Acts 19:6

And when Paul had laid [his] hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

And {G2532} when Paul {G3972} had laid {G2007} his hands {G5495} upon {G2007} them {G846}, the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} came {G2064} on {G1909} them {G846}; and {G5037} they spake {G2980} with tongues {G1100}, and {G2532} prophesied {G4395}.

and when Sha’ul placed his hands on them, the Ruach HaKodesh came upon them; so that they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.

And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Context of Acts 19:6

Acts 19:6 describes a pivotal moment during the Apostle Paul's ministry in Ephesus. Upon arriving, Paul encountered a group of about twelve disciples who had only received John's baptism. They were unaware of the Holy Spirit's coming, prompting Paul to explain the fuller revelation of Christ and the necessity of being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. This verse captures the immediate aftermath of their baptism and Paul's subsequent action.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Reception of the Holy Spirit: This verse powerfully illustrates the reception of the Holy Spirit by believers, which is a hallmark of the new covenant. Unlike the Old Testament, where the Spirit often came upon individuals for specific tasks, here the Holy Spirit indwells believers as a permanent seal and empowering presence.
  • Apostolic Authority: The act of Paul laying hands upon them signifies the channel through which the Holy Spirit was often imparted in the early church, especially in contexts of establishing new groups of believers or confirming apostolic teaching. This highlights the authority God vested in His apostles.
  • Manifestation of Spiritual Gifts: The immediate result—speaking with tongues and prophesying—demonstrates the tangible evidence of the Spirit's presence and power. These spiritual gifts were vital for the early church's edification, evangelism, and confirmation of the Gospel message, much like the Day of Pentecost.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the Holy Ghost" is a direct translation of the Greek Pneuma Hagion (πνεῦμα ἅγιον), referring to the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. "Spake with tongues" translates glōssais elaloun (γλώσσαις ἐλάλουν), indicating speaking in languages, often supernaturally given. "Prophesied" comes from eprophēteuon (ἐπροφήτευον), meaning they spoke under divine inspiration, proclaiming God's truth, which could include foretelling the future or forth-telling God's word for the present.

Practical Application

Acts 19:6 reminds believers today of the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. While the exact manifestations may vary, the core truth remains: the Holy Spirit empowers believers for service, spiritual growth, and witness. It underscores the importance of seeking a vibrant relationship with the Spirit and being open to the gifts He distributes for the common good of the church. This passage encourages us to ensure our faith is fully grounded in Christ and His Spirit, not merely in past religious experiences or traditions.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 6:6

    Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid [their] hands on them.

  • Acts 2:4

    And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

  • Mark 16:17

    And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

  • 1 Timothy 5:22

    Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

  • 2 Timothy 1:6

    ¶ Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

  • Acts 9:17

    And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:8

    For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back