embody Christ's spirit and character. He shares remarkable incidents from South Africa, illustrating the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in individuals' lives, leading to extraordinary manifestations of God's power and healing. Lake highlights the necessity of being born again and attaining a consciousness of sinlessness to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to experience divine presence and power. He envisions a revival of the Spirit, where modern Christians surpass the early disciples in manifesting God's glory and ushering in a new era of divine consciousness.
The Heavenly Man as the Instrument of the Eternal Purpose
By T. Austin-Sparks0Union with ChristEternal LifeGEN 12:3GEN 21:12LUK 10:25JHN 1:1ACT 19:21JN 5:11T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the dual nature of Christ as both the personal and corporate Heavenly Man, revealing how the Church, though incomplete in time, is viewed by God as perfect in eternity. He explains that Christ's incarnation and redemption are pivotal for restoring humanity's relationship with God, allowing believers to transcend the present evil age and access eternal life. Sparks highlights the necessity of being born anew through the Word and the Holy Spirit, which enables believers to embody the life of Christ and fulfill their heavenly calling. He draws parallels between the birth of Christ and the spiritual birth of the Church, underscoring the importance of union with Christ for receiving the Holy Spirit and living out a heavenly life. Ultimately, he calls for a ministry that flows from the indwelling life of Christ rather than mere titles or systems.
The Fullness of the Spirit
By Thomas Cook0LUK 11:13JHN 7:38JHN 14:16JHN 20:22ACT 2:38ACT 8:17ACT 19:2ROM 8:9EPH 5:18Thomas Cook preaches on the significance of receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost, emphasizing that it includes entire cleansing from sin and is synonymous with entire sanctification. The Holy Spirit is the indispensable agent in producing spiritual life and renewal, filling believers with Divine love and excluding evil. While all Christians possess the Holy Spirit, being filled with the Spirit is a distinct experience that brings light, power, and love. The Apostolic Church's fullness of the Spirit serves as a model for Christians today, encouraging them to seek and expect the Spirit's fullness as a present experience.
An Open Heaven (Revelation 22:4)
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Cross of ChristGod's PresenceGEN 3:24NUM 6:26ISA 35:1MAT 26:39LUK 2:49ACT 19:21TI 3:16HEB 13:51JN 5:4REV 22:4T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of seeing God's face, tracing the journey from humanity's expulsion from Eden to the promise of seeing God's face in Revelation. He highlights that the cross of Christ is the pivotal moment that restores the possibility of fellowship with God, transforming desolation into hope. The wilderness symbolizes spiritual desolation, yet through Christ's sacrifice, believers are assured of God's presence and favor. Ultimately, the sermon reassures that despite feelings of abandonment, believers can trust in God's promise of never being forsaken, culminating in the glorious vision of seeing His face in eternity.
Receiving the Holy Ghost
By Aaron Hills0LUK 11:13JHN 20:22ACT 5:32ACT 10:47ACT 19:2GAL 3:2Aaron Hills preaches about the importance of receiving the Holy Spirit in the present dispensation, highlighting the duty and test of yielding to the Spirit as Leader, Guide, Sanctifier, and Keeper. He emphasizes that the Spirit is a Person with personal attributes and that His work in a Christian's life is a gift that cannot be earned but must be received. Hills explains that seeking the Spirit should be for His own sake, not just for the gifts He gives, and that receiving Him requires obedience and faith, not just seeking manifestations or emotions.
Two Chosen Vessels
By G.W. North0The Role of ApostlesBaptism Of The Holy SpiritMAT 28:19JHN 3:5ACT 2:4ACT 10:44ACT 19:2ROM 8:91CO 12:13GAL 3:27EPH 4:51PE 3:21G.W. North emphasizes the distinct paths of Peter and Paul in their ministries, illustrating how their unique backgrounds shaped their understanding and approach to preaching the Gospel. Peter, rooted in Jewish tradition, struggled to fully embrace the new covenant, while Paul, with his liberal upbringing, quickly recognized the significance of the Gospel for the Gentiles. North argues that God's choice of Paul as the apostle to the Gentiles was intentional, as it aligned with His purpose for the early Church. He highlights the importance of spiritual baptism over water baptism, asserting that God's desire is for believers to be immersed in the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, North calls for a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church.
Apollos -- the Pulpit Taught by the Pew
By Daniel Steele0PSA 51:11LUK 3:16ACT 18:24ACT 19:21TH 5:19Daniel Steele delves into the character of Apollos in the Acts of the Apostles, challenging common misconceptions about his knowledge of the Gospel of Christ and the baptism of John. Steele highlights Apollos' background in Alexandria, his Scriptural knowledge, and his fervency in the Spirit, shedding light on his journey towards a deeper understanding of Christian baptism and the Holy Spirit. Through a detailed examination of Apollos' teachings and interactions with Aquila and Priscilla, Steele emphasizes the importance of experiencing the fullness of the Spirit for both preachers and laypeople in modern times.
