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Acts 1:5

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Acts 1:5 serves as a pivotal statement by Jesus Christ to His disciples just before His ascension, contrasting the preparatory ministry of John the Baptist with the imminent outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' final instructions to His apostles, recorded in the Book of Acts, which chronicles the early church's birth and expansion. The disciples had just asked Jesus about the restoration of the kingdom to Israel (Acts 1:6). In response, Jesus redirects their focus from political expectations to spiritual empowerment. He reminds them of John the Baptist's ministry, which prepared the way for Him, and then points to the greater baptism they would soon experience. This promise sets the stage for the dramatic events of Pentecost, marking the beginning of the church age and the global mission.

Key Themes

  • The Distinction of Baptisms: Jesus clearly differentiates between John's baptism with water, which symbolized repentance and preparation for the Messiah, and the future "baptism with the Holy Ghost." This highlights a significant shift from an external, symbolic act to an internal, empowering spiritual experience.
  • Divine Empowerment for Witness: The promise of the Holy Ghost is not merely for personal spiritual enrichment but for a specific purpose: to enable the disciples to be His witnesses "unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This empowerment is crucial for fulfilling the Great Commission.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus' words echo Old Testament promises of God pouring out His Spirit upon all flesh, as seen in Joel 2:28-29. It also fulfills Jesus' own earlier promises to send the Comforter or Helper (John 14:26, John 16:7).

Linguistic Insights

The term "Holy Ghost" as used in the King James Version is synonymous with "Holy Spirit" in modern translations. The Greek word for "Spirit" is Pneuma (πνεῦμα), which literally means "breath" or "wind." This conveys the idea of an unseen, powerful, and life-giving force. To be "baptized" (Greek: baptizō) implies being immersed or overwhelmed, indicating a complete envelopment and profound experience of the Holy Spirit's presence and power, distinct from water baptism.

Practical Application

For believers today, Acts 1:5 underscores the vital role of the Holy Spirit in Christian life and ministry. It reminds us that:

  • The Holy Spirit is the source of spiritual power and guidance for living a life pleasing to God and effectively sharing the Gospel.
  • While water baptism is an important public declaration of faith, the baptism with the Holy Spirit is an internal work of God that empowers believers for service and spiritual gifts.
  • Every Christian is indwelt by the Spirit upon conversion (Romans 8:9), but there is also a subsequent or ongoing experience of being filled with the Spirit for specific purposes and power, as seen at Pentecost (Acts 2:4) and throughout the Book of Acts. This verse encourages us to seek and rely on the Spirit's empowering presence daily.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 3:11 (20 votes)

    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 (15 votes)

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

  • Acts 11:16 (15 votes)

    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 (13 votes)

    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 (12 votes)

    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 (11 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

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