Baptized with the Holy Spirit: Acts 1.5 as the Guiding Paradigm for Baptism in Acts

Abstract

For many, the evocative phrase ‘baptism in the Holy Spirit’ supplies ideological scaffolding for vital pneumatological concerns even though it is not found in Scripture. Achieving a more accurate understanding of the original terminology requires review of two foundational aspects of nt baptism: a) extended senses of the verb baptizein that include purify, and b) the source of John’s baptisma, argued in this article as Israel’s national purification promised in Ezek. 36.25. Working from this basis, Acts 1.5 is reconsidered as Luke’s paradigmatic guide for baptisma while composing Acts. As such, John’s purification with water is seen to continue in Acts, performed in the name of Messiah Yeshua. Most importantly, however, this article maintains that in Acts, Luke frequently uses baptizein in relation to the Holy Spirit to describe one’s initial, powerfully palpable transformation that especially signifies New Covenant purification and certainly includes actualized resurrection power.