Day 82, Acts 18:18-28 & 19
By David Servant0ACT 8:15ACT 19:2ACT 19:6ACT 19:10ACT 19:21David Servant delves into Paul's third missionary journey, highlighting the importance of receiving the Holy Spirit after believing in Jesus, as seen in Ephesus with the 12 baptized disciples who had not yet received the Holy Spirit. Through Paul's teaching and baptism, these disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and prophesying. The power of discipleship is emphasized as Paul's daily teaching at the school of Tyrannus in Ephesus led to the spread of the gospel throughout Asia, resulting in extraordinary miracles and a true revival marked by public repentance and a public riot.
You Need the Holy Ghost
By David Wilkerson0Empowerment for ServiceHoly SpiritLUK 11:13ACT 1:8ACT 2:17ACT 2:38ACT 19:2David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of being baptized with the Holy Ghost for all believers, regardless of how long they have been saved. He points out that salvation is just the beginning, and true empowerment for service comes through the Holy Spirit. Wilkerson references the early disciples who, despite their faith and dedication, were not sent out until they received the Holy Ghost. He encourages believers to seek this baptism, reminding them that it is a promise for all who ask, especially in these last days. The sermon calls for a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit to fulfill the Great Commission and live a life empowered by God.
The Enlarging Blessing
By J. Wilbur Chapman0PSA 119:105LUK 11:13JHN 14:16ACT 1:8ACT 19:2ROM 8:9GAL 3:14EPH 5:181JN 1:9J. Wilbur Chapman preaches about the importance of not stopping at salvation through Jesus Christ but continuing to explore and enjoy the blessings of the Christian life, particularly the deep peace, power, and abiding presence of the Holy Ghost. He emphasizes the need for a personal encounter with the Holy Spirit, highlighting the transformation and power that come from fully surrendering to Him. Chapman shares a powerful story of a woman who, after receiving the Son of God as her Savior and opening every door of her being to the Holy Ghost, became a missionary and evangelist, impacting many lives. He encourages believers to long for the Holy Spirit's filling, make a full surrender, and receive Him by faith to experience His power and blessings.
The Person of the Holy Spirit
By Eli Brayley0AMO 3:3MAT 12:32MRK 13:11LUK 24:49JHN 14:6ACT 19:2EPH 4:301TH 5:19Eli Brayley preaches about the importance of having a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the need to receive and acknowledge His presence in our lives. He clarifies common misconceptions about the Holy Spirit, highlighting that He is a person, not just an emotion or intuition, and that His role is to empower believers for witness and service. Brayley stresses the sensitivity of the Holy Spirit, cautioning against grieving or quenching Him, and encourages aligning our lives with the Word of God to be filled with His Spirit.
The Pentecostal Life
By Samuel Chadwick0JHN 16:13ACT 1:8ACT 2:3ACT 19:2ROM 8:1ROM 8:16ROM 8:261CO 2:10REV 12:11Samuel Chadwick preaches on the profound experience of being the temple of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the need for a reverential awe and a deep realization of God's indwelling presence. He shares his personal encounter with the Holy Spirit, highlighting the immediate results of peace, joy, and empowerment that came with the Pentecost experience. Chadwick explains the distinction between the baptism of the Holy Spirit and regeneration, stressing the importance of seeking the fullness of the Spirit for power, service, and effective witnessing. He delves into the certainty of revelation, the vitality in prayer, and the transformative power that comes with being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Holiness Through All Ages of the Church
By J.B. Galloway0ISA 57:15ACT 2:4ACT 19:2ROM 8:142CO 7:1EPH 4:241TH 5:231TI 3:8HEB 6:21PE 1:16J.B. Galloway preaches on the significance of holiness as one of the highest attributes of God, emphasizing that man was created in His moral likeness and can be restored to holiness through the merits of our Savior. The sermon delves into the historical and biblical context of holiness, from God's sanctification of the Sabbath to the anointing of individuals like Moses, kings, prophets, and the apostles with the Holy Spirit. It highlights the importance of seeking the filling of the Holy Spirit, as seen in the Early Church and various movements throughout history, culminating in the establishment of holiness churches like the Church of the Nazarene.
Holiness in Crisis
By James Blaine Chapman0MAT 5:8LUK 24:53JHN 3:8ACT 1:8ACT 2:1ACT 2:39ACT 15:8ACT 19:2EPH 5:26James Blaine Chapman preaches about the significance of sanctification and the instantaneous step towards holiness. He emphasizes the need for a final step in the process of sanctification, which he believes is instantaneous and achievable through faith in Jesus Christ. Chapman discusses the two crucial crises in Christian experience: regeneration and sanctification, with sanctification being a subsequent experience after regeneration. He delves into the importance of purity of heart as a permanent factor in the Christian journey, highlighting the cleansing work of the Holy Spirit in achieving holiness.
Being Filled With the Spirit ("We Have Not So Much as Heard Whether There Be Any Holy ghost.")
By Hans R. Waldvogel0Holy SpiritSpiritual TransformationACT 19:2ROM 8:1EPH 1:17HEB 3:1Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit, urging believers to move beyond mere baptism and to truly walk in the Spirit. He challenges the congregation to reflect on their relationship with the Holy Ghost, questioning whether they truly know Him and if He reigns in their lives. Waldvogel warns against living in the flesh, highlighting that true transformation comes from a deep connection with the Spirit, which leads to a life of love and obedience to Christ. He calls for a radical commitment to God, encouraging believers to seek the Holy Spirit as the source of their life and joy. Ultimately, Waldvogel's message is a passionate plea for believers to embrace the fullness of the Holy Spirit in their daily lives.
