Acts 1:5

KJV

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} John {G2491} truly {G3303} baptized {G907} with water {G5204}; but {G1161} ye {G5210} shall be baptized {G907} with {G1722} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} not {G3756} many {G3326}{G4183} days {G2250} hence {G5025}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For Yochanan used to immerse people in water; but in a few days, you will be immersed in the Ruach HaKodesh!”

Berean Standard Bible

For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

American Standard Version

for John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days hence.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 1:5 records Jesus' final pre-ascension promise to His disciples, drawing a sharp distinction between John the Baptist's preparatory water baptism and the imminent, empowering baptism with the Holy Spirit. This declaration shifts the disciples' focus from temporal, political expectations of a restored kingdom to the spiritual empowerment necessary for their global mission, signaling a new era defined by the indwelling and active presence of God's Spirit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the opening chapter of the Book of Acts, which serves as a divinely inspired sequel to the Gospel of Luke, both penned by the physician Luke. Immediately preceding Acts 1:5, Jesus has spent forty days post-resurrection appearing to His disciples and speaking about the kingdom of God ([Acts 1:3](/acts/1-3 "Acts 1:3 - Jesus' Post-Resurrection Appearances")). The disciples, still clinging to nationalistic hopes, then ask if He will at this time restore the kingdom to Israel ([Acts 1:6](/acts/1-6 "Acts 1:6 - Disciples' Question About the Kingdom")). Jesus' response in Acts 1:5, followed by the commission in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission and the Holy Spirit"), directly addresses and corrects their temporal understanding, reorienting their mission from political restoration to spiritual witness. The promise of the Spirit is the hinge upon which the narrative of the early church's expansion turns, setting the stage for the dramatic events of Pentecost in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jewish people, having endured centuries of foreign domination, harbored strong messianic expectations centered on a political deliverer who would liberate Israel from Roman rule and restore the Davidic kingdom. This hope is evident in the disciples' question in [Acts 1:6](/acts/1-6 "Acts 1:6 - Disciples' Question About the Kingdom")). John the Baptist's ministry, though divinely appointed, was transitional, preparing the way for the Messiah by calling people to repentance and symbolizing that repentance through water baptism. This practice was familiar within Jewish purification rituals, but John's baptism was unique in its eschatological significance. Jesus' promise of a "baptism with the Holy Ghost" would have been understood by the disciples in light of Old Testament prophecies (e.g., [Joel 2:28-29](/joel/2-28-29 "Joel 2:28-29 - Prophecy of the Spirit's Outpouring")) that spoke of a future outpouring of God's Spirit, signaling a new covenant era and divine empowerment.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 1:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it highlights the **continuity and discontinuity of God's redemptive plan**. While John's ministry was essential for preparing hearts, Jesus introduces a new, more profound spiritual reality. Secondly, the verse underscores the **centrality of the Holy Spirit** in the life and mission of the church. The Spirit is presented not merely as an abstract concept but as a dynamic, empowering presence essential for witness and ministry, directly linking to the promise of power in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission and the Holy Spirit")). Thirdly, it emphasizes the **fulfillment of prophecy**, as Jesus' words echo Old Testament promises of the Spirit's outpouring, a theme that finds its dramatic realization on the Day of Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Spirit Poured Out at Pentecost")). This promise also recalls Jesus' own teachings about the coming Helper or Advocate found in [John 14-16](/john/14 "John 14 - Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **baptized (Greek, _baptízō'_):** From G907, meaning "to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism." In this context, it signifies a complete immersion or overwhelming experience. When applied to the Holy Spirit, it denotes a profound, transformative envelopment by the Spirit's presence and power, distinct from the physical act of water baptism.
* **but (Greek, _dé'_):** From G1161, a primary particle (adversative or continuative), often translated as "but," "and," or "moreover." Here, it functions adversatively, signaling a sharp contrast between John's water baptism and the Spirit baptism. It emphasizes the qualitative difference and the newness of what Jesus is to inaugurate.
* **Holy (Greek, _hágios'_):** From G40, meaning "sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)." It describes the divine nature of the Spirit, emphasizing His purity, distinctness, and consecrated character.
* **Ghost (Greek, _pneûma'_):** From G4151, meaning "a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit." In the KJV, "Ghost" is synonymous with "Spirit." It conveys the unseen, powerful, and life-giving nature of the third person of the Trinity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For John truly baptized with water;":** This clause serves as a factual premise, acknowledging the widely recognized and accepted ministry of John the Baptist. John's baptism was a public act of repentance, a symbolic washing that prepared people for the coming Messiah. It was an external sign, signifying a change of heart and a readiness for God's new work. The word "truly" (G3303 _mén_) emphasizes the undeniable reality and validity of John's ministry.
* **"but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost":** This is the pivotal contrast. The particle "but" (G1161 _dé_) introduces a profound shift from the external and preparatory to the internal and empowering. The disciples are promised an immersion, not in water, but "with" (G1722 _en_) the Holy Spirit. This signifies a complete envelopment and saturation by the divine presence and power of God Himself, a spiritual reality far surpassing any symbolic ritual. This baptism would empower them for a new kind of life and ministry.
* **"not many days hence.":** This final phrase provides a specific, albeit short, timeframe for the fulfillment of the promise. "Not many days hence" (G3756 _ou_ G3326 _metá_ G4183 _polýs_ G2250 _hēméra_ G5025 _taútais_) indicates the imminence of the event, building anticipation for the outpouring of the Spirit. This precise timing underscores the divine orchestration of events, leading directly to the Day of Pentecost, which occurred approximately ten days after Jesus' ascension.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 1:5 employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is the most prominent, highlighted by the conjunction "but," which sharply distinguishes John's water baptism from the Holy Spirit baptism. This contrast emphasizes the qualitative difference between a symbolic, preparatory act and a profound, empowering spiritual experience. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus' promise directly anticipates the dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which marks the birth of the church and the beginning of its global mission. Furthermore, there is an **Allusion** to earlier prophetic promises (e.g., Joel 2:28-29) and Jesus' own teachings about the coming of the Comforter (John 14-16), placing this pivotal moment within the broader sweep of God's redemptive history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 1:5 is a foundational theological statement, distinguishing between the preparatory nature of John's water baptism and the transformative, empowering reality of the Spirit's baptism. It underscores that while water baptism is a significant outward sign of repentance and identification with Christ, the baptism with the Holy Spirit is an internal, divine work that equips believers for witness and service. This Spirit-baptism is not merely an experience but an endowment of power, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and Jesus' own promises, enabling the church to carry out its mission effectively. It signifies the inauguration of the new covenant age, where God's Spirit indwells and empowers His people in an unprecedented way.

