Tongues in Samaria

Tongues

In Samaria, something about the gift of the Spirit impressed the Magician, Simon, but did the gift’s recipients speak in tongues? 

After the martyrdom of Stephen, Saul of Tarsus began to persecute the church in Jerusalem, causing many “brethren” to scatter throughout “Judaea and Samaria,” but God used the situation to advance the gospel as the scattered brethren preached wherever they went - [Photo by Jacob Mejicanos on Unsplash].

Tongues in Jerusalem

Pentecost, Tongues

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost was marked by audible and visual “signs” that caused much consternation. 

When the Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost, all 120 disciples present in the “upper room” were “filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Also, what appeared to be “tongues of fire”  rested on each disciple - [Photo by Sander Crombach on Unsplash].

In His Name

Salvation, Water-Baptism

In Acts, converts to the new faith were baptized in water, and in the name of Jesus Christ no long after conversion. 

In the book of Acts, it is expected that all converts who repent and exercise faith in Jesus will be baptized in water. The process of conversion includes repentance, faith in the gospel, baptism in water, and the receipt of the gift of the Holy Spirit. While these are separate steps, they are all closely related - [Photo by arquidis molina on Unsplash].

Inheritance of the Saints

Abraham, Inheritance

Believers are the heirs of Abraham and possession of the inheritance is guaranteed by the gift of the Spirit. 

Possession of the land of Canaan was a preliminary stage in God’s redemptive plan, which always envisioned something larger than Israel. Now, the covenant promises find their fulfillment in the “true seed of Abraham,” Jesus, including the promises of resurrection and new creation - [Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash].

In Spirit and Fire

Messiah, Spirit-Baptism

At his baptism, the Spirit of God descended on Jesus to prepare him for his messianic calling, the one who “baptizes in the Spirit” – Matthew 3:7-17. 

John the Baptist proclaimed a baptism “for the remission of sins” and announced the imminent arrival of the Messiah. He was the forerunner promised in Isaiah: “Behold, I send my messenger before your face… Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.” - [Photo by Paul Bulai on Unsplash].