Metaphorical Representations of Perfect Love
By Daniel Steele0MAT 7:11LUK 11:13JHN 14:15ACT 2:1ACT 10:44ACT 19:2GAL 4:61JN 2:27Daniel Steele preaches about the importance of attaining full assurance of faith and sanctification, emphasizing the need for believers to seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit for a distinct and instantaneous transition to a higher plane of Christian experience. He highlights the significance of love towards Christ, obedience, and the abiding presence of the Comforter in believers' lives, leading to entire sanctification and Christian perfection. Steele draws from biblical examples, such as the disciples at Pentecost and Cornelius' household, to demonstrate the normality and necessity of receiving the Holy Spirit for spiritual empowerment, purification, and communion with God.
"According to Christ" - Part 3
By T. Austin-Sparks0MAT 16:18LUK 24:49ACT 1:8ACT 19:2COL 1:27T. Austin-Sparks preaches about the essential nature of Christ within the Church and believers. He emphasizes the devastating impact of the Cross on Peter and the followers of Jesus, leading to despair and unbelief, highlighting the need for Christ to be within each individual. The sermon underscores the transformation brought by the resurrection, shifting from delegated authority to Christ Himself indwelling believers, making them triumphant in the deepest testing. The message stresses the vital importance of receiving the Holy Spirit, ensuring that Christ is inside, as the secret to the Church's power and ultimate glory.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Have ye received the Holy Ghost - It is likely that these were Asiatic Jews, who, having been at Jerusalem about twenty-six years before this, had heard the preaching of John, and received his baptism, believing in the coming Christ, whom John had proclaimed; but it appears that till this time they had got no farther instruction in the Christian religion. Paul, perceiving this, asked them if they had received the Holy Ghost since they believed? For it was the common privilege of the disciples of Christ to receive, not only the ordinary graces, but also the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit; and thus the disciples of Christ differed from those of John, and of all others. John baptized with water; Jesus baptized with the Holy Ghost. And to this day the genuine disciples of Christ are distinguished from all false religionists, and from nominal Christians, by being made partakers of this Spirit, which enlightens their minds, and convinces of sin, righteousness, and judgment; quickens their souls, witnesses to their conscience that they are the children of God, and purifies their hearts. Those who have not received these blessings from the Holy Spirit, whatever their profession may be, know nothing better than John's baptism: good, excellent in its kind, but ineffectual to the salvation of those who live under the meridian of Christianity. We have not so much as heard whether, etc. - That is, they had not heard that there were particular gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit to be received. They could not mean that they had not heard of the Holy Spirit; for John, in his baptism, announced Christ as about to baptize with the Holy Ghost, Mat 3:11; Luk 3:16; but they simply meant that they had not heard that this Spirit, in his gifts, had been given to or received by any one.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?--rather, "Received ye the Holy Ghost when ye believed?" implying, certainly, that the one did not of necessity carry the other along with it (see on Act 8:14-17). Why this question was asked, we cannot tell; but it was probably in consequence of something that passed between them from which the apostle was led to suspect the imperfection of their light. We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost--This cannot be the meaning, since the personality and office of the Holy Ghost, in connection with Christ, formed an especial subject of the Baptist's teaching. Literally, the words are, "We did not even hear whether the Holy Ghost was (given)"; meaning, at the time of their baptism. That the word "given" is the right supplement, as in Joh 7:39, seems plain from the nature of the case.
John Gill Bible Commentary
He said unto them, have ye received the Holy Ghost,.... Meaning, not the special regenerating and sanctifying grace of the Holy Ghost, for that is supposed in their being disciples and believers, but the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost, for it follows, since ye believed? that is, in Christ; which is taking it for granted, that they had received the special grace of the Spirit of God; for this believing is to be understood of true, spiritual, special faith in Christ: and they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost; by which they could not mean the person of the Holy Ghost: for they must have known that there was such a divine person as the Holy Ghost, from the writings of the Old Testament, with which they were conversant: and from the ministry of John, into whose baptism they were baptized; who saw the Spirit of God descend on Jesus, and bore witness of it; and declared, that Christ who was to come after him, would baptize with the Holy Ghost: nor could they mean the special grace of the Spirit, which they themselves had received; but the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit of God, which they at present knew nothing of, and which were afterwards bestowed upon them: they knew that there were prophecies in the Old Testament, concerning the effusion of the Spirit in the last days, in the days of the Messiah; but they had not heard that these had had their accomplishment; they had heard nothing of the day of Pentecost, and of the pouring out of the Spirit upon the apostles then, nor of any instance of this kind since; they did not know that the Holy Ghost was yet, Joh 7:39 they knew he was promised, but not that he was given; the Ethiopic version, to avoid the difficulty of the text, renders it, "we have only heard that there was an Holy Ghost".