Well, Have You?

Well, Have You?

Acts 19.

The latter part of, Acts 18 and 19 is the document of Paul's three-year stay in Ephesus during his third missionary journey. Paul had visited Ephesus for a very short time at the end of his second missionary journey.

The apostle Paul entered the synagogue, as usual, and explained how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Messiah as given in the Jewish Scriptures.

Paul knew fulfillment of prophecies pointed out by him from the Torah would back what God was doing in and through him and other apostles.

Remember what Peter stated in, Acts 2. Peter cried, “this is that…this is that…”, what the prophet Joel stated in, Joel 2.28.

In Acts 2, after the infilling, Peter shared testimonies, preached Jesus from the OT, All 12 disciples excluding Judas, but adding, Matheus were filled for service.

Are you filled for service? A Christian arrives in Heaven and meets the people of the OT scriptures

To Noah, he asks what it was like to be in the ark with all those animals. To Joseph, he asks what it was like to be understand dreams and be 2nd in command of all of Egypt. To Moses, he asks what it was like when the Red Sea parted. To David, he asks what it was like to take down Goliath. To Solomon, he asks what it was like to have such great wisdom. To Daniel, he asks what it was like to be in the Lions Den. As they each responded, they in return asked one question…

“What is it like to have the Spirit of God living in you?"

So now we read from Paul’s journey in, Acts 19:1-8NKJV “And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 7 Now the men were about twelve in all. 8 And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.”

Upon first introduction to these 12, Why did Paul ask a question like this? Have you believed in the Holy Spirit since you believed? -Because it was that important.

Other than being saved, being filled and lead by the Holy Spirit, would be just as important.

* Paul understood that, The Holy Spirit will teach you all things, His sweet fellowship is a must for your daily life! P.H

* Paul understood that, Being filled with the Holy Spirit gives you the believer, insight, wisdom, authority, power over everything seen and unseen.

Paul preached in, Ephesians 5:18-19TPT “And don’t get drunk with wine, which is rebellion; instead be filled continually with the Holy Spirit. 19 And your hearts will overflow with a joyful song to the Lord. Keep speaking to each other with words of Scripture, singing the Psalms with praises and spontaneous songs given by the Spirit!”

* Paul understood that, The Holy Spirit gives ability to do the dynamic, do the powerful, walk in God, be anointed.

This I know, if you’re going to truly stay anointed, the Holy Spirit is a must.

* Paul understood that, The Holy Spirit gives power to witness.

Before I do something spiritual, I’ve all ready prayed in His power, and His persuasion.

* Paul understood that, The Holy Spirit will out last you.

What do I mean by that? As you trust the Holy Spirit, he will lead you even when you’re weak, sick, or on your deathbed.

The Holy Spirit is omnipotent-All powerful.

The Holy Spirit is omniscient. All Knowing.

The Holy Spirit is omnipresent. All present!

What does that mean? He’s present for me 24-7 however, He present for you 24-7 too!

Back to the text, Acts 19.1 Notice, while Apollos ministered in, Corinth, Paul made his way to, Ephesus.

There, Paul found 12 followers of John the Baptist.

The very first thing Paul ask these 12 men is found in, Acts 19.2AMP “He asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed [in Jesus as the Christ]?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.””