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There were only ever two occasions when baptism with the Holy Spirit took place.

The first was at Pentecost and the second was in the house of Cornelius. The signs were the same in both cases – the recipients spoke in foreign languages which could be understood by those whose mother tongues they were.

The promise of Holy Spirit baptism was promised to the apostles.

Acts 1:4 And, being assembled together with them (the apostles verse 2), commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Pentecost

Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

House of Cornelius

Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God (meaning that they understood what was said). Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

That it was not a general event on all believers is shown by the way Peter recounts it. He remembered something from years before.

Acts 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. 17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

In both cases the languages spoken could be understood by those whose language it was. In this way it differs from the unintelligible speech which is claimed to be the ‘sign’ of ‘Holy Spirit baptism’ today.

In the first century it is clear that not all who had Holy Spirit gifts spoke in tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:30... do all speak with tongues?...

It is also clear that for those who believed and were baptised, the Holy Spirit gifts were not given by baptism, but by the laying on of the apostles’ hands.

Acts 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

With the death of the apostles the Holy Spirit gifts ceased, as is clear from the history of the church which by the end of the fourth century was apostate.

Those who claim Holy Spirit baptism today by speaking gibberish are deluding both themselves and those that believe them.

I hope you have found this helpful.

May God bless you,

Glenn,
www.thisisyourbible.com