* [Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "Matthew 3:11 - John the Baptist's Prophecy")
* [Joel 2:28](/joel/2-28 "Joel 2:28 - Prophecy of the Spirit's Outpouring")
* [Acts 2:4](/acts/2-4 "Acts 2:4 - The Spirit Poured Out at Pentecost")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 1:5 profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian life and mission. It reminds us that our effectiveness in serving God and witnessing to the world is not dependent on our own strength or wisdom, but on the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. Just as the disciples needed this divine enablement to fulfill the Great Commission, so too do believers today. This verse encourages us to actively seek and rely on the Spirit's power, recognizing that the Christian life is meant to be lived in dynamic partnership with God. It challenges us to move beyond mere external religious observances to a deep, internal experience of God's indwelling Spirit, allowing Him to transform us and equip us for every good work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the distinction between water baptism and Spirit baptism impact your view of Christian initiation and ongoing spiritual life?**
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you feel a particular need for the Holy Spirit's empowering presence, as promised in this verse?**
* **How does the imminence of the Spirit's coming ("not many days hence") encourage you to live in anticipation and readiness for God's work in your life?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between John's baptism and the baptism with the Holy Ghost mentioned here?**

Answer: John's baptism was a baptism with water, symbolizing repentance from sin and preparation for the coming Messiah. It was a visible, external act. The baptism with the Holy Ghost, as promised by Jesus in [Acts 1:5](/acts/1-5 "Acts 1:5 - Promise of the Holy Spirit"), is an internal, spiritual immersion into the power and presence of God's Spirit. It signifies the indwelling and empowering of believers for service and witness, marking a new covenant reality. While John's baptism pointed forward, the Spirit baptism brings the promised divine enablement.

**Did the disciples receive the Holy Spirit before Pentecost, or was Acts 1:5 their first encounter with the Spirit?**

Answer: The disciples had certainly experienced the Holy Spirit's influence before Pentecost. Jesus had breathed on them, saying, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost" ([John 20:22](/john/20-22 "John 20:22 - Jesus Breathes on Disciples")), which likely signified a commissioning and an initial impartation of the Spirit for their understanding and initial ministry. However, [Acts 1:5](/acts/1-5 "Acts 1:5 - Promise of the Holy Spirit") refers to a distinct, overwhelming "baptism" or outpouring, a corporate endowment of power for global witness that was fulfilled dramatically on the Day of Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Spirit Poured Out at Pentecost")). This was a new level of empowerment, equipping them for the unprecedented task ahead.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 1:5 finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus as the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist himself prophesied that he baptized with water, but "He that cometh after me is mightier than I... he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire" ([Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "Matthew 3:11 - John's Prophecy of Christ's Baptism")). Jesus, through His death, resurrection, and ascension, secured the outpouring of the Spirit, fulfilling this very promise. His ascension to the Father's right hand ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Christ's Exaltation and the Spirit's Outpouring")) was the prerequisite for the Spirit's coming, as He promised, "If I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you" ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - Jesus Promises the Spirit's Coming")). Thus, the baptism with the Holy Spirit is a direct result of Christ's finished work and His ongoing intercession, demonstrating His continued reign and power from heaven, empowering His church to continue His mission on earth. The Spirit's indwelling makes believers temples of God ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit")) and enables them to live out the very life of Christ, bearing witness to His saving grace to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission and the Holy Spirit")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 3:11

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire:

Acts 11:15

And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

Acts 11:16

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.

Luke 3:16

John answered, saying unto [them] all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

1 Corinthians 12:13

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Titus 3:5

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Mark 1:8

I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.