Baptized With Water and the Spirit
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be [a]witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8, NKJV)
In John’s Gospel (a first-hand account), he had related the general ministry of peace the Holy Spirit will bring – to teach us what we need to know and bring to remembrance what Jesus taught (John 14:15-18, 25-28). Here, Luke (presumably a second-hand witness, although he may have been present) tells us Jesus’ promise just before His Ascension into heaven. He said they were not to go out immediately but to, “wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,’ He said, ‘you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’” (Acts 1:4-5) Jesus had earlier referred to the Spirit as, “‘. . . rivers of living water,’” and John had indicated this was the Holy Spirit, which had not yet been given (John 7:37-39).
Some contend this baptism of the Spirit is that given to all believers at salvation or a separate, not a distinct event. In Acts, it is clear that this unction of the Spirt is essential to bold, faithful proclamation of the Message. I’ve known both Pentecostals and non-Pentecostals who display both this boldness and the fruit of the Spirit, so let none contend that theirs is the only mark of holiness. The fruit of the Spirit and love for one another are the true indicators of living a Spirit-led life.