Cross Commission Ministries

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The Baptism in the Holy Spirit

Acts 1:8 is understood as a foundational verse for the doctrine of the baptism in the Holy Spirit and the Church’s mission.

Acts 1:8 (MEV)
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Jesus was speaking to believers who had already placed their faith in Him, yet He instructed them to wait for a further experience—the baptism in the Holy Spirit. This baptism is viewed as distinct from salvation and is given to empower Christians for effective witness and ministry.

The word “power” comes from the Greek word dynamis, meaning miraculous power, strength, or ability. According to AG theology, this is not primarily power for personal status or spiritual superiority, but power to boldly proclaim the gospel, live for Christ, and minister through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The events of Acts 2, where the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in other tongues, are seen as the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise in Acts 1:8.

The phrase “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” also carries great significance. It represents God’s mission expanding outward—from one’s local community to neighboring regions, across cultural barriers, and ultimately to every nation. Because of this, the Assemblies of God places a strong emphasis on evangelism and world missions, believing every Spirit-filled believer is called to participate in Christ’s Great Commission.

Acts 1:8 tells us:

  • The baptism in the Holy Spirit is an experience following salvation.
  • It empowers believers to be effective witnesses for Christ.
  • The primary purpose of this empowerment is evangelism and ministry.
  • Speaking in tongues is taught as the initial physical evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, based on the pattern seen in Acts (Acts 2:4; 10:44–46; 19:6).
  • Every believer is called to take the gospel from their own community to the ends of the earth through the power of the Holy Spirit.